Going to Disneyland With Kids? The Guide for Having the Best Day Ever

Disneyland has always been a place where young and old alike can enjoy themselves. In recent years, the term “Disney adult” has been coined to describe grown adults who frequently visit the park, and 99% of the time without children.

I consider myself a “Disney adult” and have grown tired of the term sometimes being used in a negative manner. However, regardless of one’s feelings about the term, not a single person who falls into that category would deny that children make up a large percentage of Disneyland’s attendance.

Indeed, a trip to the Disneyland Resort with kids will vary greatly from an adults-only one. For all the parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other adult figures, experiencing Disneyland with a child can be a memorable and special thing. At the same time, it can feel overwhelming, especially for those unfamiliar with the parks.

Luckily for readers in this category, we’ve got you covered. So sit back, take notes, and explore this expert guide to attractions, shows, and activities that will delight the young and young at heart.

While attractions remain the typical draw for the average Disneyland guest, those traveling with children should always prioritize character meet sand greets. For one thing, a child meeting a character at Disneyland, especially a seminal one like Mickey Mouse or a Disney Princess, becomes a rite of passage. From babies to toddlers to tweens, nothing can compare to the joy and wholesomeness of interacting with your favorite characters. Character meet and greets also have the bonus of creating everlasting memories with photos, videos, and autographs. Those moments will therefore be forever immortalized. Thankfully for Disneyland guests, there are numerous opportunities to meet characters.

If it’s in your budget, you can book a character dining experience, which offers a buffet-style meal and characters who greet guests at their tables for fun interactions, photos, and videos. These are available at Plaza Inn in Disneyland, Storyteller’s Cafe at the Grand Californian Hotel, and Goofy’s Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel. Reservations fill up quickly, and are available 90 days in advance. So, plan ahead.

Both parks also have free-roaming characters and designated meet and greet areas. Characters like Peter Pan, Pinocchio, Mary Poppins, Bert, and Jack Sparrow are seen walking throughout Disneyland. And in Galaxy’s Edge, guests can meet Chewbacca and Rey as well as original trilogy characters Luke, Leia, and Han. At DCA, you can also catch almost every Marvel Superhero like Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Loki, Spider-Man, Black Panther, and others at Avengers Campus, while Pixar characters like Luca, Mike Wazowski and Sully, Joy and Sadness, and Woody, Buzz, and Jessie are found at the front end of Pixar Pier.

Those looking for a guarantee without the price tag of a dining experience should head to the following:
• Mickey’s House in Toontown
• Princess Royal Hall to meet Ariel, Aurora, Snow White, Cinderella, Belle, Rapunzel, and Tiana
• Pixie Hollow to meet Tinkerbell
• The Animation Building in DCA to meet Anna and Elsa

Of all the lands in Disneyland, Fantasyland has the most attractions, particularly ones that anyone can enjoy. In fact, of the 13 attractions, the only one with a height requirement is the Matterhorn Bobsleds at 42 inches. The rest of the land is filled with five delightful dark rides, three whimsical spinners, two beautiful boat rides, and one colorful train.

Many parents who bring their babies to Disneyland for the first time choose Dumbo and King Arthur Carousel as their child’s first ride, as they’re slow and sweet. It’s A Small World is another popular choice for the very young, with so much to look at. Older kids tend to love Mad Tea Party, Casey Jr, and the dark rides like Peter Pan and Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.

Overall, Fantasyland remains the ideal choice to spend the bulk of your Disneyland day with children.

Between Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, numerous Pixar-themed attractions will appeal to kids of various ages. At Disneyland, the two lone Pixar offerings are located in Tomorrowland. Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters ranks high for the younger crowd, likely because it’s both a ride and a game. Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage also has its charms, especially for the three-and-up crowd. Fair warning, however: those who suffer from claustrophobia should steer clear of this one.

At DCA, two entire lands are devoted to Pixar films: Cars Land and Pixar Pier. In Radiator Springs, kids will love all three attractions. Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree and Luigi’s Rollicking Roadsters offer light thrills and have a 32-inch height requirement. Kids 40 inches and taller can ride Radiator Springs Racers, a proper thrill that is peak immersion.

Pixar Pier offers a handful of attractions for all ages that little ones can ride, including Toy Story Midway Mania (a fun game ride vastly superior to Disneyland’s Buzz Lightyear), Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind, and Jessie’s Critter Carousel. For the older and bolder kids, the Incredicoaster offers some of the best thrills and views in the park. Lastly, you can’t go wrong with the Games of Pixar Pier, especially with children. Pro tip- always play the game at La Luna because everyone gets a prize.

Entertainment at Disney Parks will always be a hit with kids, and their accompanied adults. Both are treated to a lively show, a chance to relax and rest their feet, and enjoy either shade or air conditioning. Disneyland’s offerings are a mix of classic and contemporary. In the Enchanted Tiki Room, enjoy a cute, lo-fi but completely iconic Polynesian show with singing birds, flowers, tikis, and an “enchanted” fountain. You’re even allowed to bring in a delicious Dole Whip to enjoy while watching the show.

The Disneyland Band show at Sleeping Beauty Castle and Main Street Train Station delights with classic Disney songs, sometimes including Mary Poppins and Bert, who bring kids up to dance.

Storytelling at Royal Theater in the Princess Fantasy Faire occupies the former Plaza Gardens area, bringing guests hilarious abbreviated versions of Tangled and Beauty and the Beast. And over at the Fantasyland Theater, the beloved animated show for kids and adults alike, Bluey, comes to life with Bluey’s Best Day Ever, complete with songs, characters, and a whole lot of fun.

