Hi Melissa! Thank you so much for bringing your question to me at planDisney! Your March trip to Disneyland Resort will be a magical experience, especially with such a fun mix of ages! Traveling with a 10-year-old, a 5-year-old, and a 6-month-old means you get to experience the parks through lots of different lenses, which I love. My kids were raised from tots to teens visiting Disneyland and we all have such fun memories of our many visits!
Character dining is a fantastic idea and one of my favorite ways to enjoy both magic and built-in downtime. Inside Disneyland Park, Minnie & Friends Breakfast in the Park at Plaza Inn is a classic option. It’s conveniently located near the entrance of the park and offers a relaxed way to meet Minnie and friends without standing in long lines, perfect for little ones and parents alike.
If you’d like a character meal outside the parks, Goofy’s Kitchen for brunch or dinner at the iconic Disneyland Hotel, an easy walk from the Downtown Disney District, is a great option. The Characters come to your table with a song and a dance and make you feel like you are a part of the show! The last time I was there, my nephew smiled from start to finish with all the characters making him feel so important!
Melissa, during your visit in March, on March 5th, Disneyland Park will close early for a special ticketed event.
Disneyland After Dark: 70 Years of Favorites, where Disneyland comes alive with the return of nostalgic entertainment, classic and rare Disney characters, and special food and merchandise options. This separately ticketed event would be an exciting way to experience the park with lower crowds and a unique experience!
Melissa, in addition to sharing the Character Dining experience, I recommend building in a few moments that everyone can enjoy together. Attractions like "it’s a small world", the Disneyland Railroad, and Storybook Land Canal Boats are perfect for all ages and gives you a chance to relax while still soaking in the charm of Disneyland. These are also wonderful for the baby to nap while the bigger kids enjoy the storytelling.
For your older boys, interactive attractions like Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, Toy Story Midway Mania! in Disney California Adventure Park, and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run are always big hits. If you have thrill-seekers in the group, using Rider Switch is a great way for adults to take turns on bigger attractions without anyone missing out. We love the convenience of the
Disneyland app to sort attractions and entertainment by age and thrill level. I also encourage families to enjoy the little moments that often become the best memories, letting the kids explore Toontown, popping into Animation Academy for an air-conditioned break, grabbing a snack and watching a parade.
Since you’re traveling with a little Mouseketeer, don’t forget to take advantage of the
Baby Care Centers, which are such a lifesaver for feeding, changing, and having a quiet reset.
Melissa, most of all, give yourselves permission to move at your own pace. Disneyland is wonderful at any speed, and with a mix of ages, balance is key. You’re going to make such sweet memories together! Please pop back in and see me with any other questions!
Wishing many magical memories to you!
Your pal,
Kimberly