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The AAA Companion

Feature Article

The wonder of it all

Vacationing at Disneyland with small children does require a little extra planning and patience, but it's certainly worth the effort.

By Janna Graber

It was 10 a.m. when my family and I passed through the entrance gates of Disneyland, eager to begin our adventure. Armed with sunscreen and water bottles, we marched down Main Street, U.S.A., ready for our first ride of the day.

That's when the chaos began. “Let's go to Pirates of the Caribbean,” our oldest pleaded, pulling me toward New Orleans Square. My husband, meanwhile, had pulled out the map and was pointing toward the spine-chilling Star Tours.

Just then, I caught sight of our two youngest children, ages four and two. They were rooted to the sidewalk, staring in open amazement at the scene before them. They watched as a smiling vendor sold red balloons on the sidewalk, while happy tunes pumped from the stores along the street. Sleeping Beauty Castle loomed large in the distance, and one of their favorite Disney characters, Belle, danced about in the street.

My youngest son pointed his tiny finger at Belle and grinned. It was the kind of moment that parents dream of.

Wonder aside, though, the reality of taking preschoolers to Disneyland quickly set in. It's one thing to visit the park with a teen or older child; it's something completely different to visit with a little one.

For one thing, toddlers and roller coasters don't mix. Forget about riding Splash Mountain or the Matterhorn—at least as a family. And skip the Indiana Jones Adventure; it's way too scary.

Visiting a Disney park with several age groups requires a strategy, and it took us only a few minutes to decide on ours: We would spend the morning at attractions the whole family could enjoy. In the afternoon, when the younger ones were tired, the other two could head for the bigger rides, while the little ones and I enjoyed a rest before visiting Mickey's Toontown.

Since that trip, I've talked with many other families who have taken their preschoolers to Disneyland. They've offered a few simple tips to make each day go smoothly.

Practicalities

It helps to do a little planning before your visit. Since nothing is cheap at Disneyland, consider bringing in water bottles and small snacks for your family. (Although Disneyland does not allow coolers, guests may bring in small items that can be carried in a backpack or purse.)

Little legs tire quickly, so strollers are another necessity. They can be rented for $8/day inside the main entrance. While the canopied strollers work well for kids ages 1–7, they are not geared toward infants.

Even with a stroller, children can get lost. Make sure your children know what to do if they can't find you: They should ask a Disneyland employee with a name tag for help. Park employees are trained to handle such situations. Lost children are taken to City Hall on Main Street, U.S.A., where parents can claim them.

Appropriate attractions

Disneyland has many attractions that are good for the whole family, including Tarzan's Treehouse, Jungle Cruise, It's a Small World and Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes.

If the lines are long, consider getting a FASTPASS on the rides where it's available. Simply insert your ticket into the FASTPASS turnstile and receive an appointment time to return and ride. There is no charge to use FASTPASS, but you can receive only one appointment for one ride at a time. Still, it beats waiting in a long line!

Many of Disneyland's theatrical productions are appropriate for small children. Snow White—An Enchanting Musical, is a good example. Shown in the Fantasyland Theatre throughout the day, the show has extravagant sets and includes the story's beloved characters and songs.

Other Disney productions, however, can be scary for preschoolers because they rely on the element of surprise or visual impact for a thrill. Honey, I Shrunk the Audience, Muppet Vision 3-D and It's Tough to Be a Bug! are all filled with loud music, lasers and effects which may frighten some children.

Dining options

All this adventure can make a person hungry, but even eating is part of the fun at Disneyland. You can dine with Disney royalty at the Plaza Inn Royal Disney Princess Breakfast. This all-you-can-eat buffet has food even the pickiest child will love. Cinderella and her friends are frequent guests, so your children can meet their favorite characters personally.

Since the breakfast is a popular attraction, it's best to call ahead and request priority seating. (This can be done up to 60 days in advance by calling 714-781-DINE.)

Another favorite restaurant for little ones is Club Buzz in Tomorrowland. The eatery's basic fast-food fare is served up with intergalactic flair. Buzz Lightyear and his pals entertain with an action-packed live stage show held here six times a day. There is plenty of shaded outdoor seating that allows good viewing of the show.

There is no shortage of dining options at Disneyland, but lines can be long. To avoid waiting, try eating early or after peak dining periods.

Taking a rest

Disneyland is huge, and the crowds can wear out little ones—and their parents! Consider going back to your hotel after lunch for a rest. A break from the activity can help you avoid the meltdowns that come with overly tired toddlers, and you'll all have new energy to enjoy Disneyland into the evening.

If you have a baby and need a quiet place to rest or feed anytime during the day, head to the Baby Center on Main Street, U.S.A. Rocking chairs and everything you need for warming bottles, preparing formula or changing diapers are onsite.

Attractions just for little ones

Disney knows children and how to entertain them. At Mickey's Toontown, your child can explore Mickey's house, and then meet Disney's best-known couple, Mickey and Minnie, in person. Those who purchase a AAA Vacations Package for Disneyland are invited to Mickey's Toontown Morning Madness, an exclusive hour with Mickey before Toontown opens to the public.

Young children will enjoy visiting the Chip ‘n' Dale Treehouse and playing in Goofy's Bounce House. On the other hand, Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin has intense special effects that could be frightening for some.

Other preschooler favorites are The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and the Enchanted Tikki Room in Adventureland, which has been thrilling children for four decades. Pinocchio's Daring Journey in Fantasyland offers just the excitement that kids ages 2–7 are looking for.

Disneyland for parents

Who says kids should have all the fun? If you're intent on riding the roller coasters, try the Child Switch Pass, Disneyland's answer for parents who want to enjoy bigger attractions. When a family has children too small to ride an attraction, one parent can request a Child Switch Pass. While one parent rides, the other waits with the child. When the first parent returns, the other parent gets to ride without having to stand in line again.

Sometimes, parents also need time on their own. Disney has an answer for that as well. Your children can visit Pinocchio's Workshop, an activity-filled childcare club at Disney's Grand Californian hotel, while you have a romantic dinner at Downtown Disney or get a massage at Disney's Eureka Springs Spa. Additionally, Disneyland can arrange an in-room babysitter if your little one needs to nap.

While vacationing at Disneyland with small children requires a little extra planning and patience, it's certainly worth the effort.

As we rode Peter Pan's Flight at the end of our day, a tiny voice came through the darkness. “Mommy, look!” my four-year-old whispered in awe, “we're flying!”

And that, as any parent will tell you, made the entire day worthwhile.

Colorado native Janna Graber is a freelance writer, editor and mother of three.