Absolute Guide: Traveling to Disney California with Children

Photo of author
Written By Carlos Braga

Taking a trip to Disney California with children is an exciting plan, but it can be challenging without adequate preparation. Therefore, it is essential to understand how to properly plan this magical adventure. In this article, we cover practical measures for planning your trip, the best attractions for children and where to find the most suitable meals and snacks within the park. In addition, we offer valuable advice to ensure a successful and stress-free trip. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey with your little ones in the magical universe of Disney California!

Planning your trip to Disney California

Who doesn't dream of taking their children to magical Disneyland? The theme park in California is a favorite destination for many families around the world. Ensuring a successful, fun-filled and stress-free trip, however, requires good planning. In this article, we'll share some tried-and-true tips to make this dream a reality.

First, it is crucial to do extensive research on Disney California. Find out about the park's opening hours, the most popular attractions, show times and restaurants inside the park. It is also essential to look at the park map and develop an itinerary to save traveling time and maximize your experiences.

Next step, purchasing tickets in advance is one of the best ways to avoid long lines. The official Disney website often offers discounts and ticket packages that include both Disneyland and California Adventure Park.

Accommodation is another important point. There are many hotels and resorts nearby, but if you want to make the experience even more special, consider staying at one of Disney's own hotels. They offer free transportation to the park and early access to some attractions.

Putting your little ones’ needs first is essential for a successful trip. Make sure to pack snacks and hydrating drinks to keep them full throughout the day. Additionally, plan regular rest breaks. And, don't forget sunscreen and hats for hot days!

Make the most of technology. The Disneyland app is a powerful tool, with interactive maps, updated attraction times, places to eat, and you can even register for the FastPass system, which allows you to schedule times for the most popular attractions.

Finally, remember that Disney is a place where you can unleash the kidult hidden within you. Disney California isn't just for kids – it's for everyone who loves fairy tales, exciting adventures and, of course, Mickey Mouse. So, allow yourself to live the Disney spirit and have fun like never before!

The magic of Disney is undeniable, and a trip there is an unforgettable experience for children and adults alike. Good planning is key to ensuring everyone has fun and creates amazing memories. So why not start planning your trip to Disney California right now?

Image of a smiling family enjoying fun at Disneyland California

The best attractions for kids at Disney California

Getting to the true heart of Disney Adventure Park California, the attractions for children are so many and so diverse that it would be difficult to list them all. However, there are some that have an unforgettable aura and a magical experience that is practically irresistible. So, what are the must-see attractions for kids at Disney California?

Firstly, “Ariel's Undersea Adventure” is a delight for all children. A joyful underwater windmill ride that takes everyone on a fascinating journey through Ariel's story. Infectious music, underwater friends and an incredible view of the sea abyss make this trip a true mermaid experience.

Secondly, “Soarin' Over The World” will take kids on a magical flight around the world. Experiencing the sensation of flying over wonderful landscapes, smelling the fragrances of the ocean, forests and mountains, and witnessing wonders such as the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal in India and Niagara Falls in the United States, certainly leaves a lasting impression.

Read too  The Barnstormer: Magic Kingdom Attractions

“Radiator Springs Racers” is another attraction that simply cannot be left out. This dizzying adventure through the mountains, with the adrenaline of a final speed duel, will make every child smile from ear to ear.

“Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple” is a must-see attraction for all little Star Wars fans. Learning to wield a lightsaber and use the Force against the saga's villains, such as Darth Vader, is an experience that will be engraved in the hearts of little Jedi.

In addition, children can also explore “Mickey's ToonTown”, where there is Mickey and Minnie's house and various games. Another enchanting attraction is ?It?sa Small World?, a charming boat trip around the world, built for the New York World's Fair in 1964.

Finally, the ?Incredicoaster? It is another experience that older children and adrenaline lovers cannot miss. Inspired by the Pixar films “The Incredibles”, the roller coaster is one of Disney's fastest and provides lots of laughs.

The fun and learning for kids at Disney California is endless. So, remember to take some time to rest and eat between each attraction, as the magic marathon can be surprisingly exhausting! Enjoy every moment and allow yourself to live the Disney dream!

A photo showing children having fun at a Disney park in California.

Meals and Snacks at Disney California

If snack time is essential during your adventure in the wonders of Disney, don't worry. There are several locations throughout the Disney California park ready to captivate both adults and children with delicious culinary options.

For little Toy Story fans, Jessie's Snack Roundup restaurant is a must-see. The snacks on the menu offer a perfect combination of flavor and fun. There are burgers, nuggets, shakes and many other delicacies. The decoration is a show in itself, making everyone feel like they are in the film itself.

