Is visiting Disneyland with preschoolers worth it? We’ve done it and have the full scoop! Keep scrolling to find out what to do at Disneyland with a 3-year-old!
This post about Disneyland with a 3-year-old was written by Disney travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
My family loves Disney! We don’t have annual passes to the Parks or go every weekend, but we are Disney-enthusiasts!
For our second trip to Disneyland, we did it with a baby and a preschooler. Disneyland with a 3-year-old was a very different experience than Disneyland with a toddler the year before!
Keep scrolling for my top tips for having a blast at Disneyland with a 3-year-old!
12 Ways to Survive Disneyland with a 3 Year Old
Best Time to Go to Disneyland
We went in May last year and the Disneyland Resort wasn’t too crowded and the weather was perfect.
We went in mid-June this year and it was much too warm in the afternoon and we ran into a lot of Grad Nights.
I’ve heard that the first week of December is a great time to go for discounted rates and small crowds.
I’d also recommend not doing Disneyland close to any other trips you have planned. It’s pretty exhausting for the whole family and you may need time to recoup afterward.
Find the BEST Disneyland Resort deals here.
Plan For at Least 2 Days
I think you need at least one day in Disneyland Park and one day in Disney California Adventure Park.
If possible, 3 days are ideal so you can go back to your favorite park on the 3rd day. You can find the best Disneyland ticket prices here.
Preschoolers don’t always move very quickly so having extra time will help keep a relaxed pace. This is a great way to make the most of Disneyland Resort with a 3-year-old.
Book a Family Photo Shoot
Whenever we travel, we almost always book a family photo shoot with Flytographer. They are super easy and affordable AND guarantee that I’ll be in some photos. You can get $25 off if you book through this link.
Watch Videos of Rides Before You Go
You might think your child will love Dumbo, only to discover (after waiting in line for 40 minutes) that they are scared.
Eliminate this stress and valuable time by looking at ride videos online. It’s also a good refresher for parents to see if a ride is too scary for their child.
I recently had a family member tell me they brought their terrified 3-year-old on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad because she remembered it being a cute train ride.
Watching videos is also how we discovered that our preschooler really wanted to do the Go Coaster in Toontown.
Have a Plan
Even if you aren’t normally a planner, creating a plan will help your day at Disneyland with a 3-year-old go smoother than without one. See our Disneyland itinerary for toddlers.
Get to Disneyland Early
The best practice is to get there before opening with Early Entry if you are staying on-property.
We got to the Parks within the first hour of opening each day and accomplished a lot.
When we first entered the park, we did all the must-see rides that usually have a long line (we chose Pirates of the Caribbean this past trip.)
While in Adventureland, we did the Jungle Cruise and met Moana. Then, we headed to Fantasyland and hit up our favorites (including Dumbo, Casey Jr., and the Tea Cups) and ended at Toontown.
This was all before 11 am on a very crowded June morning.
Want an epic Disneyland digital guide? This is my favorite Disneyland tool and guide!
Bring Snacks and Buy a Treat
My family definitely gets “hangry” if we don’t get enough to eat.
I always have snacks for every member of my family in my bag. I usually have trail mix, granola bars, crackers, food pouches, and other items that pack well.
These are often snacks I always bring no matter where we are. They aren’t special.
However, Disneyland is full of special and tasty treats. We like to partake in these treats throughout the day. It’s a great way to distract preschoolers.
We love indulging with Dole Whip and churros!
Plan One Sit-Down Meal Per Day
This meal doesn’t need to be fancy but does need to be seated. We opted to do lunch one day at a table with an umbrella.
Being in the shade and refueling helped our moods so we could plan our next step.
We did an early dinner another day in a spot where we could see the parade. Sitting down helped rest our tired feet and gave us all an opportunity to hydrate.
I highly recommend enjoying a seated lunch or dinner.
Visit the Disneyland Baby Care Center
Disneyland insider tip: Even if you don’t have a baby, the Baby Care Center is a great stop.
Since it has A/C, it’s perfect for cooling down overheated kids in a quiet environment. They also have microwaves to heat up any food/snacks you bring into the park.
My favorite part is the bathrooms. They usually aren’t too crowded and they are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers who are potty training.
My son was a bit overheated and started to tantrum. We brought him into the Baby Care Center while I nursed my baby and it helped improve his mood immensely!
Take an Afternoon Break
It may seem counter-intuitive to leave the Parks in the middle of the day, but it can actually extend your day at Disneyland Resort with a preschooler.
I’d recommend heading back to your hotel around 2 pm (or whenever your preschooler is starting to get overstimulated/tired.)
