Tips for a First-Time Visit to Disneyland (One Day) with Small Children: What to Bring and What to Do
- lifehasitsquirks
- Nov 16
- 8 min read
Planning your very first trip to Disneyland with small children is both exciting and a little overwhelming. Between the rides, parades, snacks, and all the magical moments, there’s a lot to see and do. But when you’re visiting for just one day with little kids in tow, planning is key. With some preparation, you can avoid meltdowns, make the most of your time, and create wonderful family memories.
In this guide, you’ll find helpful tips for visiting Disneyland with young kids, including what to pack, what to expect, and which experiences are best for small children, all optimized to help first-time visitors enjoy the park stress-free.
Why a First-Time Visit to Disneyland with Small Children is Worth It
Some parents worry about whether Disneyland is “worth it” with toddlers or preschoolers. The answer is a resounding yes. While your kids may not remember every detail, the joy you’ll see on their faces is priceless. You'll have pictures to remember for years to come to look back on, and YOU will have the memories.
Disneyland is designed with families in mind. From kid-friendly rides to baby care centers to character meet-and-greets, the park is equipped to make the experience manageable for parents and magical for children.
The trick is knowing how to prioritize your time and pack smartly for your one-day adventure.
Before You Go: Planning Your Disneyland Day with Small Kids
1. Buy Tickets in Advance
We suggest purchasing tickets as far in advance as possible. Pick your date and build that anticipation for your first-time visit to Disneyland. We highly suggest buying a ticket that comes with Lighting Lane Multi Pass. (But if you forget this step, you can always purchase when you enter through the turnstiles upon arrival.) The Multi Pass also comes with your unlimited Photo Pass photos!
(*SoCal residents, from time to time there are promotions just for you! Often times they are highly discounted 3 day tickets. Who doesn't love going 3 times instead of once?!)
2. Pick the Right Day
If possible, choose a weekday outside of major holidays and school breaks. Weekdays are generally less crowded, which makes a big difference when you’re navigating strollers and little ones. When you take a look at the ticket calendar, you will also see that there is "tiered" pricing. You can aim to select a less expensive day for your visit.
3. Make Park Reservations
Don't forget that Park Reservations are still required and you will not be let in without them, even with a valid ticket. You can either make a park reservation right when purchasing your ticket or you can link your ticket to your Disneyland Account and make a reservation afterwards. If you have a park hopper ticket, you are simply reserving your starting theme park and you can hop after 11am.
4. Consider Hopper Tickets
For one day, most families stick to Disneyland Park (the original park) instead of trying to do both Disneyland and California Adventure. Disneyland Park is packed with attractions suitable for small children, and it helps minimize the back-and-forth. However, there a considerable amount of rides and attractions at DCA for littles too! Some highlights are Cars Land, meeting Anna and Elsa, Ariel's Undersea Adventure, and WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure.
5. Book Table Service Dining in Advance
Disneyland dining bookings 60 days in advance of your date at 6amPST. Yes, it's an early time to wake up and make reservations, but popular meals can book in seconds. It's great to take a break to sit and eat, so you will want to consider this. If you are looking for a character meal, consider the breakfast at the Plaza Inn with Minnie and an eclectic group of friends. Another fan favorite is Goofy's Kitchen at the Disneyland hotel.
What to Bring to Disneyland with Small Children
Packing smart can make or break your day. Here’s a Disneyland packing checklist for families with toddlers and preschoolers:
Stroller: Even if your child doesn’t always use one, Disneyland involves miles of walking. A stroller provides a place for rest, storage, and shade. Rentals are available, but bringing your own is usually more comfortable. Just keep in mind that Disney has some restrictions on the size of strollers you can bring. Wagons are not allowed.
Snacks & Water: While Disneyland snacks are fun, they can be pricey and not always kid-friendly. Bring easy, mess-free options like fruit pouches, crackers, and refillable water bottles.
Change of Clothes: Between water rides, sticky snacks, and accidents, an extra set of clothes is essential.
Diapers & Wipes: Stock up even if your child is potty-trained. Wipes are handy for messes of all kinds.
Sunscreen & Hats: Shade is limited in parts of the park, and Southern California sun can be intense.
Light Blanket or Jacket: Evenings can get chilly, especially if you stay for the fireworks.
Portable Charger: You’ll use your Disneyland app constantly for photos, Lighting Lanes, maps, and mobile ordering, so don’t let it die mid-day.
Autograph Book & Pen: Meeting characters is a highlight for small kids. An autograph book gives them a keepsake.
Small Toys/Comfort Items: A familiar toy or comfort blanket helps during waits or overstimulation.
Best Rides at Disneyland for Small Children
Disneyland is full of attractions designed for young guests. Here are the must-do rides for small kids.
Fantasyland Favorites
“It’s a Small World”: Bright colors, gentle boat ride, and an iconic song.
Peter Pan’s Flight: A magical ride through London and Neverland—though lines can be long, so do this early.
Dumbo the Flying Elephant: A classic for toddlers who love the feeling of flying.
