Disneyland with Kids: 25 Tips for Less Stress & Max Fun!

Disneyland with kids is the most magical experience—if you do it right. There’s truly nothing more heartwarming than seeing Disney’s original park through the eyes of a child. While Disneyland Resort is the Happiest Place on Earth, it’s also easy to overdo it. The last thing you want is for your family to end up exhausted, overwhelmed, and cranky while exploring the theme parks. That’s why I’ve gathered the best Disneyland with kids tips to help you minimize stress and maximize fun in 2025 and beyond.

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1. Prioritize Your Must-Do Rides & Shows

Between Disneyland and its sister park, Disney California Adventure, it’s not possible to experience everything in one day, or even in one vacation. Therefore, you must prioritize. To avoid disappointment, check the Disneyland app or website for any ride closures or show changes during your travel dates. A little planning goes a long way toward a wonder-filled day.

Brainstorm with your family about the rides, shows, and other attractions that appeal most to everyone. Make a list of must-do experiences followed by second-tier attractions, things that would be nice if there’s time, and what can be skipped. When traveling with different age groups, top picks will vary greatly, so get ready to compromise.

The earlier you enter the parks, the shorter the lines tend to be. Plan to hit the most popular rides, like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance in Disneyland Park or Radiator Springs Racers in Disney California Adventure’s Cars Land, first.

Not sure what to put at the top of your list of favorite attractions? If traveling with young children, be sure to read our picks for the best Disneyland rides for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Meanwhile, those traveling with bigger kids and teens should take a look at the scariest rides at Disneyland.

2. Group Attractions Together by Location

The best Disneyland rides are spread throughout the various lands at both Anaheim theme parks. Don’t waste time zigzagging from WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure in Disney California Adventure to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (formerly Splash Mountain) in Disneyland. Instead, pick one popular ride and plan outward from there.

For example, if Matterhorn Bobsleds tops your family’s wish list, you could follow up with nearby Fantasyland favorites like Peter Pan’s Flight and Dumbo the Flying Elephant. Alternatively, since the Matterhorn borders Tomorrowland, you might group it with Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage and Space Mountain.

Then decide which adjacent land contains the next cluster of attractions that appeal to your crew and move on from there. Trust me, you’ll be doing plenty of walking, so you’ll want to avoid crisscrossing the parks unnecessarily.

3. Develop a Schedule, But Leave Room for Magic

When planning a trip to Disneyland with kids, it’s essential to develop a rough schedule before you enter the parks. You don’t want to waste precious park time staring at park maps and arguing about what to do next.

However, it’s equally important to live in the present moment and soak up the fun. The first few times I went to Disneyland as a new mom with little kids, I scheduled each moment to make sure we maximized every minute. This left me feeling uptight instead of joyful.

Take time for more mellow activities like watching the Dapper Dans perform on Main Street or exploring Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer’s Island with your kids. Everyone will be happier if you do.

4. Let Children Become Disney Characters

Childhood doesn’t last forever, so lean into the wonder of Disney when visiting with young kids, especially on their first visit to the amusement parks. Indulge your child’s fantasy of becoming a princess, pirate, or other Disney character while at Disneyland Resort.

Whether you’ve got a mini Aurora twirling through the living room or a pint-sized Moana ready to sail the seas, you’ll find enchanting options in the Disney Princess lineup. Make your child’s character dreams come true by purchasing costumes and accessories from Disney Store’s official Princess collection before your vacation. Don’t forget to explore other character favorites at Disney Store—from Star Wars heroes to Toy Story adventurers—for both boys and girls.

Note: Children ages 13 and under may wear full Disney costumes at the parks year-round. However, guests 14 and older are NOT permitted to wear costumes during regular park days unless attending special events, like Oogie Boogie Bash during Halloween at Disneyland.

5. Dress the Part with Disney Gear for the Whole Family

Even though full costumes aren’t allowed for adults, all ages can still show their Disney spirit through themed clothing, accessories, or DisneyBounding (dressing in character-inspired outfits—think yellow skirt and blue top for Snow White—without full costumes).

Everyone is a kid again when at Disneyland, so lean into the fun with Disney-branded t-shirts, hats, dresses, and hoodies for parents and kids. Buying Disney gear in advance from the Disney Store saves time and money during your vacation.

Bright, matching Disney shirts are a fun way to go for the whole family. They’re playful, photogenic, and make it easier to find each other in a crowd.

6. Avoid Theme Park Burnout

Many families want to squeeze as much fun as possible into their Disneyland vacation. They arrive at opening time in the morning and only leave after the last firework has burst over Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. Especially when visiting with small children, this is sure to lead to a meltdown from at least one family member. Instead, pace yourselves.

