Disneyland/California Adventure must do's for a 4 year old

[becpee]

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[Chris420]

Definately all of the fantasyland rides, I would recommend hitting them early as they generally get pretty crowded throughout the day.

I would also recommend a character breakfast at some point(goofy's kitchen is my personal fav).

Have an awesome trip

 

[LavenderPeach]

Tom Sawyer's Island and don't forget to get a picture with Mickey in his house in ToonTown!

 

[bumbershoot]

All of Bug's Land, except for It's Tough To Be A Bug unless he's very brave.

Monsters Inc ride!!!

Animation Academy, if he likes drawing (anything...DS sometimes tries to draw the characters, but other times has just drawn whatever he wants) and can be quiet even if not totally interested.

Turtle Talk with Crush.

If he's a tall one, 42", Grizzly River Run.

DS loves the Golden Zephyr ride.

Toy Story Midway Mania.


That's all I have...stupid head cold getting in my way.

 

[ballarinamom]

My DD's favorite ride at that age was the Jumping Jellyfish at DCA. It's a small world is fun and she still loves the Under the Sea section with all of the bubbles!
Also, if you plan to ride the monorail, try to ride in the nose even if you have to wait for the next train. They come pretty fast so your wait won't be too long.
Is your little one a boy or girl. That might help some folks come up with more ideas

 

[ykmom]

I think it depends on the kid as well and what type of rides they will go on. My daughter loved the haunted mansion, POTC and Big Thunder Railroad, others may not. The parade and the fireworks would defintely be must see's. However, we never watched the fireworks from inside as the crowds were so big and she was just as excited by what she could see from HOJO's parking lot.

 

[ykmom]

I would add taking the train all the way around the parks. The dioramas are amazing - especially the dinosaurs.

 

[Kayla's Mom]

We took my oldest DD for her 4th birthday. She loved Splash and Thunder Mountain! She also loved getting autographs from the characters.

 

[dangerkitteey]

Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters is DD's favorite and has been since her first trip at 22 months (she's 3 1/2 now). Its usually a quick line (never waited more than 10 minutes) so we ride over and over again. She also loves the Haunted Mansion and (I shudder to say this) It's a Small World.

 

[becpee]

x

 

[debdreamsofdis]

Remember to get your "First Visit" badge from City Hall.

Playhouse Disney Live is on our list of must-dos. Your 4 year old would especially enjoy it if they're familiar Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Handy Manny and Little Einsteins-do you get those shows in Australia?

I haven't seen Teacups, Tiki Room or Autopia mentioned yet, my kids love them.

If you're Star Wars fans, don't miss the Jedi training academy (if your child gets picked to participate you will have some priceless picture ops!)

They would also really enjoy stuffing an animal at Build-a-Bear in Downtown Disney-you can dress the animals in Disney costumes.

I think you should also enjoy some Mickey shaped food (pretzels, ice cream bars, rice krispies)

Also, more for mom and dad, you might want to get a paper cut silouette souvenier done of your child on Main Street or a caricature in New Orleans Square- if they'll sit still long enough.

 

[Disneylvrforever]

DL:
He could take pics w/ the princesses, but a 2 hr. wait to meet them to me is a little over rated.
He could make his own light saber in Tomorrowland.
There are a lot of games he can play in Innovations.
Gadget's Go Coaster is fun, I still like going on it if the lines aren't long.
The Jungle Cruise & Tarzan's Treehouse in Adventureland.
Definately go to Big Thunder Ranch & visit the petting zoo.

DCA:
The Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in would be fun for him to run around in.
Muppet Vision 3D is also a fun show to watch.

 

[andee2000]

Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters is DD's favorite and has been since her first trip at 22 months (she's 3 1/2 now). Its usually a quick line (never waited more than 10 minutes) so we ride over and over again. She also loves the Haunted Mansion and (I shudder to say this) It's a Small World.

I think Astro Blasters was one of my favorite rides. I had so much fun.

To OP: I found DCA to have the best toddler/small kid rides. My daughter was four last summer and we thought the pace and size of their rides were better for her than at DL. Also Turtle Talk, while not a ride, was one of her favorites as well.

At DL she liked the rides in toon town.

 

[mystic_path]

Dont forget the Winnie the Pooh Ride. He might actually really love that. Its just too adorable.

 

[aprincess@mail.com]

Characters Characters Characters!!!
dont forget your signature book!

okay my dd4 loves POTC and Haunted Mansion!
She also loves the Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters!
really really loves the princesses so we used to do the fantasy faire, but now were gonna have to do just Ariel's grotto.

Your ds will love the Playhouse Disney too!!

 

[bumbershoot]

Keep them coming, i'm going to make a list (is it crazy to make a list for Disneyland?)


He's a boy but is quite intrigued with Princesses, I think he just loves to look at pretty girls LOL

My guy is the same about the princesses. If he wants to meet them, just get in line for the Faire as early as you can to minimize the wait.

I can't concur on a build your own saber for a 4 year old. They are HUGE. And have no belt-clip. I like the cheapie $10 ones (that you can get at Target on sale for $5). We also love the blue (only blue) one that does light up, does have sound, has some Mickey motifs on it, and was $12 the last we checked in late May. It has a belt clip, isn't as HUGE as the build your owns, and is lighter AND retracts ALL the way into the handle (unlike the build your owns).

With 4 year olds, just start out with outside attractions. We saw a 3ish year old girl whose family went on Peter Pan first (since that's the rule!), but alas, that line is dark, the ride is dark, and even though it's not scary and is a great ride...it would have been best to start on Dumbo. Outside rides first (heck, no one ever follows it, but I'd just do DCA first and start in bug's land!) and move along as you see how the kiddo is reacting to it all.