• On Mar 30, 2017
    Kimberly from WA Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    We are taking our 3.5 year old to DL for the first time. He can get overwhelmed in new environments, especially when there are a lot of people. Do you have any suggestions what activities to do first to gently introduce him to DL?

    Hi Kimberly!
    Thanks for reaching out to the Disney Parks Moms Panel!
    First off, I recommend first-time visitors stop by City Hall on Main Street U.S.A. and request a button to commemorate their first trip to the Happiest Place on Earth!
    Since you want to make sure your son is as comfortable as possible, there are several recommendations I'll be happy to offer:
         *Head over to the fire station next to City Hall. It's set-up as a museum of sorts, where kids can enjoy props and climb a fire truck for fun photo opportunities. Above the fire station is an apartment where Walt Disney used to live. The light is always on and you can see it from the window.
    I recommend the fire station as a good starting point because the last few times I've stepped inside, it's been cool and quiet.
         *Main Street Cinema. This climate-controlled mini-theater has plenty of seating and runs classic Mickey cartoons throughout the day. Kids and parents can sit back and watch as long as they'd like! There's usually no line to enter.
         *If your little one isn't too comfortable getting on rides, head to Fantasyland and have him climb a permanent fixture of Dumbo the Flying Elephant, located behind the actual attraction. It's pretty calm back there and you can take a cute photo of your son without concerns over how he'll react to the motion of the ride or the long wait lines.
         *Also in Fantasyland, outside of the Matterhorn Bobsleds is a quiet area where kids can get a face painting! This is a really fun way of taking in the sounds and sights of Disneyland without feeling overwhelmed by the crowds.
         *Use the companion restrooms located throughout the Park for privacy and to let your son unwind and take a comfortable potty break.
    I hope this helps! Have a Magical trip!
    -Anabel M.
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Meet the Panelist: Anabel, California

I'm a bilingual, Disney-loving happy wife & proud mommy of Benny & Toby (Woody & Buzz). I've always loved Disneyland. Each trip to this magical place makes me "curiouser and curiouser." I'm proud to serve as a planDisney panelist and look forward to helping with your Disneyland Resort questions. My best advice? Buy the mouse ears, eat the churro, sing out loud and forget about your worries and your strife while at the “happiest place on Earth” Learn More About Anabel

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