Most Practical Tips For Surviving Disneyland With a Toddler

Travel - Travel Activities

By: selenapan9 29-Mar-2011

Introduction:

or Surviving Disney with a Terrible Two

To start, I should say that we live in Paris. And that we go to Disneyland Paris several times a month.

A few Saturday's ago, we threw a party for Sebastien's class to celebrate his second birthday. All in all, it was a great day and much fun was had by all, including the mother's. At some point during the festivities, I was talking with one of the other mom's and she asked me if I thought that Disneyland was worth it for the 2 and 3 year old crowd. I can't tell you how often I hear this question...or the statement that Disneyland is not for young kids. I can see how people might think this but after having taken my kids (age 2 and 4) to DLRP roughly 12 times this year, I can tell you that it is "doable" with a 2 year old. In fact, not only can you do it, you can also have a great time in the process. But it takes a certain amount of "knowing the ropes" and planning...as well as an adjustment in expectations on the part of the parents. So, I thought I would share some of the less obvious but most practical ones. I will address the top 5 planning tips in another list :)

Magic Hours

This doesn't apply unless you are staying in a hotel or are a Dream Pass Holder. But if you are, you are able to get into the park 2 hours before it opens. This sounds a bit more fabulous than it is because only Fantasyland and Discoveryland that are open, and not all the rides in those. But it is the opportunity to ride Peter Pan and Buzz Lightyear before the crowds. This is obviously more worth it in the summer when the days are longer and the crowds larger.

Get a Fastpass

I am always surprised when I discover that there are people who go to Disneyland who don't know about these but this really is the way to go. The Fastpass is like having a reservation. So you find a ride that has a Fastpass, and then ride other rides until you Fastpass comes up. Be aware, however, that you cannot have more than one Fastpass per ticket at any given time. Thus, you can't go get Fastpasses for Buzz, and Peter Pan at the same time. Also be aware that NOT ALL popular rides have a Fastpass. Crush's coaster comes to mind on this.

Baby Switch

This is a great offering from Disney. It is designed, basically, so that younger children don't have to wait in awful lines. How it works is that one parent waits in line (either with an older sibling or by themselves). Just before you get on the ride you ask for a baby switch. They will then give you a little piece of paper which will allow your spouse to skip the line and ride. We use this on Crush's Coaster all the time. That way both parents get the chance to ride, and Lucas (my 5 year old) is able to ride twice. He often says "Thanks Seb" (our 2 year old) after this ride is over.

Don't Underestimate the Value of a Parade

It seems a bit counter intuitive, but if you need a break, a parade often offers it to you. It is 30 minutes during which your children will sit glued to one spot....just like TV but without the parental guilt. One thing is that you must get a good spot before the parade begins or you will be forced to hold your darling, squirmy toddler on your shoulders...which becomes painful after a while.

Take Advantage of Technology

For Iphone users there is an Disneyland Paris application that just came out. It gives you show times from wherever you are and wait times when you are in the park. This is a HUGE advancement over having to print out the schedule from home and track down the wait times at the kiosks in the park. Get it if you have an Iphone and plan to go!!!

Final Thoughts

As a final thought, I will add that it always works to your benefit if you are open to going to Disneyland when others can't or are prohibited by some fear or neurosis. For example, in Paris, I always go if there is a strike. Why? Because it rarely effects the RER A (train that takes you to Disney) and the park is EMPTY because everyone is afraid to go. I also went on the day that the nuclear cloud was supposedly over France. Believe it or not, people didn't go. I won't go into why that isn't logical here. But I did have a lovely day at Disneyland that day.

So there you have it, as much of my painfully earned knowledge as I could squeeze into a list of 5. Now, go forth bravely into that sea of humanity that is Disneyland Resort Paris.. Don't forget the diapers!

And voila, :) You can check out my blog for MUCH more about Disneyland Paris, if you are brave enough or bored enough.

Give this list a high five!

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clewand550 2/4/2012
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Good list.
selenapan9 4/5/2011
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Thanks!! On bravery, I ask myself the question, what do I fear more...Disney or bored kids ?!?! ;)
litetender 3/29/2011
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Whoever attempts to do this is a braver person than me, but they'll need this list! High five!
litetender 3/29/2011
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Whoever attempts to do this is a braver person than me, but they'll need this list! High five!