Journey Mamas generally receives compensation and/or hosted journey and pattern merchandise associated to weblog posts. This story could embrace affiliate hyperlinks for which we obtain a small fee at no further price to customers. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn cash from qualifying purchases. You should definitely verify with companies and places relating to journey restrictions and security precautions earlier than visiting.
Disneyland with youngsters is essentially the most magical expertise…for those who do it proper. There’s actually nothing extra superb than seeing Disney’s unique park by way of the eyes of a kid. Disneyland is the Happiest Place on Earth however it’s additionally simple to overdo it. You do not need your loved ones to wind up exhausted, overwhelmed, and cranky whereas exploring theme parks. Comply with these 25 finest Disneyland with youngsters tricks to reduce stress and maximize enjoyable throughout your Disney trip in California.
This story is delivered to you in partnership with shopDisney, the official website for Disney merchandise.
1. Rank rides and exhibits so as of significance.
Between Disneyland and its sister park, Disney California Journey, it is not attainable to expertise all the pieces in sooner or later, and even in a single trip. Subsequently, you will need to prioritize.
Brainstorm with your loved ones in regards to the rides, exhibits, and different points of interest that enchantment most to everybody. Make an inventory of must-do experiences adopted by second-tier points of interest, issues that might be good if there’s time, and what might be skipped. When touring with totally different age teams, prime picks will differ vastly so get able to compromise.
Unsure what to place on the prime of your listing of favourite points of interest? If touring with younger kids, then remember to learn our picks for the very best Disneyland rides for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. In the meantime, these touring with larger youngsters and youths ought to check out the scariest rides at Disneyland.
The sooner you enter the parks; the shorter strains are usually. Subsequently, plan to hit the preferred rides like Radiator Springs Racers in Automobiles Land first.
2. Group points of interest collectively.
The very best Disneyland rides are unfold all through the assorted lands at each Anaheim theme parks. Do not waste time working from WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Journey in Disney California Journey to Splash Mountain in Disneyland. As a substitute, decide one standard journey after which plan out from there.
So, if the Matterhorn Bobsleds prime your loved ones’s want listing, then plan to hit up another Fantasyland points of interest proper afterward like Peter Pan’s Flight and Dumbo the Flying Elephant. Alternatively, for the reason that Matterhorn can also be in shut proximity to Tomorrowland, you possibly can group this with rides like Discovering Nemo Submarine Voyage and House Mountain as a substitute.
Then resolve which close by land incorporates the subsequent bunch of points of interest that enchantment to your loved ones and transfer on to these. Imagine me, you may be doing sufficient strolling with out crisscrossing lands unnecessarily.
3. Develop a schedule however make room for magic.
When planning a visit to Disneyland with youngsters, develop a schedule earlier than you enter the parks. You do not wish to waste valuable time looking at park maps and arguing about what to do subsequent. However it’s equally vital to dwell within the current second and take in the enjoyable.
The primary few instances I went to Disneyland as a brand new mother with little youngsters, I scheduled every second to verify we maximized each minute. This left me feeling uptight as a substitute of joyful.
Take time for extra mellow actions like watching the Dapper Dans carry out on Most important Avenue or exploring Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer’s Island together with your youngsters. Everybody shall be happier for those who do.
4. Let your baby develop into a Disney character for a day.
Childhood would not final endlessly so lean into the marvel of Disney when visiting with younger youngsters, particularly on their first go to to the amusement parks. Indulge your kid’s fantasy of being a princess, pirate, or different Disney character whereas at Disneyland Resort. Purchase costumes and accessories from shopDisney earlier than your trip.
Received a mini Aurora or Moana at house? Browse the Disney Princess Celebration collection now!
Check out different Disney costumes, too. From Star Wars to Toy Story and past for boys and for girls at shopDisney.
5. Get into the spirit with Disney clothes.
Everyone seems to be a child once more once you’re at Disneyland, so remember to get Disney clothing like themed t-shirts, hats, and dresses for fogeys, too. Shopping for Disney gear prematurely from shopDisney saves money and time throughout your trip.
Vibrant matching shirts are a enjoyable option to go for the entire household. Plus, this trick makes it simpler to search out one another in a crowd.
6. Tempo yourselves.
Many households wish to squeeze as a lot enjoyable as attainable into their Disneyland trip. They arrive at opening time within the morning and solely go away after the final firework has burst over Sleeping Magnificence’s Fort. Particularly when visiting with young children, that is certain to result in a meltdown from not less than one member of the family. As a substitute, tempo yourselves.
