Disneyland with Toddlers: 61 Best Tips & Tricks for 2024

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Is Disneyland with Toddlers worth it?

Disneyland with Toddlers is 100% worth it.

I know some people might disagree:

“Disneyland is too expensive.”

“Toddlers won’t remember Disneyland.”

“There’s nothing for them to do, they can’t go on rides.”

Well, I’m here to tell you:

• There are ways to save money at Disneyland
• My toddlers definitely remember our Disney vacation, and we have memories and photos to look back on (plus YOU have the memories)
• Most rides do NOT have a height requirement, but even without dozens of rides for the little ones, there is so much more to Disneyland with toddlers

Is Disneyland with a Baby worth it?

Quick side note before we jump into all of our tips on visiting Disneyland with toddlers.

Many of the tips here can also relate to Disneyland with a Baby.

My answer is the same:

Yes! A Disney vacation with a baby is so worth it.

I only wish we hadn’t waited until our oldest was almost 3 to go for the first time. The memories I have of snuggling with her little 4-month-old sister in her snow white onesie are priceless.

Go to Disneyland with your Baby, make those memories and experience this age to its fullest.

Going to Disneyland with a Baby or a Toddler is a different experience than when they are older kids, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth every moment. It just means you need to go more than once.

Book Your Disneyland Vacation with Discounted Tickets & Hotels through our Affiliates at Get Away Today. Use code “FTF10” to receive $10 off your next vacation package.

Ticket Tips for Disneyland and California Adventure 

Now, first things first. At what age are toddlers no longer free to get into Disneyland? Once your little prince or princess reaches 3 years old, they will need a child ticket.

Here are our top 3 tips regarding tickets to Disneyland:

1. Take Advantage of “Free before 3” & Discount Kids Tickets

We took our girls to Disneyland for the first time right before our oldest turned 3. We were able to celebrate her birthday early to have all the Disneyland Birthday Magic fun, but she did not need a ticket.

We had a copy of her passport (a birth certificate copy would work as well to prove age), but we never needed it.

Little sister was 4 months old.

They were both darn adorable in their princess outfits.

2. Add Tickets to your Disneyland App ahead of time

• Open the Disneyland App
• Go to the menu (icon of 3 lines on the bottom right)
• Click on Tickets & Passes

Here you have the option to Select Tickets, Buy Passes, or Link your Tickets & Passes

Choose to Link Tickets, especially if you buy discount tickets from Get Away Today, then scan each Disneyland Park ticket to the app. There is a barcode scanner directly within the app, or you can choose to type in the ticket ID directly (I recommend scanning the barcode, those ID numbers are long).

You are all set now to use your phone as your Disneyland Park ticket.

3. Screenshot your Disney Park Tickets (Just in Case)

One more thing: take a screenshot of your ticket (barcode & ID number legible) to make sure that you have access to your info if your internet or data is slow or stops working.

We also print a paper copy of our discounted passes from Get Away Today in case technology glitches on us but thankfully have not needed the printout so far.

If you save your ticket as your phone lock screen or at least have it in your photos separate from an internet connection, you’ll be able to quickly and easily scan your ticket when needed even if your connection is slow inside the park.

Disneyland Essential Items Tips

You have your tickets. Now, what do you need to bring?

Traveling to Disneyland with toddlers or babies can come with a few extra items, so let’s break down our top tips on Disney Day essentials.

Snacks and sunscreen are brought up a bit further on, but they definitely also count as essentials.

4. Use the Baby Care Center

Disneyland and Disney California Adventure both have Baby Care Centers.

This baby center includes a toddler-size toilet, a place to rest, nursing station, sink, high chair, microwave, bottle warmers, and amenities available for sale just in case (diapers, bottles, etc.).

5. Potty Training at Disneyland Tips

I recommend you have 1-2 pullups or diapers with you in your Loungefly Backpack (or whatever bag you brought with) that is NOT a full-size diaper bag.

The reason is if you leave your full diaper bag in your stroller, and do not lug it onto every single ride, you will not have quick access to the stroller as you’re getting out of line to head to the bathroom.

Strollers are usually parked in specific locations, and not all of them are next to a restroom.

That being said, there are tons of bathrooms all over Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. If your toddler needs to get out of line, Disney makes it pretty easy to jump back into the queue, especially if you haven’t passed the part where they usually stop the line to let handicapped families enter.

No one has ever doubted me running out of and then back into the line at Disneyland (even if it’s multiple times, all for just a toot and not actually needing to go potty…parenting, right?)

Check your app for all bathroom locations on the map, and don’t forget the toddler-sized toilet in the baby center.

6. Measure your Stroller Beforehand

The stroller can be no larger than 31″ x 52″.

We put tape on our garage floor to make a box this size, and our double jogging stroller just made the cut.

Sure enough, going through the ticket turnstiles or shop doors would have been very difficult if not impossible with a stroller any bigger.

7. Bring a Stroller

Bring one. Even if your kid is 6 or 7, bring a stroller.

If your kid whines when they don’t want to walk anymore, you’ll thank me.

Hopefully, your toddler will nap in the stroller which is the perfect time to go shopping in the air-conditioned Disneyland stores. Not a stroller napper? We’ll cover hotels in a little bit.

The stroller functions as a mobile cup holder as well as a place to store your bags and jackets and purchases (although please don’t leave your valuables unattended. It’s Disneyland, but people are people- I don’t take any chances).

Plus it makes it much easier to get from one side of the park to another quickly. Little toddler legs don’t quite keep up well when Park Hopping.

Do everyone a favor and get a stroller you like, that’s easy to push, that has storage and cup holders.

