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10 hacks to tackling Disneyland with a toddler

Last month, my parents took our family to Disneyland. We had the most magical time soaking up the sun together and dreaming of more dole whip in the happiest place on earth. Since this was Ezra's first flight and Mickey experience, I wanted to make sure I was schooled up on what to bring and expect. Let me tell you - there are hidden tips and tricks to give you an even bigger bang for your buck, a smoother ride and happier experience while visiting Disneyland with kids and babies. We have already experienced those let-down moments where we forgot something important, didn't check the crucial website, or spent time waiting in the wrong line. From our favorite places to eat to our packing must-haves, I am sharing my best kept secrets so you can enjoy the same.

1. Pack a folding stroller. The park has their own strollers you can rent, but nothing compares to your babies own stroller with plenty storage beneath. Most areas in both Disneyland and California Adventure have stroller parking which comes in handy when it basically is your vehicle to transport your child around the park. We have a Baby Trend Expedition stroller that I scored off OfferUp for half the price and love dearly. Ezra loves it too. Can you tell? 



2. Bring a baby carrier. Trust me when I say that this will make or break your trip. I have a Tula baby carrier but my husband wanted to bring his daddy baby gear. Either way, baby is happy and parent(s) will be glad their arms aren't dead in line to ride Dumbo.

3. Pack surprises for the plane. Whether you are driving or flying, pack a handful of new toys for your little one to keep them occupied. At the advise of a girlfriend, I hit up the dollar store and got ten new toys for Ezra that blew his mind. Success! (We didn't pack hula hoops. But isn't he just a doll?)



4. Hit up your big name rides first. When we first got into California Adventure after clearing security, we immediately headed for Soarin' Over California. Other great ones to check out are the revamped Incredicoaster or Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: BREAKOUT! My husband was clearly excited to meet Loki. 



5. Fast Passes. These are hands-down the most efficient way to do Disney. You go to the ride you want, find the fast pass distribution machines, enter your park ticket or annual pass and it spits out a "Fast Pass" with a designated time for you to return and skip the long lines. We did this for Splash Mountain and Indiana Jones. Note: not all rides have Fast Pass capabilities. 



6. Download the Disneyland Mobile App. My husband was the first to download this little gem on our trip and we highly recommend it. You can purchase your tickets, view wait times and locate your favorite Disney characters. 

7. Rider Switch. You're probably wondering how we managed to get on Soarin' with a 14 month old. Disney's Rider Switch is a golden nugget for families with kids of different ages, where one is not tall enough to ride. The rides with height restrictions offer a Rider Switch, where one adult can ride and the other adult and child wait near the exit. Have your party go to the start of the line and as a cast member for a Rider Switch Pass, and once the first adult exits, the next adult can immediately enter through the Fast Pass entrance.  Rider Switch is great because it can be used at any time and allows you to not miss your favorites. 

8. Eating in the parks. I love Cafe Orleans in Disneyland or Storytellers Cafe in the Grand California Hotel. If you want to eat remotely close to the start of a show or parade, make reservations. We really wanted to eat at Wine Country Trattoria in California Adventure but they were completely booked in lieu of a parade/fireworks show. For kids, Rancho Del Zocalo Restaurante in Frontierland was outstanding. We got Ezra a chicken taco, applesauce, veggies and a juice box for under five bucks. 



9. Character Dining. We did not do character dining, but for the price you get access to a buffet and photos opportunities that you can't put a price tag on. We did, however, wait over an hour to meet Mickey in Toon Town. This was his reaction. 



10. Baby Care Centers. These quiet, nurturing spaces are located at the end of Main Street USA in Disneyland or next to the Ghirardelli Shop in California Adventure. They offer everything from diapers to wipes to formula just in case you forgot something vital. I loved their nursing and changing rooms, and even had a small feeding area with a little table and chairs. They have thought of everything! 



Thanks for following our magical journey. Love you all dearly! 
- Tina 

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