Monday, July 13, 2015

One Day At Disneyland: Baby Style


Most people believe that the only way to experience Disneyland is to go for at least a few days. Okay, but what if you can't afford to go for that many days? We can't even afford to go for one day. We are so incredibly lucky and have friends who work at Disneyland who are willing to bring us as their guests about once a year. We get hopper passes for one day when we go, so we have to get the most out of both parks in just one day. You could go for a week and probably still have more to explore, but a day is enough if a day is all you have. AND it's still worth the trip if you have babies in tow. We went to Disneyland with a two-month-old and a 20-month-old and it was a blast! There are some tricks that will make it ten times easier, and lucky you, here they are:


1. Use the Baby Care Centers! 
  • These baby care centers are amazing! They have nursing rooms with chairs that are much more private than just nursing on a bench. And if privacy isn't an issue for you (more power to you), they are still nice because they're indoors and relatively quiet so that baby doesn't get distracted or bothered by the weather.
  • Even if you're bottle-feeding, the baby care centers are nice, quite places, just for babies and it allows for a calm moment, which can be much needed during a day at Disneyland. 
  • They also have changing tables and anything you could need for baby that you might have forgotten. These things are sold for a price (which is probably ridiculous), but it beats leaving the park just because you ran out of diapers.
  • There is even a feeding area with highchairs for older babies and a kitchen with a microwave and sink.
  • These care centers are located in both parks. Disneyland's care center is at the end of main street on the right (if you're walking in from the entrance), next to the first aid station. California Aventure's care center is located next to the Ghiradelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop and across from The Baker Tour in Pacific Wharf.

2. Stroller Passes
  • For parents with small children who don't meet the height requirement of the ride, there is something called a stroller pass. It allows one parent to wait in line and ride the ride, then switch off with the other parent and only one person has to wait in line. It works even better if there are four or more adults! We went on the new Cars ride and took turns. First, my husband and his dad waited in line while my mother-in-law and I walked around with the kids. Then they brought us the passes and we skipped the line and enjoyed the ride while the men watched the kiddos. It was fantastic!
  • Make sure you tell them before you wait in line because sometimes they want to actually see the stroller/child.

3. Use Fast Passes
  • When you're at Disneyland with babies and toddlers, avoiding lines is the name of the game. If there is a line with an especially long line, use a Fast Pass. It allows you to come back at a later time and skip most of the line.
4. Bring A Small Stroller That Reclines
  • A stroller is a must if you have a baby and/or toddler. Bring one your child can sleep in because even if they're not great nappers usually (my kids never slept anywhere but home or the car), chances are they will need a nap at some point during the day, especially if you're staying late into the night.
  • Try to bring a small stroller because they can be difficult to navigate through crowds.

5. They Will Move Your Stroller!
  • If you park your stroller and go on a ride, when you get out, there's a good chance your stroller will not be where you parked it. The staff are constantly moving strollers! This is not a bad thing and there's no need to panic. Just look around. Chances are, it is very nearby.
6. Bring Snacks and Water, but Limit Toys
  • One or two toys might be nice if they are good at calming or distracting your baby, but too many will get cluttery or lost fast. I usually make it a point to bring as little as possible with me to Disneyland. There is enough going on to distract or interest your child that toys are just not really necessary. In fact, for many little ones, Disneyland can be a bit of a sensory overload so there's no need for more stuff.
  • Snacks are GREAT for lines and water is absolutely necessary. No need to bring a million water bottles. You can refill. But bring one for everybody because you will need them!
7. Know Where To Find A Lost Child
  • If children are found by a staff member, they are brought to the Baby Care Centers. Even though a baby is not likely to get lost, it's still good to know where older children can be found.
8. Bring Extra Adults!
  • I recognize that this is not always possible, but we have always been able to bring grandparents with us to Disneyland to help with the kids. This has been a life-saver. It makes it so that everyone can take turns going on the adult rides and no one gets too frustrated caring for a baby the whole day at Disneyland.
9. Go On Rides!
  • It's a mistake to think that just because you have a baby or a toddler you can't go on rides. There are TONS of rides available to young children and they usually really enjoy them! Don't think your only options are shows and parades. Seriously, the rides are the best part. Don't deprive yourself!
10. Take Breaks
  • You need breaks and the kids need breaks. Breaks from waiting in lines, walking around, and even from the general excitement of the day.
  • This is where the shows come in. Go see a show, stop by the baby care center for a breather, find a quiet bench and relax for a minute. 
  • My favorite place to take a "break" is in the Tiki Room! There's a sitting area where you wait for the show and it's dim and not scary in the show, so the kids will relax and you can take a breather. Bonus! The kids usually love it too! And Bonus Bonus! The Dole Whip stand is in the waiting area and that makes a great treat for all ages.
11. Plan Your Day
  • Figure out which rides and attractions are most important to you.
  • Then, figure out which ones have the longest lines and do those early in the morning or during parades.
  • Plan which Fast Passes you'd like to get and which rides you'd like to use the stroller passes on.
  • Make sure you do the things you want to do most first because chances are, you will run out of time.
  • Don't be upset when your plans fall through. It's just good to have a game plan going in.
12. Go to California Adventure First (And Last)
  • If people get hopper passes, they tend to go to Disneyland first. Be different! Start at California Adventure and avoid tons of lines. 
  • California Adventure is where the little ones will have the most fun because it's where the newer characters are more prominent, so go early in the day when they have the most energy and want to run around.
  • We like to go to California Adventure last because Cars Land is SO COOL at night all lit up like Radiator Springs. But be warned, you won't be the only ones with that idea.
Our Favorite Baby-Friendly Attractions:
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