The magic of the Disneyland Resort never gets old and never fades. And seeing it through the eyes of a preschool child is like seeing it for the first time all over again. Last week we partnered with Disneyland for a #DisneyKids media event. We had a magical time with our 2-year old grand niece and 4-year old grand nephew and their parents. It was a family affair! We had three generations of family together for the magical fun! We’re posting our top 5 tips for Disneyland Resort with preschool kids. Let the smiles and fun and magic begin!
Each guest’s photo is taken upon first entering
There is so much magical fun to be had and memories to be made with preschool children at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park. There are attractions/rides aimed specifically for the little ones. And of course a slew of attractions/rides that the whole family can enjoy together. After all … it doesn’t matter! Whether 2-years old or 92-years old, we’re all #DisneyKids at heart!
Tip #1 – Be prepared!
- There are family-friendly bathrooms conveniently located throughout both parks. Six companion bathrooms in Disneyland and 5 in California Adventure Park, to be exact.
- There are also Baby Care Centers located in each park: in Disneyland at the end of Main Street; and in Disney California Adventure at Pacific Wharf. The Baby Care Centers are equipped with nursing rooms, changing rooms, feeding areas, microwaves and more.
- There are four locker locations for storing valuables, extra clothes and child care items: 2 are located in the main entrance plaza (before entering either park); 1 on Main Street in Disneyland; 1 on Buena Vista Street in Disney California Adventure.
- Don’t forget to take advantage of the excellent Guest Services. They have helpful answers and invaluable advice. This service is always given with a friendly smile!
- Take advantage of the Parent “rider switch.” One parent/adult rides while the other waits with the child. The second adult get a short wait line as soon as the first adult exits the attraction. Brilliant!
- Measure your little one’s height before getting to Disneyland. There are some rides with a height requirement. Knowing ahead of time can save time and perhaps ward off disappointment.
- Install the Official Disneyland App on your phones for up-to-date attraction/ride wait times.
- Tweet @DisneylandToday for quick answers to questions about what’s happening at the parks while you’re actually there. In real time. We love this option!
- Be sure to stop by City Hall or Guest Relations for First Visit and Happy Birthday buttons.
Waving to Mater in Carsland
Luigi’s Rollicking Roadsters
Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree
Tip #2: Choose with rides/attractions without height requirements. You can find this specific information on the Disneyland website. Just follow this link. We’ve done it for you! And here are a few of our favorite preschool friendly attractions:
- The new Luigi’s Rollicking Roadsters are a kick. Everyone, including our Pre-K #DisneyKids loved riding around in these adorable little wi-fi controlled vintage cars.
- Climb aboard the little tractors of Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree. Our little ones loved it!
Francis’ Ladybug Bug Boogie
Princess Dot’s Puddle Park
Heimlich’s Chew Chew Train
- Our Pre-K #DisneyKids loved Francis’ Ladybug Bug Boogie. They seriously laughed the entire ride.
- Princess Dot’s Puddle Park is perfect for cooling off on hot day. And Heimlich’s Chew Chew Train is a preschooler’s fantasy dream come true!
Tuck & Roll’s Drive ‘Em Buggies
Flik’s Flyers
- Our little Brayden will never forget his first ride with his daddy on Tuck & Roll’s Drive ‘Em Buggies.
- Flik’s Flyers had our preschoolers, Brayden and Londyn over the top excited experiencing their ‘basket’ go round and round with their mom.
- FYI: Try to sit in the back seat on Monsters, Inc. Mike and Sully to the Rescue! The littles get a much better view of everything from the backseat. *wink
Toy Story Midway Mania!
King Triton’s Carousel
- Toy Story Midway Mania! Good fun for all ages. The adults may find themselves out to beat their peers while the Pre-K crowd takes a delightful brightly colored paintball aim at their favorite Toy Story friends.
- King Triton’s Carousel is not to be missed. Your preschoolers will love riding around on whimsical sea creatures from the deep blue sea.
The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
Jumpin’ Jellyfish
- The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure is a musical and optical delight!
- Jumpin’ Jellyfish had our (now 11-year-old) Kennedy all but hanging over the safety bar, back when she was a preschooler, to see all that she could see!
