Packing for a cruise can be a challenge for anyone.

Throw in a toddler? It can get even more complicated.

We have gone on several cruises with toddlers, and there are a few things we are glad we brought (and things we wish we had brought!)

This list continues the ultimate toddler cruise packing list. Be sure to check with your specific cruise line for additional items that might be necessary

Be sure to check out our list of what we wish we packed for our first cruise!

What do Kids Need to Get on a Cruise Ship

In general, children 17 years age and under will need a passport, birth certificate, or government-issued photo ID and children 16 and under who don’t have a passport or photo ID will need a copy of their birth certificate.

If you are going anywhere out of your country of origin – even if it departs and comes back to the same location – I would strongly recommend having a passport.

Equipment

You can typically have them take all your luggage and equipment to your room. Just don’t go too overboard!

• Umbrella stroller – I wouldn’t send this with your luggage to your room. The cruise boarding lines can take a long time and having a stroller can be really helpful! We always have room somewhere in our cabin to store a stroller (usually in one of the closest)
• Baby/Toddler carrier – this can be a great alternative to a stroller if you don’t want to bring one. I recommend it even if you do bring a stroller – it can be easier to carry them around! Here is a list of our favorite baby carriers – many of which are compatible with toddlers!
• Pack and Play (check with the cruise line first and see if they have portable cribs available)

Clothes

The clothes you will need will vary depending on the cruise you are going on, the time of year, and the weather. Make sure to pay attention to the weather report leading up to your cruise and be prepared for the unexpected.

Be sure to check out your cruise lines itinerary for any special events, such as a pirate night or formal dining night. This article is really helpful as well – Cruise Clothing 101: What to Wear on Your Cruise!

Warm Weather Cruise

• Swimming suit – I highly recommend a Rash guard swimming suit – so much easier than putting sunscreen all over your kiddo’s body (and having to reapply constantly)
• Shorts
• T-Shirts (long and short sleeve)
• Sandals – we were so dumb and forget to bring sandals! One day on the beach in his tennis shoes, and they were soaking wet and full of sand. My FAVORITE shoes for toddlers are these Fisherman Sandals from Stride Rite. They are breathable, sturdy, and waterproof.
• Tennis shoes
• Swimming robe
• Sun hats

Cold Weather Cruise

• Long-sleeved shirts and sweatshirts
• Pants
• Leggings for layering
• Coat
• Boots
• Close-toed shoes
• Warm hats

All Cruises

• Plenty of extra clothes
• Jacket with hood
• Poncho
• Socks
• Sunglasses
• A life jacket or puddle jumper
• Underwear (if potty trained)

Toiletries

Toiletries are always super expensive on a cruise ship and at most ports. Make sure you double-check your bag for all of these!

• Plenty of diapers, wipes, etc. (these aren’t always available in cruise stores, and if they are, they are super expensive). When we travel, I typically buy diapers when we get there (if we fly), just so we save room in our suitcase. Stop by Walmart or Target on your way to the port!
• Infant/Toddler safe medications (Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Benadryl etc.)
• Kid’s Seabands and other sea sickness medication/remedies
• Bug spray
• Kid-safe sunscreen – we like to spray sunscreen for the body and stick sunscreen for the face.
• Kid-friendly shampoo, conditioner, and body wash (travel-size would be ideal!)

Food/Consumables

There is plenty of food available pretty much 24/7 on a cruise, but we all know toddlers aren’t always the most convenient diners. Here are a few items you may still want to bring.

• Favorite snacks (especially if you have a toddler who is more particular)
• Formula or Baby Food – if they are still consuming either of these. Generally, you won’t find them available on the ship.

Other Helpful Items

Here are a few other items that we feel are helpful on cruises with toddlers:

• Nightlight (one of the top cruise items we recommend buying at Dollar Tree).
• Leakproof Sippy cup
• Portable white noise machine or app on your phone
• Diaper disposal bags for dirty diapers (these will stink up a stateroom in no time!)
• Portable changing pad
• Silicone Placemat
• Sand toys (trust me – these are SO expensive to buy at a port!)
• Portable potty chair (if potty training/trained)

We hope that this was helpful! Please let us know in the comments if there is anything you are glad you brought along for your toddler or what you wish you’d brought!

