Visiting Disneyland with a toddler can feel like a daunting task. You might find yourself wondering, “Will they remember this? Is it worth it? Will they actually enjoy it?” As a mom who recently took the plunge and brought my almost 3-year-old to Disneyland, let me assure you: it is absolutely worth it! Whether they remember every detail or not, the joy and excitement they experience in the moment make it all worthwhile. Plus, almost a year later, my son still talks about our trip, the rides we went on, and the characters we met.
One of the best decisions we made was taking him just before his 3rd birthday because kids under 3 get in for free! This was a huge bonus, and it made the trip even more special. So, we packed light, only bringing two backpacks, and took an early direct flight from Vancouver to Los Angeles. With no time to waste, we jumped in a taxi and headed straight to Disneyland. Having our tickets purchased in advance was a lifesaver—I highly recommend doing this. Not only does it save you from the hassle of buying tickets at the gate, but it also ensures that you can get into the park of your choice without worrying about it being full.
Getting Organized: Strollers, Lockers, and Lightning Lane
Once we arrived, we rented a stroller and got a locker to store our stuff. The lockers are conveniently located just a few steps into Main Street, on the left side. There are two sizes available, and you can pay with a card. As soon as we entered the park, I activated my Genie+ (now called Lightning Lane Multi-Pass), which we paid $30 USD each for—my little one didn’t need a pass. This is another must-have for any Disneyland trip, especially with a toddler in tow. The Lightning Lane pass saved us countless hours of waiting in line, allowing us to ride all the attractions we wanted and even take breaks to rest when needed.
Day Two: California Adventure and Park Hopping
On our second day, we headed to Disney California Adventure. I had purchased a Park Hopper ticket just in case there weren’t enough toddler-friendly rides in one park. The Genie+ also worked across both parks, so we could easily hop between Disneyland and California Adventure, making the most of our time. Although my little one didn’t make it to the nighttime show (it had been a busy day!), we still enjoyed it while he slept soundly in the stroller. After the show, we headed back to the hotel to rest before our journey home the next day.
Pro Tips for a Stress-Free Disneyland Experience with a Toddler
Toddler-Friendly Rides: What We Loved Most
When it comes to rides, I’ll be sharing a more detailed itinerary in another post, but for now, here’s a quick list of the rides my almost 3-year-old loved the most:
“It’s a Small World” – This classic ride was a hit with my son. The bright colors, cheerful music, and gentle pace make it perfect for little ones.
“Dumbo the Flying Elephant” – Flying high on Dumbo was another highlight. The ride is short but sweet, and seeing the park from above was thrilling for my toddler.
“Peter Pan’s Flight” – This ride takes you through the story of Peter Pan, and the magical elements really captured my son’s imagination.
“The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh” – Another gentle ride, this one was filled with familiar characters and was a calming experience for both of us.
“Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters” – For a bit of interactive fun, this ride allowed us to shoot lasers at targets, and my son loved trying to hit them.
Looking Ahead
In an upcoming post, I’ll share a detailed itinerary of the best rides and attractions for toddlers at Disneyland, along with my thoughts on each. Whether you’re planning your first trip or your tenth, I hope these tips help make your Disneyland adventure with a toddler as magical as ours was!