- Redwood Creek Challenge Trail is the most extravagant wooded play park we’ve ever seen. Preschool kids LOVE it! And truth be told … so do the adults. (Currently closed for renovations.)
it’s a small world
Sleeping Beauty’s Castle
- it’s a small world is not to be missed! The preschool crowd is mesmerized with 15 minutes of music and dancing dolls.
- Sleeping Beauty’s Castle is the entrance to Fantasyland which of course is a preschooler’s dream.
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
Mickey’s Toontown
- Our preschooler grandkids have always been on the daring side. Snow White’s Scary Adventures and Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride were always two of Kennedy’s favorites. (Cast members would even give her a flashlight to light her way!)
- It’s my personal belief that the Disney Imagineers had the Pre-K gang in mind when they designed Mickey’s Toontown. It’s like taking a walk in the Disney animated archives!
Disney Junior – Live on Stage
Tip #3 Take advantage of inside entertainment, especially in inclement weather.
- Disney Junior – Live on Stage is a for kids of all ages. The preschool kiddos will love the music, interaction and dancing. They’ll also get to see all their favorite Disney characters.
- The Animation Academy is full of magical experiences. From Turtle Talk with Crush to Anna & Elsa’s Royal Welcome the Animation Academy is full of activities and entertainment.
Frozen – Live at the Hyperion – Image credit: Disneyland
Fantasy Faire – Image credit: Disneyland
- Frozen – Live at the Hyperion is nothing short of a professional Broadway production. The actors are uber talented and can sing like nobody’s business. Our preschoolers enjoyed the entire show without making a peep or a wiggle. We laughed with delight and sang along with our favorite songs. Simply brilliant!
- Meet Disney Princesses and see live shows at Fantasy Faire.
Princess Lunch at Ariel’s Grotto
Brayden meets Captain America
Tip #4 – Character Meet and Greets
- Are your #DisneyKids over the moon for Marvel Superheros? They’re going to love meeting their heroes up close and personal for autographs and photos.
- You’re also going to find favorite Disney characters throughout both parks just waiting for autographs and photo opps.
PhotoPass opportunity
Tip #5 – Take advantage of the Disney Professional Photographers
- Take full advantage of the Disney Professional Photographers and the PhotoPass Card. The photographers are at iconic locations and know how to capture your magical memories. *Hint: The pros will also capture the memories with your personal camera!
Personalized Mickey Ears
Dancing to live music
Our Extra Tip – Make lasting memories!
- Remember: the famous Mickey Ears are available in preschool sizes too! Seriously… have you ever seen anything as adorable as these Mickey Ears with the kiddos names embroidered on them? A magical memory and lifetime keepsake!
- There’s live music everywhere in both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park. Not only will you see mini parades marching about but there’s live entertainment at many of the dining venues. As you can see our granddaughter danced her little heart out with Grandpa!
- FYI locals! Don’t forget you can purchase the Southern California Ticket which give you 3 days of flexible magic!
- And remember … everyone, especially the preschool crowd, will love, Love, LOVE the Main Street Electrical Parade and the Disneyland Fireworks.
- Now, and most importantly … have the MOST magical time!
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Jeanette says
OH what fun! It looks like you all had a great time there! I am past the toddler stage with my kiddos, but my SIL is just getting into them. I can’t wait to share this with her.
Cathi Crismon says
Oh Jeanette… our youngest grandchild is 11-years old. We made this a big family day centered around our great-nephew and great-niece. It was so fun to get three generations together at the Happiest Place on Earth!
Dawn McAlexander says
These are some great tips. If we follow them all, then our kids are just about guaranteed to have a great time.
Cathi Crismon says
Hi Dawn! It’s always a magical time at Disneyland and we’re all for getting in as much fun as we can before the day comes to an end.
Cathi
Robin Rue says
These are all such awesome tips! I have taken my kid when they were this age and they had a blast.
Cathi says
Oh Robin … isn’t the preschool age magical? Everything is such a new and real discovery to them. SO fun!
Cathi
Ash Sears says
I have never taken kids this young to Disney but these tips would make it easy. Thanks for sharing!
Cathi says
It’s much easier taking littles to Disneyland then one might think. Preschool kids are delighted with everything and Disneyland makes it easy for parents to ride the bigger attractions with the Parent โrider switch” option. It’s magical I tell you! ๐ Cathi
Jeni Hawkins says
I have not been to Disney in a long time. I love how friendly it is for younger children.
Cathi says
I hope you get a chance to enjoy Disneyland soon Jeni. It truly is a magical place. Our family has a history with Disneyland so several generations meet up there often.
