Is Disneyland Good for Kids Right Now?

In normal times, Disneyland is great for kids and the whole family. But is Disneyland good for kids right now? I was there opening day weekend as a travel reporter. Those first few days at Disneyland were spent kid-free, investigating the reopening. However in order to capture the real story about current park operations it was important to me that I do Disneyland as many guests do – with a kid in tow! I returned to the California theme parks two weeks after my initial visit, this time with my 5 year old daughter. Here’s what I discovered about taking kids to Disneyland right now.

Disneyland Changes, Good and Bad

Longtime Disneyland fans have become accustomed to taking the good with the bad. More flexible Annual Passports resulted in consistently heavy crowds. Incentives for Southern California residents increased crowd levels. Plussed-up holiday events brought in guests like never before.

Are you sensing a trend? For sure, the large crowds were the worst part of Disneyland travel, especially when bringing kids. I remember not too long ago, while trying to navigate an overly packed park, I was pushing a stroller and holding the hand of a child, and recall saying out loud, “Disneyland isn’t even FUN anymore”.

With the current state guidelines that limit park capacity, would Disneyland finally feel more like the park of my childhood? For sure the lower number of people in the walkways and queues is a good thing. But does this truly offset the “bad”? The bad I’m referring to is closed attractions, dramatic changes to regular operations, and wearing a face mask all day.

Fortunately things seem to be moving in the right direction towards full reopening. The currently closed attractions will likely start operating again soon. And attractions that encourage larger gatherings like fireworks and parades will start phased returns.

Naturally this phased reopening will include an increase to park capacity as well (Disneyland just moved from Orange Tier to Yellow Tier yesterday). Both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure park were noticeably more crowded than during opening day weekend. Park capacity will continue to increase. So is Disneyland good for kids during this time? I’ll cover a few of the good and bad aspects of a Disneyland vacation right now, all from a parent’s perspective to help you decide when it’s the right time to visit with your family.

Facial Coverings

At the time of this publication, all adult and kids aged 2+ must wear a Disney approved facial covering inside the theme parks. Masks must be tight-fitting and loop behind the ears. But what about toddlers, preschoolers and kids that refuse to wear a mask?

If your child resists wearing a mask, wearing one all day at Disneyland could be a challenge. Kids are expected to wear a facial covering at all times expect when seated in designated dining areas. Cast members will gently remind all guests to put on masks or to readjust facial covers that slip down. This includes kids being required to wear a mask even while riding in a stroller.

My daughter just turned five. Our Disneyland day was the longest she’d ever worn a face covering. I brought multiple versions to swap out when they got sweaty or moist. Fortunately for me, she didn’t complain at all and mask use wasn’t a concern. But if your kids won’t wear a mask at home, probably best to hold off on a Disneyland vacation until these restrictions are lifted (likely on or around June 15th).

Waiting in Line

I highly recommend using the Disneyland app to view wait times. Ride waits seem to fluctuate throughout the day. With FASTPASS and Maxpass shuttered for the time being, it’s important to understand that all guests will be waiting in stand-by. Before traipsing across the park, check the app for expected wait times.

Queue lines have been moved almost completely outdoors. This means less shade covering and more standing in the sun. Hot children get cranky. Be sure to pack sun hats, glasses and kid-friendly sunscreen for children. Work in plenty of breaks in a designated dining area to rehydrate.

Lines are marked with “Please Wait Here” physically distancing stickers. As a parent of “high energy” kids, I appreciate having the extra space bubble between my children and other guests! Most kids I watched appeared to be pretty good about staying distanced from other groups.

For parents who are potty training their toddlers, right now is an awesome time to visit. Why? Because the wait times for bathrooms has never been easier! In fact, during the 3 days I’ve visited since the parks reopened, I’ve never once waited in line at the restrooms. Most of the time, I was the only person in the bathroom, which is unheard of! For little kids who need to GO RIGHT NOW, not having to wait for a potty is a plus.

Meeting Characters

The most challenging thing about meeting Disney characters currently is finding them at just the right time. In the past, the Disneyland app showed the location and schedule for characters around the parks. This feature isn’t available right now.

There are specific locations that characters have been spotted including the Main Street station, inside Toontown, around the fountain in front of Carthay Circle and at Fantasy Faire. However, characters and times vary, so there is no guarantee that you’ll see your favorites.

That being said, rare characters including Marie from Aristocats and Miguel from Coco have been spotted recently. And character greetings are done in a unique way (like Chip ‘n Dale tucked into the woodsy area near Grizzly River Run). For kids who love to see a lot of characters, this is a wonderful opportunity. Lines are short for those who wish to have a personal conversation with face characters or to take a socially distanced selfie.

These physically distanced character greetings are especially great for children who are shy or apprehensive about up-close meetings. They can still see Anna and Elsa from Frozen (without the hour-long line, I might add). It’s a no-pressure approach that works well. My apprehensive daughter was content to wave at Minnie from afar without waiting for the photo op.

Popular character-driven shows like Mickey and the Magical Map and Disney Junior Dance Party as well as Character Dining are still unavailable at this time.

Dining With Kids at Disneyland

Only a few full-service restaurants are in operation at the moment. But kids aren’t always all that interested in these fancier meals, usually preferring fast food options instead. Fortunately Disneyland has expanded upon their mobile dining feature.

