Going to Disneyland, especially with two kids under the age of three, is no easy feat, but over the course of our Disneyland adventures we have learned what things work, and what things may seem like a good idea at first, only to add unwanted levels of frustration to our trip. Each trip was an opportunity for us to take note of what items really helped to improve our quality of life at the parks, and we wanted to help point you in the right direction in case you have difficulty not packing half the house each time you visit the parks. While this article is geared towards parents with small children, there are some tips in here that are sure to apply to everyone.
Find Close Accommodations
Now, this first step may take some time looking around online, and we spent at least a few days looking for a hotel that was close enough for us to walk to the park if we wanted, but not something that would break the bank. Everyone’s tastes, preferences, and budgets are different, but we found that the Travelodge Inn on Harbor has clean, affordable rooms, a stop for the shuttle right outside, and is about a thirty minute walk to Disneyland, though without little ones and a stroller to push, the walk is probably a bit faster. One thing that we really kept in mind is how little time we actually spent in our hotel room. We had tossed around the idea of possibly getting nicer rooms in the future, until we realized that we only used the room for a nap during the day, and to sleep at night. Other than that, all of our time was spent at the parks, so we knew that paying for nicer rooms simply wasn’t worth the crazy costs. If you do opt for something a little farther away, look for hotels that have quick access to the shuttle buses, as the passes are super inexpensive and they’re an easy way to and from the parks.
Bring a Reliable Stroller, or Rent One
If you are bringing small kids, or even younger ones who might get tired out throughout the day, a reliable stroller is a must-have. If you’ve got a fair amount of things to bring with you, you’re going to need a stroller than can carry some things, but if you’ve just got a single backpack or something, the small little cheap strollers are okay, and the single units they have for rent at Disneyland are actually super easy to push and turn, the only caveat being that they aren’t padded in any way, and storage is pretty limited. Having two kids, we’ve experimented with taking a double stroller or trying two single strollers and while having two singles ultimately worked, it was another thing to keep track of, and our double strollers usually had more storage than both single strollers combined.
Now, something to touch on: If the only stroller you are bringing seems like it may be mechanically compromised in some way, even if it seems okay at the time, BE WARNED! We had an awesome double stroller set-up, it was compatible with our car seats, and had been a staple on trips for months. We did notice before one of our trips that one of the wheels was having difficulty turning, but we decided to take it anyway, and our stroller stopped turning altogether while we were at Disneyland. Needless to say, that was an enormous inconvenience, and we were left having to rent single strollers for the rest of the trip. We had a brand-new double stroller for our next trip and it worked flawlessly, which really drove home the importance of double checking the integrity of your stroller if it’s going to be your primary method of kid transport. Of course, there are hundreds of brands and dozens of styles to choose from, but keep in mind that while at the parks the stroller is probably going to have some extra weight added on, and you want something that pushes easily, even when encumbered with backpacks, Disneyland goodies, and everything else. Bonus points for strollers that are comfortable for the little ones to nap in- it saves a trip back to the hotel during the day!
Not All Bags Are Created Equal
We’ve had the good fortune of being able to test a wide range of backpacks and bags at the parks, and we’ve generally found that bigger tends to be better, although there are some bag makers that are using some really innovative ways to utilize storage space in a smaller bag. Even for those without kids, diaper bags are something to look into for a few reasons. First, they’re usually designed to fit the maximum amount of stuff into the smallest space, so expect lots of pockets inside and out, various entry points into the bag, water bottle holders, and usually an insulated pocket or two, which is really nice. There are so many styles available now, and for the guys out there, BabyGo has some bags that look awesome, have a semi-rigid build, and have amazing storage options. We’ve even tested a 40 liter backpacking bag that wasn’t too cumbersome, and while it was amazing and held everything we could possibly need and more, we later got some more efficient and lightweight bags that we ultimately opted to go with.
Packing for Snacking
We try to keep snacking simple, and mess-free if possible. Ritz crackers, dried fruit, granola bars, and fruit pouches are a definite must for us, and we usually pack a few waters, and some half liters of juice that we keep in our cold storage compartments in our bags. Trail mix is another great, quick option for while you’re on the go. We generally avoid purchasing “snacks” in the park, instead opting to purchase meals and the occasional seasonal treat. Here’s a pro tip: A lot of the restaurants in the parks offer portions that can easily be split between two adults, and the same applies for the kids’ menu. By splitting entrées we’re able to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the parks without breaking the bank, averaging $20 per meal for the four of us, maybe more if we buy drinks or something. Considering how great and diverse the food is, that’s a price we are happy to spend, considering food for the four of us at a place like McDonald’s is easily over 20 bucks. It isn’t the few, planned meals that racket up the food bill, it’s buying three $6 waters, two $11 collector cup drinks, five $4 churros, and so on and so forth. Before you know it, you’ve spent far more on snacking and staying hydrated than you have on full, sit-down meals. Bringing in the snacks and drinks with you helps ensure that your food budget can be properly spent.
Keeping Comfortable
The amount of time you plan on spending in the parks each day, along with the weather forecast, should determine what “comfort items” you bring with you. Of course, having a large stroller or multiple bags means you can bring more stuff, but often we found ourselves bringing more than we needed. For instance, if you aren’t planning on riding any rides with water features, you probably won’t have to worry about bringing extra shoes and socks, or pants. Comfortable shoes are an absolute must, and a sweatshirt, even a light one, is always recommended for after sundown. We usually bring one blanket that has a
pretty large surface area while not being incredibly bulky, and we have the awesome Monkey Mat that folds up into a little pouch to set on the ground for parades and Fantasmic.
Wrapping Up
The one idea that we really want to drive home in this article is that efficiency and reliability are key when planning your Disneyland trip. We’ve learned that by reducing clutter, making smart packing decisions, and having a plan, we were able to improve our comfort levels at the parks. Sometimes having too much stuff means a lot of reorganizing and rifling through bags, and after 8 hours of park-hopping, sometimes that can be too much. So remember, bring the necessities, keep snacks and waters for in between meals, and make sure that what you are bringing really works for you. Above all else, remember to have fun at the Most Magical Place on Earth.
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