8 tips for visiting Disneyland with preschoolers
Heading to Disneyland with a toddler is one of the magical moments of being a parent as your child’s eyes light up with wonder and amazement. But it can also be a harrowing experience for parents as you navigate around the park with the crowds.
Here are some tips to help you plan your visit to both Disneyland and California Adventure:
1. Get the app: The official Disneyland app contains useful information, including attraction wait times, FastPass return times maps, entertainment guides, and other special features. You can also use the app to purchase tickets with your mobile phone, find characters, and even order food and beverages at select fast-casual and quick-service restaurant locations.
2. Baby Care Centers: There is a Baby Care Center in Disneyland at the end of Main Street, U.S.A., and in California Adventure at Pacific Wharf. These staffed locations offer nursing rooms, changing rooms, feeding areas, microwaves, and other items.
3. Family-friendly restrooms: There are six companion restrooms in Disneyland and five at California Adventure.
4. Secure your items: If you feel you need a place to store some valuables, there are four lockers. Two are in the main entrance plaza, one on Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland, and another on Buena Vista Street at California Adventure.
5. Best attractions for toddlers: Here are the rides, shows, and attractions for preschool-aged children.
Disneyland
- Alice in Wonderland
- Casey Jr. Circus Train
- Storybook Land Canal Boats
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- The Royal Theatre at Fantasy Faire
- “it’s a small world”
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Goofy’s Playhouse
- Mickey’s House and Minnie’s House
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
California Adventure
- Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
- Disney Junior – Live on Stage!
- Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
- Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters
- The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
6. Parent rider switch: This policy gives both parents a chance to enjoy an attraction a young child may not want to board. A parent who waits with that child while the other parent rides the attraction may then board the ride with minimal wait time after the first parent exits. Check with a cast member before getting in line.
7. Character meetings: Some favorite spots to meet characters at Disneyland include Fantasy Faire, where Disney Princesses interact with guests, and Mickey’s House and Minnie’s House in Mickey’s Toontown. In California Adventure, in Cars Land, Mater, and Lightning McQueen can be found cruising through Radiator Springs, and in Hollywood Land, you can meet Anna and Elsa.
8. Character dining: At the Disneyland Resort, parents and preschool-aged children may enjoy a tasty meal in the company of a favorite character such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, or Donald Duck. Four locations offer character dining experiences: Napa Rose at Disney’s Californian Hotel and Spa, Goofy’s Kitchen at Disneyland Hotel, Plaza Inn at Disneyland, and Storytellers Café at Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.
(Note: This story has been updated on Aprl 3, 2024.)