More Articles You May Enjoy:

• The Ultimate Great Wolf Lodge Packing List for Families
• 10 Smart Packing Tips for Families
• How to Choose a Cruise: Tips for Picking the Best Cruise Itinerary

The post The Ultimate Cruise Packing List for Toddlers appeared first on Magical Family Travel Guide.

We’ve been to Legoland a few times with a toddler. While it can feel pretty non-toddler at times with lots of height requirements, there are actually quite a few rides and attractions that they can go on.

The key is making sure they know there are lots of activities they can do and to not make them spend half the day waiting for their siblings to get off rides they can’t go on! While they may not be able to go on a roller coaster, there are a lot of toddler-friendly things that younger kids can really enjoy.

This does mean that a parent or guardian might have to skip out on some of the fun, but really, some of my favorite rides at Legoland are the little kids’ rides.

In case you aren’t really sure where to start, here are some of our favorite rides that our toddlers have loved. We have short kids, so yours might be able to go on additional rides – but these ones should be accessible for most toddlers.

Since we have gone to both Legoland Florida and Legoland California, I thought we’d include attractions from both. Legoland can be the perfect place for kids of all ages, especially if you go at the right time of year. There was hardly anyone there when we went, and it was a blast! We could have spent more than one whole day there.

Be sure to check out our post about Legoland California tips!

Ready to book your trip? If you are heading to California, be sure to book with our friends at Get Away Today! They are the experts for all things family travel, and they’ll take care of you. Mention Magical Family Travel Guide or use the code MFTG to save $10 on a Southern California Vacation Package!

Florida

We spent a lot of time in Duplo Valley, which is specifically designed for youngsters. Because so much of Legoland isn’t really toddler-friendly, I really appreciate that they have this space available.

Grand Carousel

As soon as our toddler saw this, he was so excited and insisted on going on it over and over again. This is a two-level carousel with a variety of horses and seated options. It’s colorful and fun, and it’s perfect for toddlers.

A carousel may not seem that exciting, but for our toddler, it was the most fun thing we did that day! This is right outside of Duplo Valley and at the entrance of the park.

Duplo Train

This train ride was another favorite – it is inside Duplo Valley. Our son was really into trains when we went to Legoland, so it was a big hit. You get to ride around the track a few times. Very fun!

Duplo Tractor

We also really enjoyed the Duplo Tractor. Our toddler loved riding with his older brother on this ride in the front seat!

Boating School

Our son was barely tall enough for this one, but he loves water, so we were excited when we saw he was tall enough.

Safari Trek

This was one of my personal favorites. You get to go around a little track on a “Safari Trek” and see a bunch of different LEGO animals. Some of them make noise. Our son got a real kick out of this one!

Lost Kingdom Adventure

The majority of the rides I’ve mentioned are very young child-centered. Our older boys are good sports and went on them with our youngest, but we were excited when we found a ride that everyone could really enjoy!

It wasn’t too dark or scary. Our toddler obviously wasn’t that good at shooting with the laser pointer, but he thought it was so fun to try. We went on this one over and over again!

Pharoah’s Revenge Land of Adventure

I put this one with the caveat that if your toddler doesn’t like water, you might want to skip it. However, it’s a very slow-paced ride, and it’s pretty fun because you can shoot your water sprayer throughout it. This is in the Lego Movie area, which is my big kids favorite!

California

We haven’t been to Legoland since our now six-year-old was just two. It actually wasn’t the best experience, just because it was SO crowded the day we went, and our son was pretty sad he couldn’t go on a lot of rides. But there were a few stand-out rides, and if you make sure you hit these ones, your toddler will have a great time.

Queen Watevera’s Carousel

This is California’s two-layer carousel. Lots of fun for all!

Legoland Express

This is in Fun Town and very similar to the Duplo Train in Florida. I remember having so much fun on this with both our boys!

Sky Patrol

If you have a toddler obsessed with flying and helicopters, you won’t want to miss this one. You are in control of having the helicopter go up and down and side to side. It’s a lot of fun!

Skipper School

This is very similar to Boating School. It’s trackless, so it’s fun to go with other family members in other boats. A toddler can help you steer or just go along for the ride!

Fairy Tale Brook

When we went to Legoland California, this ride was broken down, and I was so sad! It looked like it would have been so much fun. You float around in Lego boats and get to see timeless fairy tale stories through Lego characters. It’s a fairly interactive ride that is perfect for young children.

