5 Essential Tips for Traveling to Disneyland with Kids

IF you’re headed to Disneyland with your kids, Learn how to make it magical and stress-free! Here are my five tips on traveling to Disneyland with kids.

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Yes, Disneyland is magical and oh-so-fun. But there are definitely some unique challenges that come with such a fun vacation.

From the long lines, to the crowds, and always being hungry. It can be quite a struggle.

However, I have 5 awesome tips for Disneyland with kids that I want to share with you to help your trip be fun, easy-going, and stress-free!

5 Tips When Traveling to Disneyland with Kids

Tip 1: Plan Ahead & Book Smart

First off, you need to set realistic expectations when going to Disneyland.

You will not be able to do everything in one trip, however, you can plan ahead and get the most out of it.

Some things I recommend you do when planning ahead and booking:

Use Genie + / Lightning Lane to move through the lines quicker.
Place mobile orders when ordering meals so you don’t have to sit at a restaurant or wait in line for your meal.
Plan ahead by booking a hotel near the park that is either walking distance or you can take a shuttle
Find out the park reservation requirements and download the Disney app so you can be ahead of the game.

Tip 2: What to Pack When Traveling to Disneyland with Kids

There are a few essential items I will always take with me to Disneyland. These things keep my kids happy, there are less complaints, and it just makes our lives easier as parents.

Pack these items and thank me later!

Tip 3: Timing Is Everything

This tip goes along with planning ahead.

We all know Disney has the longest lines ever so there are a few tips for Disneyland with kids that has to do with timing.

The best way to do Disneyland with kids is to arrive early.

The first two hours of the park opening up is best for shorter wait times. If you wait and decide to go in the middle of the day expect those longer lines and longer wait times.

If you do end up going super early, feel free to take a mid-day break. Leave the park for lunch or a nice mid-day nap and then come back in the evening when it’s cooler and the crowds die down.

Again, don’t forget to use mobile ordering during lunch (and those peak hours). This cuts down on wait time.

Another tip on timing is to avoid peak days such as weekends, holidays, and school breaks. However, if you do plan to visit in the summer., plan ahead for the heat.

Bring fans, stay hydrated and take breaks indoors.

Tip 4: What to Avoid When Traveling to Disneyland with Kid

Now that we have covered planning ahead, packing, timing… here are some things to avoid when traveling to Disneyland with kids

Over-scheduling your day—trying to hit every ride is nearly impossible to do in one day. It also leads to tired, and cranky kids. Just try to plan out your day the best way you can.
Skipping naps or breaks—A mid-day break is always a good thing. Get some food in your stomach, rehydrate, rest, and you will feel refreshed and ready to go!
Standing in long lines with nothing to do— make sure to bring some fun activities, games, or use Genie + to minimize wait times
Only relying on park food—bring your own snacks and water. That way you will always be prepared when your kid comes begging for a snack every 30 minutes.
Forgetting shade—Disneyland can get hot so bring hats, wear sunscreen, and find shaded rest areas.

Tip 5: Focus on the Memories

This is my favorite tip. Don’t forget to capture all the fun memories made on the trip!

Yes, it’s easy to get caught up in the planning and preparation of the trip but some of the best Disneyland with kids tips have nothing to do with planning and everything to do with just being present in the moment.

Let yourself have fun. Laugh when the churro ends up on the ground. Take a deep breath when the toddler melts down in line. These are the moments you’ll look back on—not because they were perfect, but because you were together.

FAQ: Disneyland Tips with Kids

What’s the best age to take kids to Disneyland?
There is no “best age”. I see kids as young as 6 months all the way up to adults. Any age works great with the right prep but just keep in mind, if your kid is pretty young, they might not remember as much about their trip (and for how much it costs, that might not be worth it).
Do I need a stroller for my kids?
I highly recommend bringing or renting a troller. Especially if you plan to stay all day. There is a ton of walking and you don’t want to have to carry your kids or leave the park because they are too tired to walk.
Can I bring snacks into Disneyland?
Absolutely! Bring your own snacks and water bottles!
How early should we arrive?
Try to arrive 30–45 minutes before park opening to get ahead of the crowds.

Have Fun at Disneyland!

No matter what, the most important thing is to have fun and make memories with your kids!

The best way to do Disneyland with kids is to have flexibility, preparation, and patience.

No trip will go 100% according to the plan, and that’s ok. That is what makes it fun!

Got any Disneyland tips with kids of your own? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear what worked for you!