Parenting | Navigating Disneyland with a Toddler by One Funny Mummy
Updated: Dec. 1, 2016 | Originally Published: Jan. 25, 2014
Planning a trip to Disneyland with a toddler? Here are some handy tips to help you enjoy the adventure—at least enough to come back in one piece!
- Get Your Tickets in Advance: Purchase your tickets online and print them at home. Trust me, you don’t want to waste even more time in line after already waiting 20 minutes to park, 15 minutes for the tram, and another 20 behind the family buying annual passes for everyone they know. Toddlers are not fans of waiting!
- Indulge Early: As soon as you enter the park, grab an ice cream cone or a cupcake—or both! You might already be regretting your choice to visit “The Happiest Place on Earth,” but sugar can give you a fleeting sense of joy for a few minutes.
- Beware of Party Animals: Prepare to attract a rowdy group of loud adults who will inevitably stand behind you in tram lines. It’s karma for every time you’ve been one of those people. Consider sneaking in a little flask, because honestly, who knows if Disneyland even serves drinks?
- Skip the LA Traffic: Avoid driving through Los Angeles to reach Disneyland—it’s rarely a good idea. Instead, consider staying at a budget hotel nearby or crash with a relative. Bonus points if you can leave another child with them for a stress-free day!
- Pack Distractions: Bring a bag filled with toys and books to keep your little one entertained during those long waits. You’ll need something to distract yourself, too!
- Avoid ‘Hangry’ Moments: Don’t let yourself get too hungry and settle for overpriced chicken nuggets and soggy fries. Stick to popcorn, churros, and cotton candy throughout the day to keep your spirits up.
- Sugar for the Win: When your child, who usually naps at 1:00, starts turning into a tiny tyrant, just give her a little more sugar—like the moms on those reality shows. It surprisingly works!
- Switch Up the Rides: If your toddler is fixated on the carousel and won’t stop asking for it, distract her by taking a spin on the teacups. She’ll be too busy trying not to get dizzy to ask again!
- Find Cool Spaces: If the weather is unusually warm, head to “It’s a Small World.” It’s air-conditioned and the ride lasts long enough for you to cool off.
- Embrace the Chaos: If you start feeling overwhelmed, just look around. You’ll see other parents sporting the same look of frustration as they juggle their own tantrum-throwing kiddos. Resist the urge to high-five your partner when you see another child misbehaving; your turn is coming, too!
Summary
Taking a toddler to Disneyland can be a monumental task, but with a little planning and a sense of humor, you can survive the chaos. From buying tickets ahead of time to keeping your little one entertained, these tips will help you navigate the park and make the most of your visit. Don’t forget to check out this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination, as well as our other blog posts.