I Visited Disneyland Resort As A First-Time Mom And Here Are All The Tips And Tricks I Wish I Knew Before Going

A Canadian mom's first-hand tips to make your trip to the "happiest place on Earth" extra magical.

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This year Disney is celebrating 100 years of the Walt Disney Animation Company! As someone who had never been to Disneyland before, I was beyond excited when I was invited to celebrate #Disney100 at the happiest place on earth.

Liza Hicks / BuzzFeed

That sign is made of REAL roses and reminded me of the Encanto lyrics, "I grow rows and rows of roses."

Here are a bunch of first-hand tips for families visiting Disneyland (as a mother of an infant, this list is especially tailored towards families with children around that age).

Editor's Note: BuzzFeed was provided this trip free of charge; however, we were under no obligation to give a positive review.

1. Download the Disneyland App for up-to-date information on wait times, meal options, character locations and basically EVERYTHING you'll need!

Disneyland

If there's one takeaway from this list, it's this one. The Disneyland App is so helpful and so easy to use — it's essential for ALL your planning. There's a live map that shows bathroom locations, ride wait times (which you can book in advance if you have Genie+), restaurant locations and so much more. Download the app ahead of your trip for some extra research.

2. If you spot a Disneyland character and want a photo, take it right away.

Liza Hicks / BuzzFeed

Photos with Disneyland characters are a must and super fun for the whole family. It's easy to think, "We'll just come back later for a photo" — but you should get that photo right away and check it off your list. The character photo lines may look long but they move really quickly. The Disneyland App has all the information for live locations and hours of the character appearances. However, if you want to meet the Disney princesses, head to the Fantasy Faire (try to go earlier in the morning when the lines are usually the shortest).

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3. Get photos with Disneyland Characters at a character dining location.

Liza Hicks / BuzzFeed

If meeting the Disneyland gang is on your checklist, book a character brunch at either Goofy’s Kitchen, Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures or Minnie & Friends Breakfast In The Park. You'll get to meet Minnie, Mickey, Goofy, and Pluto (just to name a few) while filling yourself up with delicious food. You'll get more one on one time with each character PLUS there are no lineups for the photos since the characters stop at every table.

4. Take all your family photos as soon as you get there!

Sam Vecchiarelli / Instagram / Liza Hicks / BuzzFeed / Via Instagram: @samvecchiarelli

Before the park gets busy, the kids get hungry or tired, or someone spills something all over their cute outfit... take the iconic family Disney photos earlier in the morning. It's one less thing to worry about and the crowds are usually smaller.

5. If you're going to purchase Disney merchandise, do it earlier on the trip.

Liza Hicks / BuzzFeed

That way, you'll be fully decked out for any photo opportunities and your kids will have something to play with while they're waiting in lines! With #Disney100 going on, the merch available is extra cute with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and their pals adorned in purple and silver outfits. There's also a collectible popcorn bucket that, after purchasing, you can use it for unlimited refills for only $2 at any popcorn stand. Plus, there's also a new line of adorable Munchlings which features Disney characters as food items. Deliciously cute!

6. Talk to any and all of the Disneyland cast members for tips and advice.

Liza Hicks / BuzzFeed

Whether you're wondering what you should eat for your next meal, which ride you can't miss, or what dessert you need to try, ask a Disneyland cast member. They are all so friendly and happy to help with anything. If it's your first time visiting Disneyland don't forget to ask for a Disneyland pin!

7. For your first ride of the day, take a ride on the Disneyland Railroad to get your bearings.

Disneyland

Disneyland is a big place and can feel overwhelming at first! Take the 18-minute trip on Disneyland Railroad around the park to get a feel for how you want to map out your day. The train takes you on a loop of the whole park through every different section (you can even take a stroller on the train too!)