If you want to be there at rope drop to take advantage of the shortest lines of the day, then consider skipping the evening entertainment. Or get to the parks as early as possible and then head back to your hotel in the afternoon for naps or a swim before heading back for some park play post-dark. When visiting Disneyland with teens, on the other hand, you might plan to arrive in the afternoon to ride roller coasters and stay until closing time.

7. Save Time & Energy with One Park Per Day

Park Hopper Tickets allow guests to visit both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure in one day. This can be helpful if you have only one day and lots of must-sees spanning both parks—like starting your morning by riding Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disneyland and ending with the World of Color: Happiness! nighttime spectacular at Disney California Adventure.

In my personal experience, though, it’s best to spend at least two full days at the Disney theme parks. That way, you can dedicate one day to Disneyland Park and another to Disney California Adventure. With new attractions like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure now open in Disneyland, and refreshed favorites like Avengers Campus and Pixar Pier in California Adventure, there’s plenty to fill each day without feeling rushed.

You’ll save some money by choosing One Park Per Day Tickets. Plus, you’ll spend less time hiking from park to park, and there’s less pressure to do everything all at once. Instead, your family can focus on the excitement of each park individually.

8. Invest in Lightning Lane Multi Pass

Replacing Genie+, MaxPass, and FastPass, Lightning Lane Multi Pass is Disneyland’s current skip-the-line upgrade. It’s an optional add-on that lets you reserve shorter wait times for select attractions right from your smartphone at Disneyland using the Disneyland app.

For popular rides, Lightning Lane Multi Pass helps your family bypass the standby line and enjoy more of the magic with less waiting. You can reserve one attraction at a time throughout the day, starting upon park entry. Note: each eligible ride can only be reserved once per day.

Bonus perk: Lightning Lane Multi Pass includes unlimited Disney PhotoPass downloads, so you can capture professional-quality memories without relying solely on selfies.

Disneyland: Lightning Lane Multi Pass Attractions (2025)

• Autopia
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
• Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
• Haunted Mansion
• Indiana Jones Adventure
• “it’s a small world”
• Matterhorn Bobsleds
• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin
• Space Mountain
• Star Tours – The Adventures Continue

Disney California Adventure: Lightning Lane Multi Pass Attractions (2025)

• Goofy’s Sky School
• Grizzly River Run
• Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!
• Incredicoaster
• Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
• Soarin’ Around the World
• The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
• Toy Story Midway Mania!
• WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure

9. Skip Lines With a Lightning Lane Single Pass

For the most in-demand rides—like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Radiator Springs Racers—you can purchase a Lightning Lane Single Pass. This is a separate, à la carte option that lets you skip the standby line for one specific attraction, without needing to buy the full Lightning Lane Multi Pass (described in #8 above).

It’s a good choice if you’re only visiting for one day or want guaranteed access to a blockbuster ride without committing to the full Multi Pass system. Prices vary by date and demand.

10. Streamline Your Visit with the Disneyland App

Even if you don’t purchase Lightning Lane access, the Disneyland App is still your best friend in the parks. It’s free to download and includes helpful tools, such as real-time wait times, height requirements, dining reservations, and hotel info. To save time waiting in long lines for meals and snacks, you can even order food in advance from select quick-service restaurants right from your phone at no extra charge.

The app also offers a complimentary planning feature that suggests nearby rides and experiences based on your preferences. It’s like having a digital concierge in your pocket.

11. Wear Comfortable Shoes & Socks

Of course, you want everyone in your crew to be comfortable at the Happiest Place on Earth. According to Kylie Gibbon, a mom and travel enthusiast, “Disneyland is huge and you’ll be doing tons of walking. In fact, my family clocks over 20,000 steps per day when we visit!”

She continues, “Therefore, it’s super important that everyone wears appropriate shoes. Don’t wear anything uncomfortable or that is likely to give painful blisters to your family members’ feet. Ideally, the top pick for footwear for you and your kids is worn-in, sturdy trainers or cushioned walking sandals. Flip-flops are too flimsy, and heels are an obvious no-go.”

To go the extra mile, pack moisture-wicking socks to help prevent blisters and keep feet dry. If you’re buying new footwear for the trip, break in new shoes at home with a few walks before your vacation. And bring a few blister bandages, just in case someone needs a fix mid-park. For water rides like Grizzly River Run, consider adding a pair of lightweight, easy-on sandals in your day bag, just for quick swaps to keep socks and sneakers dry.

