Hi Madeline,
Thanks for stopping by planDisney.
Lightning Lane passes are a great way to maximize your time in the park, but as you mentioned, many of the attractions with a Lightning Lane aren’t designed for kids 3 and younger.
Since you haven’t visited the parks yet, I recommend reaching out to the Tickets department of
Guest Services at (714) 781-4636 to speak with a Cast Member. Explain your situation and see if there’s a chance they can provide a remedy. I’ve definitely made this mistake myself, and talking with a Cast Member is always the best way to go!
When you get to the park, be sure to grab a
Family Adventure Map. This special map is designed for
families with young children and includes lots of helpful information. I really like it because it lists all the rides with no height requirement that your little one can go on. It also highlights what to expect on certain attractions; for example, some rides go through dark areas, like The Little Mermaid (California Adventure) or Alice in Wonderland (Disneyland). The map helps you avoid unexpected surprises, unnecessary tears, and keeps your day magical.
My little one is four, and during our last visit, she loved using the Family Adventure Map to find characters throughout the park. It’s a great low-tech activity to keep kids entertained while waiting in line or for a parade. These maps are usually available at the kiosks near the park entrance. If you don’t see them, just ask a Cast Member at a Guest Services booth; they’ll be happy to help!
I also recommend measuring your little one ahead of time to see if they might meet the height requirements for additional rides. My daughter was a particularly tall 3-year-old who went from 35” to 40” in one year, and that opened up a whole new world of adventures.
Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree is a great option at California Adventure with a 32” height requirement. My daughter loves it, and it offers a fun little thrill. Of course, even if they meet the height requirement, you’ll want to use your best judgment about what your little one is emotionally ready for. For example, when my daughter was three, she was tall enough to ride Space Mountain… but that was definitely a hard pass for us!
I hope this information was helpful, Madeline! If you have any more questions or need additional tips, don’t hesitate to reach out to me or any of my fellow planDisney panelists. We’re always here to sprinkle a little extra pixie dust on your trip.
See you in the parks!
– Melinda