8. Plan your day at Disneyland section by section.

Disneyland

There's so much to see and do at Disneyland! Use the Disneyland App and explore the park section by section. For example, if family-friendly rides are your priority, start at the Fantasyland section. Do all the rides in that area, take a bathroom break, and grab a premium ice cream bar before heading into the next section. By breaking up your day into sections, it's easier to enjoy the park in a chronological way.

9. Spend some time at the new Mickey's Toontown.

Liza Hicks / BuzzFeed

Mickey's Toontown just received a full makeover and will be reopening March 19! Featuring a ton of green space for kids to run around and an interactive fountain, it's the perfect place for families to unwind. At CenTOONial park, there will be indoor and outdoor activities for kids of all ages! Goofy's How-To-Play Yard will have space for exploratory play while Donald's Duck Pond will feature a splash pad and interactive water games. Plus, there's a nightly Kiss Goodnight Show at the fountain for the kids whose bedtime is before the fireworks.

10. Try the brand new ride Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway.

Liza Hicks / BuzzFeed

Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway is the very first ride-through attraction at Disneyland! It's a fun, family-friendly ride located at El CapiTOON Theater in Toon Town. It features all your beloved characters on a wild adventure "through the ears." Keep a look out for hidden Disney easter eggs before embarking on the ride. While you're in the queue, you may pass a movie theatre stand that holds popcorn shaped like Mickey Mouse!

11. Watch the new spectacular nighttime show Wondrous Journeys.

@lizafeliza

World premiere of #WondrousJourneys was lit 🎉 #disney #disney100 #disneyland #fireworks #magic #happiestplaceonearth

♬ Disney Pictures Intro - Disney Pictures

After a perfect day at Disneyland, there's nothing more magical in the world than watching beautiful fireworks illuminate the Disney Castle with your family while Disney songs play in the background. Wondrous Journeys is a new nighttime show that features classic, fan favourite Disney films. It's a breathtaking display of artistry, music, and storytelling. It usually takes place at 9:15pm during peak season but double check the Disneyland App for exact timing. (Yes, it may be past the kids bedtime but it's 100% worth it.)

12. Bring (or rent) a stroller.

Liza Hicks / BuzzFeed

There's a lot of space to cover at Disneyland so a stroller is essential! Disneyland is extremely accessible and there's official stroller parking at almost every ride. Keep your valuables in a smaller bag that you can take with you on the ride and leave everything else in the stroller. If you don't want to bring a stroller, you can rent a Disneyland stroller at the entrance. And don't forget comfortable walking shoes (my step count was about 15K each day!)

13. If rides are your thing, purchase the Genie+ pass.

Disneyland

With the Genie+ pass, you can book a time slot for a ride ahead of time and use the Lightning Lane to get on the ride quicker. As soon as you've checked in on the ride, you can then use the Genie+ to book your next ride saving you a TON of time. I made use of Genie+ as a solo rider fitting in as many rides as possible while my baby napped. Genie+ starts at $25.00 USD per ticket per day.

14. Take some time to enjoy the Tale of The Lion King.

Liza Hicks / BuzzFeed

If you need a break from rides or just want some downtime at the park — head to The Fantasyland Theatre to watch the Tale of The Lion King. It's a delightful 30-minute show full of lively music and dancing. It will have you (and your family) clapping your hands with happiness as you follow along on Simba's adventures.

15. Indulge in all the iconic Disney treats!

Liza Hicks // BuzzFeed

All the food at Disneyland is *chef's kiss*. Try the infamous Disney churro, the fried pickles at Carnation Cafe, or the beignets at the Mint Julep Bar. Some of the portions are huge (like the infamous turkey leg) so get ready to share with the whole family. Disneyland also has a ton of healthy food options like apples, bananas, and veggies at various stands throughout the park. Oh and don't forget the Disneyland pickle — there's nothing like it.

16. Take advantage of the mobile food order option on the Disneyland app.

Liza Hicks / BuzzFeed

The mobile food order on the app is a game changer! You're able to order food for pick up ahead of time. By the time you order your food and walk over, it's ready within minutes. Another great way to maximize your time at the park and avoid lines.

