Helpful Tips for Parents of Toddlers Visiting Disneyland Resort - Part Two

In Part One I gave helpful money and time saving tips to make your Disneyland Resort visit easier for you as parents and your children. Although the Disneyland Resort is for visitors of all ages, it can be difficult to find attractions to take toddlers on. Most rides have height requirements or an age limit, Fantasyland is always packed and Toontown is boring, even for kids. I have compiled a list of great attractions that are not well known to the typical family of young children visiting the Disneyland Resort.

Must See Attractions for Your Young Children

Pirates Lair at Tom Sawyer's Island, Disneyland - So many caves to explore - the same Tom Sawyer's Island that we had growing up but updated with a pirate flair. Meet Captain Jack Sparrow and his pirate crew.

Block Party Parade at California Adventure - A fun, interactive parade that both little kids and adults will enjoy with lively music, colorful floats, favorite Disney/Pixar characters and entertaining performers.

Brother Bear Trail at California Adventure - A great place to let your kids run wild. There is only one entrance/exit so it is hard to lose them (as hard as you may try!)

Princess Fantasy Faire, Disneyland - Take your little girl here for that fairy princess treatment - and a chance to see all the princesses in a small intimate gathering.

Star Wars Jedi Training Academy, Disneyland - Darth Vader, Darth Maul and Jedis, Oh my! Cast members will pick children from the crowd to participate - but half the fun is watching as well.

Mickey Mouse's House, Disneyland - For one-on-one time with the Big Cheese himself (do not forget your autograph album and camera).

Turtle Talk with Crush at California Adventure - Kids are fascinated with this wonderful theater-style experience and will ask Crush a million very silly questions.

Playhouse Disney Live at California Adventure - One of my son's favorite places with dancing, bubbles and confetti - and of course Bear in the Big Blue House live.

Bug's Life Adventure Area rides at California Adventure - This land is hidden away off the beaten path with rides that are perfect sized for the little kids in your group.

Bring extra clothes and towel during summer time - Water-play at California Adventure. During the summer one of our favorite things to do is take our son to the water-play area right outside of Bug's Life Adventure. We usually will get a couple of glasses of wine from the Vineyard or Margaritas from the Wharf and then sit back and let my son run crazy. We always bring a towel and extra change of clothes for him. This is a relaxing enjoyable time for all of us.

Just For Mom and Dad

The Parent Pass - WARNING! What I am about to tell you is a secret that the Disneyland Resort does not want everyone to know. However, I will tell you because even Moms and Dads need to enjoy an attraction or two during a trip to the Disneyland Resort. There is something called a Parent Pass on most major rides. The Parent Pass is a ticket that you get from the cast member at the entrance to the ride's line. One person gets the pass, waits in line, and enjoys their ride. When they exit the ride, they hand the pass over to the other parent and that person can enter through the exit, thus not having to wait in the line all over again. Ingenious. The only drawback is that you have to ride alone, but well worth it!

Following this list of great little known attractions and the great tips from Part One will insure that you and your family have a lovely, memorable day at the Disneyland Resort.