If you wish to be there at rope drop to make the most of the shortest strains of the day, then think about skipping the night leisure. Or get to the parks as early as attainable after which head again to your resort within the afternoon for naps or a swim earlier than heading again for some park play post-dark.
When visiting Disneyland with teenagers, alternatively, you would possibly plan to reach within the afternoon to journey curler coasters and keep till closing time.
7. Think about visiting only one theme park per day.
Park Hopper Tickets enable visitors to go to each Disneyland and Disney California Journey in sooner or later. That is useful you probably have solely sooner or later and plenty of must-sees spanning throughout the 2 parks. It is also helpful if, for instance, you wish to spend the morning at Disneyland after which benefit from the World of Colour nighttime spectacular at Disney California Journey.
In my private expertise, nonetheless, it is best to spend not less than two full days on the Disney theme parks. Then you may dedicate sooner or later to Disneyland Park and one other day to Disney California Journey.
You’ll avoid wasting cash by selecting One Park Per Day Tickets. Plus, you may spend much less time mountain climbing from park to park. And there is much less stress to do all the pieces all of sudden. As a substitute, your loved ones can give attention to the joy of every park individually.
8. Put money into Genie+.
Changing MaxPass and FastPass, Genie+ is an non-compulsory Disney improve. It presents digital entry through smartphones at Disneyland to make shortened queue wait-time requests.
For standard points of interest, use Genie+ to skip the standby line and provides your youngsters higher entry to their favourite rides through the Lightning Lane. Reserve your spot in line upon entry to Disneyland or Disney California Journey. Observe: you may reserve every Genie+ journey or attraction simply as soon as per day.
Moreover, Genie+ contains limitless PhotoPass downloads. Selfies are nice, however PhotoPass images are even higher!
Genie+ Lightning Lane Points of interest at Disneyland
- Autopia
- Huge Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Buzz Lightyear Astroblasters
- Haunted Mansion
- Indiana Jones Journey
- “it is a small world”
- Matterhorn Bobsleds
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Roger Rabbit’s Automotive Toon Spin
- House Mountain
- Splash Mountain
- Star Excursions – The Journey Continues
Genie+ Lightning Lane Points of interest at Disney California Journey
- Goofy’s Sky College
- Grizzly River Run
- Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!
- Incredicoaster
- Monsters, Inc. Mike and Sulley to the Rescue!
- Soarin’ Over California
- Toy Story Halfway Mania!
- WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Journey
9. Skip strains with an Particular person Lightning Lane buy.
For the uber-popular rides, like Star Wars Rise of the Resistance and Radiator Springs Racers, you should buy an Particular person Lightning Lane buy. No, you do not have to buy Genie+ (which usually will get you skip-the-line privileges for 3 to 4 rides in a full day). That is an extra price on prime of (or rather than) Genie+.
10. Use the Disneyland App (a.okay.a. Disney Genie).
Disney Genie is free however Genie+ prices further to entry points of interest through the Lightning Lane. Confused but?
Even for those who do not buy Genie+, you may nonetheless scope out theme park choices like wait instances, top necessities, eating choices, and Disney Park resort reservations through your smartphone with the Disneyland app (also referred to as Disney Genie).
The complimentary Disney Genie will aid you plan your day by suggesting close by rides based mostly in your preferences. To avoid wasting time ready in lengthy strains for meals and snacks, you may even order meals prematurely out of your cell machine at no further cost from some quick-service eating places.
11. Put on snug sneakers.
After all, you need everybody in your crew to be snug on the Happiest Place on Earth. In line with Kylie Gibbon, a mother and journey fanatic, “Disneyland is large and you will be doing tons of strolling. In reality, my household clocks over 20,000 steps per day once we go to!”
She continues, “Subsequently, it is tremendous vital that everybody wears applicable sneakers. Do not put on something uncomfortable or that’s possible to provide painful blisters to your loved ones members’ ft. Ideally, the highest decide for footwear for you and your youngsters is worn-in, sturdy trainers or cushioned strolling sandals. Flip-flops are too flimsy, and heels are an apparent no-go.”
12. Prioritize sleep at Disneyland with youngsters.
Nothing results in household arguments and amusement park tantrums sooner than lack of sleep. That is why households ought to stick with wholesome sleep routines throughout a Disney trip.