King Arthur Carrousel: A beautiful carousel ride that’s perfect for little ones.
Adventureland & Critter Country
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: Gentle ride with familiar characters.
Mickey’s Toontown
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway: Fun, colorful, and great for all ages.
Meet Mickey and Minnie at their homes: Perfect for photos and autographs.
Let's also not forget the new outdoor play area that kids love. There are very few seats for adult though, so plan to stand and watch them have fun.
Tomorrowland
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters: Interactive and engaging for preschoolers.
Pro Tip: Check height requirements in advance. Most rides in Fantasyland and Toontown don’t have restrictions, making them ideal for small kids.
Buy Lightning Lane Multi Pass
It's true that a good amount of rides in Fantasyland do not have Lightning Lane access, but overall, your day will go much smoother, and you will get a lot more done, if you purchase this expedited ride access. Lightning Lane Multi Pass also comes with unlimited downloads of your Photo Pass photos for the day, so it's really a great value.
If you need help understand the system, grab our free guide. Our video will explain what it is and how it works!
Where to Eat at Disneyland with Young Kids
Dining can be stressful if you don’t plan ahead. Here are some family-friendly dining tips for Disneyland:
Use Mobile Ordering: The Disneyland app lets you order food ahead and skip the line, a lifesaver with hungry kids. Just make sure you are checking return times in advance, as popular lunch return times can book early.
Bring Snacks: Keep little ones satisfied between meals with snacks from home.
Best Quick-Service Spots for Families:
Red Rose Tavern (Fantasyland) – kid-friendly meals and shaded seating.
Rancho del Zocalo – Mexican classics with festive outdoor seating.
Hungry Bear Restaurant – spacious seating and American classics.
Daisy's Cafe–pizza flop overs are popular in Toontown. (The gluten free ones are great too!)
Managing Naps and Breaks
One of the hardest parts of doing Disneyland in one day with kids is balancing excitement with rest.
Stroller Naps: Many kids fall asleep in the stroller. Find shaded, quieter spots (near Rivers of America or along the path by “it’s a small world”).
Baby Care Centers: Located near Main Street and in California Adventure, these are perfect for diaper changes, nursing, and quiet downtime.
Indoor Attractions: Use shows like Enchanted Tiki Room or Disney Junior Dance Party as built-in breaks.
Character Meet-and-Greets
Meeting Disney characters is often the highlight of a young child’s trip.
Use the App to check times and locations for character appearances.
Toontown is a great area for Mickey, Minnie, and friends.
Fantasy Faire near the castle is perfect for meeting princesses.
Lines can be long, so be prepared to wait.
Bring your autograph book!
Pro Tip: Don’t pressure your child to hug or pose. Sometimes just a wave makes their day magical and candid shots are the best!
Tips for Handling Crowds and Meltdowns
Crowds are unavoidable at Disneyland, but you can manage them with these tips:
Arrive Early: The first two hours after opening have the shortest lines. You'll want to hit the Fantasyland rides that don't have Lightning Lanes during this time.
Prioritize Your “Must-Dos”: Pick 3–5 must-do rides/experiences and focus on those. Everything else is a bonus. (And we are confident that you will have a lot of "bonus" material!)
Know When to Take a Break: If your child is overwhelmed, step out of the flow of traffic for a snack or quiet moment.
Stay Flexible: With little kids, flexibility is key. Don’t try to “do it all” in one day. In fact, you can't. But that's the fun of Disneyland! There is always something new to come back to and experience year after year.
End the Day with Fireworks (If Possible)
Disneyland’s nighttime spectaculars, like the fireworks show above Sleeping Beauty Castle, are magical for both kids and adults.
If your kids can stay awake, find a viewing spot about 45 minutes before the show, and bring snacks of course. (Are you sensing a theme here?)
Bring a light blanket or sweater to keep them cozy.
If they can’t stay up, don’t stress. Ending on a positive note with a favorite ride or snack is just as memorable.
Final Tips for Success
Use Rider Switch: If adults want to go on a bigger ride, one can wait with the kids while the other rides, then switch without waiting in line again. The cast members at the entrance to each ride can assist you with this.
Take Lots of Photos: Capture the small moments... your child spotting Mickey, the first bite of a churro, or wide eyes on “it’s a small world.”
Go with the Flow: The best day at Disneyland isn’t about hitting every attraction—it’s about enjoying the magic at your child’s pace.
Conclusion: Making Your One Day at Disneyland Magical with Small Children
Your first Disneyland trip with little kids may not be perfectly smoot, but that’s part of the adventure. With a bit of planning, the right packing essentials, and realistic expectations, you can enjoy a stress-free, joy-filled day.
Focus on creating magical moments, not checking off a list. When your toddler giggles on a ride, or your preschooler gives Mickey a hug, you’ll know the day was worth it.
Disneyland with small children is less about the rides and more about the experience. So pack wisely, stay flexible, and soak in the magic.
Love Disneyland and looking to plan a longer trip? Our team at Travel With Character would love to help you organize everything from hotel, tickets, park reservations, dining, ground transportation and custom touring plans.
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