Safari Trek

Very similar to the one in Florida, this is a great one for a toddler who loves animals!

Lost Kingdom Adventure

Just like in Florida, this one isn’t particularly geared toward toddlers, but the whole family can go on it and enjoy it!

Non-Ride Attractions

There is a lot more to do at Legoland than just ride rides – be sure to check out the Lego displays, play in the Lego construction areas, and see the Lego shows.

We had a great time at one of the shows in Florida that was done in the water. Our toddler absolutely loved it!

MINILAND USA

Both Florida and California have their incredible “MINILAND USA” displays with Lego models of different cities and tourist attractions across the country. We could spend hours here! While our toddlers have been less enthused about staying for long periods of time, they definitely get a kick out of the interactive displays, such as the water cannons. The interactive element of this area makes it a great fit for all ages.

In Florida, we really liked it because they have a huge canopy over it, which can give you some much-needed relief from the sun.

Playgrounds

There are several little playgrounds throughout each park that are perfect for toddlers. In Florida, they have the “Florida Prepaid Playhouse”, which we discovered way too late in the day! It had slides and other play structures inside which our kids loved – it was the perfect toddler play area, and I wish we had discovered what a great place it was earlier on! Sometimes there are larger Lego bricks available that the kids can play with.

Water Play

Both California and Florida have some really fun “Splash and Play” areas that have toddler-friendly water features, which are a lot of fun!

More Tips for Success

Stay On Site

This may not always be possible, but if you are able to stay on-site at a Legoland hotel. I would recommend you do! It was SO nice to be able to go give our toddler a nap during the day while letting everyone else keep playing. The Legoland Resort hotels are so close to the park, and it’s nice if you forget something, too! It makes your trip to the Legoland Theme Park just a little bit more special!

Take Breaks

Legoland can be exhausting for anyone – but especially toddlers! Give them regular snacks and water breaks. If you find they are getting a little unruly, take them back to the little kid zone and let them explore for a while. It can be hard to see everyone else going on lots of rides!

Know the Height Restrictions

This can help set you up for realistic expectations if you know the minimum height for different rides. The first time we went, my son was about 1″ too short for SO many rides, and we didn’t realize this until we got there. It was really disappointing for him and us!

Take Turns

It can be helpful to have someone assigned to the toddler, but let that person have a break every now and then, too!

Parent Swap

When we went, there were no lines, so we didn’t really need a parent swap. However, if there are bigger crowds, this might be something to consider. Some rides will let you do a rider swap, where one parent/guardian stays off the ride with the toddler, and then can immediately go back on when the other part is done.

Baby Care Center

I am always grateful when an amusement park has a baby care center. This is a place where you can feed your child, change their diaper, or just take a little break from a busy day at the park (maybe when people are going on bigger rides !).

Legoland has something for everyone, and that includes toddlers! With rides like the Duplo Trains and Carousels, even the youngest Lego fan will have a Legoland ride that is made just for them.

More Posts You Might Enjoy:

• 6+ BEST Toddler Shoes for Disney World and Disneyland Vacations
• 20+ Airplane Snacks for Toddlers + Expert Tips for Success
• The Best Rides for Toddlers at Disney World + Disneyland

The post The Best Legoland Rides for Toddlers in Florida and California appeared first on Magical Family Travel Guide.

It can be a daunting task to find the perfect shoes for toddlers to wear at Disney World. With so many options available, it can be hard to know which ones will be the most comfortable and practical for a day of walking around the theme park. To help make things a little bit easier, we’ve put together a list of the five best toddler shoes for Disney World.

We all know that Disneyland and Disney World with a Toddler can be a little bit daunting. If you have a toddler like ours, you’ll find yourself with a child who is wanting to walk half the day and be in the stroller the other half of the time.

You may also enjoy: The Best Disney World Park for Toddlers (From a Toddler Mom)

The importance of the right shoes for these trips cannot be understated – even for a toddler. You want something supportive and sturdy – as well as protective – as they trounce through the parks. The last thing you want is a toddler complaining of hurt feet during your Disney vacation.

While there are many types of shoes that should work just fine, here is a list of the best shoes that would be fantastic options for little feet in the Disney Parks.