12. Prioritize Sleep at Disneyland with Kids

Nothing leads to family arguments and amusement park meltdowns faster than lack of sleep. That’s why it’s so important to stick to healthy sleep routines—even during a Disney vacation.

Depending on their age, children need 8 to 13 hours of sleep per night, and even more for babies and toddlers. Just because they’re having fun doesn’t mean they need less rest. Try to get young children to wind down at a reasonable hour with familiar bedtime rituals, like stories or quiet time, especially if you’re planning an early start the next day.

If your child still naps, build those breaks into your Disneyland itinerary. Some kids do best with a stroller nap while parents wander through the park. Others may prefer a midday reset back at the hotel room in a crib or bed. Read additional travel sleep tips for children to make sure everyone is well-rested and ready for their favorite rides and special events at Disneyland.

Teenagers need tons of sleep, too, so let teens sleep in. As kids grow into their teenage years, their internal body clocks shift, making them naturally inclined to fall asleep later and wake up later than they did when they were little.

13. Bring or Rent a Stroller

Make your life easier by renting or bringing a stroller for your Disneyland vacation with children. Debbie Fettback with WorldAdventurists.com says, “Even if your children can walk during adventures near home, Disney is a whole other level of stimulation and tiredness.”

She advises, “A stroller is helpful when experiencing Disneyland with kids, even up to age 6 or so. If you have big kids or you are visiting Disneyland with a large group, then you will get more out of your day by using a stroller for younger siblings and cousins. Little ones can comfortably nap in a stroller while other family members take turns enjoying rides and attractions.”

“Additionally, a stroller is a good place to store easily replaceable items while on rides,” says Fettback. She also recommends parkgoers mark the stroller with a balloon or bow to make it easier to find in the sea of strollers in the theme parks.

14. Make Use of Baby Care Centers

When visiting with little ones, Disneyland’s Baby Care Centers can be a lifesaver. These two clean, well-equipped facilities are staffed by friendly Disney Cast Members and stocked with helpful amenities for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.

At Disneyland Park, you’ll find the Baby Care Center at the end of Main Street, U.S.A., next to the First Aid station and across from the popular Corn Dog Cart. At Disney California Adventure, look for the Baby Care Center just outside Cars Land, along the path leading to San Fransokyo Square, an updated area that replaced Pacific Wharf.

Forget baby formula or run out of diapers? Each Baby Care Center offers vending machines stocked with essentials such as formula, baby food, juice, diapers, wipes, sunscreen, pacifiers, and over-the-counter medications. All you need is a credit or debit card to purchase these emergency items.

For a quiet, comfortable place to nurse or pump, head to the nursing room, complete with plush chairs and curtained-off areas for privacy. If you’re potty training a child, you’ll appreciate the toddler-sized toilets (for guests under 42″ tall) available at both centers. Changing tables are also provided (which can also be found in almost all bathrooms at the theme parks).

Each center includes a feeding area with highchairs and a small kitchen stocked with a sink, bottle warmers, and a microwave for bottles and baby food only.

15. Know What to Do if You Can’t Find Your Child

Even if you’re not traveling with a baby or toddler, it’s good to know where the Baby Care Centers are because Cast Members bring children separated from their families to these centers. Lost kids in Downtown Disney are brought either to the Disneyland Hotel or the Baby Care Center off Main Street in Disneyland, whichever is closest to where the child was found.

If you become separated from your child, alert a Disney Cast Member right away. They’ll initiate the park’s lost child protocol and assist in reuniting your family. Put your mind at ease by reading additional tips to avoid losing your child at Disneyland and other busy public places.

16. Recharge with Indoor Disney Shows

Nicole Hunter with Go Far Grow Close recommends taking a break from the bustle of the parks when crowds are heavy in the afternoons. She says, “When you have had enough of lining up and dodging crowds, this is a great time to go see one of Disney’s incredible live musical theatre extravaganzas. Not only will you enjoy an incredible production, but you can also rest your feet and cool down or warm up, depending on the weather.”

The Hyperion Theater at Disney California Adventure Park seats nearly 2,000 people and showcases Broadway-caliber performances. You should consider lining up 30 minutes to an hour before shows at the Hyperion Theater to be sure to get seats.

Also at Disney California Adventure, younger kids adore the indoor Turtle Talk with Crush and Disney Junior Dance Party. Over at Disneyland Park, all ages enjoy the 15-minute Enchanted Tiki Room show featuring animatronic singing birds and flowers. Bigger kids might also appreciate the technology of Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln in Main Street USA.

