Living in Los Angeles has its perks—hello, sunshine and Disneyland practically in our backyard.

As a mom to a very spirited and princess-obsessed 2.5-year-old girl, a trip to Disneyland is both magical and a full-day workout (16,000 steps). But trust me, it’s worth it every single time.

This guide—Disneyland with a Toddler: My Best Tips as an L.A. Mom of a 2.5 Year Old—is packed with real-mom hacks, what I’ve learned through trial and error, and the must-bring items that make every Disney day more doable (and a lot more fun).

💸 Why the SoCal Resident Pass is Totally Worth It

If you're a Southern California resident planning Disneyland with a toddler, grab the SoCal Resident Ticket offer—it’s a game changer.

This pass lets you visit the park on three weekdays (Mon–Thurs) at a discounted rate (about $67 per visit). You don’t need to go on consecutive days, but you do have to use all three before the promo ends—mine was March–May 2025.

For moms like me, who aren’t trying to do it all in one go, it’s ideal. Toddlers have a limited Disney attention span, and being able to break up our visits keeps the magic alive (and the meltdowns minimal).

⚡ Lightning Lane Like a Pro (a.k.a. How I Maximize Every Minute)

Here’s how I use Lightning Lane to win the day:

• Book your first ride the second you scan into the park.

• After every ride, rebook right away in the app.

• Prioritize must-rides early because Lightning Lane availability shrinks fast.

For us, Disneyland with a toddler means prioritizing Lily’s favorites. She’s Little Mermaid obsessed, so that’s always first. We aim to be in the park by 10 a.m., because crowds spike after noon. Between 10 and 12, we can usually hit 3–4 toddler-friendly rides, which makes the rest of the day feel like a win.

🍽️ Dining Reservations = Peace of Mind

Trying to do Disneyland with a toddler and winging it with meals? Hard pass.

If you want to dine somewhere iconic like Blue Bayou (inside Pirates—yes, it’s as cool as it sounds), book ASAP through the app—even for lunch. It books out a month ahead, and the vibe alone is enough to mesmerize little ones.

🎥 Watch Our Disneyland Adventure with a Toddler! [VIDEO]

Planning a trip to Disneyland with a toddler? 🎢✨ You're in the right place! In this exclusive vlog, I share practical tips and a step-by-step guide to making the most of your day at Disneyland Resort with a toddler—from morning stroller prep to toddler-friendly attractions, snack hacks, and surviving nap time on the go. This is real life as a mompreneur navigating Disneyland with a little one.

👉 Disney on a Budget: How SoCal Moms Use the $199 Resident Pass Like a Pro

👜 What I Pack for My Toddler (and Myself!)

Packing smart is everything. My must-haves for Disneyland with a toddler:

• Snack bins (think puffs, fruit, easy-grabs)

• Water bottles (don’t pay $6 for Dasani!)

• Portable phone charger (Genie+ drains your battery fast!)

• AirTags (perfect for tracking your stroller)

• Lightweight travel stroller (huge when folding for trams or monorails)

Trust me, these items make a huge difference when you're navigating crowds with a toddler and still trying to enjoy yourself.

👑 My Daughter’s Favorite Disneyland Moments

At 2.5, her top hits include:

• The Little Mermaid ride (she belts every lyric)

• Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue

• Luigi’s Rollicking Roadsters (anything with Cars)

• Disney Princess meet-and-greet (near the Magic Castle)

Seriously, meeting Elsa in real life? It might be her Super Bowl. We’re planning her first magical makeover at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for her next birthday—because if you’re doing Disneyland with a toddler, go all in on the magic moments.

👯‍♀️ Matching Disney Outfits? A Must

Every trip, I plan our mom + mini Disney fits:

• Coordinated tees or sweatshirts

• Minnie ears (bought ahead for half the price)

We look adorable, we’re comfy, and it makes photos 100x cuter. (Linking our faves below!)

🌟 Final Thoughts

When it comes to Disneyland with a toddler: My Best Tips as an L.A. Mom of a 2.5 Year Old?

Keep it simple, plan smart, and leave room for spontaneous joy.

Don’t try to do it all—just focus on age-specific favorites, a few magical highlights (like a parade or ice cream stop), and stay comfy with layers and good shoes.

Drop a comment if you want links to my fave stroller, charger, or the cutest princess accessories. I’m always happy to help you make Disneyland with a toddler more fun, magical, and a little less chaotic!