Which parent doesn’t want to take their little one on a Disney California Adventure with Toddlers trip? However, the image of traveling around the crowded streets and walking around numerous attractions while having a toddler makes this all seem almost impossible. Moreover, your toddlers would be full of energy and impatient to move around.
I know you have been looking forward to this moment for a long time, but being in such a large park may be overwhelming. Fear not, fellow parents! Your Disney California adventure with toddlers can be extremely enjoyable.
I’m sharing this guide based on my last visit to Disney with my toddlers. It’ll help you have an enjoyable day with your kids.
Take Early Precautions
I swear by this: you need to plan ahead if you want to have a great time with your toddler during your Disney adventure. Here’s a comprehensive checklist of crucial preparations:
1. Scheduling and Logistics
Plan your trip according to the toddler’s nap time. Perhaps pack blackout curtains or a portable white noise maker to ensure your kids’ naps don’t get disturbed. It is essential, as a lack of sleep can make your toddlers irritated and noncooperative.
Also, keep a flexible itinerary. It means plan to visit the places you don’t want to miss, but remember you’re with a toddler, and his/her energy level and preferences may change frequently. You can rent a hotel nearby and enjoy a 2 day visit to Disney theme park in your leisure without getting overwhelmed.
2. Dining Reservations
Make a reservation well in advance, especially if you are planning to dine at a rather busy restaurant. Since people must consider what they eat anyway, consider character dining experiences for a special meal.
3. Essential Supplies
Bring healthy foods that the children would love to eat, a few examples include fruits, vegetables, granola bars, and crackers. Almost all convenience stores will have refrigeration in some form. However, you might want to pack a small cooler for items that spoil quickly.
Moreover, pack many bottles of water and juice boxes for the child so that he or she does not get thirsty. You can pick up some environmentally friendly products, including a refillable water bottle. You can refill it at the water stations at the park.
4. Sun Protection
Make sure to protect your baby by using sunscreen that has UVB or UVA protection. Additionally, cover your baby’s delicate head and face using a hat and sunglasses. Apply more sunscreen on the body when necessary, like in cases of water activities.
5. Comfortable Footwear and Clothing
Select some comfortable and proper shoes for you and your toddler. It might be helpful to carry extra socks just in case your feet get wet. Keep an extra set of clothes stacked if there is a need to change clothes due to weather shifts, such as an increase in humidity.
6. Baby Gear
Keep a stroller to move around with your toddler, which will also let them sleep in when they doze off. Choose a model that is easy to carry and handle; it must also have enough space for the things you will bring.
The other item is a baby carrier when you wish to leave in a hurry or the situation does not permit the use of a stroller. Also, pack the baby’s essentials like diapers, wipes, diaper creams, and mats for changing the baby, among other valuables.
7. Safety and Health
Be sure to bring first aid essentials such as adhesive bandages or sterilized gauze, disinfectant wipes, painkillers, and over-the-counter drugs. Also, prepare essentials for lost child prevention. Also, you can opt for a safety harness or a wrist strap.
Make sure your child learns your complete name and phone number. If you have any prescription medicines for your toddler, pack them and store them carefully per instructions.
9. Entertainment and Comfort
Make sure to take your toddler’s favorite toys, books, or coloring items for use when there is idle time. Bring a small blanket or stuffed animal from home for napping or bedtime while you return from the trip.
Gadgets to Locate Your Toddler
In the bustling environment of a theme park, you may struggle to keep track of your little one. Fortunately, technology offers helpful solutions. Such as:
1. Wearable GPS Devices
This equipment assists in locating your child. You can install it on clothes, bags, or baby carriages. This way, you can always find your child when you lose their sight. Some GPS trackers come with extra features, for instance, geofencing, which will generate an alarm if the kid is outside the set region. Thus, you will know when your toddler moves far away.
2. Smartwatches
You can find many consumer smartwatches available for children. These come embedded with GPS tracking. Thus, you can track your child’s whereabouts quickly by connecting it to your phone.
3. RFID Wristbands
RFID wristbands will not show the location of your child like the GPS does. But you can define a safe zone where your child is. If they trifle in the terrace area, you will be warned.
Things to Teach Toddlers About Safety
Enable your toddler to learn some safety standards prior to the trip. Give the reasons why he/she should stay close to you and not drift around. Rehearse full names, including phone numbers, in the event that you will be separated.
Stage different situations that address situations like needing help or getting lost. This preparation can make your toddler of any age feel more confident and prepared, which is safe and helpful.
Disney California Adventure with Toddlers: What to Do
There are various attractions that are quite interesting and suitable for little kids at Disney California. Here are some highlights:
1. Cars Land
You can take your toddlers to these fun rides while at Disney California Adventure Park:
- Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree: This small spinning ride is appropriate for kids. It has adorable little tractors on which you can ride with your toddler.
- Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters: It is a must-try, gentle, entertaining ride where cars move on the music beats. Your toddler will enjoy this ride.
- Cozy Cone Motel: Visit this area of the park for cute theming. It has five walk-up windows shaped like orange traffic cones. You can refuel your refreshing treats here and get your precious photo shot with your toddler.
2. Pixar Pier
Your Disney California adventure with toddlers is incomplete until you visit Pixar Pier. Here, you can enjoy the following:
- Pixar Pal-A-Round: Get onboard this outward ferris for a breathtaking tour of the entire park. However, this ride is a bit slow.
- Jessie’s Critter Carousel: This is a very slow and smooth carousel recommended for children who want a nice ride accompanied by warm animal animators.
- Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind: The soothing motion of this ride infuses a fun and cartoonish mood, making it an exciting ride for kids.
3. Hollywood Land
As the name suggests, this area in Disney California is entertaining. You can explore the following:
- Mike & Sully to the Rescue Monsters, Inc.: It is an inviting and funny dark ride with cute, yet frightening characters for children who would have a great time experiencing it. However, if your toddler does not like jump scares, then avoid this ride.
- Red Car Trolley: Get a cart tour of Hollywood Land and explore the beauty of this place with just the right music and beats.
Disney California Awaits You
Although time is precious, especially when spent with kids. So, plan a vacation with your toddlers. This way, you can share quality time as a family. Ensure to be flexible with planning and focus on building good memories together. The Disney California adventure with toddlers can be the most beautiful memory.
Adventures with SABI can make your trip more enjoyable. Check out our resources on how to plan trips to many locations you would love to visit with your family, friends, and kids.