17. Make restaurant reservations ahead of time or just keep an eye out on the wait times through the Disneyland app.

Disneyland

If you know you're visiting Disneyland ahead of time, you can make a restaurant reservation up to 60 days in advance! If you want to go to a popular restaurant like The Blue Bayou, try to get a reservation ahead of time. If you're like me and don't plan that much in advance, just keep an eye on restaurant wait times in the Disneyland App. You can even add yourself to a virtual waitlist and hit up a few rides before your reservation spot comes up. I was able to get into the Carnation Cafe in under 15 minutes.

18. Make use of the Disneyland Baby Care Center.

Disneyland

Located at the end of Main Street, this baby care center is a family's paradise. There are a ton of spacious change tables, private nursing areas, high chairs, and even a place to buy baby supplies like extra diapers and baby wipes. Highly recommend!

19. Visit Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge

Liza Hicks // BuzzFeed

Visiting Star Wars: Galaxy Edge is a must. You are instantly transported to another land where you may or may not run into the rebellion forces. Star Wars: Galaxy Edge is also the home of the Cold Brew Black Caf for when you need your caffeine fix. If you're looking for something without caffeine, try the blue milk or green milk. I can't really describe the unique taste... you'll just need to try it yourself!

20. Try to stay on the Disneyland property or as close as possible.

Disneyland

With young ones, naps and quiet time are just part of the everyday routine. Staying on the Disneyland premise gives families the chance to wander back to the hotel when needed. Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is just a 10-minute walk from Disneyland Park and you can actually enter Disney California Adventure Park from the hotel lobby. If you're staying at a Disneyland hotel, you get access to both parks an hour before they open to the public!

21. Head to the Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen on Main Street if you're looking for a sweet treat.

Calling anyone with a sweet tooth... Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen is the place for you! Stepping into the shop is like stepping back in time. Popular favourites include: a mini Minnie Mouse cake pop (exclusive for #Disney100), a peanut butter bar, or churro toffee. Yum!

22. Enjoy a delicous Dole Whip while at The Tiki Room.

Liza Hicks / BuzzFeed

If you need a break from the rides, head to Adventureland and visit The Tiki Room. It's a lovely, colourful, and air-conditioned 10-minute show full of singing and dancing birds. You can even purchase a Dole Whip (or Dole Whip Float) and bring it in with you. Win-win!

23. Keep an eye out for hidden Disney easter eggs throughout the park.

Liza Hicks / BuzzFeed

Did you know that Walt Disney's apartment used to be above the firehouse on main street? Or that the names on the signs of Main Street are based on long-standing cast members? There are also hidden Mickey shapes throughout the park. While you're waiting in line for a ride, spot-the-Mickeys is always a fun game to play with your kids!

24. Purchase the Disneyland MagicBand+ to get photos instantly on your Disneyland App.

Disneyland

The park is full of professional photographers who are there to capture those magical moments. After they take your photo they'll scan your MagicBand+ and BOOM! The professional photos are instantly uploaded to your app. The wristband also has a ton of other cool features. When you're watching the fireworks or any other live show, it lights up and vibrates to match the show! The MagicBand+ starts at $34.99.

25. Don't forget the essentials; water, sunscreen, portable chargers and emergency snacks.

Liza Hicks // BuzzFeed

You can purchase all of the above at Disneyland but it's always great to come prepared. There are actually a ton of water fountains at the park so bringing a water bottle would be handy or just ask for a glass of water at any of the dining establishments. 

26. Last but not least, go with the flow and have fun.

Liza Hicks // BuzzFeed

There's only so much you can plan on a Disneyland trip and it's important not to stress out if things don't go exactly the way you intended! Take a deep breath and relax. Someone is bound to get tired or hungry while someone else might need some quiet time. Take a beat before rushing on to the next thing... after all, you're at the happiest place on earth!

There's so much to see and do at Disneyland! What are your tips to make the most out of a family trip? Let us know in the comments below.

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