Since the theme for the month of May is Motherhood (naturally) and I’m a Disney Travel Expert, I thought it would be fun to share the top 7 things ALL moms should know when taking a Disneyland vacation – no matter the age of your kids! I am looking forward to using these tips myself when I take my new baby, who will be six-months-old at the time, to Disneyland. Am I worried about it? No way. Navigating The Happiest Place on Earth with children (even the youngest of children) can be a breeze when you take advantage of these tips:
Baby Care Centers
{Photos ©Disney}
One of the Disneyland Resort’s best kept secret is their Baby Care Centers that can be found on Main Street in Disneyland and on Pacific Wharf in Disney California Adventure Park. Not only will you find diapers, formula and extra baby supplies if needed, there are exceptional changing stations and mini-sized restroom facilities for toddlers. Quiet, comfortable seating for moms as well as high chairs make for an ultra-convenient feeding or rest stop. Disney Cast Members are always on-site to warm bottles and baby food for you if you need some extra hands. And of course, it’s Disney, so cast members are constantly disinfecting all areas in the center.
First Aid Stations
The First Aid Stations conveniently situated in Disneyland (at the end of Main Street, U.S.A. next to the Baby Center), Disney California Adventure Park (on Buena Vista Street near the park entrance) and the Downtown Disney District (Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen and Island Charters) have you covered during your Disneyland vacation. Disney’s First Aid Stations are staffed by registered nurses and keep select drugs (anti-histamines, pain relievers, etc.) on-hand available free of charge in single doses for those moments when you catch yourself unprepared. The staff is able to treat a variety of minor injuries and will direct you to the nearest and best medical facilities should someone in your family require further attention.
Stroller Rentals
{Photos ©Disney}
Strollers are available to rent at the Disneyland Resort for $15/day for one or $25/day for two. Strollers may be used in both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, but cannot leave either park or be taken into Downtown Disney. If park hopping, you can return your stroller at the rental booth at your current park, then show your receipt at the next park to receive another stroller without paying an additional rental fee, so keep your receipt!
“Child Swap”
Nothing is more magical than watching your child’s eyes light up on “it’s a small world,” but when Mom, Dad and the older kids want the rush of Indiana Jones or Space Mountain, there’s no need to leave anyone out! Disney’s Child Swap option makes it easy for families with young children to still experience their favorite thrill rides without wasting hours in line. Simply take your family to the ride’s entrance and ask a Cast Member for a child swap pass. Your group will stand in line and ride while an adult waits with anyone who doesn’t make the height requirement. When the group is done, the second adult can bring a guest through the exit or FASTPASS queue (depending on the ride) for a much shorter wait time.
Stay Close By
{Photos ©Disney}
The Hotels of the Disneyland Resort (Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa) are certainly the most magical places to stay, but they’re also the most convenient. If possible, we recommend staying on-site or at one of the Good Neighbor Hotels across the street so you can easily go to and from your hotel for naptime, a quick swim, meal or rest when traveling with tiny tykes.
Bring Snacks
Disney will allow you to bring in lunchbox sized bags and coolers with your favorite foods. It’s healthier and less costly to keep your family’s favorite snacks on-hand. Plus, you’ll be able to avoid meltdowns by pulling out your child’s favorite fruit snacks, granola bars and crackers when they need it most. You can also bring in water bottles, which we recommend refilling regularly to keep everyone hydrated and happy!
Have a Plan
Most likely, your Disneyland vacation will go off without a hitch, but it’s good to be prepared “just in case.” Families will sometimes wear coordinating colors to make each other easy to spot in a crowd if they get separated. Losing track of a child is every parent’s worst nightmare, so make sure your kids have your contact info on them at all times and talk about what to do if you get separated. You’ll also want to point out the “helpers” (anyone with an official Disney badge) who will return all lost children to the Baby Care/Lost Children Centers mentioned earlier.
Most of all, remember you’re on vacation! Slow down, take your time and allow your family to enjoy making memories that will last a lifetime. If you’d like personalized assistance planning your Disneyland vacation, feel free to call our Disney Experts at 855-GET-AWAY or check out our Disneyland vacation deals at
Kim Fidler- Travel Planner with Get Away Today
Kimberly Fidler is the Internet Sales Director at She has worked in the travel industry for 12 years and loves to get away with her husband anytime they can. Their favorite trips include visits to the Disney Parks, San Diego, Arizona, cruising, and anything international.
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