You should never take a preschooler or toddler to Disneyland, they won’t remember it, it’s too expensive and on and on . . . but I’ve got the secrets for taking a toddler to Disneyland and we’re gonna prove the nay-sayers wrong. You with me?
This article was originally published in 2014 and has been updated throughout the years as I’ve taken all my kids to Disneyland in the baby and toddler stages.
Free Disneyland Tickets Under Three
My top “secret” for taking little ones to Disneyland is to remember that kids under 3 are free. Before their third birthday, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, siblings and cousins all get the chance to take their favorite toddler to Disneyland.
Are two year olds free at Disneyland?
Yes, children under 3 are free at Disneyland and California Adventure park, making the baby and toddler years the perfect time to visit Disneyland and save some money. Ages 3 and up will need a ticket, but they still qualify for kid prices through age 9. I’ve got all your discount ticket needs right here, because nobody needs to pay full price for Disneyland tickets.
Toddler Approved Disneyland Hotels
When you have a toddler at Disneyland, it’s no secret—you might need a place to crash for nap time. Picking the perfect hotel means you want something clean, comfortable and close by. The Disneyland Resort hotels are on-property, and the Grand Californian is the closest one to the parks, even offering a private entrance to California Adventure to their guests. 
But, those Disney-owned hotels come with a hefty price tag. The good news is, I’ve got tons of other hotel suggestions that are just as close as the Disneyland Hotel or Pixar Place Hotel, including ones with fun splash pads and pools that preschoolers and toddlers love:
- Howard Johnson Waterpark hotel has a pirate themed splash zone perfect for toddlers at Disneyland and is a quick walk to Disneyland.
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites ups the money-saving factor with hot onsite breakfast and plenty of space in the large rooms, all within walking distance.
I also like these options for their family-style suites if sleeping in the same room as your little one is a challenge:
- Homewood Suites right next to the Toy Story lot for a free, easy shuttle ride over (you do need to fold the stroller, though).
- Camelot Inn and Suites in one of their family suites with a separate door between rooms.
- Castle Inn and Suites is a fantastic budget option with tons of family suites on their property.
Top Disney Rides for Toddlers
What can toddlers ride at Disneyland? A ton of things, actually!
Here’s a quick list of toddler approved rides at Disneyland Park. I’ve omitted some attractions that little ones can ride, but might make them scared like Pirates of the Caribbean, Pinocchio’s Daring Journey and Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.
Best Rides for Toddlers at Disneyland:
- Alice in Wonderland
- Astro Orbitor
- Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
- Casey Jr. Circus Train
- Disneyland Monorail
- Disneyland Railroad
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
- “it’s a small world”
- Jungle Cruise
- King Arthur Carrousel
- Mad Tea Party
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin
- Snow White’s Enchanted Wish
- Storybook Land Canal Boats
Best Rides for Toddlers at California Adventure:
- Golden Zephyr
- Pixar Pal-A-Round (non-swinging)
- Toy Story Midway Mania!
- The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
- Monsters, Inc. Mike and Sulley to the Rescue! (Closing early 2026)
Remember, there’s no reason for you to miss out on the big kids rides, with Disneyland’s Rider Switch pass, everyone who wants to ride can have a turn. Want a Disneyland Plan for your day at Disneyland Resort? My Disneyland itineraries are the perfect companion to your vacation, they’re a free bonus when you book your vacation here.
Best Disneyland Play Areas
One thing we know about toddlers is they are always on the go.
Sometimes they don’t want to wait in line and just need some free space to roam at Disneyland. That can be tough when you’re worried about losing your kids in a crowded place. One secret for taking a toddler to Disneyland that we have to share is the best play spots at Disneyland.
Take your toddler to these Disneyland Resort play spots:
- Mickey’s Toontown is a toddler’s haven! There are tons of play spaces to explore and even grassy areas for a picnic or rest.
- Adventureland Treehouse, but be ready to climb some stairs!
- Tom Sawyer Island is accessible by river raft, but be ready with drinks and snacks because this area can be very hot and dusty. You’ll also need to keep a close eye on your toddler over here. Plan to play alongside them through the trails, caves and pirate treasure discovery!
- Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in California Adventure Park. Reader Gina says, “When my little one was 2 she loved running around. I didn’t have to worry as much since there weren’t a lot of people. It allowed her to run and play without her harness nor be strapped in a stroller.”
- Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! at California Adventure Park is the spot for little ones to get their wiggle on! This show allows them to dance, sing and see favorite characters in a space made just for preschoolers and toddlers.
Lower Wait Times with Toddlers
In addition to the play places listed about like Goofy’s Playhouse in Mickey’s Toontown and the Adventureland Treehouse there are a handful of attractions at Disneyland Resort that toddlers and their parents will enjoy because there is little to no wait time!
Here’s the what and how to make it happen:
- Enchanted Tiki Room in Adventureland. Shows begin every 20 minutes or so and you can bring your Disneyland Dole Whip inside.
- Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, yes the ride wait may be long but did you know you can ask to go to the “Marine Observation Outpost” mostly intended for accessible viewing of the attraction on screen in a stationary room. Approach a Cast Member near the exit for access.
- Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln is a small wait if any, but toddlers may get bored during this presentation, which alternates with Walt Disney—A Magical Life (also an option for littles).
- Main Street Cinema plays a continuous loop of vintage Disney cartoons.
- Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough. Inside Fantasyland you’ll find a door marked on the backside of the castle. Go inside and explore together.
- Storytelling at Royal Theatre in Fantasyland
- Turtle Talk with Crush in Hollywood Land
Toddler Friendly Character Meet & Greets
You may have seen Mickey Mouse as you walked into Disneyland on your first day. Give your toddler a chance to wave hello and see what his reaction is.
Some toddlers are scared of Disney characters, but others are all in! The best way to meet Disney characters is through a character meal experience. Plus, toddlers under 3 can dine for free at every character meal. My favorite character meals are outlined right here.
You can also meet Disney characters throughout the Disneyland Resort. Check the Disneyland mobile app for times and locations, including Toy Story friends meet and greet on Pixar Pier and friends from the Cars movies in Cars Land.
Best Spots to Nap
Are you tired already just reading all these tips?
Your toddler will certainly be busy at Disneyland and if you can’t get back to your hotel for a nap, a stroller nap or nap in arms might be your best option. There are lots of benches throughout Disneyland and California Adventure for naps, but I have a few other ideas that might work too!
Toddler nap time at Disneyland:
- If your toddler can zone out with distractions around him, see if he’ll fall asleep on rides like Disneyland Railroad (take the full loop), Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, “it’s a small world”, Pirates of the Caribbean (if it’s not scary), Storybook Land Canal Boats, Red Car Trolley or during Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.
- The upstairs of Golden Horseshoe there are plush couches where it tends to be pretty quiet when a show isn’t happening.
- Inside the accessible viewing for Sleeping Beauty Castle which shows a video of Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough
- Baby Care Center located at both parks.
Final Tips for Toddlers at Disneyland
We’re back tracking here a bit, but that’s kinda like life with a toddler. Happy one minute, crying the next. Wait, we are still talking about toddlers right? Ok then let’s keep moving.
- You’re going to need a stroller. Plain and simple. I’ve got all the details on where to rent a stroller, where to park a stroller and how to keep your stroller from getting lost in the sea of strollers at Disneyland.
- Will you need a locker? It depends on how much gear you have. Be sure to bring a fully stocked diaper bag and don’t leave any valuables in your stroller.
- Potty training during your vacation? Even for those potty trained little ones, some Disney pull ups might put you more at ease during your Disneyland trip. Be sure to include a change of clothes for your toddler as well as ziploc baggies for any accidents.
- Snacks are a must! Disneyland lets guests bring in food and drinks. Even if you plan to buy food in the park, it’s still a good idea to have a few standbys on hand. Snack while waiting in line or when your toddler is approaching hunger meltdown status. I like to get a few Disney-themed snacks like these.
- If your toddler likes to run around on their own, I suggest workin’ that toddler
leashsafety harness with a smile.
Our last tip should go without saying, but being at Disneyland, having saved and spent lots of money and maybe having too high of an expectation can be stressful.
It’s important to remember your main goal is to have fun and make memories. Keeping that in mind is number one. How did your trip to Disneyland with a toddler go? We’d love to hear what other parents need to know when bringing a toddler to the Disneyland Resort.
