Hi there, Deena, and welcome back to planDisney! Visiting the Disneyland Resort with a toddler can be such a joy. I spent a lot of time in the parks when my kids were that age, and I'm happy to share some ideas that may help with your planning.
Without knowing how many days you will visit, whether you have
Park Hopper tickets, and if you're planning to use
Rider Switch for more thrilling attractions, it's a bit tricky to create an exact plan for the day. What has worked best for me, however, is identifying top priorities and building a loose plan around them, while staying flexible. In my experience, overplanning can sometimes lead to grumpy kids and frustrated adults. Changing course when needed, such as heading to Mickey’s Toontown to burn off energy or skipping a long wait, can make the day more enjoyable for everyone.
The
Disney Genie Service in the
Disneyland mobile app can be a helpful planning tool. It creates a personalized itinerary and offers suggestions based on current wait times. You can also see what entertainment is scheduled on the
Hours & Events Calendar.
All that said, here's what I might suggest for a family like mine who prioritizes Fantasyland attractions:
- Get there early. The front entrance generally opens around 30 minutes before the official park opening time, during which time you can scan in and walk down Main Street, U.S.A. until you reach the roped area. Those ropes will "drop" right when the park opens. This is a great time to go on a few rides with low wait times.
- Peter Pan's Flight usually builds a line quickly, so head there first if you are near the front of the rope drop group. Otherwise, start with nearby favorites in Fantasyland.
- From there, you could visit "it's a small world" and then Mickey's Toontown. This is a great place for your grandson to explore – there are a lot of interactive elements! There's also a nice lawn area for snack breaks.
- If your grandson still naps, a stroller walk toward Tomorrowland can be a relaxing reset, with a quiet seating area near the Matterhorn.
- Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters and the Astro Orbitor in Tomorrowland are two of my nephew's favorite rides.
- As the day goes on, let wait times guide you and move through the park, land by land.
- For lunch, consider making a dining reservation or placing a mobile order in advance to avoid waiting when everyone is hungry.
- The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade is currently scheduled for 1:30 p.m. and 2:45 p.m., so do that after lunch.
- You could stop at Jungle Cruise before wrapping around the Rivers of America, where you can take the raft to Tom Sawyer Island. This is another good place for kids to explore.
- You can continue your loop back to Fantasyland for Mad Tea Party and King Arthur Carrousel. Don't miss Storytelling at Royal Theatre.
- Whenever the group is feeling like a break, take a full loop on The Disneyland Railroad or catch a show at the Enchanted Tiki Room.
- Nighttime spectaculars are later in the evening. Just note that fireworks and Fantasmic! are not scheduled nightly in January.
Deena, I hope these ideas and tools will help make your family's visit magical. If you think of any other questions, please reach out – we're always happy to help here at planDisney!
Your pal,
Kriss