Growing up in Florida, I was a Disney kid. Some of my favorite childhood memories are from trips to Disney World with my family. So naturally, when I had a child of my own, I wanted to continue the tradition. First, I did a Disney princess gender reveal. Then, when my son turned one, my mom and I took him to the park to celebrate his birthday. This year, we went back for his second birthday with two of his friends and their moms. Going to Disneyland with a toddler (not to mention three toddlers!) is a whole different experience.
Luckily, the moms happen to be Disneyland pros. I learned so many great tips from them, plus a few things of my own along the way. Here are my top takeaways to make your visit as smooth and magical as possible.
My Tips for visiting Disneyland with a toddler
1. Get There Early for a Stress-Free Start
I was not thrilled when my best friend suggested a 6am wake-up call, but getting to Disneyland with a toddler right when it opened was so worth it.
From 8am to about 10:30am, the lines were way shorter, and we got on so many rides before the crowds picked up. It was 1000% worth the early alarm.
2. Bring Plenty of Snacks
Yes, Disneyland has plenty of food, but when you’re with toddlers, someone is always hungry.
Bringing snacks from home saved us time, prevented meltdowns, and even helped us cut down on food costs. Plus, it made waiting in line much easier when a little one suddenly needed a snack ASAP.
3. BYOB – Bring Your Own Bottle (Water, That Is!)
There are plenty of refill stations around the park, which I first learned from a cast member on a previous visit. Staying hydrated is key when you’re navigating Disneyland with a toddler all day!
4. Let Them Burn Off Energy in Toddler-Friendly Spots
Mickey’s Toontown is the spot for toddlers.
It’s a safe and fun space for them to run around, climb, and explore. My son was obsessed with the slide and bouncy bridge—we ended up going twice in one day!
Bonus tip: It’s also a great spot for lunch, with lots of kid-friendly food options.
5. A Parent Break at Galaxy’s Edge
Let’s be real—Disney with toddlers is exhausting.
A quick glass of wine at Galaxy’s Edge was the perfect reset. It’s a restaurant, so you can eat there too (highly recommend the pretzels with cheesy jalapeño queso). But we just grabbed a drink while the kids were entertained by the DJ robot (whose name I still don’t know—sorry, Star Wars fans!).
6. Download the Disneyland App for Wait Times & Planning
Knowing the wait times for rides is so helpful!
Heads up: The app isn’t always 100% accurate, but it still gives you a good idea of what to expect and helps you plan your day strategically.
7. Balance Fast and Slow Rides for a Happier Toddler
When a ride ended too quickly, our toddlers got upset. So we found a good balance between short, exciting rides and longer, more relaxing ones. It also gave us a chance to sit down between waits.
Here were our top picks for rides at disneyland with a toddler
Shorter Rides:
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- King Arthur Carrousel
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Mad Tea Party
Longer Rides:
- Jungle Cruise
- Autopia
- It’s a Small World
- Pirates of the Caribbean
8. Dress in comfy layers
Comfort is key! But that doesn’t mean you can’t look cute. This year, our tees were from Etsy (they have so many personalized options!). Last year, we did a mix of Target and Disney merch I bought online. Depending on when you go it can be cold, crazy hot, or a mixture of both. So make sure to bring layers. Luckily toddler mom life means you have a stroller to stash everything!
Mom Picks
Toddler Picks
Family picks
