7 Things All Parents Should Know Before Taking the Kids to Disneyland
When you’re the parent, you set the tone for your Disneyland vacation. Even if your kids have been to Disneyland before, as soon as you get there, everything becomes new and exciting again.
When you’re prepared and know what to do, things just go better. Whether everything goes according to plan, or if the unexpected happens, you’ll be in good shape with these 7 things to know before taking your kids to Disneyland.
Know Where to Stay Before Taking the Kids to Disneyland
When it comes to taking the kids to Disneyland, we always recommend that you stay as close to the parks as possible. We love the hotels of the Disneyland Resort. They are the most magical and convenient places to stay with kids. If it’s in your budget, it’s our #1 choice.
There are also several nearby Good Neighbor Hotels across the street that we highly recommend. No matter where you decide to stay, you’ll appreciate being able to easily go to and from your hotel for nap time, a quick swim, meal or rest. Here are some of our favorite hotels with kids:
- Disneyland Hotel includes Early Entry with valid theme park admission and reservations
- Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa includes Early Entry with valid theme park admission and reservations
- Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel includes Early Entry with valid theme park admission and reservations
- Courtyard by Marriott Theme Park Entrance & Waterpark Resort includes access to their private waterpark, Surfside Waterpark
- Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel & Water Playground includes access to their Garden Pool and water playground, Castaway Cove
- Best Western PLUS Park Place Inn includes free continental breakfast daily
- Fairfield Inn by Marriott short walk to Disneyland and nearby dining
And really, there are so many more! Each of the above hotels have a fridge in the room and some have extra amenities that families love as well. Plus, our team at Get Away Today is always just a phone call away to help you decide which hotel is best for your family.
Know How to Make the Most of Your Time with Kids at Disneyland
The official Disneyland app will be your best planning friend when it comes to being on your Disneyland vacation. It’s free to download, and you can download it before your trip. An interactive map of the entire Disneyland Resort is available to check at any time, so you can familiarize yourself with the parks before you go.
Once you’re at the Disneyland Resort, you can use the app for pretty much everything. You can check park hours, the entertainment schedule and ride wait times. You can make dining plans up to 60 days before your travel dates at table service restaurants, and even mobile order your meals at quick service restaurants so you don’t have to wait in line to order food with hungry kids!
You can also use the app to make Lightning Lane selections if you’ve purchased Disney Genie+. We recommend adding Disney Genie+ to your Disneyland ticket purchase to lock in a fixed rate before you go.
If your kids are little and can’t ride some of the larger attractions, but you want to keep your family photos from the day, one person in your group can purchase Disney Genie+, and you’ll get the whole group’s worth of photos from each day you have it added to your ticket.
Know the Value of Convenience and Breaks Before Taking the Kids to Disneyland
If you are traveling with babies or toddlers, you will want to take advantage of the Baby Care Centers. These areas are clean and quiet, and feature changing stations, high chairs, microwaves for use, private nursing areas and even toddler sized toilets for potty training.
The Baby Care Center also has extra supplies in stock. You can find things like baby food, diapers, wipes and formula available for purchase. If you are traveling with an older child that gets overwhelmed easily and needs a break, consider taking one in the Baby Care Center. These are one of the very few areas in the parks where there is no music piped in. It’s a great place to take a quick breather, even if only for a few minutes.
Both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure have a Baby Care Center. They can be found at the end of Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland and in Pacific Wharf in Disney California Adventure Park.
We also suggest making good use of your hotel for mid-day breaks. When you choose a nearby hotel, it makes it convenient to return for naps or a quick swim. We recommend break time between lunch and dinner to reset for night time shows and entertainment.
Just in Case Tips Before Taking the Kids to Disneyland
Most likely, your vacation will go off without a hitch, but it’s good to be prepared “just in case.” Consider wearing coordinating colors to make each other easy to spot. Make sure your kids have your contact info on them at all times and talk about what to do if you get separated. Point out the “helpers” (anyone with an official Disney badge) who will bring all lost children to the Baby Care/Lost Children Centers.
Additionally, all parents should know that there are First Aid Stations located in both parks and in Downtown Disney. First Aid Stations are staffed by registered nurses and they keep select medications available free of charge in single doses.
If you need an ice pack, aspirin or even a bandaid for a blister, they’ve got you covered so you can get back to your day of fun at Disneyland. The First Aid Station staff will treat minor injuries and direct you to the nearest and best medical facilities should further attention be required.
Stroller and Locker Tips Before Taking the Kids to Disneyland
Even if you don’t typically use a stroller in your daily life, you may want to consider bringing or renting one for your Disneyland vacation. Not only will you and your kids be walking a lot more than usual, you’ll be bringing more things with you than normal as well. Strollers are a great place to store non-valuables like jackets, snacks, water bottles and more.
If you’re bringing your own stroller into the Parks, it must be no larger than 31" (79cm) wide and 52" (132cm) long. These dimensions will work with most single and double strollers, but keep in mind that any wagon type stroller is not permitted.
