Heading to Disneyland with a little one in tow? Here’s a collection of tips to help make your adventure as enjoyable as possible — or at the very least, to emerge with your sanity intact.
- Purchase Tickets Online: Save yourself from more waiting by buying your tickets ahead of time and printing them at home. After already enduring lines for parking, trams, and that one person who seems to be buying annual passes for everyone they know, the last thing you need is to stand in yet another queue. Toddlers and lines? Not a match made in heaven.
- Indulge in Treats Early: Once you finally make it past the gates, treat yourself and your child to an ice cream cone or a cupcake — or both! After two hours of anticipation, a little sugar rush can help convince you that this trip was a brilliant idea (at least for a fleeting moment).
- Prepare for Rowdy Crowds: You might find yourselves attracting the rowdy party behind you in line, a reminder of your own past mischief. If you can’t escape them, consider packing a small flask; I can’t confirm whether Disneyland serves alcohol, but it’s worth investigating!
- Stay Away from LA Traffic: Driving through LA en route to Disneyland is never a smart move. Instead, consider staying at a nearby budget hotel or crashing at a relative’s place. If you can leave one of your other kids with them, do it for a more enjoyable experience.
- Pack Distractions: Bring along a stash of toys and books to keep your toddler entertained while you wait in line for rides that seem never-ending. You can’t give them your phone; you’ll need that to distract yourself too!
- Avoid the Hangry Trap: Don’t let hunger turn you into a grumpy mess. Resist the urge to grab bland chicken nuggets and soggy fries just because they’re nearby. Instead, snack on popcorn, churros, and cotton candy all day long. Trust me, it’s way more fun than overpriced cafeteria food.
- Sugar Fix for Nap Time Meltdowns: When your child, who usually naps at 1:00 PM, starts to act like a tiny tyrant, just give her a little more sugar — like the parents on reality shows. It surprisingly works wonders.
- Switch Up the Rides: Tired of hearing about the carousel for the millionth time? Take your toddler on the teacups! It’s hard to talk when she’s busy trying to not get dizzy.
- Escape the Heat: If the sun is blazing and you’re melting, duck into “It’s a Small World.” This classic ride is air-conditioned and lasts long enough to give you a break from the heat.
- Find Comfort in Shared Frustrations: If you start feeling overwhelmed, look around and you’ll see other parents wearing the same look of utter exasperation. It’s comforting to know you’re not alone in this chaos — just avoid high-fiving your partner when you spot another child throwing a tantrum, because your moment will come!
This guide is just a start to help you survive your trip to the “Happiest Place on Earth.” For more tips on family matters, check out our post about essential tools for at-home insemination.