Stride Rite

We are huge fans of Stride Rite shoes for our kids – we had a great pair of sandals that have lasted through three children (until we lost one of the shoes at Legoland this year. Long story). I really think they are some of the best kid’s shoe brands around. They offer very high-quality shoes for toddlers.

You can buy them on their website, Amazon, and various places in the store.

Stride Rite has a lot of different shoe options – from sandals to traditional tennis shoes – and they are just built really sturdily. I feel like they change the names of their shoes pretty frequently, but here is a couple that would be great for the parks:

KEEN Child Sandal

As I looked at different reviews, over and over I came across KEEN sandals being a top recommendation. They have a great reputation for making comfortable sandals for all ages. These are definitely worth the extra cost and many believe they are the best choice for toddlers.

If you want a shoe that’s easy to slip on (like a sandal) but doesn’t risk your little one’s toes being smashed by the wheels of the stroller or other people who aren’t paying attention, this is a great brand.

They have various brands, but the KEEN Unisex-Child Seacamp Ii CNX Sandal seems to have the best reviews. It has different colors and has sizes for children 1-8.

Crocs Bump It Clog

The Crocs Bump It Clog is another great option for toddlers who want shoes that are both comfortable and stylish. Okay, maybe stylish isn’t the right word. But I often think that Crocs are a great brand of shoes to have at the parks.

These clogs are especially good for young children, as they have a ‘bump it’ system that allows you to adjust the straps so they fit your child. This ensures that the shoe will stay securely on their foot without hurting or cutting off the circulation.

These can be a nice pair of shoes to pull out for tired feet at the end of the day. It can be a good idea to have a couple different shoes to switch off between.

Native Jefferson slip-ons

The Native Jefferson slip-ons are another great option for toddlers who want a stylish and comfortable shoe. These shoes are made with a suede upper and a rubber sole, which makes them durable and long lasting. Plus, they come in a variety of cute colors so your child will look stylish as well as comfortable.

They are also “water friendly” and fast drying, which is essential when you are in Florida. They also boast of a rubber sole, are slip on, and easy to clean.

Under Armour Unisex Infant Assert 9 Alternate Closure Running Shoe

If you’re looking for athletic shoes that provide excellent support and comfort, the Under Armour Unisex Infant Assert Running Shoes are a great option. These shoes are made with a breathable mesh upper and a rubber sole, which makes them perfect for running around on hot days. Under Armour is known for its quality products – they are a bit more than I usually would spend on a toddler, but they do seem like they’d hold up quite well.

TSUKIHOSHI Racer

This is a classic sneaker available in a variety of bright and fun colors, which makes for cute comfortable shoes. It has a wide toe box (so perfect for those of us who have kids with chubby feet), and they are slip resistant.

I also love that these are washer friendly, so they can easily be cleaned up and appear to be waterproof. They are also really easy to get on and off, and they have a velcro strap to help keep the shoes on. They have a heal stabilizer, which seemed interesting to me! These are very comfortable walking shoes.

Converse Chuck Taylor Low Top Sneaker

Is there anything more classic than Converse Chuck Taylor shoes? I think not – and toddlers look adorable in them.

But in the park, we need something functional as well, and these are definitely an excellent choice for little kids. They are made of lightweight, breathable canvas and are super easy to slip on and off. They also have a supportive, rubber sole which is a must for the parks!

Additional Tips:

Here are a few additional tips for making life a little bit easier with your child’s shoes and walking in the park:

Break Them In

Never wear a brand new pair of shoes to Disneyland and Disney World – TRUST me. Even if your toddler isn’t walking a ton, just walking a little ways in shoes you aren’t used to can be miserable. Make sure you have your toddler regularly wear their shoes for at least a few weeks before your trip for maximum comfort.

Make sure they are waterproof

Disney World is known for its rainy days and sudden rainstorms, and trust me, you don’t want to be caught in one of these with the wrong shoes. When we went last year, we were caught in a massive storm where we were wading through about 6″ of water. Let’s just say, we didn’t go home with all the shoes we came with. Even going on certain water rides – like Splash Mountain – make it necessary to have shoes that are water-resistant. Make sure the shoes you get (for everyone!) are waterproof and water-resistant.

Comfortable socks are important

Sometimes your socks can make a world of difference when it comes to your shoes, especially with toddlers. Make sure you bring along some socks that make walking more comfortable.

Protect the toes!