8. Extra Stroller Tips

• Mark your stroller as yours
• Your stroller might be moved by Cast Members
• Use a jogging stroller
• Connect bags to the bottom basket with a carabiner

Make sure you can quickly and easily identify your stroller as yours.

A ribbon or handlebar tape or something that is unique but doesn’t stand out (my mom’s Disney antenna ball was taken off her car in the Disneyland parking lot. Don’t tempt the dark side of other Disney Park guests).

Cast Members might move your stroller if they need to organize the stroller parking areas to fit more strollers.

Before panicking and thinking your stroller was stolen, take another look around for that identifying marker you added, and chances are you will find it was just reorganized.

A jogging stroller is a lifesaver. I will never want to use a “regular” stroller again. It’s so easy to push and turn, even in park crowds.

Don’t leave valuables in your stroller unattended, but if you do want to leave some items in your stroller, it can help to use a carabiner to make it much more difficult for someone to snag.

9. Bring a Portable Charger

Bring a portable charger. A good one. And the cord(s) that connect to your phone.

Seriously, we are in the age of technology so chances are that you will use your phone for several things:

• Phone Camera
• Mobile Food Ordering
• Genie and/or Genie Plus
• Disneyland App Map
• Disneyland App Show Times
• Disneyland App Line Wait Times
• Interactive Games (especially in Batuu )

Bring a portable charger. A good one. And the cord(s) that connect to your phone.

That being said, make sure to not get glued to your phone. Use it to order what you need, grab your next Lightning Lane, make your next move, then put it away until the next photo op.

10. Bring Noise Cancellation Headphones

Disneyland with toddlers brings a lot of stimulation, especially noise.

Some kids may be fine, but I know ours were a bit noise-sensitive on some of the indoor rides like Midway Mania at Pixar Pier.

At the very least, use them during the nighttime spectaculars.

Toddlers will benefit from dulling the sounds of Fantasmic, World of Color, Fireworks, and maybe even the Main Street Electrical Parade.

It doesn’t drown out the sounds completely, it just mutes the sound to a more tolerable level for their little ears.

It can even be a confidence boost on some of the potentially intimidating rides like Pirates of the Caribbean and The Haunted Mansion in Disneyland.

Tips for Early Disneyland Mornings with Toddlers

11. Tips for Going through Security

Have your bags ready to be checked. If your diaper bag doesn’t easily go in and out of the storage under the stroller, then don’t put it under the stroller until after security.

This speeds up the process for everyone and just makes life easier.

12. Rope Dropping with Toddlers Tips

Chances are you might be Rope Dropping Peter Pan if you have a toddler with you as it’s one of the most popular rides in Fantasyland (for good reason!) and the line gets very long very quickly.

Line up on the right side of the Walt Disney Statue in the “hub” of the park.

This way you have quick and easy access to the bathroom right between the Plaza Inn and the entrance to Tomorrowland.

Keep them in their stroller, ready to go when the rope drops and pass through the castle on the right-hand side where Snow White’s wishing well is located. This will pop you out right at Peter Pan ahead of those who got stuck in the bottleneck going through the middle of the castle.

Just don’t forget stroller parking is between Snow White’s ride and the Carrousel, or over by Dumbo.

13. Napping on the Go Tips

If your toddler or baby will nap in the stroller then let them.

Plan to walk all the way to the other side of the park around their usual nap time, and they may be asleep by the time you get there.

If your baby or toddler does better being held, pack a soft carrier that can fit in the bottom of the stroller. Having them strapped to you will be so much more comfortable for everyone for longer stretches.

If they need a quiet, dark room then schedule nap time at the hotel (more on Disneyland hotel tips with toddlers in a bit).

The best thing to do? Plan your shopping when they are sleeping.

You can take your time in shaded, air-conditioned stores and not have to deal with your toddler wanting everything in sight because they are asleep.

Scope out some good Disney souvenir options for them once they are awake.

14. Opening Disneyland Tip

Did you know that both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure ask a family to open the parks in the morning?

They let them in before anyone else, introduce them, and have them start the countdown.

Once the family says “Let the Magic Begin!” they start admitting people into the parks.

The best part?

They have a Disneyland photographer take your photos and upload them to your Photo Pass to document the whole thing!

We saw this when Rope Dropping on our last multi-day visit, and so on the last day, my husband actually asked the cast member if we could be the family that opens Disneyland.

Dream come true for a dream I didn’t even know about!

Disneyland Ride Tips for Toddlers

15. Ride Height Tips

Measure the height of your toddler before going to Disneyland, and save it in your phone’s notes.

They do have measuring spots outside rides that require above a certain height, but it’s not always quick or easy to get to if the line is long.

Plus, you may want to check the wait time on the Disneyland app. The Disneyland app will tell you what the height requirement is (if there is one), but it won’t do you much good if you don’t know how tall your little one is.

Another toddler tip for Disneyland rides: just because they are tall enough, doesn’t mean they will like it.

My nephew was tall enough for Radiator Spring Racers when he was almost 3 years old, but he definitely wasn’t ready to go that fast quite yet.

16. Scary Rides Tips

Each ride has a description such as “slow, dark, loud” or “slow, spinning.”

Use this to guide how your toddler might react on the ride.

I also recommend going to a local fair and seeing what types of rides your toddler seems to enjoy and which ones they may need a bit more time before trying.

If they didn’t like the spinning rides, for example, you can still try Disneylands’ teacups.

Just don’t spring the wheel so you don’t go as fast.

Watch a YouTube video of Disneyland’s teacups.

