During our latest trip to Disneyland to celebrate Disney Holidays, we were reminded that the Disneyland Resort truly has something to offer each member of the family. The resort brings out the best in us, and reminds us how fun it is to be together as a family. Taking a baby on any outing can be an exhausting idea, yet the Disneyland Resort is such a magical experience that it just can’t be missed. With these tips for bringing baby to Disneyland, I hope your trip will be a fun-filled day for everyone.
5 Tips for Bringing Baby to Disneyland
Pack for Everything & Get a Locker: That adorable outfit you picked out just for your Disney day may not make it past the car (ours didn’t) so bring a plastic bag to store dirty or wet items. There will be spilling or refusal to eat their favorite food. Bring extras. Those tiny little baskets underneath strollers won’t hold everything. Even if they do, who wants to be fishing through an entire day’s worth of stuff to get to the goldfish? Rent a locker and store all of the jackets, pj’s, or other items you know you won’t need until the end of the day.
Utilize the Baby Care Center: Despite all the best planning and packing, sometimes things get left behind. The Baby Care Center is your best resource. Located on Main Street in Disneyland Park or by the wharf in Disney’s California Adventure, the Baby Care Center has baby food, diapers, and wipes available. You can also warm milk, change your baby, or nurse in private.
Schedule Attractions Around Naps: While at the resort, there are so many rides and shows that are perfect for every member of the family, regardless of age. All of Fanstasyland, It’s a small world, the Tiki Room, and The Jungle Cruise are all great options for families with infants. There are some attractions that aren’t conducive to very young children, so we plan those during nap times. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is my eldest daughter’s favorite, so she rode that with Grandpa while her sister snoozed in the stroller.
For those rides with more substantial lines, the resort will allow one parent to wait in line, enjoy the ride, and then swap places with the parent left behind with the baby. Just ask at the entrance to the line. It’ll save you a ton of time and everyone gets to have fun!
Take Play Breaks: Waiting in lines is hard. Take advantage of places like Toon Town where young children (and their parents) can play. Infants need a break from all of the excitement, too. Find a comfy spot to spend a little time playing together or chatting. Being a Disney family, we adore sitting in the park and taking it all in. In addition to some quality people watching, explore the little elements that make Disneyland a world-class attraction like the ever-changing flora.
Get a Souvenir: Commemorate baby’s trip to Disneyland with souvenirs, including ones you can get for free! You can get a free pin at City Hall for 1st visits, birthdays, or other special occasions. Once you get home, attach a magnet and you’ve got a refrigerator magnet to remind you of the fun. Take an extra map home for scrapbooking or turn it into a fun DIY home decor project. I made one of mine into coasters with a little Mod Podge and cork circles. Photos are also a great way to capture the fun. The Disney photographers will capture your posed pics onto a PhotoPass for you, but the helpful cast members will also snap photos with your camera.
Of course, there are a zillion adorable souvenirs available for purchase. Mickey ears are classics, and make for the cutest photo ops. I tend to guide my children towards things that last, but there’s something so sweet about the Mickey balloons.
Regardless of age, the Disneyland Resort elicits smiles and fosters family togetherness. If you’re visiting the parks with baby, a little preparation and patience will make it a truly magical experience.
Do you have any other tips for bringing baby to Disneyland?
Tammy says
Great tips! We never went to Disneyworld until our daughter was 2 1/2, and we brought along my cousin as “babysitter!” That way we could do rides together and take advantage of the Child Swap and one of us would ride again with her after my husband and I rode the rides.
Jeannette says
These are great tips! We didn’t go to Disney when our kids were little because I thought I would be too overwhelmed but I think we could have done it if I had had these tips.
Vanessa: thequeenofswag says
When we have our next baby we’re still going to wait until he or she is at least 3 or 4 before we take them since we want them to remember.
Billie says
You guys are adorably cute! My son is 18 but some of these tips might still be handy.
Jenn says
Some of these would be perfect for adults too, especially naps!
Colleen says
I’m so glad those years are past me, I do remember taking my kids when they were young, it is not the easiest that is for sure.
HilLesha says
In the past, it was difficult to travel with my children when they were babies. However, these are wonderful tips to make an experience, such as visiting Disneyland, run much more smoothly.
Chrysa says
These are some great tips. I don’t think I would attempt the baby at Disneyland adventure. But I can see the need if really wanting to bring older siblings.
Tammi @ My Organized Chaos says
These are great tips, I used a lot of these when we went for the first time. You gotta be mindful of the naps and finding time each day to just chill. Find a quiet place and give baby time to recover from all the wonderous things.
melissa says
These are great tips! I used a lot on our last Disney trip!
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
Don’t expect to see all the things you want to see. Always work around the children it will make everyone happier.
Denise says
I wish someone have give me these tips before it makes for a great way to plan your trip ahead of time. I know that many have problems with travel and small kids
Wendy says
Great tips! We went when my son was 4, and we did a lot of these things! Even the toddlers need rest!
Pennywise Cook says
These are good tips! I never went with a baby. And I never went to Disneyland. But I did go to Disney World with a 2 year old! It’s close to the same only slower because they don’t want to stay in a stroller and want to walk all the time. But much of the rest still applies! Thanks for the tips!
Sara P. (@SensiblySara) says
My babies aren’t really babies anymore, but I had no idea there was a baby care center! That’s a great resource!
Ellen That Chic Mom says
It’s good to know they have a place for you to nurse and get needed supplies.
Liz Mays says
I brought my daughter to Disney World as a baby. She obviously didn’t remember but we did pick up some cute souvenirs.
Elaina says
These are great tips! We went with my little ones to Disney World twice last year and had to plan around her naps and mealtimes, but it was no biggie.
Raijean says
You are a brave, brave woman… I don’t think I could deal with taking a baby to Disneyland.
Avry Byington says
Traveling with a baby is so hard especially with all of their extra cargo. I took my son to Disney when he was an infant and it was actually a lot easier then I thought it would be but then again we were really prepared and my parents helped out a lot.
Melissa says
Great tips! we had the chance to bring the girls to Disneyland last year but didn’t go. Now I’m really wishing we did! We did go to WDW a few months ago though!
Valerie Remy-Milora says
These are al great tips for a visit to Disneyland or any attraction park. We took our two oldest to Disneyland when they were little but believe it or not, even thought we live in LA our youngest hasn’t been yet… I guess that’s what happens when it’s “always available”… She wants to go so we’ll have to make it happen 🙂
Stephanie Keeping says
That’s neat that they have a baby care center.
Digna D. says
Very good pointers. I would love to take my granddaughter to Disney when she is a bit olders. Thank you for sharing.
Karen W says
We’ve never been to Disneyland, only Disney World but my tip for there would be to rent a stroller rather than lug yours around when staying on property. You can get on and off the buses faster when you don’t have to open close and hold on to a hug stroller. And even if you park hop, you pay one price for the day and then just pick up another one at the next park. It was the best thing we did when our girls were small.
Penelope says
I’ve always hesitated going on a trip because it’s hard to travel with the kids, but I don’t want to miss out either so I always appreciate any tips to make it easier!
Carolyn says
Love the tips! And I love how helpful Disneyland is at making the day easy! I ran out of diapers and was panicking on my last trip…the bathroom attendant saw me searching for coins to get a diaper pack from the dispenser…she hooked me mega and got me one for free! The best!
Kait says
Great tips! We are considering disney world in April so I will keep these in mind!