Planning a trip to Disneyland with a toddler? Here are some practical strategies to help ensure your outing is enjoyable—or at the very least, that you make it through unscathed.
- Purchase Tickets Online: Avoid the hassle of long lines by buying your tickets online and printing them at home. After navigating the parking line, tram line, and the seemingly endless wait behind someone buying annual passes for their entire clan, you’ll appreciate skipping yet another queue. Remember, toddlers have little patience for waiting.
- Indulge in Treats Early: As soon as you step inside the park, treat your little one to an ice cream cone or a cupcake—or both! It may help lift your spirits and give you a brief moment of joy after questioning your decision to visit the so-called “Happiest Place on Earth.”
- Be Prepared for Rowdy Company: You may find yourself surrounded by loud groups of adults. It’s practically a rite of passage. If you can’t avoid them, consider bringing your own drink to ease the chaos. I still can’t confirm whether Disneyland serves alcohol.
- Skip the LA Traffic: Avoid the headache of driving through Los Angeles to reach Disneyland. Instead, opt for a budget-friendly hotel nearby or stay with a family member. You might even leave one of your kids with them for a more enjoyable experience.
- Pack Distractions: Bring along a bag filled with toys and books to keep your toddler entertained while you wait in long lines. You’ll need something to occupy yourself too!
- Mind Your Hunger: Don’t let hunger turn you into a grumpy parent settling for overpriced chicken nuggets and soggy fries. Snack on popcorn, churros, and cotton candy throughout the day instead. The food options in the cafes are often disappointing and overpriced.
- Manage Meltdowns with Sugar: If your child, who usually naps around 1:00 PM, starts to act out, don’t hesitate to offer more sweets. It’s a strategy that might just save the day.
- Redirect Attention: If your toddler keeps insisting on riding the carousel, take her on the teacups instead. The spinning will likely leave her too dizzy to talk for a while.
- Seek Air Conditioning: If you find yourself sweating in unusually warm weather, take a break in “It’s a Small World.” The air conditioning is a welcome relief, and the ride lasts long enough to recharge.
- Observe Your Fellow Parents: If you start feeling overwhelmed, glance around at other parents who share the same look of exasperation. Their struggles can be oddly comforting, and it’s best not to celebrate too soon when your child behaves—your turn is coming!
For further insights on parenthood and self-care during challenging times, check out the informative resource on pregnancy and home insemination as well as the inspiring story of a couple who conceived on their first try with Make a Mom.
In summary, a trip to Disneyland with a toddler can feel daunting, but with these strategies, you can navigate the day with a bit more ease. From managing expectations to packing distractions and choosing snacks wisely, every tip can make a difference in your overall experience.