Having Fun With Your Pre-Schooler at Disneyland!
Are you're questioning if Disneyland is the place to go with your toddler? Will they remember their magical experience? Let me tell you for a fact that your toddler will not only recall their extra special day but they will be talking about Disneyland incessantly like mine does. Disneyland is truly the happiest place on earth and most importantly it’s the greatest place to build memories. Toddlers are enchanted by the magic of Disneyland.
Let me share some housekeeping facts before we explore Disneyland together. Children under the age of 3 are free at the parks, and Southern California residents are eligible for a great offer now - a 3-day ticket for $149, that's less than $50 a day! Living in SoCal has it’s perks from our weather always being sunny to now being eligible for an MAJOR discount at Disneyland. Another added bonus, Disneyland is surrounded by hotels, book a room. Make it a staycation, this will give you a chance to rest, freshen up and most importantly wake up the next morning bright and early to experience Disneyland's Magic Morning. If you’ve never done this, do it NOW!!!!! Tomorrow morning as a matter of fact, yes, I’m being serious.
Did you know DIsneyland has Baby Centers, you’ll find kid-friendly foods, necessities you might have forgotten or run out of, ie: destin, diapers, etc. They also have super clean changing stations, a quite room with a rocking chair and most importantly a breastfeeding area. I love the Baby Center, when my little one falls asleep in the stroller that’s where you’ll find us.
Disneyland has Family-friendly restrooms! Families will find companion restrooms conveniently located throughout both parks. With six companion restrooms at Disneyland, and five at Disney California Adventure, parents have convenient options with this public restroom alternative.
Have you bought souvenirs and they don’t fit underneath the stroller. Secure your items, there are FOUR locker locations available for storing valuable items during a visit, with two in the main entrance plaza, one on Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland and another on Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure.
Have questions, need to pick up your Disney Celebration Buttons? Disneyland's renowned guest service is where you’ll find friendly cast members ready to answer questions at City Hall in Disneyland and the Chamber of Commerce in Disney California Adventure. Also for convenience because Disneyland thinks of everything, you’ll find Guest relations kiosks that are located throughout both parks, with supplies of park maps and time schedules.
Here’s the list of what attractions are best for your little Pre-Schoolers in Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.
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
Disney California Adventure:
Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
Turtle Talk with Crush
Disney Junior – Live on Stage!
Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters (32"/81 cm or taller)
Heimlich’s Chew Chew Train
Flik’s Flyers Francis’ Ladybug Boogie
King Triton’s Carousel
The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
Now let’s say you’ve been waiting in line and all of a sudden your little one flips his/her lid and doesn’t want to board the ride but you do. Let’s be real, we’re all kids at heart and when we’re at Disneyland it's extra special. Disneyland calls this, "Baby on board!" Disneyland offers the Parent “rider switch" policy. It gives both parents a chance to enjoy an attraction. 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.
How to maximize character experiences? Character Shows are some of the best opportunities to enjoy quality time with the family in an experience that’s mesmerizing for every age. Performances are scheduled daily, including Mickey’s Soundsational Parade or Main Street Electrical Parade and the stage production Mickey and the Magical Map at Disneyland, and both “Frozen-Live at the Hyperion” and “Disney Junior – Live on Stage!” at Disney California Adventure.
Some favorite spots for Character Encounters are Fantasy Faire, where Disney Princesses interact with guests, and Mickey’s House and Minnie’s House in Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland; and Cars Land where Mater and Lightning McQueen can be found cruising through Radiator Springs, and in Hollywood Land at Anna and Elsa’s Royal Welcome at Disney California Adventure.
Attention princess and princess, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique will be a delightful and cherishable memory. Children ages 3-12 receive the royal treatment at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Fantasyland. In this unique experience, parents may choose from a variety of packages with fun hairstyles, beautiful dresses and photography options that fit every budget. Parents watch the magical transformation unfold as young ones truly believe they are becoming their favorite Disney Knight or Princess.
Where to eat with your favorite character such as Cinderella, Minnie Mouse or Donald Duck at the Disneyland Resort. Five locations currently offer character dining experiences: Ariel’s Grotto at Disney California Adventure, Disney’s PCH Grill at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, Goofy’s Kitchen at Disneyland Hotel, Plaza Inn at Disneyland and Storytellers Café at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.
Have you forgotten your camera, your cell phone died and now you can’t take pictures. Or you want to take a family photo which is rarity because mom, we know it, you’re always taking the picture so you're rarely in any photos or you’re looking for the picture perfect spot.
Keep your eyes peeled for Disneyland's Snap the magic, this is where you’ll will find nine iconic photo spots across the Disneyland Resort. They are conveniently marked with a “Nikon Picture Spot” sign in front of beautiful locations such as the Partners statue in the Central Plaza at Disneyland, and Mickey’s Fun Wheel at Disney California Adventure. If you wish to have your photos taken professionally, ask a trained cast member for a free PhotoPass Card. At each subsequent encounter where a PhotoPass photographer is present, guests simply show the same card to collect all of their memories in one convenient place. Many photo packages are available, including digital and printed copies online and in person at Main Street Photo Supply at Disneyland and Kingswell Camera Shop at Disney California Adventure.
We believed in our idea - a family park where parents and children could have fun- together. Disneyland is a work of love. We didn't go into Disneyland just with the idea of making money. ~ Walt Disney