If guests were asked to choose which park has the best shows for children, they’d have a difficult time deciding, as DCA also features some that entertain to no end. Without a doubt, the most popular remains Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live. Located next to the Hyperion Theater, the show features a bright and energetic party with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Pluto, who encourage the audience, particularly kids, to sing along and dance. Those visiting with toddlers will love this show, but will spend more time watching their child’s gleeful face than the show itself.

For a more low-key time, the 3-D Mickey’s PhilharMagic show and impressive Turtle Talk With Crush are usually winners with kids five years old and up. The latter especially results in many laughs as Crush talks directly to guests, asking and answering questions, making jokes, and thoroughly convincing everyone that you’re talking to the genuine article.

For kids who are into superheroes, don’t miss The Amazing Spider-Man show in Avengers Campus. Blending state-of-the-art technology with old-fashioned humor, adults will surely enjoy it as much as the youngsters.

If any land was designed specifically with children in mind, it would be Mickey’s Toontown. And since it’s an overhaul in 2023, it’s better than ever. Of course, the land itself remains a feast for the eyes and ears with brightly colored buildings with whimsical designs, grassy areas for picnics, a lovely central fountain, and ambient cartoony noises and music from the Disney canon, such as the Ducktales theme song.

Mickey and Minnie’s Houses are still greeting guests, while Roger Rabbit’s Cartoon Spin still offers crazy hijinks. However, it’s the new additions that elevate the land to a children’s paradise. Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway transports passengers into a colorful and zany world with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, Daisy, and Pluto.

Lastly, Donald’s Duck Pond and Goofy’s How-to Play Yard have become the go-to places for young guests, complete with interactive elements, slides, rocking toys, and water features.

For those wanting to give their kids some old-fashioned playtime that also will burn some energy, Frontierland is the perfect place. Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island remains one of the most underrated areas in Disneyland and one of the best for young adventurers. Guests can explore caves, cross bridges, and make believe they’ve gone back in time. There are also several picnic tables to enjoy lunch or a snack, or simply relax while the kids play.

For an even more intense workout, hop aboard the Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes. In these genuine canoes, passengers must row to explore the Rivers of America, while your guide motivates, tells humorous jokes, and often encourages races. One of the only boats not on a track, the canoes offer one of the most authentic experiences. And don’t worry about very little ones, as they’re required to wear life vests.

Anyone looking for a memorable experience and can afford to splurge must check out the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Fantasyland. This tiny shop, located around the corner from the Sleeping Beauty Castle walkthrough entrance, gives youngsters the Princess and Knight experience with outfits, hairdos, and a little pixie dust.

What’s nice about the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is the various options in outfits, accessories, and packages. Some have their child pick out an outfit there and go for the whole shebang, which includes a photo shoot. More affordable packages opt out of the outfit, either foregoing it altogether or bringing one from home. The most expensive package- the Signature Dress Package- will indeed be a splurge at $450. The others won’t be as much, ranging from $20 to $229, and include many more options. This video from Finallyjordan explains each available package.

Whatever you choose, the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique promises a unique experience that will make any child feel special.

A bit different than traditional meet and greets with characters, Disneyland offers a much different experience with those that roam around the park, specifically with characters such as Alice, the Mad Hatter, Peter Pan, Wendy, and Cruella De Vil. Being the mischievous character he is, Peter Pan will often play hide-and-seek and duck-duck-goose with guests. Despite being a villain, Cruella De Vil is quite sweet with young children, sometimes walking them through Main Street and engaging in mini runway shows. Just note, while these interactions are common, they’re not guaranteed, and are spontaneous with no set schedule.

For a more scheduled play with characters, visit Coke Refreshment Corner on Main Street to play musical chairs with Alice and the Mad Hatter. Along with the ragtime piano player, the Wonderland pair brings up several guests for the game, resulting in lots of laughs. Though not officially listed on the entertainment schedule, these games will occur most days in the early afternoon.

Scavenger Hunts around the Disneyland Resort have become popular in the past few years. Although they don’t happen often, when they do, they offer guests a chance to engage in something out of the ordinary. These hunts prove especially fun for kids who enjoy exploring the park beyond the rides.

Disneyland typically includes official hunts for Easter, Halloween, and Christmas, where park goers use a map and stickers to find and keep track of hidden objects throughout the parks and the Downtown Disney Shopping District. After completing the hunt, you’ll receive a small gift.

In addition to the official scavenger hunts, you can create your own for your kids to enjoy, such as finding every Hidden Mickey (there are a lot), looking for weather vanes, or any number of things throughout both parks. Whether you make one yourself or utilize one like Disney Cicerone’s, it will create a fun-filled and unique experience.

Another part of Disneyland’s magic for kids lies in the numerous forms of transportation throughout the park. Tomorrowland’s Autopia gives kids who are 32 inches or taller a chance to feel like a grown-up and drive their own car. The resulting glee from the child or accompanying adult is comparable.

The Disneyland Railroad offers multiple benefits. As the only attraction guests could ride all day if they wish, the train becomes an excellent place to relax, rest your feet, and even take a nap. Kids also enjoy the Grand Canyon and Primeval World sections of the train ride, which remain as impressive as they did in their 1964 debut.

Although not as long as the Disneyland Railroad, the Monorail offers a smooth ride with aerial views of the parks you can’t get anywhere else. Back on the ground, don’t sleep on the Main Street vehicles, which are open to all ages. Each one features something kids will find appealing: a majestic horse pulling the streetcars, unique views in the Omnibus, and the opportunity to ring the bell in the Fire Engine.

Overall, whichever transportation each child gravitates towards, the memories created will be unforgettable.