While it might be tempting to throw on some flip flops or open-toed sandals – the Disney parks are PACKED. I get my feet trampled on all the time and having open-toed sandals put you at great risk for that. Make sure your child has closed-toe shoes!

Finding the best option for your toddler at the Disney theme parks doesn’t have to be hard. We hope that you’ve found some good tips for the type of shoe that will leave your toddler with happy feet after the long hours of walking in the Disney World Parks.

More Posts You Might Enjoy:

• The Best Legoland Rides for Toddlers in Florida and California
• 20+ Airplane Snacks for Toddlers + Expert Tips for Success
• Top 10 Disneyland Kids’ Meals Your Child Will LOVE
• The Best Rides for Toddlers at Disney World + Disneyland
• The Top 6 Best Baby Carriers for Disney World
• The Best Places to Buy Disney Clothes for Your Disney Vacation

The post 6+ BEST Toddler Shoes for Disney World and Disneyland Vacations appeared first on Magical Family Travel Guide.

Going to Disneyland with a toddler and other young children is a different experience than when you go as a teenager or with other adults. It can be SO magical – but it’s important to manage your expectations a little bit.

As my mom put it, you have to realize the trip isn’t just about you. It’s about making sure everyone has a good time – your toddler included.

Fortunately, Disneyland was built with families in mind. I love this quote that is underneath the Walt Disney statue in the center of Disneyland:

I think most of all, what I want Disneyland to be is a happy place . . . where parents and children can have fun, together.

And I really believe that’s what Disney World and Disneyland are! However, there are rides your toddler won’t be able to go on (or won’t want to!)

So, if you are about to head to the parks with your toddler, you’re in the right place! Let’s dive into the best rides for Toddlers at Disney World and Disneyland.

Book your next magical family adventure through our friends at Get Away Today! They are truly the Disney experts and can make planning your trip a breeze for both Disneyland and Disney World. You can browse their website or call 1-855-GET-AWAY. Make sure you tell them Magical Family Travel Guide sent you or use the code MFTG for $10 off a Southern California

Factors to Keep in Mind

Sound level

Some children are more sensitive to loud noises than others. For instance, our five-year-old hates anything loud, but noises don’t even faze our two-year-old.

Some rides might not be scary, but they might be really loud, making it unpleasant. Some of the older rides that may seem harmless can be really loud! I do think noise-canceling earmuffs can be a good investment.

Drops

Disneyland is a land of drops! Many rides have small drops. I don’t think most of the rides on this list will have scary drops, but if your child is nervous about them at all, a small drop can result in big drama.

Dark Rides

Many rides are quite dark (not content-wise, but they are literally lacking light). If your child is afraid of the dark, sticking to the brightly lit rides can be a better idea.

Long lines

My kids actually do quite well when it comes to lines, but there are some rides with lines that I can’t even tolerate! It’s a good idea to learn about what rides tend to have the longest lines so you can plan those toward the earlier hours of your day or during times when rides might not be as busy – especially if it’s a must-ride for your kiddos.

Rides with Height Restrictions

First, let’s talk about the rides with height requirements of 40″ or taller.

It’s a good idea to know about these beforehand so you don’t hype up a ride, only to tell your kid they can’t ride them!

Many of these don’t even make my list of best rides for kids, but it’s good to be aware!

Disney world

• The Barnstormer – 36”
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – 40”
• Seven Dwarves Mine Train – 38”
• Space Mountain – 44”
• Splash Mountain – 40”
• Tomorrow Speedway – 32”
• Mission: Space – 40”
• Test Track – 40”
• Alien Swirling Saucers – 32”
• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run – 38”
• Rock ‘n Roller coaster – 48”
• Slinky Dog Dash – 38”
• Star Tours – 40”
• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – 40”
• Twilight Zone – 40”
• Avatar Flight of Passage – 44”
• DINOSAUR – 40”
• Expedition Everest – 44”
• Kali River Rapids – 40”
• Primeval Whirl – 48”

Disneyland/California Adventure

• Indiana Jones – 46″
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – 40″
• Matterhorn Bobsleds – 40″
• Autotopia – 54″ to drive alone (32″ to ride at all)
• Space Mountain – 40″
• Splash Mountain – 40″
• Star Tours – 40″
• Grizzly River Run – 42″
• Soarin’ Over The World – 40″
• Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – 40″
• Mission: Breakout! – 40″
• California Screamin’ 48″
• Goofy’s Sky School – 40″
• Silly Symphony Swings – 40″
• Radiator Springs Racers – 40″

Best Rides for Toddlers

There are a ton of rides for people under 40″, but to be honest, some of them are totally lame or scary. Our kids have been absolutely TERRIFIED of some of the “kiddie” rides, such as the Pinocchio’s Daring Adventure, Snow White’s Scary Adventures, and the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. They thought they were too loud, dark, and scary. So we avoided anything like that after the first few rides. Similar rides to those would be Alice in Wonderland and Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.