Read through the book and/or watch the movie Alice in Wonderland before going. This way they are more focused on the storyline than the actual ride and can be distracted enough to let go of their assumptions.

Remember, toddlers don’t know how to actively reason, so you need to subtly help them through with positive reinforcement, encouragement, and knowing when to not force the matter.

My toddler was terrified on Peter Pans Flight. We were not expecting this because her older sister loved it when she was a toddler, and it’s my favorite Fantasyland ride. She also wasn’t scared when she went on Peter Pan at 4 months old, but to be fair she was sleeping and was taking in the world on a whole different level than her 2-year-old self.

Because of her Peter Pan experience, she did not want to try Snow White, but we went on it with her anyway because I knew it didn’t have the same small dips that Peter Pans Flight does.

Sure enough, we got off the ride and she said “I liked that. That wasn’t scary at all!” and we proceed with happiness through the other Fantasyland rides the rest of the day.

Jungle Cruise was also a huge hit, and I highly recommend it for families. They even have kids’ books about the Jungle Cruise ride.

Now for Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree in California Adventure…she did not like it one bit, so we opted not to go on it again our whole stay. It will be a while before we see if she wants to give it another try.

If a ride is too scary or too loud, noise cancellation headphones can be super helpful.

We use them for both girls on most indoor rides, including Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion, as well as for Fireworks, Fantasmic, World of Color, and the Parades.

17. Best Rides for Babies & Toddlers

There are so many rides with no height requirements in both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park.

All of these are acceptable for babies and toddlers, it’s just up to you on what interests your family has.

Keep in mind these are just the list of attractions. Each park also has characters to meet, music, shows, and other entertainment for the whole family.

Disneyland Rides for Toddlers:

Fantasyland:

• Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough
• Peter Pans Flight
• Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant
• Casey Jr. Circus Train
• King Arther Carrousel
• Pinocchio’s Daring Journey
• Snow White’s Enchanted Wish
• Storybook Land Canal Boats
• Mad Tea Party
• Alice in Wonderland
• It’s a Small World

Mickeys Toontown*

• Chip & Dale Treehouse
• Goofy’s Playhouse
• Mickey’s House
• Minnie’s House
• Donald’s Boat
• Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin (babies can ride on lap but must be awake)

Adventureland/New Orleans Square

• Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
• Jungle Cruise
• Tarzan’s Treehouse*
• Pirates of the Caribbean*
• Haunted Mansion

Frontierland/Critter Country

• Mark Twain Riverboat
• Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island
• Sailing Ship Columbia
• Davy Crockett Canoes
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Tomorrowland

• Astro Orbitor
• Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
• Monorail
• Finding Nemo Submarine*
• Tomorrowland Theater

Main Street, U.S.A.

• Disneyland Railroad
• Mr. Lincoln
• Main Street Cinema
• Main Street Vehicles

*Closed for refurbishment. I will update this post as rides become available again, but be sure to check the Disneyland app for the most up-to-date info on ride closures.

Disney California Adventure Rides for Toddlers:

Hollywood Land

• Mickey’s PhilharMagic
• Monster’s Inc., Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
• Animation Academy
• Sorcerer’s Workshop
• Turtle Talk with Crush

Avengers Campus

• WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure

Pixar Pier

• Jessie’s Critter Carousel
• Toy Story Midway Mania!
• Pixar Pal-Around – Non-Swinging
• Games of Pixar Pier
• Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind

Paradise Gardens Park

• Golden Zephyr
• The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure

Grizzly Peak

• Redwood Creek Challenge Trail

18. Rider Switch Tips

This is something that can get a bit confusing, so I’ll break it down as best I can.

Any ride that has a height requirement has a Rider Switch Option.

Basically, one parent waits in line and goes on the ride while the other waits outside the ride entrance/exit.

The cast member will scan your ticket, so you can “check in” after the first parent gets off the ride. That first parent can now watch the kid, and the second parent scans their ticket to use as a “Fast Pass” to the front of the line.

This is meant for anyone who has kids in their group who don’t meet the height requirement and can’t wait outside the ride without adult supervision.

If you have a large party, you can have half go on the ride, then swap out with the other half. We did this with 6 of us for the Millenium Falcon: 6 then 6. That way our babies and toddlers always had a trusted adult with them but we didn’t miss out on the ride. 

Unfortunately, both rides in the Star Wars area of Disneyland have height requirements. Don’t worry, Star Wars land has fun character interactions and a scavenger hunt for kids so your toddler will definitely still love a trip to Batuu.

The first parent (or first group) can not use the Lightning Lane unless everyone has a Lightning Lane for that ride (whether from an A-La-Cart Lightning Lane purchase or Genie Plus).

Basically, your party waits in line for you, but since your little one can’t go on the ride you won’t have to wait in line once your group gets off the ride (since they already did their fair share of waiting).

If you have any questions, the cast members at the entrance to the ride will be able and willing to help!

19. Genie+ Tips

We have an entire post about Genie, Genie Plus, and Lightning Lanes if you want all the details.

What I will say here is that it is worth it if you want to cram as many rides and shorten as many lines as possible in your Disney day.

There are just a few rides with no height requirements that are included in Genie Plus, BUT if you both have Genie Plus and use Rider Switch, you can easily go on the toddler-friendly rides AND the “big kid” rides.

I also suggest going with your parents so they can listen for the kids in the hotel room after bedtime while you go back into the park to make use of the bigger, faster “E Ticket” rides.

Just be sure to book your Lightning Lane time earlier in the day. You can pick what return time you want, and they do stop accepting more Lightning Lane requests as it gets closer to closing.