Relying on their age, kids want eight to 13 hours of sleep per night time (and much more for infants and toddlers). Simply because youngsters are having enjoyable, it doesn’t suggest they want much less sleep. Subsequently, you would possibly plan to show in at a good hour and wind down with bedtime tales as you do at house, particularly for those who plan to stand up very early.
When you’ve got a baby who nonetheless takes naps, then construct these respites into a protracted day at Disneyland. Some kids do finest with a stroller nap. Alternatively, many youthful youngsters desire nap time in a crib again within the resort room.
Learn extra journey sleep ideas for youngsters to verify everyone seems to be well-rested and prepared for his or her favourite rides and particular occasions at Disneyland.
13. Deliver or hire a stroller.
Make your life simpler by renting or bringing a stroller in your Disneyland trip. Debbie Fettback with WorldAdventurists.com says, “Even when your kids can stroll throughout adventures close to house, Disney is an entire different degree of stimulation and tiredness.”
She advises, “A stroller is useful when experiencing Disneyland with youngsters, even as much as age 6 or so. When you’ve got massive youngsters or you might be visiting Disneyland with a large group, then you’re going to get extra out of your day through the use of a stroller for youthful kids. Little ones can comfortably nap in a stroller whereas different members of the family take turns having fun with rides and points of interest.”
“Moreover, a stroller can also be a superb place to retailer simply replaceable objects whereas on rides,” says Fettback. She additionally recommends marking your stroller with a balloon or bow to make it simpler to search out within the sea of strollers in theme parks.
14. Make use of Child Care Facilities.
When visiting with younger kids, Disneyland’s Child Care Facilities is likely to be your loved ones’s finest good friend. These two services are staffed by Disney Forged Members and are available geared up with an array of useful objects for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
At Disneyland, discover the Child Care Heart on the finish of Most important Avenue subsequent to the First Assist middle. In the meantime, the middle is positioned subsequent to Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Store and throughout from the Bakery Tour in Pacific Wharf at Disney California Journey.
Neglect child formulation or run out of diapers? The Child Care Facilities supply merchandising machines with formulation, child meals, juice, diapers, wipes, sunscreen, pacifiers, and over-the-counter remedy. All you want is a bank card to buy the objects.
Need to nurse your child someplace snug and personal? Head to the nursing room within the nearest Child Care Heart.
Potty coaching your baby? There are tremendous useful toddler-sized bogs (for visitors below 42″ tall) at each Child Care Facilities. Altering tables can be found for infants, which may also be present in most bogs on the theme parks.
The Child Care Facilities additionally present a feeding space with highchairs and a kitchen with a sink, bottle heaters, and microwave (for bottles and child meals solely).
15. Know what to do if you cannot discover your baby.
Even when you do not have a child, it is good to know the place the Child Care Facilities are. That is as a result of misplaced kids discovered within the Disney Parks are delivered to the closest Child Care Heart. Misplaced youngsters present in Downtown Disney are introduced both to the Disneyland Lodge or the Child Care Heart off Most important Avenue in Disneyland, whichever is closest to the place the kid was discovered.
If you cannot discover your baby, alert a Disney Forged Member to get help with reuniting your loved ones. Put your thoughts relaxed by studying extra tricks to keep away from shedding your baby at Disneyland and different public locations.
16. Take a break through indoor Disney performances.
Nicole Hunter with Go Far Grow Close recommends taking a break from the bustle of the parks when crowds are heavy within the afternoons. She says, “When you might have had sufficient of lining up and dodging crowds, this can be a nice time to go see considered one of Disney’s unimaginable dwell musical theatre extravaganzas. Not solely will you get pleasure from an unimaginable manufacturing, but additionally you may relaxation your ft and funky down or heat up, relying on the climate.”
The Hyperion Theater at Disney California Journey Park seats almost 2,000 folks and showcases Broadway-caliber performances. It is best to think about lining up half-hour to an hour earlier than exhibits on the Hyperion Theater to remember to get seats.
Additionally at Disney California Journey, younger kids adore the indoor Turtle Discuss with Crush and Disney Junior Dance Social gathering. Over at Disneyland Park, all ages benefit from the 15-minute Enchanted Tiki Room present that includes animatronic singing birds and flowers. Greater youngsters may additionally respect the expertise of Nice Moments with Mr. Lincoln in Most important Avenue USA.
