Planning a trip to Disneyland with toddlers? Disneyland is the ultimate family destination and a magical experience for little ones and adults. With so much to see and do, there are plenty of tips and tricks to make your experience fun and stress-free. Here’s how to plan the ultimate Disneyland trip with toddlers.
1. Plan Ahead
For the best Disneyland experience, get your tickets early and book hotel stays in advance. Plan your outfits, pack your bags and daypacks and bring your walking shoes. Don’t forget to download the Disneyland app. Before you leave home, check the weather and traffic.
How much does it cost to visit Disneyland with toddlers? Children under 3 are free at Disneyland and Disneyland Adventure.
2. Book a Hotel Within Walking Distance
When you’re travelling with a toddler to Disneyland, look for hotels within walking distance from the park. It’s easier to pack the stroller and walk to the park than getting everyone in the car and looking for parking.
Places to Stay Near Disneyland
- Disneyland Hotel – A 4-start family-friendly resort with three outdoor pools near Downtown Disney.
- The Howard Johnson by Wyndham – This hotel is about a 7-10 minute walk from the pool and has a water playground and pool for kids.
- Paradise Pier: This hotel has an outdoor pool and a children’s pool, and it’s located near Downtown Disney.
Book Now: Top Hotels Near Disneyland
3. Use the Disneyland App
The Disneyland app is a great resource to help you plan your trip. Look up wait times and show times for top attractions. Make the most of your day by planning a Disney itinerary and book reservations for places to eat.
Tip – Bring a portable charger so you don’t run out of battery while using the app.
4. Order Meals in Advance
Use the Disney app to order food and drinks in advance so you don’t have to wait in another line with your toddler. You can browse menus and look up nearby restaurants on the Disney app.
5. Plan your meal times around nap schedules.
There’s so much to see and do at Disney, and it’s a big day for toddlers. Plan for a stroller nap and enjoy your meal while they rest. Order food in advance so you don’t have to wait in line. If you’re staying near the park for a few days, you can also head back to the hotel for a toddler nap.
6. Make Sure Your Stroller is Easy to Find
There are a lot of strollers at Disneyland; make sure your stroller is easy to spot by adding a ribbon or string to the handle. It will help you find it quickly in the sea of strollers parked next to each other.
7. Use the Baby Care Center
The Baby Care Center is at the end of Main Street at Disneyland Park in Anaheim. There is a nursing room with chairs, changing rooms with tables and toddler-size toilets. There is also a feeding area with highchairs, a kitchen sink, bottle warmers and a vending machine with essentials like baby formula, diapers, wipes, and sunscreen.
8. Bring your Own Snacks
Yes, you can bring your own food to Disneyland. While there are plenty of places to buy food for your toddler, you can also bring your snacks in a backpack or cooler as long as it’s not in a glass container.
9. Check the Height Requirement
Before you stand in line with your toddler, check the height requirement to make sure they can come along for the ride. You can always ask a Disneyland cast member if a ride is suitable for a toddler.
Best Rides and Attractions For Toddlers
- Casey Junior
- Winnie the Pooh
- Dumbo
- Storybook Land
- Carousel
- Snow White
- Peter Pan
- Mr Toad’s Wild Ride
- Small World
- Toon Town – (Mickey’s house)
- Autopia
- Disneyland Train
10. Meet The Characters
Here are the best free places for Character Experiences:
- Visit Goofy’s Playhouse at Mickey’s Toontown.
- Meet Disney Characters on Buena Vista Street.
- See Tinker Bell in Pixie Hollow in Fantasyland.
- Meet and Greet Mickey and tour Mickey’s House at Mickey’s Toontown.
- Check out Minnie’s House in Toontown.
11. Plan for the Weather
If you’re planning on spending all day in the park, bring a jacket or a blanket when the temps start to drop once the sun goes down. While it’s always a good time to visit California, check the weather so you’re dressed for the season.
12. Go with the Flow
Disneyland is a great place to visit with toddlers. From fun rides to character meetups, your little one will have a great time exploring all there is to see and do. Use the Disneyland app to look up wait times, look for a quiet place to stop and take a break, and order food online so you don’t have to wait long. Take it slow, pack plenty of snacks and enjoy the day.
Disneyland with a Toddler Packing Guide
- Reusable Water Bottle
- Snacks
- Blanket
- Sunscreen
- Extra Change of Clothes
- Change Pad
- Diapers, Wipes, Rash Cream
- Baby Carrier
- Mickey Ears
- Hat
- Hand Sanitizer
- Bib and Utensils
- First Aid Kit
What to Wear to Disneyland
Get in character and wear your favourite Mickey Mouse shirt and ears. Wear your most comfortable walking shoes because you’ll be on the go all day. Remember to bring a lightweight sweater for yourself and the kids. If you don’t have anything character-related, you can buy a princess dress, clothing or Mickey ears at the park.
Disneyland Outfits for Women
Disneyland Outfits for Toddlers
Toddler Costumes
Conclusion: Disneyland with a Toddler
Whether you’re traveling with a baby, one-year-old, toddlers or while pregnant, it’s always a fun time to visit Disneyland. I hope you found these tips and packing guide for Disney helpful and that you have the best time on your Disneyland trip. What are your top tips for traveling with toddlers?
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What a fun trip Keith! Must have been an adventure going to Disneyland and Hawaii. I hope you get to return soon too.
GREAT INFO. HAVN’T BEEN TO WEST COAST SINCE CHILDHOOD…DAD WAS A ” MARINE ” STATIONED OUT THERE. WE STAYED IN HAWAII WHILE HE SERVED. SO WE WENT TO VISIT HIM DISNEYLAND WAS ONE OF THE STOPS…..FUN FUN FUN ! LIKE YOU SAID STILL FUN AS AN ADULT HOPE TO GET A CHANCE TO RETURN THERE TY.