17. Use Rider Switch at Disneyland with Kids

With the Rider Switch system, you don’t need to skip thrill rides just because you’re visiting Disneyland with young children. According to Disneyland.com, “With Rider Switch, Guests take turns experiencing an attraction. One party waits outside the queue while the remainder of their party waits in the queue. Once the first party returns from riding, the waiting Guest(s) may board the attraction without having to wait in the standard queue.”

About Rider Switch, Kris M., formerly from the Nomad by Trade blog, says, “Best of all, the adult riders get to bring two other riders with them, so older kids may get a chance to ride twice in a row if they want. If the line is long, then the parent and kid waiting outside may even have time to hit a different ride or grab a snack.”

Disneyland: Park Rider Switch Attractions (2025)

• Space Mountain
• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
• Indiana Jones Adventure
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
• Matterhorn Bobsleds
• Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (formerly Splash Mountain)
• Haunted Mansion
• Autopia
• Snow White’s Enchanted Wish
• Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin

Disney California Adventure: Rider Switch Attractions (2025)

• Radiator Springs Racers
• Incredicoaster
• Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!
• WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure
• Grizzly River Run
• Soarin’ Around the World
• Goofy’s Sky School
• Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree
• Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters
• Silly Symphony Swings
• Jumpin’ Jellyfish

18. Use the Single Rider Line

Thrill seekers will especially appreciate Disneyland’s Single Rider option. You can wait with family and friends during long lines, but when it’s time to board the rides, Single Riders are typically separated from their groups as they are slotted into empty spots on the attractions.

Tweens, teens, and big kids not afraid of riding on their own can significantly cut wait times by standing in the Single Ride line instead of the standby line. This is a great way to maximize your time in the theme parks, but don’t push young children to ride on their own before they’re ready. Parkgoers must be at least 7 years old to use the Single Rider lines.

Disneyland: Park Single Rider Attractions (2025)

• Indiana Jones Adventure
• Matterhorn Bobsleds
• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
• Space Mountain
• Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

Disney California Adventure: Single Rider Attractions (2025)

• Radiator Springs Racers
• Incredicoaster
• Grizzly River Run
• Goofy’s Sky School
• Soarin’ Around the World
• WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure

19. Entertain Kids While Waiting in Line

Disney does a good job of keeping queues visually engaging. At the Haunted Mansion, guests can read pun-filled tombstones, while Toy Story Midway Mania features an animatronic Mr. Potato Head who chats with the crowd. Still, having distractions on hand will make the day more fun for everyone in your brood.

One of my family’s favorite line-time diversions is the Heads Up! video game app. This word-guessing game entertains all ages. You hold the answers up to your forehead while the rest of your crew gives clues. Often, other bored parkgoers look on and sometimes even start playing with us!

For little ones, a small bottle of bubbles can turn waiting into playtime. Bigger kids might enjoy a pocket-sized game of tic-tac-toe or a Rubik’s Cube—great for keeping hands busy and screens tucked away. For more ideas, check out my top tips for travel games for families and travel toys for kids.

20. Avoid Dehydration

With all the excitement of a visit to Disneyland with kids, it can be easy to forget to drink enough liquids. But walking, standing, and riding all day can lead to a lack of hydration and an electrolyte imbalance. Especially on hot, sunny days, dehydration can become dangerous quickly.

Steer clear of sugary drinks, caffeinated beverages, and alcohol because this can worsen dehydration. Instead, stick to low-sugar rehydration drinks with electrolytes or good old-fashioned water.

Claudia Laroye with Claudia Travels recommends packing your own refillable water bottles. She says, “It’s the eco-friendly way to keep the family hydrated and cut down on disposable waste at the park. Disneyland makes staying hydrated easy by locating many water bottle refill stations and fountains throughout the parks.” Take a look at this helpful map of drinking fountains at Disneyland Resort, which is also viewable in the Disneyland Mobile App.

21. Book Disneyland Meals in Advance

Dining is part of the joy at Disneyland Resort. You can book restaurant reservations up to 60 days in advance, and you should. Sometimes a quick corndog is all your family craves, but for table-service meals, advanced bookings are highly recommended.

Options are plentiful, delicious, and entertaining. Dine “under the stars” while watching Pirates of the Caribbean boats sail past at Blue Bayou Restaurant in Disneyland. Enjoy a fine dining experience at Carthay Circle Restaurant at Disney California Adventure. Or bowl a few frames before eating at Spitsville Luxury Lanes in the Downtown Disney District.

22. Splurge on Character Dining

Some of my favorite Disneyland memories with my kids happened during character meals. These experiences let children meet favorite characters without waiting in long lines. They can pose for photos, collect autographs, and share hugs with favorites like Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Ariel, and Snow White. Kids might be able to snag signatures for a Disney autograph book from less common characters like Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother, too.

