Best Things to do for 3yo and 1yo?

[Montana Disney Fan]

What would all of you suggest for things we can do in Disneyland with a 3 year old and a 1 year old? We will be there for 5 days. The 3 year old loves to run and play and explore.

Any suggestions on dining? My 3 year old is also quite a little busy body and does not like to sit still very long.

Thank you for any help.

 

[IandGsmom]

You really have alot to do...even with a one year old. They will both enjoy Toontown just get there early as it gets really busy, the same with Fantasyland. If the 3 year old is tall enough for some rides 35 inches for Matterhorn and Gadgets Go Coaster. 40 inches for alot of other rides. For those rides as the CM about the child switch pass so you can take turns with whoever you go with.
The first time we went my twins were 2 (3 years ago) and had a great time. I doubt many people expect your kids to be angels so you sound be fine wherever you go.

P.S. Take a long long nap in the middle of the day if you expect to survive, rent strollers and dont expect your kids to go too long.

 

[Montana Disney Fan]

Thanks for the tips. Anyone else?

 

[honeymom]

There are some places for the 3 year old to run around in DCA. Redwood Challenge Trail and some boat on the pier. Also, definitely try to catch the electric light parade.

Even better for this age group (about a 1 hour drive if you avoid rush hour) is Legoland in Carlsbad. They have a lot of play areas that are perfect for kids that age.

 

[Sonya in Boise]

My kids are the same age's and here's our plan.

I'm going to start out in Toon town (if it opens with the park) and let them get comfortable with things first. Then head to Fantasy land and do the non dark rides. (It's a small world, dumbo, casey Jr, story book canals, tea cups) then do Jungle cruise, treehouse, tiki room, then head to DCA and do Flick's Fun Fair. I'm planning on doing this on our first day plus having our group split up during the day so the adults don't go batty. If we don't get to it all that's fine, I do realize they/we need to eat, nap, take in the in the sights, rest, take it slow.

The second day I'm going to re do the non dark rides in Fantasy Land then try to add Alice in Wonderland...if that goes well then we will try the dark Fantasyland rides. If she likes the Dark rides then it's off to Pirates and other rides of this type.

For my kids, I know that once they get scared of a ride, they are scared of every ride. So I'm hoping that if I slowly ease them into the "scary" rides, they may have a more open mind.

As for eating, try some character meals if you can. There are a few different choices, but the excitement may keep you 3 year old occupied for longer. Rain forest in Downtown Disney also has things to watch while eating. My kids love the "junk" food that is served at the cards. My 1 year old would be in heaven if she could eat hotdogs and popcorn every meal. We are going to try Pizza Port in DL. It seemed to have a good mix of thing for the family/kids and buffetiera (sp) type of service. You could sit outside at the River Belle Terrace and let the kids watch the happenings on the water.

We're going in 17 days and I'll let you know how my plan works.

Sonya

 

[hookedup]

Hi,
My DS is almost 3 and we have had annual passes since before he was a twinkle in our eyes and continued to go to DL and CA after he was born - he has probably been to DLR at least 50 times!!!

Here is my 2 cents worth:

1. Make sure you have a stroller for both! Your 3 year old will need one - mine naps in ours for an hour or two usually (that's when I go shopping on Main Street LOL).
2. Ask the CM's about the "Baby Swap Rider Switch Passes" at the line entrances for all height restricted rides.
3. If you bring in juice or water into the park with you (for sippy cups) they will give you a cup with ice for free at all the food areas to add to it to cool it down during the day.
3. Fantasyland and Toontown both have tons of stuff for your 2 kids
4. If you go to Ca Adventure check out the Redwood Creek Challenge trail - your 3 yr old WILL LOVE IT!
5. Our favorite character meal is breakfast at the Plaza Inn on Main Street with Pooh & Friends (kids under 3 eat for free).
6. Use the Carnation Baby Care Center! It is on the end of Main Street and a great (quiet) place to change diapers and feed babies that need to get away from all of the over stimulation and heat!
7. Take sunscreen and water with you.
8. My ds loves the parade at DL but is FREAKED out by the Electrical Parade (which I never expected) You never know what will spook them so just go with the flow and let them set the pace!
9. Small World is the all time best kids ride in the universe
10. TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES!
Good luck you will all have some great memories!
HAVE FUN!!!!!

 

[Planogirl]

I wonder what the status of Tom Sawyer's Island is? I think it would be great fun for a busy three year old particularly if it's finished. And don't forget the train and the clipper ship Columbia. I watched some little ones really enjoying being on the Columbia.

 

[Montana Disney Fan]

Heh! Thanks everyone! Appreciate the help.

 

[Sonya in Boise]

Anyone know which rides have a single rider line? I know Indy, but cant remember the other in DL or any in DCA.

This would be good if it's just you and one other adult. That way you could ride the big rides quickly while the other adult is watching the kids. Then switch. Less time in line than child switch.