Greetings, Krystle! Thanks for bringing your question to the Disney Parks Moms Panel!
Strollers are an absolute necessity, in my opinion, when traveling to the Disneyland Resort with little ones. I find that we move around much more efficiently with a stroller versus when my 4-year-old is walking with us.
Strollers are available to rent for the day right outside the Disneyland Park gates and can be used in both parks. If you plan on taking some time to explore the Downtown Disney District or any of the Disneyland Resort Hotels, you should bring your own stroller as rented strollers cannot be used in these areas. We always bring our own stroller because we need it when traveling to and from our hotel and also because it is the perfect keeper of our water bottles, extra change of clothes for our daughter, snacks, sunscreen, and portable fans for those hot days.
Since you’ll be traveling with a child that is of similar age to my own, I wanted to share some of my daughter’s favorite things to do. Mickey’s Toontown should definitely be on your “must do” list. This area is a blast for kids as they can run around and explore many areas here like Goofy’s Playhouse and Donald’s Boat. My daughter also likes riding Gadget’s Go Coaster and I like to recommend this attraction to parents looking to introduce their child to thrill rides. The
Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough is also a favorite of my daughter's. I think kids this age like to set their own pace and both of the areas I mentioned let them do just that while experiencing Disney magic first-hand.
I’d love to help you with any other questions you may have as you plan your adventure, so please stop by again!
-Linda M.