Growing up in Southern California only 30 minutes away from The Happiest Place on Earth means that I went a lot. I went with family, with friends, and even with a young girl that I babysat for awhile. Then when I got older and had a family of my own Mike and I were able to get passes one year and take the kiddos several times. I’ve been to Disney parks through all stages of young motherhood–pregnancy, newborns, and toddlers. One thing I can tell you is that there is so much to do at Disneyland with even your littlest ones! And the best part is that you don’t have to purchase a ticket for children under three–so what are you waiting for? Here are some of my thoughts for doing Disney with a toddler.

doing Disney with a toddler

keep your expectations realistic

Just keep in mind that you’re going to the park with tiny humans. Just like you get tired and hungry, so do they. Only they get much more tired and hungry much quicker than you do and they don’t hide their emotions very well. Make sure you pack snacks and plan for nap times accordingly. You don’t have to worry about leaving the park for a nap either. Find a quiet, cool corner and take turns with your partner going on rides. Or enjoy a meal in peace while they snooze. Shows can also be a great opportunity for your little ones to nap while you continue to get your Disney fill. If you remember that you’re dealing with tiny people who have big opinions and emotions your day will run a lot smoother.

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scope out rides ahead of time

One of the things that really impresses me about Disney parks is how much you can do with the shortest in your crew. You can even wear your baby on many of the rides which was a dream when I had number three! Not having to transfer s slumbering newborn from a stroller to my arms was so nice. You also might be surprised at how many rides your toddlers will be tall enough for. A quick check of height requirements before your trip will let you prepare your child if there’s something they really want to go on. Plus, if they’re just barely below the limit you can plan accordingly yourself–there’s a reason why my son wore cowboy boots with heels for his first couple trips… and it wasn’t just so he could look like Woody, wink wink. And of course, don’t forget about rider swap for parents!

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b.y.o.s.–bring your own stroller

I suppose this is personal preference but I much prefer to bring our own stroller to theme parks. You know your kids will be comfortable in them. You also know how they work–how they open and close and how to lock the wheels. Plus, you’re more used to them so you’ll be able to pick them out of a sea of generic strollers. Not to mention that you’ll save money since you won’t have to rent them. Just don’t forget to check your own stroller and make sure that it’s within the size guidelines for the park you’re visiting. And if you’re questioning if you’ll really need it and it’s worth the hassle the answer is yes. All the walking, hustling, and lack of naps really wear kids out so it’s definitely worth the hassle of dealing with them on the trams and in the crowds.

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remember who you’re doing this for

It’s true–my kids don’t really remember much now about all those trips to Disneyland we took just a few years ago. But at the time it was all they talked about. Make sure you’re doing the experiences, shows, and rides that they’ll like. Does your toddler actually care about waiting in line for every character, or do you just want to make sure you have a million pictures? Maybe a character dining experience would be a good compromise. Does your child care about being there from rope drop to fireworks, or should you maybe plan two half days so that everyone is more relaxed and happy? As the parent you have a lot of control over whether everyone has a fun trip or everyone is stressed out. Try to keep perspective.

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our favorite rides when doing Disney with a toddler:

Disneyland

• Jungle Cruise
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Haunted Mansion (our kids were never scared of this ride but I know some littles are)
• King Arthur’s Carrousel
• Pinocchio’s Daring Journey
• Snow White’s Enchanted Wish
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant
• Peter Pan’s Flight
• Storybook Land Canal Boats
• Alice in Wonderland
• Mad Tea Party
• It’s a Small World
• Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
• Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage

Disney California Adventure Park

• Monster’s Inc. Mike and Sulley to the Rescue
• WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure
• The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
• Golden Zephyr
• Toy Story Mania
• Jessie’s Critter Carousel

Have you ever done a Disney park with a toddler? What was their favorite thing?