What do you do, with your little one?

[BLKKROW]

In December 2019, the wife and I are headed to Disneyland. But this time, we will have a one year old daughter, which adds a new twist to our experience.

As I never attended Disneyland as a child, I want to know what you recommend for a young child. We plan on a character breakfast, visiting Toon Town, riding any rides we can with her, etc. But what else are we missing?

If it matters, we will be in Disneyland/California Adventure for a total of four days, with one rest day in the middle. So if you have recommendations for CA, we would appreciate them.

Side note, we understand we will be taking more breaks, changing diapers, taking naps, etc, this is why we are attending the parks over four days.

 

[beachdreamr1229]

Disneyland is so much fun with little ones. As long as you take into account naps and snacks, you'll be good to go. We always bring some goldfish crackers with us for snacking while stuck in lines. My kids all preferred DCA at first (we started taking my twins when they were 1 and my older kid when he was 2). Monsters Inc., Cars, other Pixar stuff, and Little Mermaid were easier for them to identify and we found the rides to have a lighter feel to them and there's a cute Disney Jr. show. At Disneyland, It's a Small World is a good starter, as are Dumbo, the Disneyland Railroad, and Jungle Cruise. Those can help you gauge how your baby will react to other attractions like Pirates, Haunted Mansion, Buzz Lightyear, etc. Every kid is different, so it's hard to say what yours will like vs. what anyone else likes. But in general, there are so many options. If there's a show playing on the Fantasyland Theater stage, check that out for sure. All my kids loved that when they were little. If you're planning on the nighttime entertainment or parades, bring some sound protection. The night entertainment gets kind of loud. It looks like you're going in December, so don't forget to stop by to say hi to Santa. We prefer the one at DCA, but both are good. Oh, and grab a "first visit" button for your baby at guest services. They're great little keepsakes for the memory book.

 

[smartlabelprint]

We didn’t do toon town with our babies that small. Just do the rides you want and rider switch as needed. It’s great going at this age. Other than slowing down a little you don’t really need to change much. 2-3 hasn’t been fun for me. 4 was amazing.

 

[MilitaryMouse]

Our DD really loved meeting characters and also Storytelling at the Royal Theatre. They have little mats in front of the stage for little ones to sit on, and she loved interacting with the other kids there and the performers. We haven't tried the Disney Junior Dance Party yet, but will on our next trip! We also had so many magical moments and pixie dust just walking around with her. CMs and wandering characters are so great with paying little ones attention, especially if they're just walking around pointing at ducks

The Baby Centers are also really awesome for supplies, nappy changes, microwaves heating up food/formula, and nursing (the DL one has super comfy armchairs for nursing).

 

[Smrtalec33]

Our 11-month old LOVED Little Mermaid and Winnie the Pooh and our character breakfast (Goofy’s)

 

[NannyBeBe]

Your little one will not remember her first visit to DLR, but you will. And those memories will be precious. Take lots of pictures and start a Disneyland album. I did this with my children and added the grandchildren. So much fun to look back over the visits.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

If you can wear your little one in a carrier it’s great for rides and waiting in lines. You can go on LOTS of rides with your little one depending on her comfort level.

In Disneyland, It’s a Small World and all of Fantasyland (carousel, Casey Junior Train, Storybookland Canal Boats, Peter Pan, Mr. Toad, Pinocchio, Snow White), Nemo Submarines, Buzz Lightyear and the Astro Orbitors, Tiki Room, Jungle Cruise, Pirates, Haunted Mansion, Winnie the Pooh. I agree with a PP that 1 is a touch young for Toon Town unless she’s walking or you want to visit Mickey and Minnie’s houses.

In DCA, Little Mermaid, Monsters Inc., Ferris wheel, Toy Story, Golden Zephyr. DCA also has the Disney Junior Dance Party, Turtle Talk with Crush and sometimes Pixar shorts or or movie previews at the Sunset Showcase Theater.

Bring LOTS of snacks... never get stuck without snacks!

Bring a charge or two of clothes in Ziploc bags in case of blowouts or getting food all over (put the dirty clothes in the Ziploc).

Bring lots of wipes and diapers. I also like those disposable changing pads to lie down on the dirty changing tables.

Bring or buy little toys that can entertain little one when you have to wait for things. The bubble wands they sell in the parks are always a big hit.

Have a great time!

 

[Malcon10t]

Know where the baby centers are. They are so convenient. We frequently used the train for naps. 3 laps is an hour.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

Know where the baby centers are. They are so convenient. We frequently used the train for naps. 3 laps is an hour.

Agree! The Baby Care Center in DL is across from the Plaza Inn/Little Red Wagon corn dog cart. They have four changing tables and five nursing chairs, plus a curtained area to pump if necessary. FYI there is no adult size bathroom in that center, but there is a sink to wash your hands. They have little potties for kids under 42 inches.

The Baby Care Center in DCA is on the back side of Ghirardelli’s (if you’re facing the front door to Ghirardelli’s it’s around the side to your left). They have changing tables, little potties, nursing chairs and also an adult size toilet. This one is nice because older kiddos can watch Disney movies in the little lobby area.

 

[BLKKROW]

Thank you for all of your comments! I have learned a lot and will be more prepared for our visit.

We will probably not visit Toon Town at this time, and spend more time at shows, rides, and nighttime entertainment. We planned on visiting the Baby Care Centers, but we know have a lot of intel on what they have.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

... Bring a charge or two of clothes in Ziploc bags in case of blowouts or getting food all over (put the dirty clothes in the Ziploc).

Bring lots of wipes and diapers. I also like those disposable changing pads to lie down on the dirty changing tables...

Both these are stellar tips. I often see moms in the restrooms who have run out of clean clothes and/or wipes and diapers. They had no idea how being outside all day, super stimulated by all the new visuals and noises, new foods, etc. could "activate" their baby's systems. Ahem... And there they are in the ladies room trying to make do with handful after handful of those pathetically thin paper towels from the auto dispensers. Most of them have never heard of the Baby Care Centers and are so relieved to find out that they can get diapers and wipes there.

 

[azdisneylover]

In December 2019, the wife and I are headed to Disneyland. But this time, we will have a one year old daughter, which adds a new twist to our experience.

As I never attended Disneyland as a child, I want to know what you recommend for a young child. We plan on a character breakfast, visiting Toon Town, riding any rides we can with her, etc. But what else are we missing?

If it matters, we will be in Disneyland/California Adventure for a total of four days, with one rest day in the middle. So if you have recommendations for CA, we would appreciate them.

Side note, we understand we will be taking more breaks, changing diapers, taking naps, etc, this is why we are attending the parks over four days.

You can always ask grandparents to watch your little one for the 4 days and you and your wife have a mini vacation! (This is what I would do).