Hiya, Lesley!
It sounds like you are about to hit the Happiest Place on Earth with a little Mouseketeer in tow! It's going to be such a magical visit. My kids are a bit older now, but there is nothing like catching their eyes watching a parade or meeting their favorite character for the first time. I still vividly remember a visit when my daughter was 2. We were eating outside
Red Rose Tavern when Belle walked by. My daughter called out to her and invited Belle to sit with us, and she came to say hello—the magic was so very real in that moment!
It's great that you are thinking through your park day already and getting familiar with the lay of the land...or lands, if you will. Stroller parking locations can shift and change depending on what the park has going on that day, so there are no official locations to share, but I guarantee they will not be hard to spot! Typically, they are nearby or just off to the side of an attraction. For instance, when you approach "
it's a small world", I have seen them designate an area right in front of the attraction across the walkway, or sometimes it has been down along the left-hand side towards
Toontown. Either way, there will be plenty of strollers visible to guide you to the correct spot. If you are unsure, you can always ask a friendly Cast Member.
Now, finding your stroller in the sea of strollers when you are ready to return to it may be the real challenge - ha! I recommend tying something identifiable to the handlebars. Some Guests will buy a balloon, so it's easy to spot. I would tie a bright, neon ribbon to the handle so it would easily catch my eye. This will help minimize your time searching and maximize your time in the magic.
Strollers are also available for rent at the
Stroller Shop just to the right of the Main Entrance Gate to Disneyland Park. They are first-come, first-served and can be used throughout Disneyland and California Adventure.
Just in time for your visit, the
Disneyland Resort has just released Family Adventure Maps—one for each park! Be sure to pick one up as you enter the park. These are maps specifically designed with the littlest Guests in mind (and their caregivers!). Not only will you find a fun seek-and-find activity to do while waiting in line, but there is a quick reference guide to every attraction. This guide will show you what to expect in terms of whether there are drops, if it's scary, and more so that you can prepare your little one or determine if they are ready for it. Additionally, there is a kid-friendly food guide which shows you where to find food offerings typically loved by little palates.
Lesley, I hope this has been helpful in your planning! If you have any more questions, we are always here to help and love providing fellow Guests with a path to the magic. Come back to see us again soon here at
planDisney!
Tara