Back at your hotel, everyone can take naps, soak up the A/C or have pool time. Then, you can head back into the Parks around 5 pm recharged and ready for evening fun!
We stayed at the Anaheim Fairfield Inn and it was fantastic!
Watch a Parade
How often do you get to see a parade in your everyday life? Not very often. But at Disneyland, you can see several each day!
I’m usually too distracted by all the fun things at Disneyland to stake out a spot.
However, we usually work our way up to a decent place to watch the parades. Our preschooler loved to point out his favorite Disney characters as they ride by.
Get an Autograph Book
It’s funny because I didn’t understand the draw of an autograph book until this past trip. At 2.5 years old, my son had zero interest in autographs.
However, this year at 3.5 years old, he couldn’t wait to fill his book with autographs from all his favorite characters.
In fact, he insisted we re-visit characters just to make sure they “drew a little something” in his book.
I happened to win a Mickey autograph book on Twitter a few months ago, so that’s what we used.
But, we saw lots of kids with little notebooks.
Last year, I brought a matte frame for characters to sign and framed a photo of us at Disneyland.
Bring an Extra Adult
If at all possible, invite another adult to join your trip.
We brought Grandma along with us and it was such a help!
You know how kids like to do the same ride over and over? An extra adult is perfect for taking preschoolers on additional rides.
You can also utilize Disneyland’s Rider Switch so your party won’t have to wait in line twice.
These are just some of the tips and tricks I’ve figured out on our most recent trip to Disneyland Resort with a preschooler. And I’m always looking for more tips and tricks.
Please comment with any suggestions you may have for parents bringing a 3-year-old to Disneyland Resort!
Disneyland with Preschoolers FAQs
What are the best rides for a 3-year-old at Disneyland?
There are several rides that are particularly suitable for a 3-year-old, including “It’s a Small World,” “Dumbo the Flying Elephant,” “Peter Pan’s Flight,” “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh,” “Jungle Cruise,” and “Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters.” Always check the height requirements to ensure your child can ride.
Does my 3-year-old need a ticket to enter Disneyland?
Yes, children aged 3 to 9 need a child ticket to enter Disneyland. Children under the age of 3 can enter for free.
What is the best time to visit Disneyland with a 3-year-old?
Aim for non-peak times when the park is less crowded. Early weekday mornings, especially on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, are usually less busy. Also, try to avoid major holidays or school vacation periods.
Are there facilities available for changing diapers and nursing?
Yes, Disneyland provides Baby Care Centers located in both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. These centers provide a comfortable and convenient space for nursing, feeding, and changing diapers.
Can I bring a stroller into Disneyland?
Yes, strollers are allowed in Disneyland, but they must be no larger than 31″ (79cm) wide and 52″ (132cm) long. Stroller rentals are also available at the park. I highly, highly recommend using a stroller!
How can I prevent my 3-year-old from getting lost in Disneyland?
Make sure your child has a contact number written somewhere safe (like on a wristband) and teach them to approach a Disneyland cast member if they get lost. You can also take a picture of your child each day to remember what they are wearing.
What kind of food options are available for my 3-year-old at Disneyland?
Disneyland offers a variety of kid-friendly meals and snacks. Most restaurants offer children’s menus, including items like chicken nuggets, macaroni and cheese, and fruits. You’re also allowed to bring your own snacks into the park.
Are there nap and rest areas for my 3-year-old in Disneyland?
Answer: While Disneyland does not provide specific nap areas, many parents use quiet areas such as the Baby Care Centers, shaded outdoor seating areas (like the one at Toontown), or take a calm ride on the Disneyland Railroad for a rest.
Disneyland with a 3-Year-Old Wrap Up
A trip to Disneyland with your 3-year-old can be a truly magical experience if planned correctly.
Remember, this enchanting journey is all about making lifetime memories and letting your little one experience the joy and wonder of this beloved theme park.
The combination of age-appropriate rides, child-friendly food options, and thoughtful amenities like Baby Care Centers make Disneyland a delightful destination for the youngest family members.
Looking for more Disneyland tips? Find out what I pack in my diaper bag for Disneyland with a baby, Disneyland toddler tips, how to prep a toddler for Disneyland, 10 Good-Value Hotels Near Disneyland with Free Breakfast, and the best Disneyland hotels!
it’s tiring for sure, but SO worth all the memories made!!
I will cherish these memories for years!
We do Disney World, not land, but I have been bringing my kids since they were babies. Orlando is much more overwhelming than CA, but snacks and lots of them got us through.
