GUIDE TO DISNEYLAND
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I would not call myself a Disneyland expert at all, not even remotely, but I always like hearing people’s experiences and perspective as well as tips and tricks on Disney with small children. The last time we were at Disneyland was February 2020, just before the pandemic, and we hadn’t been since then and a lot has changed, including our kids’ ages. This time we just did Disneyland for one day, not park hopper, so this guide will focus on one simple (does it exist?) day at Disneyland.
PREP
Tickets. There is a current deal through early March on kids tickets for $50/day. Our PTA also has a $50/day deal, worth checking into if yours does as well. Our adult tickets were over 3x this much of course, but it was still a significant savings overall. We went on an off peak-season weekday and it was still PACKED. I can’t even imagine it getting any more crowded but of course, it does.
Hotels. I’m no help here because our vacations are not solely Disney centered, so we stay off site at a resort near the beach. I actually prefer it this way and it is so nice having our own kitchen and quieter pool and beach days. We hear great things about the Disneyland Hotel though, and a variety of nearby less expensive ones.
Timing. We try to get there as early as reasonable possible. We left where we were staying around 7:15am, we arrived and were parked, through security lines, and on the tram within an hour, and in the park ten minutes later. Rope drop is at 8am. These early morning hours are the best and least crowded.
Weather. Unpredictable, and we had it all, which is February in Southern California. Clouds, sun, rain, and back again, all of it. We were glad for layers. We were also glad we brought kids and adult ponchos, and even more glad that we were undercover in a line for most of the rain and we didn’t need them.
Genie+ and Lightning Passes. My sister in law prepped me on buying this and I thought no way was I spending an extra $30/person for shorter lines. Our friends that we were has passes so we did too so we could stay together and we were glad about that. Saved us hours, I am not joking. Not every single ride has this option to book a time, but the ones with long waits do, and for us, to cut down on all the waiting in lines with small kids and to get more rides in, it was worth it.
TO WEAR
For me: I want Disney but subtle. I wore leggings, a mickey tee shirt, a zip off hoodie, a crossbody bag (I love this one so much, similar here), Minnie Ears (a two pack for cheap, great for matching, a total steal because in the park they are $30 each). Shoes, and this is important: wear the sneakers, I wore my not very fashionable but tried and true daily running shoes (same style, current version here). Super happy both weather and comfort wise with my outfit and it served me well.
For girls who are into princesses: my four year old wore matching ears, and this is not Disney, but the best Hanna Andersson tulle play dress which was perfect. It isn’t available right now, but it’s tulle on the outside for the princess factor with a cotton liner on the inside which makes it comfortable all day unlike most Disney dresses. Remember the tumble shorts under. Princess dresses are great too! I’ve heard the tip about Disney princess nightgowns, which can be softer and more comfortable, or also can always wear tumble shorts or leggings under anything itchy too. Target and Amazon have lots of cute Disney shirts and outfits.
My elementary aged son wore this mickey tee shirt and shorts, and my husband wore this mickey shirt and shorts, and their mouse ears are the cheapest ever here. My kids also wear apple air tags bracelets, just on the off chance we lose each other. These aren’t perfect tracking, but something for peace of mind for big crowds.
To consider: going with friends! This was an absolute highlight (and maybe even unrepeatable?) but find yourself some great friends who are the most easygoing travel companions, and go with them. The fun parts are even more fun, and the chaotic parts are more manageable. That was such a dream and so awesome for us all.
TO BRING
In your backpack: external charging bank. Absolutely saved the day. I grabbed a cheapie $6 one the day before and we used it to charge three of our phones during the day, and if we were down three phones that really would have been a problem. The Disneyland app drains your battery very quickly, and you’re using it constantly to book rides, check wait times, take photos, etc. We also brought and were glad to have: hats, sunscreen, bandaids/a tiny first aid kit, and glow stick bracelets! Really fun in the evening. Would have liked to have had: a permanent marker and something creative beyond an autograph book to write on for character autographs: have heard of things like plastic Christmas ornaments, a pillowcase, a shirt, etc.
To stroller or not to stroller. For my kids right now (age 7 and 4), a stroller is key. I am not sure when they outgrow this, but we walked 8 miles and for getting from ride to ride quickly and easily, and for storing all the snacks, we love having this. You can rent one there, we didn’t, we brought our umbrella stroller on the plane. I saw some cool stroller hanging labels with family’s last names on them for finding quickly and easily after the rides (they often can get moved by employees keeping them organized). And they all look like the same black stroller lined up.