One more important thing about Genie Plus: it includes PhotoPass. It’s so amazing we have a whole section of Disneyland Tips devoted to it.

Disneyland Photo Pass Tips

20. Photo Pass Locations

For every Disneyland photographer you see, stop and get a photo taken.

The easiest way to see where these photographers might be is to look at the Disneyland Map on the App.

In the top middle, you’ll see a drop-down menu option.

Choose PhotoPass.

Now all of the possible PhotoPass spots show up on the map, and you can click them for more info.

Disneyland PhotoPass Locations

• Disneyland Park Main Entrance/Floral Mickey
• Town Square Character Experience
• Town Square (a MUST during Halloween and Christmas)
• Partner’s Statue (a less crowded way to get a castle backdrop)
• Sleeping Beauty Castle
• Sword in the Stone
• Mad Tea Party
• Pixie Hollow Character Experience
• Space Mountain (ride photo)
• “The Mandalorian” PhotoOp**
• Magic Shot of Stormtroopers/K-2SO**
• “The Book of Boba Fett” Throne**
• Farthest Reaches of the Galaxy Magic Shot
• Garrison
• Millennium Falcon
• Splash Mountain (ride photo)

**Potentially seasonal PhotoOps. Disneyland may rotate through which locations are active. I will update this post as things change but check Disneyland App for the most up-to-date information.

California Adventure PhotoPass Locations

• Buena Vista Street Character Experience
• Grizzly Peak Waterfall
• Avengers Campus
• Avengers Campus Character Experience
• Guardians of the Galaxy- Mission: BREAKOUT! (ride photo)
• Ancient Sanctum***
• Cars Land Entrance
• Route 66
• Cozy Cone Motel Character Experience
• Radiator Spring Racers (ride photo)
• Pixar Pier Bridge
• Incredicoaster (ride photo)
• Incredibles Park Character Experience
• Toy Story Character Experience
• Pixar Pier Character Experience
• Grizzly Peak Plane***

***Currently not available on the PhotoPass Disneyland map. Disneyland may rotate through which locations are active. I will update this post as things change but check Disneyland App for the most up-to-date information.

21. Photos Included in Cost of Genie+

You get digital copies of all these photos at no extra charge when you have Genie Plus.

So that is $20 per person per day for Genie Plus.

If you do not want to use the Lightning Lane “Fast Pass” feature of Genie Plus, only one person would need to buy it to have the PhotoPass attached to their account.

If you do want to use Genie Plus, you do not need to buy Genie Plus for anyone who does not have a ticket (kids under age 3).

22. Ask for Magic Shots

Most photographers we’ve come across are amazing at directing toddlers for some pretty awesome pictures and Magic Shots.

What is a Magic Shot?

It’s a picture taken by a Disneyland Cast Member edited with a little extra Pixie Dust.

This may be Tinkerbell showing up in your hands or Jack Jack shooting laser beams out of his eyes, a Porg on your arm in front of the Millennium Falcon, or Mickey Mouse birthday balloons carrying you away.

Every time we go, I am impressed and surprised at yet another Magic Shot I haven’t seen before.

They are truly an extra special souvenir.

23. Other Photo Backdrops

Of course, there are way more photo ops than just the official PhotoPass station.

You’ll be doing your own photography here.

There are always great stops in Downtown Disney. Whether it’s seasonal chalk art, a themed wall, or even the store window displays, keep your eyes open.

There is also a duplicate of some rides in a stationary photo op separate from the ride itself such as Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride and Dumbo.

Over in California Adventure, there is a great Photo Op sign in front of Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind. My girls love playing in this area, pretending to “move” around the core memories and copy Disgust’s pose.

Of course, all of the PhotoPass spots are perfect for a picture even if there is no cast member there to take it.

And remember, you can ask a cast member to take a picture with your phone too!

24. Take a Screenshot

It is so much easier to take a screenshot of your PhotoPass barcode than to keep opening the Disneyland app every time you stop for a picture.

You can also get a physical PhotoPass card to just keep scanning, then scan that card onto every phone that has PhotoPass activated.

This is a really great option, especially if your group splits up for parts of the day. Have them get a paper card, then scan it to your PhotoPass on the app at the end of the day.

Disneyland What to Wear Tips with Toddlers

25. Layer Your Clothing

Southern California is sunny and awesome, but we do have our weather changes.

It’s typically sunny and warm during the day and cool at night.

It can get very hot at Disneyland (upper 90s low 100s Fahrenheit) or what I think is very cold down in the 50s or 60s on chillier days.

The average is around 70℉-80℉, perfect jeans and t-shirt weather.

Bring a jacket or sweater for when the sun goes down or if you’re sitting in the shade.

Oh and you may think summer is all sunshine, but “June Gloom” is very real. This means many days in June are cloudy and can be chilly.

If you are here in the winter months, you wouldn’t be out of line to have warm hats and knit gloves/mittens, especially for your baby or toddler.

I don’t think rain jackets or ponchos are needed, but it does rain (rarely, but it does happen). So if you want to be fully prepared for any weather, keep that in mind.

Check the weather forecast a week or 2 ahead of time, and plan accordingly.

26. Bring a Bathing Suit

If you’re staying in a hotel, chances are it has a pool or at least a jacuzzi.

Don’t forget your bathing suit!

Even if you think you won’t spend any time at the hotel, you never know if you just need that break.

Plus, if you are staying at one of the Disneyland Resort hotels, you will definitely want to set aside an hour or 2 for Disneyland pool time.