You know your toddler best, though, so try and be aware of how you think they’ll respond.

Here are some rides and attractions that I think just about all toddlers enjoy at Disney World and Disneyland.

Also, you will see I don’t mention the live shows that they have in the various parks. If YOU think your child can sit through a 60-minute show, then, by all means, take them to these. But if your kids are like mine as toddlers, that’s a lot to ask – regardless of how engaging the show is!

In general, we tend to avoid rides with water, big drops, or lots of darkness/loud noises with toddlers, but again, you know your child best.

I have divided each list by park in Disneyland and Disney World.

Disney World

Magic Kingdom

• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin – dark and loud at times, though every toddler I’ve gone on this with has loved it
• Journey of the Little Mermaid
• magic carpets of Aladdin
• Casey Jr. Circus Train
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant – one of my personal favorites!
• Jungle Cruise
• Mad Tea Party
• The Many Adventures of Winnine the Pooh – this one can be surprisingly scary for some kids, but it’s overall a very fun ride for youngsters
• Peter Pan’s Flight – typically has long lines all day long. Jump on this first if you don’t want to miss it!
• Prince Charming Regal Carousel
• Pirate’s of the Carribbean – this one is dark, has drops, and it can be a little scary, but it’s a ride the whole family can go on. My toddlers have typically done well on it.
• Tom Sawyer’s Island – not really a ride but great for exploring
• Swiss Family Robinson
• Walt Disney World Railroad
• Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress

Animal Kingdom

• Na’via River Journey
• Kilimanjaro Safaris
• Flying Dino
• it’s dough to be a bug – this is a fun show, though it does get a little bit intense at times
• Maharajah Jungle Trek
• TriceraTop Spin
• Wildlife Express Train
• Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail

Epcot

• Meet and Greet Anna and Elsa
• Beauty and the Beast Sing Along
• Frozen Ever After
• The Seas with Nemo and Friends
• Turtle Talk with Crush
• Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros – this can have a deceptively long line

Hollywood Studios

• Alien Swirling saucers
• For the First Time in Forever Sing a long
• Muppet Vision 3D
• Toy Story Mania
• Voyage of the Little Mermaid
• Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway 

Disneyland

• Disneyland Railroad
• Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
• Jungle Cruise
• Tarzan’s Tree House
• The Many Adventure’s of Winnie the Pooh
• Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island
• Goofy’s Playhouse
• Donald’s Boat
• Chip ‘n Dales Treehouse
• Minnie’s House
• Mickey’s House
• it’s a small world
• Peter Pan’s Flight
• Storybrook Land Canal Boats
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant
• Casey Jr. Circus Train
• King Arthur Carousel
• Mad Tea Party
• Buzz Lightyear Astroblasters
• Disneyland Monorail
• Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage – I hate this one and often feel chlostrophobic…but most kids love it 🙂

California Adventure

• Monster’s Inc. Mike and Sulley to the Rescue
• Turtle Talk with Crush
• Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree (32″)
• Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters (32″)
• Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
• Web Slingers: A Spider–Man Adventure
• Golden Zephyr
• The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
• Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind
• Toy Story Midway Mania!
• Pixar Pal-A-Round
• Jessie’s Critter Carousel

Shows and Entertainment

There are so many family-friendly shows and parades around the parks. They certainly know how to put on a good show!

One time, we happened to be walking around in California Adventure when their Pixar Parade started. I think it was around 5:00? This is a must-see. The streets weren’t crowded at all – our oldest was right up to the street and interacted a lot with the performers. They had characters from many Pixar movies that we love, and it was so fun to watch the kids. I think this is a great one that is not crowded.

I absolutely love the Disneyland parades. They are 100% worth staying late to watch. This one you really have to get there early to get a good seat. We showed up an hour early, and we could hardly see! It’s really magical, though, and I highly recommend seeing it one night.