To download: the app, of course. For maps and genie+ and wait times and character spotting, all the things. Try to get familiar with it in advance. You can toggle back and forth at the top of the map to view attractions vs characters, etc.
TO BUY/SOUVENIRS
Best thing we bought in the park: bubble wands! (similar here). We bought Buzz Lighyear four years ago and still have it and miraculously, it still works, so we packed that. They are $30 in the park and I can barely believe we paid that last time but it was our one souvenir from the day. These are readily available in many other styles online (or at Five Below for $5 if you are in the Southern California area) and we have one of those and it has held up well. It’s pretty magical being followed by tiny bubbles everywhere and so very Disney. We also bring a small bubble refill solution because it goes fast. You are allowed to bring all of this in.
We do penny pressing for $1 + a penny. The most bargain souvenir there is and it’s fun to choose a character.
In Main Street at City Hall near the entrance/exit, you can ask for free button pins. There are a few kinds: first visit, Celebrating, Happily Ever After, etc. You can ask for which one you’d like.
THE RIDES
The rides we did: we started at Star Wars and did both of those, note that the Lightning Lane at Rise of the Resistance is an extra $26/person (too scary for our 4 yr old so her and I explored), then to Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters, Autopia, It’s a Small World, the carousel, Mad Hatter Tea Party, the boat cruise near there, Mickey’s Toon Town and Thunder Mountain Railroad (my family’s favorite for all four of us and mine too as a child). Characters we got photos with: Daisy Duck, Jessie from Toy Story, Darth Vader, Merida from Brave. It is impossible to do everything in one day at Disney so you have to go with your kids top favorites and leave the rest.
On flexibility. Things change quickly at Disneyland, including weather, wait times, rides closing because of rain or for reasons you don’t know (even as you are just about to get on!) and you have to prepare yourself and your kids for those inevitable moments. It is the day of the pivot.
TO EAT
Last time, we made lunch reservations at the Blue Bayou restaurant and ordered full entrees. That was fine, but I thought we could do it more efficiently this year. This time we brought in enough snacks for the whole day. Here is a great travel tip for PB&Js: we make an entire loaf, then I wrap each in a paper towel and put them back in the bag to store them. I also pack tons of easy snacks, cans of sparkling water and cold brew lattes, and all our water bottles for refilling. Also key: I pack travel hand sanitizer spray and spray all of our people when they come off each ride.
Treats. My kids love the Dole Whip ($7). We like the specialty flavors like mango and strawberry and loaded with chili lime at the Tiki place in Adventure Land, but that line was an hour wait (!!) so we mobile ordered standard pineapple and it was ready in 2 minutes. I also love a good chocolate covered banana.
We caught the parade at 5pm, and headed out right as it ended at 6pm. There are two In-N-Out’s nearby within 10 minutes. We were all starving and this was perfect, we did this same routine last time too and I would do it again.
POST GAME INTERVIEW
Disney is so great and also can be so overwhelming and overstimulating, with the added pressure kind of like a wedding in that it’s so expensive and only one day so it feels like everything must be perfect. That’s a lot of pressure and stress! It’s wonderful, and also it’s crowded and loud and sensory overload in so many areas. Still: it’s nostalgic, excellent people watching, and extremely fun. I do not think it is my “happiest place on Earth,” but I still really enjoy it, we all had a blast and it was truly magical. I actually think it’s even more magical for me as a parent. I just love watching it all through my children’s eyes and there is an extra layer of wonder there.
I plan to print our photos in a Chatbook. I love this simple, inexpensive way to memory keep a special trip. Use code AllieSeidel-CRWJ to get your first book free (up to $10).
I view Disney not as a childhood rite of passage or something to check off, but as a privilege. It is outrageously expensive for a day, and I know not everyone gets to go. I even have some successful, well adjusted adult friends who have never been, not even once. It’s not for everyone! Overall, we all had a great time and I’m glad we did it and we all fell asleep exhausted and happy and we will likely do it again at some point. I will go on the record to say though, that when asked, my kids still say that LEGOLAND is their very favorite theme park. Maybe this has to do with their ages (4 and 7), but I get it - less waiting, more rides, still just as/if not more fun for them right now (and the best part that they don’t even realize is, our annual passes there are about the same price as one day at Disney). I love both places for different reasons. See all our LEGOLAND insider tips are here.
Disney, it’s still really something. Enjoy the magic.
