Have Disney vacation questions? planDisney has the answers! Our panelists are back once again with more planning tips in our Ask planDisney video series presented by State Farm, sharing their best advice for young families visiting Disneyland Resort.
Play Areas Just Their Size
When it comes to creating unforgettable days, Disneyland has fun around every corner, and that includes play spaces designed especially for little ones! Panelists Tara and Kriss explore some of their go-to spots and answer the question: “Where can kids burn off energy at Disneyland?”
In Disneyland park, families can wander through Mickey’s Toontown, home to Goofy’s How-To-Play Yard and CenTOONial Park, or set sail for adventure at Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island, where caves, bridges, and trails invite little ones to explore and discover.
Over at Disney California Adventure park, Redwood Creek Challenge Trail is an outdoor playground packed with slides, swings, and climbing nets. These areas are perfect for midday breaks, giving kids a chance to play and roam while parents take a breather.
planDisney Pro Tip
- Build playtime into your itinerary between attractions. Not only does it help toddlers get their wiggles out, but it also gives parents the perfect window to check wait times, mobile order snacks, or plan the next stop in the Disneyland app.*
Watch the full video to catch the panelists’ top play area picks and stick around until the end to see Tara reveal her favorite secret spot for little ones to recharge!
Say Hello to Disney Friends
Meeting Disney characters is often the highlight of a park day, and panelists David and Kriss are here to answer a top question: “Where can you go with little ones to meet characters at Disneyland?”
Families can meet favorite Disney characters throughout the parks, from Disney Princesses at Royal Hall in Disneyland park to Pixar pals at Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure park. Character dining is another fun way for kids to interact with multiple characters in one stop, giving them one-on-one time while enjoying a meal. The panelists especially recommend “Minnie & Friends – Breakfast in the Park” at Plaza Inn in Disneyland park and Storytellers Cafe at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Advanced reservations are highly recommended for character dining experiences and can be made on Disneyland.com or the Disneyland app up to 60 days prior to your visit.
planDisney Pro Tip
- Be sure to check the Disneyland app for character appearance times and locations. You might even stumble upon a surprise encounter while strolling through the parks, so always be on the lookout!
Check out the full video for the panelists’ favorite character spots and keep an eye out for the fun characters they meet along the way!
More Magical Moments: Attractions and Shows
Beyond play areas and character greetings, there are plenty of rides and shows tailored to younger guests.
Classic attractions like “it’s a small world” and Dumbo the Flying Elephant in Disneyland park or family-friendly favorites The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure and Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind in Disney California Adventure park are perfect first rides for little ones.
Kids can also dance along at “Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!” (or “Mickey’s Trick and Treat” during Halloween Time) in Disney California Adventure park or enjoy Fantasmic! in Disneyland park together, adding an extra dose of magic to round out the day.
planDisney Pro Tip
- Use the Disneyland app to filter attractions by “Any Height” so you can quickly spot the rides your whole family can enjoy together. And don’t forget to check showtimes so you can catch a performance nearby in between.
Plan Your Day with Confidence
More answers are on the way in the Ask planDisney video series, so stay tuned to the Disney Parks YouTube channel. Until then, connect with @planDisneypanel on Instagram for extra advice, or stop by planDisney.com to submit your planning questions.
Panelists are compensated for their participation on planDisney.
*Message, data and roaming rates may apply for the use of the Disneyland app. Availability subject to handset limitations and features may vary by handset or service provider. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first.
