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I have the BEST memories of visiting Disney World as a child and am so grateful that we live a hop, skip and a jump away from Disneyland. We’ve been pass holders for a few years now and it’s truly wonderful to have with small children. I know Disneyland & California Adventure can be A LOT and having the annual passes takes off a lot of pressure. We’ll often just go for an afternoon and stay through dinner. Here’s a few things I like to do that makes a day at Disney much smoother.
Pack plenty of snacks and sandwiches. You can bring your own food & drinks into Disney (just no glass containers or alcohol). We’ll often break for a snack while waiting in line. It helps pass the time and keeps the hangries away. Of course it will help keep costs down as well and chances are pretty good it will be a healthier alternative too. However I will say that Disney has certainly gotten better with their food offerings and offers fresh fruit in the park.
Bring a change of clothes for everyone, a sweatshirt or jacket for everyone and a blanket for either chilly nights or having a place to sit.
Even if your youngest is no longer in diapers, bring a pack of baby wipes. Trust me, you’ll thank me.
If you’re worried about keeping tracking of three littles at the park, AirTags are a great idea to put your mind at ease. Kids can wear them like a watch or if you’re worried about a kid taking it off you can attach it to a belt loop or tag.
One of the blessings of the pandemic is that Disney became more efficient with their dining. The restaurants that don’t require reservations now offer the option to order ahead. I remember waiting in lines to order food before the pandemic with the kiddos and it was A LOT. Hungry kids and waiting in lines was always the hardest part. Now while we’re waiting for a ride I place an order on the app and our food will be ready by the time we walk to the restaurant. You can also use this for the bakery and ice cream shop too. Total time saver!
And finally, pack a belt bag for valuables. I usually leave our snacks, water bottles and extra clothes in the stroller but always keep my keys, credit card/ID and phone with me. I’ve never had an issue with my stroller disappearing but this puts my mind at ease and I don’t have to worry about accidentally leaving my bag on a ride while gathering the kids. This one has a few pockets and zippers which makes it SO convenient.
I love anything and everything Baybala. They make dressing your littles a breeze and the quality is so wonderful. All of the pieces are meant to coordinate and they even have dresses and tops for mamas. You can shop the pieces the kiddos wore here:
If you’re visiting from out of town, Disney’s Grand Californian is an absolutely wonderful experience. It’s connected to California Adventure and Downtown Disney. Disney’s Paradise Pier is also great and provides accommodations at a lower price point. My favorite part is you can get early access to the park by staying at either hotel. There are a few other hotels that are within walking distance to the parks on South Harbor Boulevard that would be perfect for a longer stay.
Have a Disneyland question? Leave a comment here and I’d be happy to help!
