7 Disneyland Mom Hacks to Help You Navigate Like a Parks Pro

As Magic Key Holders, we’ve taken our toddler to Disneyland over 50 times and we’re here today to dish out ALL the secrets we’ve learned on our Disney days. Tackling Disney with little ones can be a challenge, but it can also be a magical experience. Here’s a list of seven “Mom Hacks” that will help you navigate the Disney system so you can focus on enjoying the magic!

1. The Disneyland Tram Hack

Have a stroller? Skip the tram. In order to ride the tram, you will be required to fold your stroller which means both transferring baby out of the seat AND unpacking all the items stocked under your stroller. To skip the tram, you will need to park in either the Mickey and Friends or Pixar Pals Parking Structure; the structures are connected, so don’t worry too much about which one you get funneled into when you arrive. 

Instead of taking the elevator down to Floor One, where you will find security and tram loading, take the Pixar Pals elevator to Floor Two. As soon as you exit the elevator, turn right and you will find a bridge that will take you to Downtown Disney. Follow this bridge and the subsequent path to the Downtown Disney security. Once you pass through security, you’ll cross through Downtown Disney to the front gates and wave to all the people disembarking the tram who waited in the long line and even longer security line. Which brings us to our next hack…  

2. The Disneyland Security Hack

The security check on Harbor and the security check at the parking structure will be the most crowded during peak arrival hours. By taking the bridge, you’ll bypass these security checkpoints and have access to the checkpoints for Downtown Disney. We actually prefer the checkpoint on the Disneyland Hotel side over the first checkpoint you’ll see near the employee parking lot. This security checkpoint has less guests and more staff checking bags, allowing you to move through faster.

Packing a diaper bag? Try organizing your items in clear plastic bags for a quicker security check. It will prevent you from having to reorganize your bag after security goes through it and can make the process easier for the security staff. 

3. The Disneyland Rope Drop Hack

If you have small children, especially toddlers, Rope Drop is the way to go. Rope Drop is when you arrive at Disneyland right when the park opens. Each morning, the front gates open roughly 30 minutes before the official park opening, and guests are permitted to wander either Main Street in Disneyland or Buena Vista Street in DCA. Guests will line up early at the “rope” in front of each land. When the park officially opens, the rope will “drop,” and guests can start heading to their first ride of the day.

Those first two hours of the morning are important if you’re looking to beat the long lines…and we all know how toddlers hate to wait!

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CwxhjF9rBjK/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

We recommend hitting Fantasyland or ToonTown for Rope Drop with small children. You’ll also find some of the best character sightings first thing in the morning in both these lands.

4. The Diaper Bag Hack

This is a tip that really changes the game for a day in the parks. What is it? It’s very simple— Pack two bags.

Bag One – A simple bag that you won’t stress over if it gets lost or stolen. Fill this one with diapers, wipes, change of clothes and anything else you can easily replace. 

Bag Two – A smaller bag (a Loungefly works great) that you’ll bring with you in line. Keep all your valuables in this one, along with snacks and hand sanitizer.

While it’s rare, people do get things snatched from under their stroller while on rides. With this trick, you always have your irreplaceable items on you, but won’t have to lug your heavy diaper bag in line. 

5. The Disneyland Mobile Order Hack

Disney’s Mobile Order option is the best tool for parents in the parks! Skip the line with cranky, hungry kids in tow, and place your order on the Disneyland App at a participating Quick Service restaurant. You will select a return time and notify the restaurant when you’re ready for your food to be prepared. When it’s ready, you’ll walk right up to the window to pick up your food. 

There’s a few tricks to make Mobile Order work for you…

First, we recommend putting in your Mobile Orders for your meals earlier in the day, as time slots for popular restaurants fill up during peak lunch and dinner hours. There’s nothing worse than hungry kids and no mobile order windows immediately available. 

Second, try hitting “I’m Here” on your way over to the restaurant if you want to time the food to be ready right when you arrive. There is typically a small delay while they prepare your food. If you order from the allergy menu, you’ll want to hit “I’m Here” even earlier as allergy requests take longer to prepare.

6. The Straw Hack

This may sound silly, but if you have a baby or toddler, bring your own straw. Disneyland only offers paper straws, which are super difficult for small children to manage. We bring reusable straws, which are easier for our little guy to use.

7. The Red Hat Hack 

We always put our toddler in one piece of clothing that’s easily recognizable. Typically, it’s a bright red Mickey hat, but anything that’s easy to spot works. This way we can always pick him out from the crowd if we get separated. 

One time we did get separated, and the first thing the security Cast Member asked was what he was wearing. Having an identifiable clothing item makes finding your little one easy should they get lost in the park. A safe day in the parks is a happy day.

Let’s Hear From You

How about you? Have you tried any of these Disneyland mom hacks? Tell us which hacks you’ve learned on your trips to Disneyland that help make your day smoother and keep the magic at the forefront. What tricks do you use in the Disney Parks? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! 

For more tips and tricks about visiting Disneyland with little ones, be sure to follow my Instagram account Multiplythemagic!