|
It’s easy to see why toddlers love Disneyland: all of the fun characters, so much to see and do, all in one place! But taking a toddler to Disneyland can be a daunting task – trying to coordinate schedules with nap time, figuring out what to pack and how to get around, etc. Here are some tips and tricks for planning your trip to Disneyland with a little one, that may help you avoid some of the parental pitfalls and make your day a little more enjoyable!
Planning for your Trip:
• Check the Disneyland website or call the park hotline (714-781-4565) for park hours and activities for the date you want to visit.
• Plan ahead if you want multi-day tickets. Multi-day passes are available at the gate; however, they’re available at a significant discount online if you can plan ahead. Check out specific prices for the length of your desired visit on the Disneyland website.
• Plan your day as much as possible before you arrive. Park maps are available at the Disneyland website and recommended itineraries for youngsters can be found online as well.
• Try to plan your visit for a less crowded day, if possible. In general Monday – Thursday will be far less crowded than Friday – Sunday, except on holidays.
• Locate all of the restrooms on your map when you arrive. Bring a highlighter and highlight them, as you won’t want to have to search for them when you’re in a hurry!
• Check the boards at the ticket huts when you arrive to see which attractions are closed. It’s nice to know ahead of time if something you were planning on is being refurbished, so you can re-schedule your time and prepare your toddler, if necessary, for the disappointment.
• Remember that a lot of kids are afraid of the characters when they meet them in person. Be prepared that your child may cry when s/he meets Goofy in person, even if this is their favorite cartoon in the whole world! Accept it and let them watch from afar, if necessary, to avoid unnecessary tears and frustration (yours and theirs!).
A Checklist of Things to bring:
• Sunscreen and Hats for both you and your child (available in the gift shops if you forget!) Apply sunscreen ahead of time to decrease your child’s frustration when you arrive. Hats will help keep the hot sun off your child’s head and face, as well.
• Camera and extra film – also available in the gift shops if you need it, as are extra batteries.
• Drinks and snacks to give your toddler while you wait in line – sold throughout the park, but it’s expensive and a baggie of pretzels or fishy crackers and juice box can save the day if you’re stuck in line for an hour!
• A stroller – Strollers are available for rent for about $7 in the park; however if you have a comfortable stroller save the money and bring your own.
• A few diapers and wipes. Diaper supplies are a must; in an emergency you can check out the Baby Center across from the Carnation area on Main Street (marked on the Disneyland Map).
• Flat shoes for everyone! You’ll be doing a lot of walking, and some of the kid’s attractions have climbing and jumping. Closed toe shoes are recommended.
• A Change of Clothes for the Kids – if your kids go on any water rides, or want to run through the water fountain in Tomorrowland they’ll probably get soaked. This is a great way to cool off; however, you’ll want a change of clothes for them to put on afterward (including shoes, since shoes are required in the fountain). Of course with toddlers, carrying a change of clothes is always a good idea anyway!
• A large shoulder bag to carry your items in. It’s nice to have a large shoulder bag to stick them in so you can leave this with your other supplies in the bottom of the stroller while you go on rides. Take your keys and valuables with you, of course!
• Sweatshirts or Light jackets are recommended if you’re going to be at the park through dinnertime. Even in Southern California, the breeze can make the evening air chilly quickly!
If you need anything during your day at Disneyland, don’t be afraid to ask for help. The park employees are incredibly helpful and can direct you to the right resources. Very few people know about the Baby Center, right across from the Walt Disney statue in Central Plaza. There is a First Aid center right next door, which you’ll hopefully never need but it’s nice to know is there.
The most important thing is to relax and have fun. You might not have time to go on all of the rides, but if you take your time, relax and enjoy your day, you’re guaranteed to have a great time. Take lots of pictures to remember your day, and remember it’s supposed to be the Happiest Place on Earth, so enjoy!
| 
