Disneyland and Disney California Adventure (DCA) are renowned for being family-friendly destinations, making them an excellent choice for families with infants. We’ve gone to Disneyland parks multiple times now with Marvel, but this is our first time with our infant, Dash. At the time of this trip, he was just turning 8 months old. While bringing a baby to the parks can seem overwhelming, a little planning and a few insider tips can turn your visit into a magical experience for the entire family. Here are our tried-and-true tips for navigating Disneyland and DCA with an infant.
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Utilize the Baby Care Centers
Both Disneyland and DCA offer Baby Care Centers equipped with comfortable facilities for diaper changes, nursing, and feeding. They also provide microwaves and sell baby essentials like diapers and formula in case you’re in a pinch. While we didn’t use these centers on our last visit, they’re on our list for next time as they provide a quiet and clean space for parents and little ones to regroup.
Changing Facilities
Most restrooms in the parks have one or two built-in changing tables in both men’s and women’s bathrooms. While these tables are relatively clean, they are heavily used, so we recommend bringing a thin blanket to lay down on the table before changing your baby. This simple hack kept us from needing to visit the Baby Care Centers for every diaper change. Also when the women’s restrooms were crazy, it was nice for my husband to be able to easily change Dash as well.
Keep Formula and Milk Cold
If your infant prefers their formula or breast milk cold, ask any food vendor for a cup of ice. This was a lifesaver for us as it kept Dash’s bottles cool and ready whenever he was hungry. Additionally, using ready-made formula can simplify feeding in the parks if that’s your preferred method. This tip also can come in handy if you are pumping at the park and need to keep your own milk cold.
Water Hacks for Families
Staying hydrated is essential for both kids and parents, and the Disneyland Resort Hotels provide free water in their lobbies every morning. We brought our Stanley tumblers and filled them up before heading into the parks. Marvel loved what she called the "fancy water" (fruit-infused water), and it saved us from buying expensive water inside the parks. While water is more affordable at the hotel or outside the park, having a refillable bottle can save money and reduce waste.
Prepare for Weather Changes
Southern California weather can change throughout the day, and Disneyland hours go from 8am to midnight most nights. So pack layers for your infant! Lightweight blankets, hats, and sun protection are essential. Blankets became great at the end of the night when Marvel would pass out on the way back to the hotel. We usually would grab the blankets during one of our mid-day trips back to the hotel. We also brought a infant coverall to double up if need be. During our January trip, it was cold but there were a day or two that we shedded our sweatshirts from speed walking across the park.
Stroller Tips
A good stroller is essential for navigating Disneyland and DCA with an infant. Even for older kids (ages 4-7), a stroller can be a lifesaver on long walking days. Our single Bob stroller was perfect for Marvel on earlier trips, but now with Dash, we bring our double Bob—affectionately nicknamed "The Beast."
If you’re unsure about bringing a stroller, consider renting one in the parks. I will admit the ones in the park do not look comfortable at all. So if you are going to rent, go through another baby rental company. We recommend strollers like the Bob Jogger or Austlen if you want something durable that meets Disney’s size requirements. These strollers provide ample storage for your gear and are comfortable for your little ones. They both also are the MAX weight limits for strollers holding a whopping 200 lbs.
Yes, I tested out our BOB double and sat on the front of the stroller. While my husband wasn’t happy about hauling three people through Downtown Disney, the kids and I had fun. Plus, we had a lot of other parents laughing and agreeing it was a great idea for Mom.
The Balloon Hack
In a sea of strollers, it’s easy to lose track of yours. To make ours stand out, we buy a unique balloon (often one that lights up) on the first day and tie it to the stroller. Not only does it help us spot our stroller in crowded areas, but it also serves as a beacon when family members separate. On trips where we’ve seen everyone have balloons, we would double up to make it easier. Pro tip: Save your receipt! If the balloon pops on the first day, Disney will replace it for free with proof of purchase.
Rides for Infants
Disneyland and DCA offer plenty of infant-friendly rides. Many attractions in Fantasyland, such as "It’s a Small World" and "Peter Pan’s Flight," allow you to ride with your baby in a carrier. Dash often napped in his carrier, and we found it convenient to enjoy rides without disturbing him. This tip is particularly useful for families with infants who need naps during the day.
VIP Tip: There are a couple rides that are not lap sit, which means they have to sit next to you or in front of you. If your infant doesn’t have enough core strength, avoid Astro Orbiter and Rodger Rabbit rides.
Dining with Infants
Dining at Disneyland is an adventure, especially with little ones. Buffets are a budget-friendly option for families with infants under three, as they eat free. There were tons of options for Dash to try and he loved it. Dash enjoyed sampling fruits and breads, but as we’re still working on table manners, so stick-on placemats were a lifesaver. These disposable placemats kept the table clean and reduced the risk of germ exposure while letting Dash enjoy his meal.
Pack Light for the Parks
Minimizing what you bring into the parks simplifies security checks and your day. We stick to one diaper bag with essentials like diapers, wipes, a wet bag, formula, extra clothes, a blanket, and layers for changing weather. Having extra clothes for each child is crucial for accidents or weather changes—and remember, rides can sometimes get messy, too. Even with a poncho, Andy and Marvel got soaked on Tiana’s Bayou ride and they both needed a change of clothes. We also highly recommend buying a lightweight battery pack as the Disneyland app can drain your battery. If you forget it, don’t panic there are Fuel Rod stations throughout the park.
VIP Tip: The closest bathrooms to go with a wet child from Tiana’s Bayou is the Hungry Bear Jamboree. The bathroom has a couple of big stalls and is rarely super busy unless it’s dinner time. Otherwise, you will have to walk all the way back to New Orlean’s Square.
Ride the Day Out With Rider Swaps
Disneyland and DCA offer Rider Switch, allowing one parent to ride while the other stays with the baby, then switch without waiting in line again. This system is great for parents who want to enjoy more thrilling attractions while still accommodating their little one’s needs. It’s also a great bonus for siblings that often have to slow down their trips for their younger siblings. Marvel enjoyed getting ride everything twice.
VIP Tip: You don’t have to use your ride swap immediately. Sometimes, one parent would ride with Marvel and we would save the ride with the other parents for later. This was a great when the lightning lanes were super long or the ride went down.
Stay On-Site for Convenience
While staying on-site isn’t feasible for everyone, it’s been a game-changer for us. Staying at a Disneyland Parks Hotel makes it easier to take midday breaks—whether it’s for a nap, feeding, or simply regrouping. The convenience of walking through Downtown Disney rather than dealing with trams (and folding a double stroller) cannot be overstated. I also really love how wonderful the staff is no matter the hour. Dash was up a few mornings super early, so we got up and strolled around the hotel. Everyone was so cheerful and we even found some cartoons to watch in the lobby while we waited for Dad and Sister.
Early park entry is another significant perk, giving you and your family a head start on the day’s adventures. Since the babies are up early, this is a great time to get those baby rides done that don’t have lightning lane like the Fantasy Land Rides. These quieter park hours are also perfect for getting on popular rides without a long waits and taking family photos before the crowds arrive. Early mornings also tend to be cooler, which is more comfortable for infants.
Final Thoughts
Visiting Disneyland and DCA with an infant can be a magical experience with a bit of preparation. From Baby Care Centers to stroller hacks and infant-friendly rides, there are plenty of ways to ensure your trip goes smoothly. Whether it’s Dash enjoying his cold formula or Marvel spotting the "fancy water" at the hotel, every little detail adds up to create cherished family memories. So pack your essentials, grab your balloon, and get ready to make the most of your Disneyland adventure with your littlest Mouseketeer!
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