27. Prince/Princess Dress Up Tips

OK, I know the “floofy” dresses can get annoying throughout the day, but hear me out.

There is nothing, and I mean nothing, cuter than your baby or toddler all decked out in their Disney Royalty Outfits.

The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is finally open for makeovers! Choose to be a princess, a prince, or a knight.

Check out our review to see the different Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique packages and get an overview of the process. Even if you don’t book a makeover, you can still shop for outfits and get Pixie Dusted by a Fairy Godmother.

My tip is to have your toddler wear regular clothes under their Disney dress-up clothes (or at least shove a change of clothes in the stroller), and let them play Prince/Princess for the day.

Comfortable shoes are a must and will not detract from the image.

Character interactions, cast members, and everyone you walk by will comment or bow to the little Prince or Princess, adding that extra bit of Disney Magic to your stay.

Make sure to get those PhotoPass photos on dress-up day.

You can always shove the dress-up clothes into the bottom of the stroller if it gets too hot or your toddler doesn’t want them anymore.

Be sure to hem the bottom of the outfit before your trip…full maneuverability is a must for a successful Disney dress-up day.

28. Wear Walking Shoes

Everyone should wear walking shoes or tennis shoes: whatever you want to call them.

As a native of Southern California, I wore flip-flops to Disneyland for years until one day my husband stepped on the back of my sandal and it broke. He bought me new ones, but still.

You want shoes that won’t cause blisters and will support your feet. Treat your feet nicely. They will be doing a lot of walking. A. Lot. of. Walking.

29. Bring a Hat & Sunscreen

I’ve mentioned we have sun in Southern California, right?

Well even on cloudy days, you will get sunburned if you don’t wear sunscreen or at least a hat to shade your face.

Practice proper skin care to protect your little ones from the sun.

I was very worried about this when taking our 4-month-old to Disneyland for the first time. Her pediatrician said a little layer of sunscreen would be ok on the face for pool time (please check with your pediatrician for their individual recommendation).

A tiny bit of sunscreen, a sun hat, the shade on the stroller, a table in the shade…it’s easier than you think to protect your little one’s skin. You just have to be aware of the sun and make conscious decisions throughout your day.

Disneyland Toddler Food Tips

30. Pack Snacks

Even if you plan on buying food, please pack snacks for Disneyland.

You never know if your mobile order may take too long, or you’re stuck in line for a ride when that hungry toddler whining starts to happen.

You can take small ice packs into the parks (not loose ice), but I still recommend nothing perishable to make life easier.

Carrots, cuties, apples, crackers, and granola bars are all great options.

We love having fruit pouches and non-refrigerated yogurt pouches for our trips.

If you have a really little one, any of those baby/toddler snacks or teething crackers are great too.

Try not to pack candy. Chances are you’ll have some ice cream or a churro or something in the park, and too much sugar makes the crankiness worse not better.

31. Kids Meals Tips

Disneyland used to have Toddler Meals which was a smaller portion (and cheaper) than the kids’ meals, but they seem to be phasing this option out.

You can always have your toddler eat off of your plate, or get a kids meal and save the individually packaged sides for later if they can’t eat the full thing.

Disneyland also offers Kids Check Meals which are a highlighted healthier option.

A common question is if you have to pay for your toddler at Disneyland restaurants.

Your babies and toddlers (under age 3) do not need to pay for meals at buffets. You can get them their own plate and load it up at a buffet for no extra charge. Just be aware of how tiny their stomachs are and try to avoid piling too much food onto their plates to minimize food waste.

For all other food options, you pay for whatever plates/meals you buy.

For example: if you only buy a regular entree, they won’t charge you if you share it, but they also won’t give a kids meal away for free just because your kid is 2.

If you’re looking for more information on Disneyland food, check out our post that breaks down the price range and locations of restaurants and food stands within Disneyland.

32. Pick a Character Meal

Do a character meal.

Especially with a baby and a toddler.

The characters are so good with guests of different ages, and it is such a high-energy, exciting experience.

Disneyland Character Meals

• Storybook Tellers Cafe
• Goofy’s Kitchen
• Plaza Inn
• Princess Adventure Breakfast

Storybook Tellers Cafe

Buffet-style food, Disney characters to meet, fun music…what could be better?

Storybook Teller’s Cafe has Mickey, Minnie, Chip, Dale, and Pluto in their adventure outfits. In 2019, they handed maracas and noisemakers to the little kids who got to march around with the characters. They continued to come around to the tables for hugs, autographs, and photos the entire length of our meal.

The food was amazing, and they did a great job at comfortably seating our large party at one table.

Goofy’s Kitchen

Goofy’s Kitchen we experienced at the beginning of 2022 so social distancing was still in full effect.

That didn’t mean we had less of an experience though. It was high-energy and super fun the entire time. I would have liked it if the characters paused for a little bit longer for better still shots, but the dancing really kept everyone energized.

Goofy, Pluto, Chip, Dale, and Minnie Mouse make appearances in their chef & baking outfits.

I also love how there’s a great PhotoPass photo op in front of a recreated ToonTown style Goofy’s Kitchen before you enter the restaurant. The Photo is included with your reservation, you don’t need a separate PhotoPass to have full access to it.

Princess Adventure Breakfast

Stunningly amazing. That’s how I would describe this VIP character dining experience.

Again, we had this experience during social distancing protocols, but even then the Princesses had full-on conversations with our girls, and the photos turned out beautiful. I can’t wait to do it again with hugs involved!

The princesses rotated through their stations, and you could get up however often you wanted to talk with them and take pictures with them. There were 2 princesses out at a time.