Cathi
Ann Bacciaglia says
My friend is about to go on her first trip to Disney with her little ones. I wil have to share this post with her. These are great tips I am sure she can use.
Cathi says
Thanks Ann. That would be wonderful. Be sure to tell her to check with the Disney Moms Panel as well. I’m sure she and her family will have the time of their life!
Cathi
lisa says
Parent Rider Switch is hands down my favorite benefit! Having four kids, including toddler twins, we’ve used it several times!
Cathi says
Twin toddlers? Boy oh boy Lisa … The parent rider switch has to be huge for you. I can only imagine how much fun you have with your family and all the magical delights!
Cathi
Liz Mays says
These are great ideas! I think spending some time at Disneyland with the family could be fun! We’d have to research some of the rides beforehand of course.
Cathi says
When you decide to come west give me a ring Liz! I’m more than happy to give you the low down on all the rides/attractions. Heck! We could meet for lunch at the Happiest Place on Earth!
Cathi
Diana Rambles says
Disney is such a perfect place to go with preschoolers. I would love to stay on property at the resort.
Cathi says
Hi Diana! Disneyland is a whole new experience with preschool kiddos. A magical experience! And staying on property makes the early Extra magic Hour, naps and late night fireworks so much easier! Here’s to your Disneyland holiday!
Patty says
I’ve never been to DisneyWorld or Land. I’ve been to Epcot but didn’t make my way over. I don’t have children so it’s just never been a priority. It does look like a lot of fun for the kids.
Cathi says
I love EPCOT Patty! We went to WDW several years back and spent an entire day eating our way around the world at EPCOT. It was fabulous. I really think you’d love the Disneyland Resort. There’s so much to see and do even without kiddos. ๐
Cathi
Tara says
It’s been awhile since we’ve been to Disneyland but we have always had a great time. These are all great tips especially knowing your children’s height for the rides.
Cathi says
Boy oh boy do I have a story for you Tara! When our grandson was a teeny bit to short for ‘Soaring Over California’ (we grow kids really small in our family) we stuffed his shoes so he would be tall enough to ride. Ooooo…. I might not ever admit to this. Ha!
Cathi
Jonna says
I am all about memory making so I loved your last tip! I want our kids’ heads filled with great memories of their childhood. Looks like you got some fabulous ones!
Cathi says
Oh Jonna…. we had the best time and the kiddos were in heaven with three generations of family pampering them. They were troopers too. Up at the crack of dawn and went strong all day long. Never grumpy just full of smiles.
Alicia says
I haven’t been to Disneyland since I was a little girl. I hope to take my kids there sometime soon!
Cathi says
Oh Alicia… I hope you get to take your kiddos to Disneyland soon. You’re in for the most magical time ever!
Cathi
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
These are really great tips! I can’t wait to for our next visit to Disneyland! ๐
Cathi says
Thanks so much Toni. Cheers for your next visit to Disneyland! You’re sure to have a fabulous time.
Cathi
Autumn Reo says
Thanks for all the tips! We love Disney!
Cathi says
You’re very welcome Autumn! There’s so much to love about Disney and Disneyland brings all the magic to life!
Cathi
Reesa Lewandowski says
Thank you for your tips! I can imagine a vacation like this can be stressful with 2 little kids!
Cathi says
Hi Reesa! I remember doing Disneyland with my littles when they were 4-years old and younger. Last week with all three generations made it exciting for both the adults and the littles who were the center of attention. We had the best time. ๐
Cathi
Laurajj says
Oh these are all so great! We are hoping to make our first trip this fall!
ellen beck says
Your pictures are amazing. Having never been to Disneyland, I find it fun to get a glimpse of what it is like. I would imagine a visit with a little one would present challenges. It looks like a big place and they would get tired just walking it all. Great tips!!
Brandi Dawn says
Great tips! How much fun to have three generations there! And yes, I totally agree…the ears are magical!
Jacqui Odell says
The lockers are neat. It will come in handy with 4 kids. They require a lot of stuff!
Pamela M. Massey says
Great tips!
Disneyland is really a fun place to visit with the children!
Your tips is can benefits a lot of people.
Thanks! ๐
Mary says
This is such a heartwarming post, full of love and beautiful memories. Wishing you lots and lots of happy and lovely times with your kids.