Love Disney and living 20 mins away means we are here a lot! Another tip is to bring one water bottle and ask for cups of water at any place that sells fountain drinks. I see people dragging coolers of water and that’s not necessary! There are also areas in both parks (Goofy’s Playground in DL and the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in CA) where you can let them run loose to get that energy out. There are times we go and just walk around without going on any rides. So much to do and see!
I couldn’t imagine going with a young one to Disney, even though just about everyone does it. We waited until our daughter was 5 before we went. These are all great tips though for those wanting to go with a preschooler.
Looks like so much fun! I am dying to take my littles, soon! I have only been to Disney world once and I am itching to go back. Thanks for the tips!
Disney trips are just so much fun! Plus, it’s unbelievable to see the joy on your child’s face when they discover their favorite ride or meet a beloved character!
This is just so adorable! I love disneyland but never been with kids! You’re right about taking snacks and watching a video beforehand of the rides; the kids get easily scared!
Great tips! We did Disneyland Paris with a toddler and it was hard work!
We did Disneyland Paris this spring with a 6mo and 3.5yo and it was a great learning experience. I had no idea Disneyland Paris would be so cold in April. #momfail
What a great post! We have been trying to decide how long to wait to take our kids, but we’ve got a hankering to go to the Food and Wine Festival next year, so I guess it’s doable with our little ones!
Just do it! Disney is ALWAYS a good idea 🙂
We have never been to any Disney resort, but I will definitely remember these tips for our trip in coming years! It looks so fun!
I have several posts about Disney, so check them out when you’re planning!
I like all your tips but especially the idea to pace yourself stop and sit for a meal, plan it out, take some rests because after all it is a vacation. We went when the kids were younger and learned from that experience.
It’s really important to have everything planned. They can get tired if you stay there for an entire day trying to make the most out of everything, so a 2-day trip is a better idea!
These are such great tips for taking a preschooler to Disneyland. Our youngest was 5 the first time we went to Disney. I agree that planning is essential. I love your idea of watching ride videos beforehand also.
I bet your youngest had such a memorable trip!
Great tips! Traveling with a preschooler can be so stressful, it’s definitely helpful to plan ahead and plan for breaks!
Yes, breaks are key when traveling with preschoolers!
Great tips for Disneyland. I particularly love the one about watching videos of the rides. GREAT IDEA!!
That has helped us so much! I’m realizing how much my son likes to know what to expect. This also helped me figure out which rides we should avoid!
These are great tips! I can imagine Disneyland with a preschooler would be a little overwhelming, but also so much fun! These sound like great ways to make it easier.
I love all of these tips! One cool thing that my sister did when she took her little kids to Disneyland was changing up the whole idea of using an autograph book. Instead of buying each kid an autograph book, she took a picture frame matte and had all the characters sign it, then they bought a family picture that they took in front of the castle and used it in the frame with the signatures all around. It was super cute!
YES! We did this on our first trip and it’s such a cool way to display photos at home! We didn’t do it this time because my son really wanted to get the autographs but had a hard time holding the photo matte without bending it. I think he’ll be ready next trip!
My daughter’s 5 and we’ve gone to Disney a lot of times, it’s really important to take that afternoon break, you’ll never regret it! I think these tips are perfect!
I know! It feels like you are wasting time taking a break, but it seriously makes the trip go so smoothly!
While I have never been to Disneyland, I have grown up going to Disney World. These are all awesome tips, especially the afternoon break and getting an autograph book. We plan on taking our daughter and son back to WDW when the boy gets a big older. We also ALWAYS have my mom and step-dad with us lol it is a huge help
You are so lucky that your Mom and Step-Dad can help you!
OMG! How fun! I am totally looking forward to going to Disneyland with my son really soon! 🙂
Yay! I hope you have a fabulous trip!
We live in the Midwest, so planning a trip to Disney is always such a treat. We have been taking all our kids there since they were babies, we go every couple of years!!
What a fabulous tradition!
I love this post! I don’t have kids but I do have nieces and we have been dying to take them to Disneyland as I am a HUGE fan 🙂 I LOVE the idea of watching videos of the rides before hand… I know when I don’t have a clue about where I’m heading I am less excited than when I do so I am sure the same goes for kids! Great advice all around – going to pin it for later.
Yes, I wanted to make sure my oldest understood where we were going and what to expect. I didn’t want to give away all the magic, but he loves repetition, so the videos were awesome!
I just came back from Disneyland and these are perfect tips. Anyone going to Disneyland should do all of this.
I hope you had a memorable trip!
