Travelling at anytime with young kids presents itself with challenges but also the best and most amazing experiences.

When we first said we were taking the girls to Disneyland many people asked why would when they’re still so young? For me I knew it was a no brainer for Millie as she is so invested in and loves Disney, especially her beloved Elsa and everything Frozen! So, why not take her when her mind is so open to imagination and the belief in these characters. I can say that Disneyland definitely didn’t disappoint as a place to take young kids and I am so glad we went.

There are a few things I think you could benefit from if you’re visiting with young kids and things I wish we did differently but we will know for next time.

#1 PARK HOPPER TICKET

The Park Hopper ticket (access to both parks) is a MUST as there is so much to experience both sides for the kids and especially important if you have a Frozen lover as Elsa and Anna’s Royal Welcome is on the California Adventure side not the Disneyland side – this is where your little princess or prince can meet and speak with Elsa, Anna and Olaf.

#2 YOU WILL NEED MORE THAN ONE DAY

You’ve probably read this before but its so true! The parks are huge and there is so much to do and see, one day simply isn’t enough! We had 2 days but would have loved a third to break it up more and give the girls more rest.

Keep this in mind when purchasing tickets and get a pass for multiple days

FOR TICKET OPTIONS CLICK HERE

Note: I had lots of people ask if its necessary to pre purchase tickets. My friends didn’t and had no issues getting them on the day – the park has so many ticket booths but of course you can to save time. Also, when buying make sure you purchase from the Disney website to be safest so you don’t get scammed.

#3 START EARLY

The early you get in, the earlier you will get on the rides with less queues and waiting times especially for the more popular rides for young kids. And let’s be honest most of our kiddies are better in the morning.

Even better if you are staying at a Disney Resort or purchase a 3+ day pass you can go in an hour earlier than everyone else in what is called “Magic Morning”! The perfect opportunity to jump on the most popular rides when they park is quieter.

#4 DOWNLOAD THE DISNEYLAND APP

Make sure you download the Disneyland app which gives you a map including live wait times for each ride. This is also where you can upgrade to to FastPass+ to plan and book your rides in advance, order food from your phone – such a great idea to avoid the cues, see where the characters are around the park, check out your photos and see what else is happening around the parks. Search “Disneyland” in your App Store.

#5 TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE BABY CENTERS

Of course most of the bathrooms have change tables in the park but the Baby Center’s located in both parks are fully equipped and are an absolute life saver in these centres you will find:

• Breastfeeding room with chairs

• Change room with tables

• Toddler-size toilets

• Feeding area with highchairs

• Kitchen with sink, bottle warmers and microwave

• Vending machines with formula, baby food, juice, nappies, wipes, sunscreen, dummy’s/pacifiers and over-the-counter medication—all available for purchase with a credit card.

These rooms are also air conditioned and the perfect place to take a break with your toddler and or baby to feed and put them to sleep for a nap or simply just get them to wind down a little.

You will find them on the map on the app. What a lifesaving and thought through idea!!

#6 SOME KIDS RIDES CAN BE SCARY

Just a little reminder even some of the rides for young kids can frighten them. Millie was quiet scared on the “Alice in Wonderland” ride as it was dark and in an enclosed space with a lot of flashing lights and loud noises. Also the Ferris wheel in California Adventure Land has two options, one is a carriage that moves and one is a fixed carriage. If you are riding with young kids make sure you get on the fixed carriage as the moving one is scary and I saw so many young kids and families coming off quite upset. In saying that there are SOOO many options for young kids that they will love and have the best day ever. I was actually so surprised with how much Millie could do and enjoy at her age (4)!!

#7 BABY CARRIER AND STROLLER

Having both helped us so much with the two girls. David wore Remi a lot of the time so I could push Millie in the stroller. They both took turns of napping in the stroller so it was 100% worth taking. There is plenty of parking for strollers allocated around the park and rides – they really have thought of everything in Disneyland!

Note: You can hire strollers from Disneyland.

BABY CARRIER WE USE CLICK HERE

TRAVEL STROLLER WE USE CLICK HERE

#8 DISNEY IN A DAY WITH

TODDLERS AND YOUNG BABIES

If you have young kids and toddlers and not days on end to explore then my tip would be to head toward the castle (walk through the middle) and behind there you will find “Fantasy Land” and “Mickey’s Toontown” which are mostly kid and toddler friendly activities and fun like a carousel, the Dumbo ride, teacups, Story Book Land and Its a small world after all! Again, make sure you download the app so you can see how long each ride has to wait.

#9 TAKE SNACKS

Lets be honest snacks with kids is a must. Its a long day and when most of us travel to the US its hot so make sure you keep the kids (and yourself) well hydrated and fuelled with snacks to avoid those hunger tantrums.

#10 FOR YOUR LITTLE DISNEY PRINCESS

If you have a lover of Disney Princesses and want to spoil your babe then I would recommend booking in advance to Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique where they will get a full Disney Princess makeover. Unfortunately I didn’t realise you had to book so Millie missed out but I know for next time and will definitely book her in advance.

SEE HERE FOR MORE INFO

Otherwise Millie enjoyed having her face painted in the park.

#11 WHERE TO STAY

Unfortunately this time all the Disney hotels were booked so we decided to book a apartment close by which was fine because we had lots of space, but honestly if we went again I would definitely book at one of the 3 Disney Hotel’s located on site so we could have broken up the days easier and went back to our room for a nap, swim in the pool and also to experience the extra magic of being in their hotels. Of course I haven’t been but from all accounts I’ve only heard positives PLUS you get early entry to the park for Magic Hour each morning.

MORE INFO ON DISNEY HOTELS HERE