toddler tips for disneyland in CA
our recent disney trip was a huge success!! our girls had a blast, especially our toddler! she cannot stop talking about it 🤣🥰 growing up in CA, my parents would take me yearly to Disneyland. it was so healing seeing my little ones enjoy a place that holds a special place in my heart!
here are some tips:
🥨bring your own snacks
• i have a picky toddler, therefore it’s not worth spending an insane amount of money on snacks that she more than likely won’t eat. or she’ll take a couple of bites and not care about it. i’d much rather take snacks with us that i know she WILL eat and finish!
💦bring your own water bottles
• water is expensive at disney. they have refillable stations, but if you’re not comfortable with those, i highly recommend bringing your own water bottles. you can bring these to refill their cups or for your baby if they’re formula fed!
🎥watch the shows
• disney has shows around both DCA and DL. toddlers love movement! sit back and relax, and let them enjoy a show of their favorite characters! we sat down and had a great time at a super interactive “dance party” show with all of the pixar characters. it was a blast!
🧻change them in the nursery
• disneyland has a nursery just off of main street and tomorrowland. you just let the ladies in there know you just want to change your toddler or baby and you’re allowed back there! dads are able to go too. but they may feel uncomfortable, considering there’s a ton of women in there! they have everything you need, in case you can’t bring it. and it has phenomenal AC!
🌩️lightening lane on busy days only!
• with toddlers, you want to be able to get on rides QUICK 😆 the lightening lane pass is worth it on BUSY DAYS ONLY. if it’s not as busy, do not purchase it. i promise you’ll get on rides fast. our longest wait with a toddler was about 10 minutes for the dumbo ride.
📱download the disney app to help you character hunt
• random character hunting while walking around can cause you to not meet any characters. the reasoning for this is the LONGGGGG lines. i’d advise downloading the app and planing who you’d like to meet. arrive at spots early so you’re not waiting in the longest line of your life.
#disneywithtoddlers #disneywithatoddler #disneytoddler #disneyland #disney
After our amazing trip to Disneyland with our little one, I realized there's even more to share beyond the essentials like snacks and water! If you're planning your own magical adventure, these extra toddler tips for Disneyland will make your days smoother and even more enjoyable. First off, let's talk about the stroller strategy. A good stroller is your best friend at Disneyland with a toddler. We brought our own compact, lightweight stroller, and it was a lifesaver for naps on the go and hauling all our gear. Remember that stroller parking can get crowded, especially near popular attractions and parades, so always take note of where you leave it. Don't be afraid to utilize the designated stroller parking areas. And honestly, don't feel bad if your toddler spends a lot of time in it – those little legs get tired quickly! It also doubles as a mobile fort for quiet moments. Pacing is absolutely key. It’s tempting to try and do everything, but with a toddler, you’ll all be much happier if you embrace a slower pace. We learned to manage expectations and prioritize a few must-dos each day rather than rushing from one end of the park to the other. Consider heading back to your hotel for an afternoon nap or some pool time if you’re staying nearby. A refreshed toddler means a happier family for evening festivities! Or, seek out those quieter, shaded areas for a break. Sometimes just sitting on a bench, people-watching, is exactly what everyone needs. When it comes to rides, Disneyland offers plenty for the littlest guests. Fantasyland is a treasure trove of toddler-friendly attractions like "it's a small world," Peter Pan's Flight, and Dumbo the Flying Elephant – which, as mentioned in the main article, can have short waits on non-busy days. But what about the bigger rides you want to experience? Don't forget about Rider Switch! This feature is a game-changer for parents. One adult can wait with the non-riding child (or children) while the rest of the party experiences the attraction. Then, the waiting adult can ride without waiting in the regular line again, often with up to two other guests. It means no one misses out on their favorite thrill rides! Finally, let's cover some extra packing essentials beyond just food and water. A change of clothes (or two!) for your toddler is non-negotiable. Spills, potty accidents, or just getting soaked on a water ride are common. We also found a small first-aid kit with band-aids and children's pain reliever incredibly useful. Don't forget a favorite comfort item – a small blanket or stuffed animal can make all the difference during moments of overstimulation or exhaustion. And hand sanitizer is your best friend after touching all those railings! By keeping these additional toddler tips for Disneyland in mind, you're not just surviving; you're truly creating unforgettable memories with your little one. Every family's trip is unique, but these strategies helped us ensure our toddler had a magical time, and so did we!
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