Top Tips on How to Enjoy Disneyland with a 3-Year-Old

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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.

Thinking of going to Disneyland with a 3-year-old, but doubting if you can survive it?

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 Disneyland trip, we did it with a baby and a preschooler. Disneyland with a 3-year-old was a very different experience from Disneyland with a toddler the year before!

Visiting with young kids can feel overwhelming, but Disneyland truly caters to small children through thoughtful attractions, family amenities, and immersive experiences. Planning ahead can make this a truly magical trip for everyone.

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. We also 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.

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Plan For at Least 2 Days

I think you need at least one day in Disneyland Park and one day in Disneyland 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.

Using park hopper tickets also gives you the flexibility to visit both parks in one day, which can be great if you want to revisit all the rides your child enjoys.

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.

Look at ride videos online to eliminate this stress and valuable time. 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.

The Disneyland app is also handy for checking ride details, height requirements, and current wait times so you can make informed decisions without standing in line.

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.

Planning helps you park efficiently and maximize the time you spend enjoying Disneyland rides rather than navigating crowds or wandering aimlessly.

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 went on all the must-see rides that usually have a long line (we chose Pirates of the Caribbean this past trip).

While in Adventureland, we took the Jungle Cruise and met Moana. Then, we headed to Fantasyland, visited 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.

Getting an early start can make all the difference, especially when touring with young kids.

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 in Dole Whip and churros!

Plan One Sit-Down Meal Per Day

This meal doesn't need to be fancy, but it does need to be seated. We opted to have 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.

Another day, we had an early dinner 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.

If you're interested in a more immersive experience, consider booking character dining where your child can meet Disney princesses or classic Disney characters while enjoying a meal.

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Visit the Disneyland Baby Care Center

Disneyland insider tip: The Baby Care Center is a great stop even if you don't have a baby.

Since it has A/C, it's perfect for cooling down overheated kids in a quiet environment. The park also has microwaves for heating up any food or snacks you bring in.

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 have a 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 counterintuitive to leave the Parks in the middle of the day, but it can actually extend your day at Disneyland Resort with a preschooler.

I recommend heading back to your hotel room around 2 p.m. (or whenever your preschooler is starting to get overstimulated or tired.)

Back at your hotel, everyone can have a nap time, 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 rode by.

It was also a fun way to meet Mickey in a new, exciting setting.

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 revisit 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, and can make a rider swap easily.

These are just some of the tips and tricks I figured out on our most recent trip to Disneyland Resort with a preschooler. I'm always looking for more.

Please comment with any suggestions you may have for parents bringing a 3-year-old to Disneyland Resort!

Disneyland with a 3-Year-Old 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 in both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. These centers provide comfortable and convenient spaces 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 fruit. 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 makes Disneyland a delightful destination for the youngest family members.

Whether you're visiting for your child's first visit or returning for another family trip, you'll find that there are so many great tips and tools, like the Disneyland app, rider switch, and character dining, that help create a stress-free adventure.

From navigating Downtown Disney to snapping photos with classic Disney characters, every detail adds up to an unforgettable day with your young kids.

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!