When we went to Disney with our kids they lasted so much longer than we did. We did have some heavy sleeping kids getting carried out at night.
Haha! Sometimes there is so much to see that they are on pure adrenaline!
Your idea about watching videos of the rides is so smart! I am going to do that for our upcoming trip to Disney WORLD. I hope one day to get to Disney LAND.
I’m so excited for you! I hope you have an awesome time at Walt Disney World!
Traveling with kids is always a challenge and we are blessed with people like you who take time to give tips! Disney is magical, above all, best thing to do is just to enjoy the moment. Sometimes, all the planning doesn’t work.
I always like to start with a plan, but stay open to flexibility!
I can see the logic of your points clearly. Watching the videos before standing in the queue is a golden point. It not just applies for babies but also for the adults, because, its a real waste of time if you stand in the queue for hours only to discover this ride is far too scary for you. Also, sitting down to rest tired feet and hydrate yourself is so very important.
Hahaha! That’s really true! I’m a scaredy cat when it comes to many rides, so I did sneak peeks at videos to see if some rides were as scary as I imagined 🙂
I have never been to Disney but I am plann9ing a trip with my nephew and niece. Those are some very useful tips. 2 days seem less. I might just spend 3 to 4 days here. I hope the trip turns out to be a memorable one. It is my gift to them.
Have an amazing trip! I’m sure your niece and nephew will treasure the time you spend together!
I loved visiting Disney when my kids were little. Now we are planning a trip for March with the teenagers.
It will be a whole new experience for your family! Have fun!
Aw, this takes me right back to my childhood–we lived in Orlando from the time I was 3-9, so I was all about DisneyWorld growing up. Autograph books are serious business when you’re three! LOL. Bringing an extra adult can make sure a difference in the day for sure–makes the day easier for everyone. So glad you guys had a great time!
That’s so awesome that you got to experience Walt Disney World growing up! We still haven’t made it there!
Growing up in Orange County and going to Disneyland my whole life, these are great tips!! I will say I find the best time to go is February or March before spring break!!
Thanks for the insider tip! I’m hoping to go in February to experience the Lunar New Year festivities!
Great tips! I agree with them all! Especially going early to beat crowds!
Early is always best!
Really great tips. We used many of them in our trip to Disney last year. Watching the rides online helped us decide which ones the kids would go one and which ones we should skip.
Yes, it’s super helpful! No use waiting in line just to find out that your kid doesn’t actually want to ride it!
This is such great advice. My kids are older now but I remember these days visiting when they were much younger.
I’m looking forward to taking them when they are older for a whole new experience!
These are some really great tips. I think the nap part is essential for a child that age, and I love the idea of bringing an extra adult to help along the way. Blessings!
Naps help so much! We were able to stay up a lot later!
This was perfect timing. I plan on taking my two girls to Disneyland for their birthday next year and I’ve been trying to figure out how we’re going to get through it with two under 6.
You are going to have a blast! And be sure to pick up Happy Birthday buttons for them to wear!
I love this blog post! I remember taking my boys to Disneyland when they were little like that.
Each trip is so memorable!
These are great tips! I would love to take my future kids to Disney some day.
Great tips! Disneyland can be an overwhelming experience for first timers or when you are not prepared to face whats its like to. Every year I travel with my toddler’s nephews and nieces – and its overwhelming but at the end its full of memories and laughs. Such a great place to spend with family! 🙂 – Mariella
Yes, I agree it can be overwhelming. It’s best to go there a bit prepared!
We are taking the kids to Disney for the first time in February. At that time my daughter will have just turned three and my son will be 5.5 These were AMAZING tips and I have definitely bookmarked so I can reference. Love the idea of watching videos of the rides!
YAY! You are going to have such a fantastic trip! The best piece of advice is to follow their lead. If they aren’t interested in meeting characters, don’t push it. If they want to ride the same ride over and over, let it happen.
I think watching a parade with a kid this age is a great idea because they are very visual. The parade has so many exciting things for kids this age to see.
I love that families can stay in one spot and just soak in the parade. It’s a great excuse to rest a bit.
We visit Disneyland often and have been taking our oldest daughter, now eight, since she was an infant. He have lots of tricks to get through the days but the best thing to remember is that it’s about the kids and we need to be flexible for a great experience!
Yes! Definitely take your cues from your child for a successful trip!
Preschooler or not, I think that afternoon break is sooo important! We adults need a break too! 🙂 Every time I’ve gone to Disney, we rush it all in one day and it is rough. Spreading it out and taking time for breaks would make the trip so much easier.
Breaks definitely help ease the stress at Disneyland!