The toughest part about Disneyland for me is packing (well, actually the toughest part is negotiating with my daughter to leave for the airport to go home…packing is second to that). I always overpack. Given how many times we have gone, you would think I would be a pro at it. I’m not.
While I am not a pro, I have been compiling a list of things one must pack for Disneyland when traveling with littles.
- Dry healthy snacks: It can be hard keeping energy levels up given some of the snack choices at the parks. Having healthier snacks handy is also helpful while waiting in line or waiting for a parade to start. Munching can help time pass a little quicker. My go-to’s include: coconut chips, apple chips, almonds, z-bars, cereal bars, goldfish, crackers.
- Misting Fans: a friend had passed along this tip a year ago and I am so grateful for it, especially during the warmer months. They sell fans at both parks, but you will pay a third of the cost at a sporting goods store or online retailer.
- Cooling Towels: We have brought these even in the autumn months as the sun’s reflection from the concrete can make it feel so much hotter than the forecast says. They take up very little room at the bottom of the stroller/diaper bag and cool down the kiddos (and adults quickly).
- Hand warmers: We have had many days where we used the misting fans in the day and warmers at night. It gets so cold and windy by World of Color…these puppies and hot cocoa do the trick!
- Jackets/Blankets: These are great if the temperatures drop at night. Also great to use as spot holders for parades. While you can’t just put a blanket down and go on Star Tours (Disney folks will pick them up so quickly), it helps when one person is saving a spot for four.
- Coloring/Sticker Set: Those fabulous ziplock sets with a mini-coloring book, crayons and stickers that you can get at the Target Dollar Spot save us at mealtime and/or waiting for a show/parade to begin. I was so surprised to find out not ALL restaurants give out crayons (Big Thunder BBQ, anything where you order at the counter, Plaza Inn breakfast to name a few that don’t). This helps keep them busy and the whining to a minimum.
- Costumes: Our little one wears costumes more than she does clothes. And that is pretty much what you see at Disneyland. I would suggest buying costumes before you go (your local Disney Store, online, whatever). The stores at DL sell them for about double the price. If you plan ahead, check out the Disney Store a week before Halloween or after. Their costumes are heavily discounted!
- Organic Fruit: I had a hard time finding organic fruit at either park. There are fruit stands at various parts which is fantastic, but the fruit isn’t organic. I buy bananas, pineapple, watermelon (anything where we don’t eat the skin) from those stands, but I buy organic apples, berries, pears from a grocery store before we get to our hotel.
- Ibuprofen for adults: no explanation needed.
Something else I always have at the bottom of our stroller is an extra set of clothes. If they get wet or spill all over themselves you don’t have to go back to the hotel (even though we stay on property it is still such a drag to get the kids to go back to the room).
What did I forget?? Next time we are renting a stroller from one of those vendors in Anaheim. Any feedback?
Couldn’t help adding some pictures of our last adventure…
Anything to make traveling with babes easier!
With love,
Shahla
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