Hi, Nellie! Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel and thanks for your question.
I am thrilled that you and your family will soon be exploring all the wonder and excitement of the Disneyland Resort! First, I wanted to let you know that there are over 40
attractions that do not have any height restrictions. This means that even the littlest of Guests can ride these attractions with their parents. Next, I suggest that you measure your 4-year-old, with shoes on, before you visit. You might be surprised how many attractions he will be tall enough to ride. Most of the thrill attractions like Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Radiator Springs Racers have a 40” (102 cm) height requirement. So, if your son is tall enough and willing, he can certainly ride these attractions with the rest of the family.
For other attractions that he isn’t quite tall enough for, you can use
Rider Switch. Simply speak to a Cast Member at the attraction you want to ride and they will scan your tickets to add a Rider Switch return time to those waiting with the child. One set of riders will get in line to ride the attraction while one or more adults waits with the child outside the attraction (Guests who don’t meet the height requirement typically aren’t allowed to enter the queue). Once the first group is finished riding, they switch places with the group waiting with the child and the second group can now ride the attraction with minimal wait.
I hope this information is helpful. Have a magnificent time at the Happiest Place on Earth!
-Linda