There’s nothing quite like watching your child’s eyes light up with pure wonder as they come face-to-face with the characters they’ve only seen in storybooks and movies. Dress children as Disney characters for the best photo ops and most memorable meals. Read my Disneyland character dining reviews to find out which experience fits your family best.

23. Pick the Best Place to Stay Near Disneyland

There’s no shortage of places to stay near Disneyland. From budget-friendly motels to Disney’s upscale, themed hotels, you’ll find something that fits your family’s style and budget.

Staying on property at one of Disneyland’s three official hotels creates an immersive Disney experience. The Grand Californian is the most luxurious, with its stunning lobby inspired by national park lodges and an on-site spa. I love the Disneyland Hotel with its classic Disney vibe and easy access to the Downtown Disney Monorail. Meanwhile, Pixar Place Hotel (formerly Paradise Pier Hotel) offers playful Pixar theming throughout and fireworks views from the rooftop pool deck.

A great hotel pool adds magic to Disneyland with kids. Check out my round-up of the best hotels near Disneyland with pools to see what I mean. From Disney’s trio of hotels to Great Wolf Lodge Anaheim and beyond, there’s a splashy spot for every family.

If you’re traveling with a large group or want more space, a vacation rental might be a better fit. Browse vacation homes near Disneyland to find one that works for you.

24. Make the Most of Early Entry

Disneyland has retired its old early access programs—Extra Magic Hour and Magic Morning—and replaced them with Early Entry. This perk is available only to guests staying at one of the three Disneyland Resort Hotels.

Each morning, Disneyland OR Disney California Adventure opens 30 minutes early for hotel guests. It’s only one park per day, so check the Disneyland app to plan accordingly. A limited number of rides, dining spots, and shops are available during this time. It may not sound like much, but while other families are still lining up at the gates, you could already be riding Peter Pan’s Flight or Incredicoaster. (Psst…if you’re NOT staying on property, go to the other park on that day for lighter crowds.)

Heads up: Early Entry is scheduled to end on January 4, 2026. Starting January 5, Disney will replace it with a single Lightning Lane entry per day for hotel guests. That means no more early admission, but you’ll still get one skip-the-line access daily.

25. Gear Up for Disneyland with Kids

Did you know that people often actually enjoy the anticipation of a vacation more than the trip itself? To stretch out the joy of a magical vacation, start building excitement before you go. Kick things off by creating your own countdown calendar or downloading a free Disney countdown printable to mark the days until departure.

In the weeks leading up to your Anaheim getaway, celebrate all things Disney at home. Let each family member pick a Disney movie to watch together each week, and read Disney books at bedtime. Ask your kids for input on restaurants and rides so they feel ownership of the trip. Try on those Disney princess gowns, Marvel Superhero outfits, and other Disney costumes so your kids will be ready to strut their stuff at the parks — you could even host a family Disney fashion show one night.

Save Money on Your Disneyland Vacation

Want to save money on your trip to Disneyland with kids? Of course, you do! Use discount code Colleen to receive $10 off any two-night or longer Southern California package (hotel and two-ticket minimum) when you book through my trusted partner, Get Away Today. 

Find Disneyland Resort deals, including ticket discounts and discounted hotel packages!

Explore More of California Beyond Disneyland

Located a short drive from Disneyland, find out why to visit America’s first theme park, Knott’s Berry Farm, and much more in Buena Park with kids.

Disneyland is located in California’s beautiful Orange County. Go beyond theme parks and explore the best things to do in Orange County with children.

Walt Disney created Mickey Mouse and dreamed up Disneyland while working and living in Burbank, California. Explore fun things to do in Burbank, the Media Capital of the World.

What would a trip to Southern California be without a beach day? Pack your swimsuits and sand toys to hit the best beaches in California.

San Diego is just 95 miles from Disneyland, making it a great addition to your holiday. I lived in San Diego for many years, and I’ve got the inside scoop on all the things to do in San Diego with kids.

From exciting cities to small beach towns and beautiful national parks, the Golden State has a lot to offer families. Take a look at the best places for families in California.

Save These Disneyland Tips for Later

For future reference, be sure to save this list of tips to maximize fun and minimize stress at Disneyland with kids. Just pin the image above to Pinterest. I hope you’ll follow Colleen Travels Between on Pinterest while you’re at it!

Who is your favorite Disney Princess or character? Share in the comments below!

A Note from Colleen: I received compensation from DisneyStore.com related to this post. This story contains affiliate links for which I earn a small commission at no extra charge to readers. This story is updated regularly to ensure up-to-date information for readers.

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