Afterward, you can see the nightly fireworks, which are incredible. I do recommend getting some ear protection for your children, though. Our kids love these, but they don’t love the sound. There are some restaurants in California Adventure where you can get priority seating at this show if you eat there, so that’s something to consider, too, with younger kids since it can be hard to get a good seat.

I have never seen the World of Color in California Adventure, but I have heard it’s pretty amazing for all ages.

There are a lot of other types of entertainment in both parks. Here are a few we enjoyed or that we’ve heard are good for children:

Character Breakfast

I wasn’t sure if we wanted to do a character breakfast, but I’m so glad we splurged on it. It was one of the coolest experiences, and Jack LOVED it. We got an early reservation at 7:45 AM for the Surf’s Up! Mickey’s breakfast, but I was so glad we did. We got there before a lot of people, so our kids got more attention. You should have seen Jack’s face light up when the characters came to our table.

The breakfast was amazing, too! I couldn’t get enough of it. The banana’s foster french toast was to die for, and they had everything you could think of. I highly recommend doing one of these breakfasts. It’s a great way for the kids to see LOTS of characters at once, and then you don’t have to spend as much time in long lines in the park to see them!

Enchanted Tiki Room

This is a delightful animatronic show that takes place in an air-conditioned building. It’s great for all ages, and I think children can really enjoy it – especially if you grab a Dole Whip beforehand!

Hyperion Theater: 

This is where they have Broadway shows, such as Frozen. Definitely a must-watch for all ages, and it’s a great place to cool off!

Finding Characters

Children love seeing the characters. I think one of the best ways to see them (especially princesses) is by doing a character breakfast, as you can avoid long lines. However, you can definitely see them throughout the park.

We found that California Adventure had more characters just wandering around, and they often had fewer lines there. The Disney characters are dressed up in more “Hollywood” clothes, so classic characters are better to look for in Disneyland.

We found that the best time to get short lines was right after the character goes on break. It’s kind of annoying when you get there, and the character is going for a break, but if you wait for a few minutes for them to come back, you can get right to the front of the line.

I think the Disneyland app is an awesome app to download because it tells you where certain characters will be during the day. There always seem to be several characters right at the entrance of Disneyland.

There is a Princess area in Disneyland that is great if your child really wants to see the princesses. These lines can get REALLY long, but I recommend waiting in them if it’s important to your child!

Toon Town:

This is a great place for children in Disneyland, though it felt pretty crowded. I remember going here as a child with my mom because everyone else was going on Indiana Jones, and I loved it! They have all sorts of fun houses (like Minnie, Mickey’s, Chip and Dale’s Treehouse, etc.) as well as a few rides.

Main Street

Disneyland Main Street has a lot of fun things on it. You can see characters, get yummy treats like ice cream, and even get your child’s silhouette! They have a cinema that shows old Disney cartoons, which is a fun way to relax with tired or hot kids. There is a street trolley you can ride on to Fantasy land, and there is also a carriage! I recommend spending some time here.

Downtown Disney and Disney Springs

There’s a lot of yummy food!- I love Downtown Disney. It has shopping, restaurants, etc. Some of it might be a bit boring for kids, but a lego place is pretty cool.

Disney Experience App

It is free, so you need to download it! It gives you wait times, tells you how to get to places where you can find certain foods (we used that a lot!), tells you if a ride is closed (even just temporarily), first aid and height restrictions, and much more. If you get the photo pass, it is easier to add pictures throughout the day to your photo pass. It’s free, so you need to download it!

Rider Switch

Even if you spend most of the time wanting to go on rides with your children, I recommend making sure you can go on some “big kid” rides. Disneyland has a great Rider Switch program in place, where, if you have children that can’t go on ride, you are given a voucher (for Fast Pass rides) to go to the front of the line and ride again. With the non-Fast Pass rides, you are able to ask for a Rider Switch and do the same.

More Posts You Might Enjoy:

• The Best Age for Disneyland: The Ultimate Guide to Help You Decide
• Multigenerational Family Vacation to Disney – Tips for Success!
• First Time in Disney World: 5 Mistakes To Avoid Making

The post The Best Rides for Toddlers at Disney World + Disneyland appeared first on Magical Family Travel Guide.