Some locations, like Jolly Holiday and Flo’s V8 Cafe, have both mobile ordering and walk-up availability. Other restaurants, like Mint Julep Bar, offer only mobile ordering through the Disneyland app. To complicate things further, other locations like Fidler, Fifer and Practical Cafe only have walk-up ordering. Plan ahead for meals by scheduling in the app when possible.

Some restaurants only offer a limited menu at this time, though there will still be several options on the kids menu for each location. Note that breakfast options are extremely limited. Families should definitely feed kids in the morning ahead of entering the parks. Or pack snacks to tide children over until lunch.

Mobile ordering time slots for many locations fill up early. I saw a great number of guests being turned away at the door when they did not have a mobile order. Using the Disneyland mobile ordering feature, I scheduled lunch, snack and dinner meals as soon as I entered the park. Simply choose the ordering window and complete the order. You’ll receive a push notification on your smart phone when the chosen time slot approaches. When you’re close to the restaurant, click the “Prepare my order” button and go to the mobile ordering window for food pick up.

Mobile ordering doesn’t always mean immediate service. At the end of day I went to pick up mobile order sundaes from Gibson Girl and ended up waiting outside for 30 minutes until my order was ready. By the time I had the ice cream treats my daughter was long asleep in her stroller!

Souvenir Shopping

Shopping for souvenirs can be a challenge right now, with store capacity tightly restricted. In particular the lines for entering the Emporium on Main Street at the end of the night are prohibitive, especially when navigating the lengthy queue with tired kids.

If souvenir shopping is a must, try visiting the stores earlier in the day when there are generally no lines at all. Important to know that storage lockers are not open inside the theme parks (only in the esplanade). It would be advised to do your shopping on a non-park day at World of Disney inside Downtown Disney instead.

What’s NOT Available?

As Disneyland reopens in phases, some attractions and entertainment options have not yet returned. Be sure to check the Disneyland entertainment calendar for the days of your visit to know what rides are closed or under refurbishment.

• Play areas, including Goofy’s Playhouse, Redwood Creek Challenge Trail and other high touch locations are closed.
• FASTPASS, Maxpass and single rider lines are not currently in operation.
• Shows and entertainment that tend to attract high crowds including parades, fireworks, live entertainment and nighttime shows.
• Lockers inside the parks are closed. Only the esplanade lockers are open. This can be inconvenient for families packing snacks, jackets, diaper bag, etc.
• Some shops or activities, including Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique makeovers are unavailable.

Other Disneyland Kid Stuff

Baby Care Centers – The Baby Care Centers in both parks are fully operational. Facilities for diaper changes, nursing and feeding are still available. But capacity inside will be limited.

Can You Still Get Celebration Buttons? – Celebration buttons including “Birthday”, “First Visit”, “Anniversary” & “I’m Celebrating” are still available. They can be found at either City Hall or Chamber of Commerce. Or ask for one at any of the guest services locations, indicated by the “i” on the map.

Disability Access Service (DAS) – Yes, this system for disabled individuals is still operating as usual. Families who wish to secure a DAS can visit any guest services kiosk (found on the Disneyland app). All wait times will coincide with the current wait time posted at the individual attractions.

Pressed Pennies – Kids who collect can still find these coin press machines in and around the Disneyland resort (search Penny Press on the Disneyland app for locations).

Character Autographs – This popular aspect of the character meet n’ greets is currently suspended for social distancing reasons. But you can still take distanced photos with characters.

Stroller Rentals – Disneyland stroller rental is operating as usual. Guests may also continue to bring in their own personal strollers, following the park guidelines (ie: no pull wagons).

Is Disneyland Good for Kids Right Now?

As you can see, lots have changed at Disneyland. Some of the changes could prove to be a challenge for kids, including all-day mask-wearing, the loss of personal character interactions and play area closures.

If any of these is a deal breaker for your kids it might be best to delay your trip until those things return. But for most visitors, especially those who have been annoyed at heavy crowds in the parks, now is a perfect time to plan a Disneyland vacation for 2021.

Pros & Cons for Disneyland Travel With Kids

Pros:

Heightened sense of cleanliness in the parks. Lots of handwashing stations along pathways and hand sanitizer is readily available. As a parent of kids, this is something I’ve been wishing for a long time! No more waiting in line at a bathroom to wash off sticky hands.

Lighter crowd levels are an advantage for families. More open spaces give guests with strollers more room. However Fantasyland continues to have pinch points of congestion, especially with queues overflowing into the walkways.

The limited capacity means lower wait times for everything from restaurants, rides and restrooms! Park-Hopping has also proven to be a simple process (now available after 1pm for those with Park-Hopper tickets)

Cons:

Not all attractions are fulling operating. For families who don’t want to do Disneyland without fireworks, nighttime spectaculars or parades, they may feel like waiting to vacation until these activities return.

Less spontaneity for locals who are used to going to Disneyland on a whims also an issue. Guests must now plan ahead by checking Disneyland’s availability calendar, purchasing tickets online and also making day reservations. 

With the elimination of Annual Passes, the cost of a ticket may also be prohibitive. Skip the spendy one day tickets and opt for the better value multi-day tickets.

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Let’s Hear From You!

Have you visited the parks with kids since the big Disneyland Reopening on April 30th? How did it go for you? Do you think Disneyland is good for kids right now? If you haven’t visited yet, what questions or concerns do you have? 

For more information about visiting Disneyland right now, please visit our Essential Guide To Disneyland Tickets, Park Reservations, Tips and Planning: 

Your Essential Guide to Disneyland Tickets, Park Reservations, Tips, and Planning!