Disneyland Tips for Toddlers...
and Their Parents

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Chip 'N Dale's Treehouse in ToonTown:
Kids can stretch their legs. Adults will bonk their heads.

• Adults with kids don't have to stand in line if the ride is only for the adult.
  • Example 1: If Mom wants to ride Space Mountain but Dad and kids do not, tell the guy working the ride and show him your family. He will let Mom go in a special, shorter line.
  • Example 2: Mom and Dad both want to ride Space Mountain but they have an infant who can't. All 3 wait in line and when they get to the front, tell the staff you want to trade off. Mom rides first while Dad and baby wait; when Mom is done, Dad takes her seat and rides immediately.

• The best rides for the toddler crowd are listed here. Parents will need to go with their kids on these rides of course.
  • It's a Small World
  • Dumbo the Flying Elephant
  • Casey Jr. Circus Train
  • The Monorail
  • The Railroad

• Let your toddler run wild. If your little one doesn’t like being strapped into rides of any kind, go to:
  • ToonTown. It has play areas where they can run around on their own. This area is least crowded immediately after park opening.
  • Tom Sawyer's Island.. An island within Disneyland where everyone walks around on their own. Do keep a close eye on your children here though.
  • Redwood Creek Challenge Trail at California Adventure. Lots of room to run and climb but also requires supervision.
  • Playhouse Disney Live, also at California Adventure. It's not a place to play per se but it's a wonderful show for kids familiar with Bear in the Big Blue House, Stanley, and Rolie Polie Olie. It's about 20 minutes long and really cute. I wish I had a picture of the look on my toddler's face when gigantic Bear first came out and said hi. His jaw just dropped.

  • There's a Baby Center on Main Street, U.S.A. It's got rocking chairs, hot water, diaper changing supplies, and more. Note: They do have diapers for sale ($1 each) but not all sizes. When I went last, they only had sizes 3 and 4.

• Who Gets in Free? Children under 3.

• Changing tables are in both women's and men's restrooms. So don’t think Mom always has to do the diaper changes.

• Know your child's height and the rides' height restrictions before you go. They will be enforced.
  "It's a Small World" has a calming effect

• Label your toddler. One of the most important Disneyland tips for toddlers. Nobody plans to lose their child but what if they wandered away for a second? Those crowds are huge and never stop moving. Your child should have some identification, just in case.

  Include your child's name, your name, and your cell phone number. Write directly on them with a Sharpie (somewhere it won't wash off immediately) or on a luggage tag that you attach to their clothing.

• Take a digital photo of your child. Surely you have your digital camera with you? Snap a quick pic of your kids each morning of your park adventure. That way you’ll have an instant record of exactly what they were wearing to show security if necessary. Which brings me to...

• If your child disappears, tell Disney security. They are there to help you find them. And show them the picture you took!

• California Adventure has toddler rides. Quite a few in fact, in A Bug’s Land. California Adventure seems more geared to older guests, so this part of the park is usually pretty empty. None of the rides are "dark"; they’re all open-air, which my toddler liked.

• Bring or rent a stroller for any child small enough to fit in one, regardless of age. You won't believe how much you'll be walking. Letting your kids rest while you walk is good for everyone, plus they're easier to keep track of. Take your own or rent one at the park, right near the main entrance for about $10/day.

• Get 3 (sometimes 4) Disney movies for $1.99 each and free shipping by joining the Disney Movie Club ($2.99 each in Canada). They offer over 1,000 Disney titles, plus you'll get special offers and discounts. It's a great way to fill the weeks before your trip when your kids keep asking "How much longer til we go to Disneyland??" or to bring along and watch in the hotel room.

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