17. Use Rider Swap when visiting with younger kids.
With the Rider Swap system, you needn’t skip thrill rides simply since you’re visiting Disneyland with younger kids. In line with Disneyland.com, “With Rider Swap, one grownup or supervising Visitor (14 years or older) can wait with non-riders whereas the remainder of the social gathering enjoys the attraction. Then, they merely change roles to permit the supervising Visitor to expertise the attraction with out ready within the common queue once more.”
About Rider Swap, Kris with Nomad by Trade says, “Better of all, the grownup riders get to carry two different riders with them so older youngsters could get an opportunity to journey twice in a row if they need. If the road is lengthy, then the father or mother and child ready exterior could even have time to hit a distinct journey or seize a snack.”
Rider Swap Rides at Disneyland
- Autopia
- Huge Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Indiana Jones Journey
- Matterhorn Bobsleds
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- House Mountain
- Star Excursions – The Journey Continues
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Rider Swap Rides at Disney California Journey
- Goofy’s Sky College
- Grizzly River Run
- Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!
- Incredicoaster
- Jumpin’ Jellyfish
- Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters
- Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree
- Radiator Springs Racers
- Foolish Symphony Swings
- Soarin’ Across the World
18. Minimize wait instances with the Single Rider line.
Thrill seekers will particularly respect Disneyland’s Single Rider possibility. You possibly can wait with household and associates throughout lengthy strains, however then shall be separated and slotted into empty spots when it comes time to journey.
Tweens and youths not afraid of driving on their very own will reduce wait instances considerably by standing within the Single Trip line as a substitute of the standby line. It is a nice option to maximize your time within the parks when visiting with massive youngsters however do not push younger kids to journey on their very own earlier than they’re prepared.
Single Rider Rides at Disneyland Park
- Splash Mountain
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Matterhorn Bobsleds
Single Rider Rides at Disney California Journey
- Goofy’s Sky College
- Incredicoaster
- Radiator Springs Racers
- Grizzly River Run
- WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Journey
19. Hold your loved ones entertained whereas ready in line.
Disney does a superb job of offering fascinating issues to take a look at whereas ready in line. For instance, there are humorous, pun-filled tombstones to learn whereas within the queue for the Haunted Mansion and an animatronic Mr. Potato Head interacts with folks lined up for Toy Story Halfway Mania. Nonetheless, it would be best to have some further leisure on-hand to maintain the troops occupied.
One in every of my household’s favourite diversions is the Heads Up! app. This online game is a word-guessing sport for all ages. You maintain the solutions as much as your brow whereas the remainder of your crew offers clues. Usually, different bored parkgoers look on and generally even begin enjoying with us!
If touring with little youngsters, a small bottle of bubbles goes a great distance when ready for points of interest. A small hand-held sport of tic-tac-toe or a Rubik’s dice makes an effective way to maintain larger youngsters off electronics for some time. For extra concepts, learn my prime ideas for journey video games for youths and journey toys.
20. Do not get dehydrated.
With all the joy of a go to to Disneyland with youngsters, it may be simple to neglect to drink sufficient water. However strolling, standing, and driving all day can result in dehydration. Particularly on sizzling, sunny days, dehydration can develop into harmful rapidly.
Avoid sugary drinks, caffeinated drinks, and alcohol as a result of this will worsen dehydration. As a substitute, stick with low-sugar rehydration drinks with electrolytes or good old school water.
Claudia Laroye with Claudia Travels recommends packing your personal refillable water bottles. She says, “It’s the eco-friendly option to hold the household hydrated and reduce down on disposable waste on the park. Disneyland makes staying hydrated simple by finding many water bottle refill stations and fountains all through the park.”
Check out this useful map of drinking fountains at Disneyland Resort, which can also be viewable within the Disneyland Cell App.
21. E book Disneyland meals prematurely.
Attention-grabbing eating experiences are one of many joys of a Disneyland trip. You possibly can book restaurant reservations as much as 60 days prematurely, and it’s best to. Typically a fast corndog is all your loved ones craves however for desk service meals, superior bookings are extremely really useful.
You could possibly dine “below the celebrities” whereas watching Pirates of the Caribbean boats sail previous at Blue Bayou Restaurant in Disneyland, get pleasure from a wonderful eating expertise at Carthay Circle Restaurant at Disney California Journey, or take heed to mariachis whereas munching tacos at Tortilla Jo’s in Downtown Disney.
