Navigating Disneyland with Twin Toddlers

Last updated on August 13th, 2023 at 10:57 am

Let me start by saying that I believe every experience is a learning one for toddlers, and if you only want to do things that they will remember, then you won’t be doing much for quite a few years. That being said, I didn’t think we would take our 2 and half-year-old twin girls to a Disney park until they were a bit older and less dependent on their routine and us. Due to some late changes in our travel plans, we found ourselves in the Los Angeles area and decided to give it a try anyway. We had a lot of fun, but it requires a lot of planning ahead to make the most out of your trip so here are a few of my thoughts…

Cost

First thing to consider is children under 3 are free! Free entrance into the park and free at all character meals. A character meal at places like Goofy’s Kitchen inside the Disneyland Hotel or Ariel’s Grotto in Disney California Adventure Park costs $47 per adult (including tax & tip). They do have good food and allow you the ability to see quite a few characters without waiting in lines. You and the kids have to eat anyway so why not kill two birds with one stone! Reservations are a must!

Stick to your kids’ routine

While you might think you are missing out if you leave the park for naptime, trust me, it’s worth it. You will likely have later nights than normal and the parks can be hot, crowded and loud so a break back at the hotel is worth its wait in gold if it brings back a little sanity to the family. That being said, you should consider staying on the property so you are just a 10-15 minute walk away from some peace and quiet. While they may not be able to sleep with all the excitement, the break will be much needed, for all of you!

Prep for character recognition

Sure it seems crazy. Unless you are completely against television, you probably have it on sometimes so let them watch Disney Junior or put in a princess or Disney Pixar movie. Their face will light up when the recognize Mickey Mouse as a friendly face rather than a giant rodent.

What days to visit?

Visit the parks on weekdays. It is much less crowded during the week, which means shorter lines for both rides and character meet-and-greets. There are lots of rides in the parks for you to take your toddlers on. Some of our favorites include Toy Story Midway Mania and Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree in Disney California Adventure Land or Dumbo the Flying Elephant and Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage in Disneyland Park.

Please take note that many rides that are inside are often slower, but really loud and dark at times. My girls didn’t like the Winnie the Pooh ride or Alice in Wonderland in Disneyland Park so we didn’t try anything else.

The rides that are outside are great, but often involve spinning, which my girls loved; my husband and I did not after 2 or 3 in a row. You know your kids best so choose the rides that best suit your little ones. Even with the excitement of rides and character sightings, little ones need to move so be sure to check out Mickey’s Toontown in Disneyland Park, and let the kids run around Goofy’s Playhouse or climb into one of the many toon cars. If you are in need of some space to roam when in Disney California Adventure Park, explore the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail.

Use the App

Stay current with any ride closures and wait times, character meet-and-greet locations, photo opportunities, and any special events such as parade times and routes. This will help you make the most out of your day and avoid walking aimlessly from one corner of the park to the other in search of Anna and Elsa.

What to bring with you?

When traveling here, opt for the larger stroller rather than the easier umbrella. While it may be the bigger hassle in the airport, the load of 2 children and their have-to-have, can’t live without, brand new stuffed toy along with sippy cups, snacks, diapers, and change of clothes makes it so worth having.

You will likely still need a back pack so you can take the important things with you after you park the stroller to get in line for the next ride but the less weight on your person, the better, especially when the kids want to be picked up to get a better view of the parade.

Come prepared with a bag full of “goodies”. In order to try to prevent a meltdown that may occur from sleep deprivation, sugar crash or the disappointment that Tinker Bell is not the tiny person we can hold in our hand like we thought fairies would be, bring a bag of goodies. These goodies may include anything small that will get your kiddos attention or change the subject for a brief moment, such a stickers or toys from the dollar store. Sweet treats are ok too in moderation or as a reward for eating a good dinner and if you bring it with you, you know what they like best, save money and control the portion. However, you are going to want to try the Dole Whip in Disneyland Park because you can justify the ice cream dessert when it’s made with pineapple, right?

Tip: Save some money and bring glow sticks from home to hand out at night or during the parades.

Pre-purchase the Photo Pass

You can use your own camera or phone to take pictures and many cast members will be happy to take them for you but why worry about something that you don’t have to. One photo at a character meal can cost $35 but a week photo pass is just $70 so take lots of photos and be sure to get in them with your kids as well! Who doesn’t want to take a picture with Pluto?

You will not see or do it all, and that’s ok. Have fun and relax (as best as you can) and keep in mind that you are at the happiest place on earth. If the kids want to ride the same ride again, do it. If they want to say hello to Donald Duck, wait in line. Accept that you will be exhausted at the end of the day and broke by the end of the trip, but the looks on your kids faces will make you want to do it all over again.

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