If you’re unsure about your stroller meeting requirements, or you just don’t want to pack one, you can rent one at the Resort. Stroller Rentals are available at the Parks for a daily fee. Strollers cannot leave the theme park areas, but you can return your stroller at the rental booth at your current park, then show your receipt at the next park to receive another stroller for free.
If your kids really are too old to justify bringing a stroller, consider renting a locker instead. Locker rentals can be found at the entrance of each park and are great for storing heavy or more expensive items like a nice camera. There are different sizes of lockers ranging in price from about $7 - $15 per day, which includes unlimited access all day long.
What Parents Should Know About Rides Before Taking the Kids to Disneyland
Disney’s “Child Swap” or “Rider Switch” option makes it easy for families with young children to experience thrill rides without wasting hours in line.
Take your family to the entrance of any ride with a height requirement entrance and let them know you’d like to swap riders. At that time, the Cast Member will verify that you have someone who doesn’t meet the height requirement staying behind. The Cast Member will then scan up to three tickets for a return time, generally whatever the stand-by return time is, plus time for flexibility.
The group that is riding first will then get in line for the attraction. You can use either the Lightning Lane queue if you have a Lightning Lane for the attraction, or the Stand-by line. When the first group is done riding, the adult who stayed behind can bring up to two guests with them and they’ll get access to the Lightning Lane queue, whether or not the first group used that line.
There are many rides with no age or height requirement at the Disneyland Resort. Additionally, there are many shows and entertainment options that are perfect for all ages. Here are some of our favorite attractions for kids at the Disneyland Resort:
Disneyland Park
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Jungle Cruise
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- “it’s a small world”
- Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
- Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
- Disneyland Railroad
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway
Disney California Adventure Park
- The Little Mermaid - Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
- Monsters. Inc - Mike and Sulley to the Rescue!
- Toy Story Midway Mania
- Jessie’s Critter Carousel
- Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind
- Pixar Pal-A-Round
- Turtle Talk with Crush
- Disney Junior Dance Party!
If you’re traveling with children, it’s worth mentioning that kids must be at least 7 years old to ride alone and be accompanied by someone at least 14 years old.
What Parents Should Know About Food with Kids at Disneyland
Whether your kids have dietary restrictions or not, chances are they have pretty specific preferences. Disneyland caters to everyone and no one handles food needs better than Disney.
You can find kid-friendly foods like chicken tenders, mac-n-cheese, fresh fruit, pizza and so much more at nearly every restaurant in the parks. You can also find kids power packs that typically come with a yogurt, crackers, fruit and a drink. If your kids have any allergies, whether it’s dairy, gluten, eggs, or anything else, you just need to let the restaurant know. They are equipped to handle it.
Another must when visiting Disneyland with kids is bringing snacks. Disneyland allows outside food and drink, including lunchbox-sized bags and coolers. As long as you don’t bring in glass containers, alcohol or loose ice, you are good to go.
With kids, it’s easier, healthier and less costly to keep your family’s favorite snacks on-hand. You can also bring in water bottles and refill regularly to keep everyone hydrated and happy.
Booking your Disneyland Vacation
When taking the kids to Disneyland, the most important thing to remember is that you’re on vacation! Slow down, take your time and allow your family to enjoy making memories that will last a lifetime.
When you’re ready to get planning, we’re ready to help. We’d love to help you find the perfect hotel and get everything set up for your vacation. All of our Disneyland tickets and packages can be found online. Or, you can call our agents directly at 855-GET-AWAY for personalized assistance.
Join the Conversation!
Leave A CommentPoulin familyAugust 17 2015
L.C. and Bobbie both have great ideas, I like to put a piece of paper with our names and contact info inside the girls fanny packs incase we get separated...yes I make our family wear ugly old school fanny packs cause they are hands free unlike a purse or bag and back packs must be removed for rides and fanny packs don't. Also fit a few snacks in those fanny packs as well to get thru the day w/o having to spend a ton of money.
DouglasAugust 26 2013
L.C. brings up a lot of good idea's. To maybe add or a different approach, I like to text my wife where are car is. Same goes for if we get a locker. I text her the locker number. That way we both have the information.
BobbieAugust 26 2013
Bring your own glow sticks/wands for the night time. Kids will want the thins in th park, but if you already have them from the dollar store you will not need to pay$7-$20 for one!
L. C.August 26 2013
Bring in your own lunch and snacks. If you are planning on purchasing meals have the kids split an adult lunch, the kids meals are a totally rip off. Bring in empty waterbottles, and refill them as needed. Plan ahead. Cars Fastpasses, first thing, the go fast. Get fastpasses when you can. Afternoon shows are great way to get out the heat of the day, and are nice break. Bring a poncho for the wet rides. Take a picture of your car, where you parked, and your family, to avoid an confussion or if some is lost.