At Flo's V8 Café, an excellent choice is the “turbo” children's meal. The meal consists of a short rib burger, mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables and includes a drink of your choice. Strategically located in the Cars Land area of the park, it's a convenient option for Cars movie lovers.

Disney California goers need to try the Mickey pretzel, a creative snack that surprises with its flavor. This Mickey-shaped pretzel is sold in carts throughout the park and is perfect for when you get hungry in the middle of an attraction and the next meal is still a while away.

Another incredible suggestion is Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café, which offers sandwiches with cheddar cheese and pear, as well as incredible fruit smoothies – perfect for regaining energy before embarking on the next adventure.

And how about a pinch of magic at snack time? At Poultry Palace, the experience goes beyond taste. Here, the takeout packaging is a castle box reminiscent of amusement park towers. The menu consists of chicken nuggets, fries and sliced green apples.

Disney California does not disappoint when it comes to food. Each restaurant has its own particular charm, ensuring that the dining experience is as exciting as the park's attractions. So, whether for a quick snack or a full meal, there are options for all tastes. After all, Disney knows that a great adventure requires great meals!

Image of the Disney California Adventure park with dashes instead of spaces

Extra Tips for a Stress-Free Trip to Disney California

Continuing an incredible trip to Disney California is always a big challenge and when it involves children it can become even more intense! After taking care of the main matters such as research, itineraries, tickets, accommodation and children's needs, we cannot forget to further explore the magic and charm that Disney California offers.

Let's start with some unmissable attractions that are still missing from the list:

  • Ariel's Underwater Adventure: an incredible musical journey under the sea.
  • Guardians of the Galaxy? Mission: an exciting ride filled with special effects and music.
  • Frozen Live at the Hyperion: an unmissable musical experience for Frozen fans.
Read too  Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge - Luxury Hotel

Above all, it's worth keeping in mind that Disney California is a place full of surprises! There can be special moments with characters walking around the park and making surprise appearances. Who knows, maybe you'll bump into Olaf or the Incredibles?

Now, having a food strategy for Disney California is just as important as planning the attractions you want to see. Here are some delicious suggestions to consider:

  • Carthay Circle Restaurant: With its inspiring menu and period ambiance, it's a top choice for families.
  • Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen: brings the flavor and joyful spirit of New Orleans to California!
  • Pacific Wharf Cafe: Amazing deals on sandwiches, salads and soups served on round breads!

Another valuable tip? Check for special events that may be happening during your visit. They are always magical and children will certainly love them!

Just as important, remember to check the weather forecast and bring appropriate clothing. It can get cold at night, even in the summer months. A lightweight raincoat may be essential if the forecast indicates the possibility of precipitation.

Finally, the most important memory of Disney is the magic of the experiences and the joy on the children's faces. Photos are always a great record of these moments, so don't forget to bring your camera! And if your memory is full, many Disney California stores offer memory cards.

So relax, enjoy every moment, every smile, every surprise that the enchanting Disney California has in store for you and your family. As Walt Disney himself said: “Here you leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy”. Bon voyage!

Image of a family having fun at Disney California, with Mickey Mouse and Cinderella in the background.

Photo by ivvndiaz on Unsplash

A trip to Disney California with kids can be one of the most exciting and memorable experiences for the entire family. With careful planning, familiarization with the children's favorite attractions and a keen eye for the best dining options within the park, you can guarantee an incredibly enjoyable outing. And, with the additional tips provided, you will be more prepared to face any setbacks. In fact, with the right preparation, every moment spent at Disney California will be filled with magic and joy. We wish you and your family a magical and unforgettable trip to Disney California!

I hope again that this post helped you in your research for your trip to Disney or Orlando.

As a way to help us keep the blog going, we just ask you to help us by sharing this publication and subscribing to our social networks as Facebook, Instagram or Youtube channel.

In addition to helping us, we are sure that there you will find hundreds of useful posts for your trip!

About the Author Carlos Braga:

Unparalleled experience in Orlando and Disney! As a former Universal Orlando team member and a passionate devotee of the magic of Disney, I have become a true Orlando travel expert. Before becoming a renowned travel consultant dedicated to Orlando, I had already made hundreds of visits to the parks, cultivating my knowledge and passion mainly over the last 7 years as a consultant and specialist in Disney travel.

My journey into this enchanted world began in 1995, when I took my first trip to Orlando. Since then, my love for Disney and the city has only grown. In 2023, we celebrate the sixth anniversary of 'Partiu Disney Parks', consolidating our role as one of the main sources of information about Disney and Orlando Parks.

During these six years of existence, we have continued to offer quality and updated content, being the reliable source for all those looking for essential information to plan their trip to Disney and Orlando. With my vast experience and passion for this magical destination, I am here to guide you every step of the way towards the most incredible Orlando and Disney experience!