Taking 17 Mo. Old to Disneyland --- Tips?

Updated on January 04, 2010
K.K. asks from Phoenix, AZ
7 answers

Hi, moms. We are planning a quick trip to Disneyland with our 17 mo. old. (My husband and I both love the park, too. So it's a trip for all of us.) A question for those of you who have done Disney with small tots:

-Should I take my stroller? We have a Chicco Cortina. Wondering what you do with the stroller when you get on rides?

Any other tips you want to share are much appreciated!

K.

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So What Happened?

Thanks all for your advice. We are going for it! We're going to stay less than half a mile from the park--and take our stroller. Also scored free tickets into the park!

More Answers

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A.M.

answers from Phoenix on

I would definitely bring a stroller! We went last July with our almost 2 year old and the stroller was a lifesaver. We attached a big balloon to ours so we could spot it in the sea of other strollers. It was also helpful to have it to carry our jackets, water bottles, and lunch boxes. Disney is quite flexible with what they allow you to bring in the park; we were there for a week and brought 2 lunchboxes filled with food daily & were never questioned about it. The food is so expensive that I would definitely recommend bringing in your own food & drinks. Have fun!

T.

answers from Tucson on

Hi K., We visited Disneyland this past summer with a 5 yr old and a 8 month old. Deffinately take a stroller. We took an old stroller and an umbrella stroller for fear that it might get stollen. I really don't think that would have happened though. They have stroller parking and everyone parks their strollers and leaves them. Also babies can ride on lots of rides including Nemo, peterpan, pirates of the carabean, the jungle boat ride, pretty much all the sit down rides. Also if you want to ride rides have your husband go first and you ask for a parent swap card from the attendant and then you go to the front of ine or through exit and don't have to wait. Alos get in te single rider lines and you dont have to wait. AZll you have to do is say you have a baby and one of you have to stayy with him.
Good Luck and have fun!

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A.M.

answers from Phoenix on

Hi K.,

How fun!!! I am desperately trying not to be jealous! You see I am from California and my family and I are former Disney Pass Holders twice! My husband and I like you and your husband love it as much as our kids!

OK, so I know the park very well and I agree with most of the others that have responded. Definitely bring your stroller. I personally would not do a backpack because of my back. For me, carrying my child on my back for the entire day or even half the day at Disneyland sounds torcherous!! I love having a stroller to put all our stuff not just my child. We usually have jackets/sweaters/snacks and or lunch. I don't know how long it has been for you since your last visit but food there is very expensive! So if you plan on going for the entire day take snacks!

As the others have stated, yes, every place is set up pretty much to leave your stroller. I do admit, that I had two strollers at one time and then when my youngest got a lot older I purchased a cheap Umbrella Stroller because I too was concerned someone my take my expensive Aprica I had at one time. I am actually sad that my now 5 yr. old will not be in a stroller when we go again and I am wondering what we are going to do with all our stuff!!-lol!

Take the advise given on how to get on the rides because of course, there are some your little one may be too young for
and you make that judgement. Some do not like the Pirates of the Carribean it's just too dark and scary for them. My little guy finally was able to when he was four.

Also, I must tell you about this place that Disneyland has set up for families with babies and toddlers. It is right at the end of Main Street. OK, so if you are coming into the park walking down Main St. getting ready to decide which Land to go into make a sharp right it is in the far corner rt. side across from the Carnation Restaurant, next to a Corn Dog Cart (which by the way, are the best Corn Dogs in the World!!). If you hit the Carnation Rest. before entrance to Tomorrow Land you have gone too far.

Anyway I forgot the name of it but they offer services for Mom's and Dad's especially with young ones. Hopefully it has not changed (I use to have a friend who worked there). They have places for Mom's to nurse, like Rocking Chairs and High Chairs to feed your little ones. They will also warm bottles, and food if you ask!! The other awesome thing they have is places in the back to change your little ones and little toilets for young ones just learning to go potty. The toilets sit low to the ground and don't make a lot of noise when they flush! Isn't that cool!! My girlfriend said that it has been around since the opening of Disneyland because Walt wanted to make sure that their were all conveniences available for a family. I just wanted to let you know because most people are not aware of this place and they do not really advertise it. It is also where they take kids if something happens to them or they get lost.

last but not least go to the Disney Web site they have something set up for Parents with toddlers. It has been awhile since I have been to the site. But they have something you can print out with recommended rides and places to go with toddlers. I remember being surprised that there was things recommended that I had forgot about or did not know existed because I was of course, looking at Disneyland for so long as an adult!

If you need anymore advise please do not hesitate to e-mail me personally. Would love to help in any way. Oh, forgot to mention. Goofy's Kitchen is awesome as recommended, however, be aware that it is in Downtown Disney (outside of Park) but you can take the Monorail to it. Well, almost to it. You get off and go to the right towards Disney Hotel- you have to walk to it a bit. Plus it is very expensive and you have to make reservations and then there can Still be a Wait!! But food is great and Kids Love it there!!!

Have lots of fun!

A.

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K.G.

answers from Phoenix on

I took my daughter when she was 18 months old and I hated pushing the stroller around with all the crowds. I would put her in a backpack! Good luck!

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P.S.

answers from Phoenix on

Yes, yes and yes to taking your stroller. We took ours when our youngest was nine months old and also when she was four years old. It is so much easier then trying to carry them and all their stuff. They have stroller parking at all the rides and attractions. Just put everything you need in a bag so you can take it in with you.
Also, if you have never gone to Goofy's Kitchen to eat, I recommend it, The food is very good and the character's come right to your table. They offer discounts to certain groups, like AAA, which makes it more affordable.
Hope you all have a great time!

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J.A.

answers from Phoenix on

K.,
Hi! Take your stroller for sure!!! We took ours when we went, and our son was about the same age. He took naps in there and everything!! They have parking spots for strollers everywhere!! You will be happy you have it to keep everything in, and you won't have to leave anything behind because you don't want to carry it. Also if you have a sling or anything you use to hold him in, take it with you for when you are standing in line. It was a godsend for us having ours and our son was much happier having us hold him in the crowded lines :) Have a super fun trip!!!
J.

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A.R.

answers from Phoenix on

We went this summer with a 4yr and 14mo old. I would definitely recommend taking your stroller (attach a colorful ribbon &/or balloon to help you and others identify it as yours). I found a lot of great tips on this website: http://www.babesindisneyland.com
We did several of the character meals and found the Breakfast with Minnie and her friends to be the best! It was inside the park and the characters spent the most time interacting with the kids (we felt like the Goofy dinner was more rushed).
Have a great time!

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