22. Splurge on a personality eating expertise.
A few of my favourite reminiscences at Disneyland with my youngsters have taken place throughout character meals. These particular eating experiences give kids an opportunity to pose for images with traditional characters like Goofy and Minnie Mouse or princesses like The Little Mermaid and Snow White. Youngsters can get autographs for his or her Disney autograph book from much less widespread characters like Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother, too.
You should definitely dress children up as their favorite characters for the very best images and most memorable expertise! Learn my assessment to study extra about Disneyland character eating and resolve which meal works finest for your loved ones.
23. Select the proper lodging for your loved ones.
Lodging choices abound close to Disneyland. From funds motels to Disneyland Resort’s upscale, themed lodges, you are certain to discover a place that matches your loved ones’s model and funds.
A superb resort pool provides much more magic to Disneyland with youngsters. View the very best lodges close to Disneyland with swimming pools to see what I imply!
Staying on property at considered one of Disneyland’s three lodges creates an immersive Disney expertise. My favourite is the Disneyland Hotel with its traditional Disney styling and brief stroll to the Downtown Disney Monorail cease. Disney’s Grand Californian Resort & Spa is the fanciest of the trio with its unique Disney California Journey entrance and spectacular foyer designed like a U.S. nationwide park lodge. In the meantime, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel boasts a beachy California setting and fireworks views from its rooftop pool.
Should you’ve obtained a big household, you are touring with an enormous group, otherwise you simply need plenty of area to unfold out — then perhaps a trip rental house is extra your model. Resolve for your self by looking by way of vacation homes near Disneyland.
24. Benefit from Early Admission.
Disneyland has performed away with Early Magic Hours and changed them with Early Admission. This bonus is accessible to visitors staying at one of many three Disneyland Resort Accommodations.
Mainly, Disneyland and Disney California Journey open one half-hour early to Disneyland Resort resort visitors. Restricted rides, eating, and purchasing can be found throughout this time interval.
It might not sound like quite a lot of time, however whereas different households are nonetheless queueing as much as enter the parks, you possibly can be driving Peter Pan’s Flight or Incredicoaster!
25. Construct pleasure earlier than visiting Disneyland with youngsters.
Do you know that individuals typically really benefit from the anticipation of a vacation greater than their precise travels? To unfold out the enjoyment of your Disneyland trip, construct pleasure earlier than leaving house.
You possibly can create your own countdown calendar or obtain a free Disney countdown printable. Many dad and mom additionally up the happiness by selecting a unique way to tell kids they’re headed to Disneyland.
Within the weeks previous to your Anaheim getaway, have a good time all issues Disney at house. Ask to your kids’s enter relating to Disney eating places and rides in order that they really feel possession of the journey.
Let every member of the family select one (or extra!) Disney motion pictures to look at collectively per week. Learn Disney books to your youngsters at bedtime, too.
And take a look at on these Disney Princess gowns, Marvel Superhero outfits, and different Disney costumes so your youngsters shall be able to strut their stuff on the parks. You could possibly even host a household Disney trend present one night time!
Discover California past Disneyland.
It might be a disgrace to not discover extra of The Golden State throughout your Disneyland trip. Disneyland is positioned in California’s stunning Orange County. Transcend theme parks and discover the very best issues to do in Orange County with youngsters.
What would a visit to Southern California be and not using a seashore day? Pack your swimsuits and sand toys to hit the very best seashores in California.
San Diego is simply 95 miles from Disneyland, making it an incredible addition to your vacation. I lived in San Diego for a few years and I’ve obtained the within scoop on all of the issues to do in San Diego with youngsters.
Walt Disney created Mickey Mouse and dreamed up Disneyland whereas working and dwelling in Burbank, California. Discover enjoyable issues to do in Burbank, the Media Capital of the World.
From thrilling cities to small seashore cities and delightful nationwide parks, California has so much to supply households. Check out the very best locations to go to in California with youngsters!
Hold the following pointers for visiting Disneyland with youngsters.
For future reference, save this listing of tricks to maximize enjoyable and reduce stress at Disneyland with youngsters. Merely pin the picture above to Pinterest. We hope you’ll comply with Travel Mamas on Pinterest when you’re at it!
Who’s your favourite Disney Princess or character? Tell us within the feedback under!
A Observe from The Journey Mama: I acquired compensation from shopDisney.com associated to this put up. This story incorporates affiliate hyperlinks for which Journey Mamas earns a small fee at no further cost to readers. This story is up to date frequently to make sure up-to-date info for readers.
You may also like:
