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Disneyland with children is probably the most magical expertise…when you do it proper. There’s actually nothing extra superb than seeing Disney’s authentic 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 don’t desire your loved ones to wind up exhausted, overwhelmed, and cranky whereas exploring theme parks. Follow these 25 greatest Disneyland with children tricks to reduce stress and maximize enjoyable throughout your Disney trip in California.
This story is dropped at you in partnership with storeDisney, the official website for Disney merchandise.
1. Rank rides and exhibits so as of significance.
Between Disneyland and its sister park, Disney California Adventure, it is not potential to expertise all the things in sooner or later, and even in a single trip. Therefore, you 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 a listing of must-do experiences adopted by second-tier points of interest, issues that will be good if there’s time, and what could be skipped. When touring with totally different age teams, prime picks will differ vastly so get able to compromise.
Not positive what to place on the prime of your listing of favourite points of interest? If touring with younger kids, then make sure to learn our picks for the perfect Disneyland rides for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Meanwhile, these touring with larger children and teenagers ought to check out the scariest rides at Disneyland.
The earlier you enter the parks; the shorter strains are usually. Therefore, plan to hit the preferred rides like Radiator Springs Racers in Cars Land first.
2. Group points of interest collectively.
The greatest Disneyland rides are unfold all through the assorted lands at each Anaheim theme parks. Don’t waste time operating from WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure in Disney California Adventure to Splash Mountain in Disneyland. Instead, decide one fashionable trip 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, because the Matterhorn can also be in shut proximity to Tomorrowland, you may group this with rides like Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage and Space Mountain as a substitute.
Then determine which close by land incorporates the following bunch of points of interest that enchantment to your loved ones and transfer on to these. Believe me, you will 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 children, develop a schedule earlier than you enter the parks. You do not wish to waste treasured time observing park maps and arguing about what to do subsequent. But it is equally necessary to reside within the current second and take in the enjoyable.
The first few occasions I went to Disneyland as a brand new mother with little children, 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 Main Street or exploring Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer’s Island together with your children. Everyone will likely be happier when you do.
4. Let your youngster turn out to be a Disney character for a day.
Childhood does not final without end so lean into the surprise of Disney when visiting with younger children, 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 equipment from storeDisney earlier than your trip.
Got a mini Aurora or Moana at house? Browse the Disney Princess Celebration assortment now!
Take a take a look at different Disney costumes, too. From Star Wars to Toy Story and past for boys and for women at storeDisney.
5. Get into the spirit with Disney clothes.
Everyone is a child once more once you’re at Disneyland, so make sure to get Disney clothes like themed t-shirts, hats, and clothes for folks, too. Buying Disney gear upfront from storeDisney saves money and time throughout your trip.
Bright matching shirts are a enjoyable approach to go for the entire household. Plus, this trick makes it simpler to search out one another in a crowd.
6. Pace yourselves.
Many households wish to squeeze as a lot enjoyable as potential into their Disneyland trip. They arrive at opening time within the morning and solely go away after the final firework has burst over Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. Especially when visiting with babies, that is positive to result in a meltdown from a minimum of one member of the family. Instead, tempo yourselves.
If you wish to be there at rope drop to reap the benefits of the shortest strains of the day, then think about skipping the night leisure. Or get to the parks as early as potential 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 trip curler coasters and keep till closing time.
7. Consider visiting only one theme park per day.
Park Hopper Tickets permit company to go to each Disneyland and Disney California Adventure in sooner or later. This is useful when you’ve got solely sooner or later and many must-sees spanning throughout the 2 parks. It’s additionally useful if, for instance, you wish to spend the morning at Disneyland after which benefit from the World of Color nighttime spectacular at Disney California Adventure.
In my private expertise, nevertheless, it is best to spend a minimum of 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 Adventure.
You will avoid wasting cash by selecting One Park Per Day Tickets. Plus, you will spend much less time climbing from park to park. And there’s much less strain to do all the things all of sudden. Instead, your loved ones can deal with the joy of every park individually.
8. Invest in Genie+.
Replacing MaxCross and FastPass, Genie+ is an non-compulsory Disney improve. It affords digital entry by way of smartphones at Disneyland to make shortened queue wait-time requests.
For fashionable points of interest, use Genie+ to skip the standby line and provides your children higher entry to their favourite rides by way of the Lightning Lane. Reserve your spot in line upon entry to Disneyland or Disney California Adventure. Note: you may reserve every Genie+ trip or attraction simply as soon as per day.
Additionally, Genie+ consists of limitless PhotoCross downloads. Selfies are nice, however PhotoCross photographs are even higher!
Genie+ Lightning Lane Attractions at Disneyland
- Autopia
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Buzz Lightyear Astroblasters
- Haunted Mansion
- Indiana Jones Adventure
- “it’s a small world”
- Matterhorn Bobsleds
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin
- Space Mountain
- Splash Mountain
- Star Tours – The Adventure Continues
Genie+ Lightning Lane Attractions at Disney California Adventure
- Goofy’s Sky School
- Grizzly River Run
- Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!
- Incredicoaster
- Monsters, Inc. Mike and Sulley to the Rescue!
- Soarin’ Over California
- Toy Story Midway Mania!
- WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure
9. Skip strains with an Individual Lightning Lane buy.
For the uber-popular rides, like Star Wars Rise of the Resistance and Radiator Springs Racers, you should buy an Individual 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). This is a further value on prime of (or rather than) Genie+.
10. Use the Disneyland App (a.ok.a. Disney Genie).
Disney Genie is free however Genie+ prices further to entry points of interest by way of the Lightning Lane. Confused but?
Even when you do not buy Genie+, you may nonetheless scope out theme park choices like wait occasions, peak necessities, eating choices, and Disney Park resort reservations by way of your smartphone with the Disneyland app (often known as Disney Genie).
The complimentary Disney Genie will enable you to plan your day by suggesting close by rides based mostly in your preferences. To save time ready in lengthy strains for meals and snacks, you may even order meals upfront out of your cell system at no further cost from some quick-service eating places.
11. Wear snug footwear.
Of course, you need everybody in your crew to be snug on the Happiest Place on Earth. According to Kylie Gibbon, a mother and journey fanatic, “Disneyland is huge and you’ll be doing tons of walking. In fact, my family clocks over 20,000 steps per day when we visit!”
She continues, “Therefore, it’s super important that everyone wears appropriate shoes. Don’t wear anything uncomfortable or that is likely to give painful blisters to your family members’ feet. Ideally, the top pick for footwear for you and your kids is worn-in, sturdy trainers or cushioned walking sandals. Flip-flops are too flimsy, and heels are an obvious no-go.”
12. Prioritize sleep at Disneyland with children.
Nothing results in household arguments and amusement park tantrums sooner than lack of sleep. That’s why households ought to stick with wholesome sleep routines throughout a Disney trip.
Depending on their age, kids want eight to 13 hours of sleep per night time (and much more for infants and toddlers). Just as a result of children are having enjoyable, it does not imply they want much less sleep. Therefore, you would possibly plan to show in at a good hour and wind down with bedtime tales as you do at house, particularly when you plan to rise up very early.
If you might have a toddler who nonetheless takes naps, then construct these respites into a protracted day at Disneyland. Some kids do greatest with a stroller nap. On the opposite hand, many youthful children choose nap time in a crib again within the resort room.
Read further journey sleep ideas for kids to verify everyone seems to be well-rested and prepared for his or her favourite rides and particular occasions at Disneyland.
13. Bring 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 if your children can walk during adventures near home, Disney is a whole other level of stimulation and tiredness.”
She advises, “A stroller is helpful when experiencing Disneyland with kids, even up to age 6 or so. If you have big kids or you are visiting Disneyland with a large group, then you will get more out of your day by using a stroller for younger children. Little ones can comfortably nap in a stroller while other family members take turns enjoying rides and attractions.”
“Additionally, a stroller is also a good place to store easily replaceable items while 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 Baby Care Centers.
When visiting with younger kids, Disneyland’s Baby Care Centers is perhaps your loved ones’s greatest good friend. These two amenities are staffed by Disney Cast Members and are available geared up with an array of useful gadgets for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
At Disneyland, discover the Baby Care Center on the finish of Main Street subsequent to the First Aid heart. Meanwhile, the middle is positioned subsequent to Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop and throughout from the Bakery Tour in Pacific Wharf at Disney California Adventure.
Forget child system or run out of diapers? The Baby Care Centers supply merchandising machines with system, child meals, juice, diapers, wipes, sunscreen, pacifiers, and over-the-counter remedy. All you want is a bank card to buy the gadgets.
Want to nurse your child someplace snug and personal? Head to the nursing room within the nearest Baby Care Center.
Potty coaching your youngster? There are tremendous useful toddler-sized bathrooms (for company underneath 42″ tall) at each Baby Care Centers. Changing tables can be found for infants, which can be present in most bogs on the theme parks.
The Baby Care Centers 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 youngster.
Even if you do not have a child, it is good to know the place the Baby Care Centers are. That’s as a result of misplaced kids discovered within the Disney Parks are dropped at the closest Baby Care Center. Lost children present in Downtown Disney are introduced both to the Disneyland Hotel or the Baby Care Center off Main Street in Disneyland, whichever is closest to the place the kid was discovered.
If you may’t discover your youngster, alert a Disney Cast Member to get help with reuniting your loved ones. Put your thoughts comfy by studying further tricks to keep away from shedding your youngster at Disneyland and different public locations.
16. Take a break by way of 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 have had enough of lining up and dodging crowds, this is a great time to go see one of Disney’s incredible live musical theatre extravaganzas. Not only will you enjoy an incredible production, but also you can rest your feet and cool down or warm up, depending on the weather.”
The Hyperion Theater at Disney California Adventure Park seats practically 2,000 individuals and showcases Broadway-caliber performances. You ought to think about lining up half-hour to an hour earlier than exhibits on the Hyperion Theater to make sure to get seats.
Also at Disney California Adventure, younger kids adore the indoor Turtle Talk with Crush and Disney Junior Dance Party. Over at Disneyland Park, all ages benefit from the 15-minute Enchanted Tiki Room present that includes animatronic singing birds and flowers. Bigger children may additionally recognize the expertise of Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln in Main Street USA.
17. Use Rider Switch when visiting with younger kids.
With the Rider Switch system, you need not skip thrill rides simply since you’re visiting Disneyland with younger kids. According to Disneyland.com, “With Rider Switch, one adult or supervising Guest (14 years or older) can wait with non-riders while the rest of the party enjoys the attraction. Then, they simply switch roles to allow the supervising Guest to experience the attraction without waiting in the regular queue again.”
About Rider Switch, Kris with Nomad by Trade says, “Best of all, the adult riders get to bring two other riders with them so older kids may get a chance to ride twice in a row if they want. If the line is long, then the parent and kid waiting outside may even have time to hit a different ride or grab a snack.”
Rider Switch Rides at Disneyland
- Autopia
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Indiana Jones Adventure
- Matterhorn Bobsleds
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Space Mountain
- Star Tours – The Adventure Continues
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Rider Switch Rides at Disney California Adventure
- Goofy’s Sky School
- Grizzly River Run
- Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!
- Incredicoaster
- Jumpin’ Jellyfish
- Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters
- Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree
- Radiator Springs Racers
- Silly Symphony Swings
- Soarin’ Around the World
18. Cut wait occasions with the Single Rider line.
Thrill seekers will particularly recognize Disneyland’s Single Rider possibility. You can wait with household and mates throughout lengthy strains, however then will likely be separated and slotted into empty spots when it comes time to trip.
Tweens and teenagers not afraid of using on their very own will lower wait occasions considerably by standing within the Single Ride line as a substitute of the standby line. This is a good way to maximise your time within the parks when visiting with massive children however do not push younger kids to trip 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 Adventure
- Goofy’s Sky School
- Incredicoaster
- Radiator Springs Racers
- Grizzly River Run
- WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure
19. Keep your loved ones entertained whereas ready in line.
Disney does a very good job of offering attention-grabbing 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 individuals lined up for Toy Story Midway Mania. Still, it would be best to have some further leisure on-hand to maintain the troops occupied.
One 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. Often, different bored parkgoers look on and typically even begin enjoying with us!
If touring with little children, 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 a good way to maintain larger children off electronics for some time. For extra concepts, learn my prime ideas for journey video games for teenagers and journey toys.
20. Don’t get dehydrated.
With all the joy of a go to to Disneyland with children, it may be simple to overlook to drink sufficient water. But strolling, standing, and using all day can result in dehydration. Especially on scorching, sunny days, dehydration can turn out to be harmful rapidly.
Steer away from sugary drinks, caffeinated drinks, and alcohol as a result of this could worsen dehydration. Instead, 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 way to keep the family hydrated and cut down on disposable waste at the park. Disneyland makes staying hydrated easy by locating many water bottle refill stations and fountains throughout the park.”
Take a take a look at this useful map of ingesting fountains at Disneyland Resort, which can also be viewable within the Disneyland Mobile App.
21. Book Disneyland meals upfront.
Interesting eating experiences are one of many joys of a Disneyland trip. You can ebook restaurant reservations as much as 60 days upfront, and it is best to. Sometimes a fast corndog is all your loved ones craves however for desk service meals, superior bookings are extremely beneficial.
You might dine “under the stars” whereas watching Pirates of the Caribbean boats sail previous at Blue Bayou Restaurant in Disneyland, get pleasure from a positive eating expertise at Carthay Circle Restaurant at Disney California Adventure, or hearken to mariachis whereas munching tacos at Tortilla Jo’s in Downtown Disney.
22. Splurge on a personality eating expertise.
Some of my favourite recollections at Disneyland with my children have taken place throughout character meals. These particular eating experiences give kids an opportunity to pose for photographs with traditional characters like Goofy and Minnie Mouse or princesses like The Little Mermaid and Snow White. Kids can get autographs for his or her Disney autograph ebook from much less widespread characters like Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother, too.
Be positive to costume kids up as their favourite characters for the perfect photographs and most memorable expertise! Read my evaluation to study extra about Disneyland character eating and determine which meal works greatest for your loved ones.
23. Choose the appropriate lodging for your loved ones.
Accommodation choices abound close to Disneyland. From funds motels to Disneyland Resort’s upscale, themed lodges, you are positive to discover a place that matches your loved ones’s fashion and funds.
A wonderful resort pool provides much more magic to Disneyland with children. View the greatest lodges close to Disneyland with swimming pools to see what I imply!
Staying on property at one among Disneyland’s three lodges creates an immersive Disney expertise. My favourite is the Disneyland Hotel with its traditional Disney styling and quick stroll to the Downtown Disney Monorail cease. Disney’s Grand Californian Resort & Spa is the fanciest of the trio with its unique Disney California Adventure entrance and spectacular foyer designed like a U.S. nationwide park lodge. Meanwhile, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel boasts a beachy California setting and fireworks views from its rooftop pool.
If you’ve got bought a big household, you are touring with an enormous group, otherwise you simply need a lot of area to unfold out — then perhaps a trip rental house is extra your fashion. Decide for your self by looking by way of trip houses close to Disneyland.
24. Take benefit of Early Admission.
Disneyland has performed away with Early Magic Hours and changed them with Early Admission. This bonus is obtainable to company staying at one of many three Disneyland Resort Hotels.
Basically, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure open one half-hour early to Disneyland Resort resort company. Limited rides, eating, and purchasing can be found throughout this time interval.
It could not sound like lots of time, however whereas different households are nonetheless queueing as much as enter the parks, you may be using Peter Pan’s Flight or Incredicoaster!
25. Build pleasure earlier than visiting Disneyland with children.
Did that individuals usually really benefit from the anticipation of a trip greater than their precise travels? To unfold out the enjoyment of your Disneyland trip, construct pleasure earlier than leaving house.
You can create your personal countdown calendar or obtain a free Disney countdown printable. Many mother and father additionally up the happiness by selecting a distinctive approach to inform children they’re headed to Disneyland.
In the weeks previous to your Anaheim getaway, have a good time all issues Disney at house. Ask on your kids’s enter concerning Disney eating places and rides so that they really feel possession of the journey.
Let every member of the family select one (or extra!) Disney films to observe collectively per week. Read Disney books to your children at bedtime, too.
And strive on these Disney Princess robes, Marvel Superhero outfits, and different Disney costumes so your children will likely be able to strut their stuff on the parks. You might even host a household Disney trend present one night time!
Explore California past Disneyland.
It could be a disgrace to not discover extra of The Golden State throughout your Disneyland trip. Disneyland is positioned in California’s lovely Orange County. Go past theme parks and discover the greatest issues to do in Orange County with children.
What would a visit to Southern California be with out a seashore day? Pack your swimsuits and sand toys to hit the greatest seashores in California.
San Diego is simply 95 miles from Disneyland, making it an awesome addition to your vacation. I lived in San Diego for a few years and I’ve bought the within scoop on all of the issues to do in San Diego with children.
Walt Disney created Mickey Mouse and dreamed up Disneyland whereas working and residing in Burbank, California. Explore 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 rather a lot to supply households. Take a take a look at the greatest locations to go to in California with children!
Keep the following tips for visiting Disneyland with children.
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A Note from The Travel Mama: I obtained compensation from storeDisney.com associated to this publish. This story incorporates affiliate hyperlinks for which Travel Mamas earns a small fee at no further cost to readers. This story is up to date often to make sure up-to-date info for readers.