Howdy, Amanda! Thanks for trusting the Disney Parks Moms Panel to help you plan your first trip with your little one!
My daughter was 2 and a half years old when she first visited the Disneyland Resort so I have lots of tips to share! First, bring your own stroller. Both you and your child will feel more comfortable since the stroller is familiar. Additionally, if you are staying at a
Disneyland Resort Hotel or a Good Neighbor Hotel within walking distance, you will definitely want a stroller when you walk back to the hotel. Strollers rented at the Disneyland Resort must be returned before leaving the parks.
My next tip is to bring along a few extra pairs of clothing, a water bottle just for your child, lots of snacks, and some items to keep cool like a stroller fan or misting fans. When we first visited with my daughter, she had just potty trained so it was important that we have lots of changes of clothes on-hand. Further, I used the
Disneyland app a lot to locate the nearest restroom so we could make frequent stops. She also seemed to be starving the entire trip, so having lots of snacks in the backpack was key!
Finally, start your days early and then head back to the hotel for an afternoon nap every day. Even now that my daughter is a little older, it is crucial that we take afternoon breaks to let my daughter rest and for all of us to recharge. We are then ready to return to the parks for dinner and
nighttime entertainment.
I would love to continue to share my tips and experiences my daughter loved at this age, so please return with any other questions you may have!
-Linda