Part buffet, part sit-down meal, you have appetizers, buffet entrees, and a selection of desserts.

Everything had a Disney twist to the name, and the waiters were fully immersed in their role of serving you as if you were also Disney Royalty.

If you don’t want to pay for your toddler under age 3, you do need to specify they will eat off your plate. We were charged for my 2-year-old, but she ate her own food and got a gift bag like her big sister at the end of the meal, so we felt it was fair and worth it.

The gift bag included a beautiful Swarovski crystal crown necklace among some other smaller items.

Plaza Inn

The only one of these character meals we have not done is Plaza Inn, but I have heard great things about it.

If you’re looking for more of a variety of characters, this is the option for you.

It is the only character meal option inside the parks, so you do need a valid ticket to participate (unlike the other options at restaurants attached to the Disneyland Resort Hotels).

33. Cheap Food Tips

Check out our full post on how to find cheaper food at Disneyland. It breaks down the pricing tiers and food options and their locations within Disneyland.

Basically, share what you can and look for more filling items at snack carts and quick service restaurants.

Any sit-down dining will be more expensive.

Most of the food options in the park are quick service with an average of $15 for entrees.

You can also bring food to Disneyland yourself if you’re trying to save on the total cost of your vacation. There are some stores nearby where you can buy groceries.

34. Restaurant Tips

For any character dining or sit-down restaurant meals, make reservations.

If you can’t get reservations online or on the Disneyland app, then walk up to your restaurant of choice and ask to get on the walk-up reservation waitlist.

We walked up to Blue Bayou after checking for months for reservations, only to be seated waterside within 5 minutes after walking up to ask for a table.

For large party reservations, make separate small party reservations close in time, then ask to combine the reservations when you check in for your meal. The earlier you check-in, the better they’ll be able to accommodate a larger table.

Disneyland Tips for Free & Cheap Souvenirs

35. Free Disney Souvenirs

Not everything costs extra at Disneyland!

Here are some souvenirs you can get at no additional cost:

Free Disneyland and California Adventure Souvenirs

• Autographs
• Buttons (birthday, celebrating, graduation, etc.)
• Park Maps
• Safety Tip Cards from Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
• Autopia Drivers License
• Jungle Cruise Map (tell a joke to get one!)
• Ghirardelli Chocolate
• Bread from the Bread Bakery
• Buzz Lightyear Ride Photo (no PhotoPass needed for this ride photo)
• Pixie Dust sprinkled on you by a Fairy Godmother from Bibbidy Bobbidy Boutique
• Creature Scavenger Hunt in Galaxy’s Edge (ask for one at the Creature Stall)

Check out our Top 16 Money Saving Tips at Disneyland for more details on these and other ways to save.

36. Press a Penny or Quarter

Pressing pennies is so exciting for toddlers to do. It’s a machine, they get to pick their pattern, and they get a coin.

I suggest buying a penny album so it’s easier to keep them long-term as a souvenir.

The best part? Many theme parks and zoos have them, so you can get quite the collection!

Disney Character Tips for Toddlers

To get all the info on Disney Character and Disney Princess meet & greets, be sure to check out our full post on meeting Disney characters.

37. Where to Meet Characters

This is where the Disneyland app comes in handy again.

Remember how we found the PhotoPass locations?

Well, you’ll do the same thing, but click on Entertainment.

This will give you a mix of Disney Character locations as well as the location of musical skits (such as the Dapper Dans and The Bootstrappers) and Cavalcades throughout the day.

38. Fun Disney Character Interaction Tips

Try and talk with the characters, especially about things in their storylines.

Ask Flynn Rider what’s in his satchel, tell Donald Duck that he’s #1, accept a lollipop from Nick Wilde, and try not to let the Storm Troopers know you’re part of the Resistance.

Any Disney character without a mask will talk with you.

Those that are in full head-to-toe costumes will communicate without words.

If you want to meet a Disney Princess, Royal Hall just to the left of the castle is the perfect place. You go through to have 3 different Disney Princess interactions. You don’t know which Disney Princess you will get, but sometimes the app lets you know who is there ahead of time.

There are princesses that roam around the park as well. Tiana hangs out by the Mark Twain River Boat, Moana by Tarzan’s Tree House, and Belle in her blue dress can be seen around Fantasyland.

39. Bring an Autograph Book

This is by far our favorite memory from our girl’s first trip to Disneyland. We can not wait to get another one signed.

Bring a click pen or click sharpie so it’s easier for costumed hands to sign.

Print photos of the character meet & greet to add to the autograph book.

More than 1 signature on a page? Print out wallet-size photos and tape or paste onto 4″x6″ paper.

Free Play for Toddlers at Disneyland

Free play time is so important to work into your Disneyland trip. It helps your toddler process what’s going on, have a little freedom, and slows down the pace for them to just live in the moment for a bit.

Let their imagination run wild!

Here are some places that are perfect for free play in Disneyland and California Adventure.

40. Play at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail

This area is a kid’s dream. Full-on adventure playground.

• Tire Zipline (42″-63″ and under 13 years old)
• Slides (Log slide 32″, any height for smaller slides)
• Rope Bridges
• Interactive Cave
• Traverse Rock Climbing Wall (42″)

Be sure to check if there is a Duck Race going on and be on the lookout for Cast Member Park Rangers handing out Disney-themed Safety Tip Cards (can you say free souvenir?).

WARNING: Your kids may not actually want to leave this area. Be flexible with your time or be prepared to enact extraction techniques…

41. Play in Toontown

ToonTown is currently under construction and will return in 2023.

Check back for more details as they get released!

42. Play at Pirates Lair at Tom Sawyer’s Island

This Island used to be Tom Sawyer-themed when I was a kid, but now it’s full-on Pirate. I love that they kept inspiration from Mark Twain in the remodel.

You can only get here by ferry, which is like a ride itself.

Check out:

• Caves to climb & crawl through
• Pirates treasure to find
• Tom Sawyer’s Tree House (can’t climb into it, but it’s still pretty cool)
• Sway Bridges

Other interactive elements and fun photo spots plus a great view of the Rivers of America, benches throughout, picnic tables, and a bathroom.

Make sure to go earlier in the day, since they will close the island late afternoon/early evening for Fantasmic (check the app for specific times on the day of your visit).

43. Play on Main Street

So many facades (fake doors and doorsteps). Some doors lead to offices or backstage areas, but that doesn’t stop you from being able to immerse yourself in the setup.

• Firehouse with Fire Engine
• Watch horse-drawn street cars go by
• Lookout for Characters & Cavalvades
• Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln is an indoor, quiet area where you can listen to Mr. Lincoln and memorabilia.

It’s not a playground like Pirates Lair on Tom Sawyer’s Island or the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, but it does offer a quiet escape for the imagination.

On our oldest’s first trip (she was 2), she started to whine and get really cranky.

We just sat down by one of the doors (labeled as a “doctor’s office”) and I let her knock on the door and pretend to be the doctor letting patients in and out.

A few minutes later, she was better for the quiet play time and ready to return to the table at Carnation Cafe (where her meltdown had started).

Disneyland Parades & Entertainment Tips

44. Bring a Blanket

You can’t bring chairs to Disneyland, but you can bring a blanket to sit on while waiting for the parade or fireworks.

Just make sure you are not laying it out on active walkways and someone is always waiting at your spot (you can’t leave it unattended).

45. Where to Watch the Parade

Currently, the Main Street Electrical Parade has 2 nighttime showings: 8:45 pm and 10:45 pm.

You can easily view this parade from Main Street or over by It’s a Small World Promenade.

Once you see people start to sit on the curbs at Main Street, that’s your cue to scope out a spot. In the past 1-2 hours ahead of time was plenty enough to snag a good viewing place.

Now that Nighttime Spectaculars are back after a long hiatus, you might need longer than that if you really want no one in front of you.

That being said, Small World is a little less crowded than Main Street and has more room for strollers in front of the platform where characters appear during the day.

46. Where to Watch Fireworks

Disneyland Forever Fireworks Nighttime Spectacular is best viewed from in front of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle.

This is a very crowded spot, especially if you want to sit on the few benches that are there.

The next best spots would be over by It’s a Small World or by the Rivers of America.

Want a VIP option? Upgrade your experience to the Tomorrowland Skyline Lounge Experience (returning May 20, 2022). You can watch the fireworks while eating dinner, and dessert, and indulging in a variety of non-alcoholic drinks.

Other views where you can see the fireworks, but not hear the music would be in Batuu (Galaxy’s Edge), various locations in Downtown Disney, or even from the balcony of a Disneyland Resort Hotel or nearby hotel.

The concierge lounge at the Grand Californian Hotel and Spa has an excellent view of the fireworks.

Keep in mind these Fireworks are on weekends only (Fridays-Sundays) until summer hours start. Then they will be every night until the end of summer.

47. Where to Watch Fantasmic

Fantasmic is viewable in front of the Rivers of America. Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer’s Island closes early as this is where the magic takes place.

Get there early to snag a spot, or reserve a VIP section through one of the dining packages.

48. Where to Watch World of Color

The World of Color is viewable from Paradise Gardens Park right in front of The Little Mermaid ride.

Get assigned a section from the virtual queue or snag a VIP viewing location through one of their dining packages.

49. See the Mini-Shows throughout the Day

The locations of these mini-shows will show up alongside character meetings when you search for Entertainment on the Disneyland app.

Happening at various times throughout the day, you can plan to watch them or just enjoy the atmosphere if you happen to walk by during their performance.

Disneyland

• The Bootstrappers
• Jambalaya Jazz
• Dapper Dans
• The Straw Hatters
• Mickey & Friends Cavalcade
• Frozen Cavalcade
• Disneyland Band
• Main Street Piano Player
• Storytelling at Royal Theater
• Pixar Pals Dance Party, Tomorrowland
• Pearly Band
• “It’s a Small World” Encanto Projection*

California Adventure

• Citizens of Buena Vista Street
• Five & Dime
• Disney Junior Dance Party
• Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Dance Off!
• Avengers Assemble!
• Avengers Headquarters
• Warriors of Wakanda: The Disciplines of the Dora Milaje
• Dr. Strange: mysteries of the Mystic Arts
• The Amazing Spider-Man!
• Operation: Playtime! – featuring the Green Army Patrol Men
• Mariachi Divas
• Paradise Garden Bandstand

Disneyland Hotel & Good Neighbor Hotel Tips

50. Nap Time Tips

Go back to the hotel for nap time if you are staying at Disneyland for more than 1 day.

I know it’s hard to leave a park you paid a bunch of money for, but you also paid for the hotel, AND your toddler will be able to last longer with a solid nap time/quiet time.

It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

This is why we absolutely LOVE The Grand Californian Hotel and Spa.

You don’t need a shuttle or a car or to walk very far to get to your room. The hotel is literally right next to California Adventure. There’s even an entrance into California Adventure from the Grand Californian Hotel.

51. Stay in a Hotel the Night Before & Night After

If you don’t want to (or can’t) splurge on multiple nights at a Disneyland Resort Hotel, I recommend saving up for 1 night.

Stay nearby at a Good Neighbor Hotel the night before (and leading up to your last night) so you can wake up refreshed and not have any traffic getting to the parks. Make sure there’s a continental breakfast included to start your day right.

Then bookend your stay at a Disneyland Resort Hotel on the last night.

You’ll feel VIP, get an extra dose of Disney magic with all of the special details, and end your stay with a grand experience.

52. Non-Park Day Tips

Even if you aren’t going into the park, stay that extra night at the hotel.

You can visit Downtown Disney and book your character dining experience (at all locations except for the Plaza Inn which is inside the parks).

Don’t forget to explore the lobby of the Disneyland resort Hotels even if you aren’t staying there: they are amazing. Especially the Disneyland Hotel which has a very Disney Museum feel to different displays.

This way your extra shopping, exploring, and character dining won’t get in the way of precious park time.

You won’t be rushing to make that Lightning Lane time you booked or feeling rushed to get back into the parks to make your ticket worth as much as possible.

This is also a great day for a Pool Day.

53. Take Advantage of ART

If you are staying at a Good Neighbor Hotel, many will have ART available. ART stands for Anaheim Resort Transportation and is a small cost compared to parking fees.

Many hotels near Disneyland resort will have ART available, and some may even include the cost in your stay. Be sure to ask when you check in!

54. Use the Hotel Pool

Take the time to use the pool. Especially if you are at a Disneyland Resort Hotel with its awesome water slides and Disney atmosphere, or a Good Neighbor Hotel with splash pads and water slides.

It’s a great way to slow down, cool off, and enjoy some water fun.

55. Magic Hour Tips

Magic Hour is officially back as a perk for Disney Resort Hotel guests. You can get into either Disneyland Park or Disneys California Adventure Park 30 minutes before the parks open to everyone else.

This is the perfect time to ride attractions that may not have a Lightning Lane option. It’s also perfect for photo ops with little to no people in your background.

It may be an earlier day, but using Magic Hour gives you a head start on the crowds. When going to Disneyland with toddlers, earlier days with mid-day or mid-afternoon naps are the perfect plans.

Make sure to line up at least 15 minutes before security opens which is 45 minutes to an hour before the park opens. This will be about 1.5 hours before the normal park opening time for Magic Hour guests. 

Preparing for Disneyland with Toddlers

We all want our toddlers to enjoy their Disney vacation, but there’s always that stress that they will be overwhelmed and afraid of rides and characters.

Luckily, there are some practical things you can do to see how they might react, then you can guide their experiences appropriately for everyone to have fun.

56. Tips on Leading up to Rides

I mentioned some of this in the ride section, but here are my tips for prepping toddlers for Disneyland Rides.

• Read the book/watch the movie
• Watch videos of the ride on YouTube
• Go on rides at local fairs to see how they do
• Talk about the rides and what to expect
• Play pretend Disneyland rides at home

Really, for a toddler to be able to recognize something from a favorite book or show helps a ton when faced with a new ride they may not be sure about.

Take a look at our top 15 books to read before going to Disneyland with your toddler. It includes a book with storylines directly related to what they will see in the park.

When going to Disneyland with toddlers, familiarity is key.

57. Familiarize Toddlers with the Characters before Going

Meet characters at other theme parks or zoos to see how your toddler will react to the costumed characters.

This way your expectations will line up better for a smoother experience if they just aren’t sold on the idea.

Plus, the more exposure they have to the concept of costumed characters, the better they will be when meeting Disney characters.

58. Positivity Matters

Stay positive.

Easier said than done, I know. But if you have a toddler tantrum and your mood sinks to match the vibes, the whole group is going to match that.

It’s much easier for people to match negative attitudes than to try and dig out of a negative attitude to a positive one.

It may not even be the toddler that tries to sour your attitude, especially if you’re with a big group and expectations are not being met for one reason or another.

Be the leader in looking on the bright side and making the best with what you have.

Remember, Disneyland cast members are there to help with any questions too. If there’s a mix-up, be patient and nice and they’ll do their best to make things right.

59. Be Flexible

Be flexible.

Have a plan, forget the plan, and go with the flow.

With a plan in mind, you can guide your group forward instead of standing around wasting time wondering what everyone wants to do first.

With flexibility, you won’t stress out if you suddenly notice the Dapper Dans playing and want to stop and listen.

Or maybe you’re on your way to one ride when you notice a super short wait for a different ride.

Or maybe your toddler fell asleep at a time nowhere connected to their usual nap time.

Flexibility, live in the moment, and have fun!

Disneyland with Toddlers Itinerary Tips

60. 1-Day Disney Itinerary Tips

For 1-Day itineraries, you really need to know the difference between your “MUST DO” list and your “Nice to Do” list, and your “Don’t Need to Do” at All list.

You will not be able to do and experience absolutely everything all in one day. There’s just too much with rides and characters and entertainment and shopping and food.

Narrow it down and plan out the Must -, then add in the other items as you come across them or opportunity arises.

61. Itinerary: Multi-Day Disney Itinerary Tips

The Multi-day Itinerary is a bit different.

We like to focus on one park per day (park hopping to certain reservations or experiences in the afternoon or evening), then on the 3rd or 4th day hit up whatever we might have missed from days 1 and 2.

Figure out which rides you might want to Rope Drop and let that help determine which park to focus on first.

Make sure to allow for downtime and naps when visiting Disneyland with toddlers. Especially if you are there multiple days, there is no reason to rush through everything and burn out before your vacation is halfway done.

F.A.Q.