Kiki & Ollie
Packing for a toddler’s first Disneyland experience can feel overwhelming. In addition to planning a full day of rides and attractions, you’ll also need a packing checklist for all of the clothing, gear, and accessories you and your toddler will need. Do not fear; my Disneyland packing guide is here!
Must-Have Item: Hip Seat
Age of First Visit: 18 Months Old
I grew up as a Disneyland season pass holder and couldn’t wait for the day I’d get to bring my own little one to the Happiest Place on Earth! Not surprisingly, a day at Disneyland with a toddler can involve a lot of advance planning.
If you haven’t read my Ultimate Guide to Disneyland with a Toddler, be sure to start there!
Whether you pack a lot or a little, this guide is designed to cover ALL of your bases—and will hopefully give you peace of mind knowing you’ve thought of everything you might need for a magical day at Disneyland!
Here is everything to pack for a day at Disneyland with a Toddler!
Download My Free Disneyland Packing Checklist for Toddlers Here!
Never worry about leaving an essential item behind again with this free Disneyland packing checklist!
The download will take you to Canva where you can download or customize to include or exclude whatever items you need!
Toddler Must-Haves
A stroller is one of–if not the most—important things you’ll need at Disneyland with a little one. It not only works as a place to nap and get from here to there but also as a storage place for ALL the “stuff” you’ll want to bring into the park (and end up collecting throughout the day)!
And a hip seat is an absolute life-saver or holding a toddler while waiting in a ride queue!
My Favorite Strollers
There are SO many travel strollers on the market, but a few rank supreme. Some of these fold up nice and small and will fit in the overhead bin of an airplane—perfect for if you’re flying to your Disneyland vacation.
We opted to bring our full-size Cybex e-Priam because it’s battery-powered! Check out my reel here to see it in action!
Stroller Size Restrictions
Note that strollers larger than 31″ (79 cm) x 52″ (132 cm) and wagons are not permitted—so leave that Wonderfold Wagon at home!
Do I need to bring a stroller with me if I am traveling to California? I don’t want to fly with one.
Disneyland has double and single strollers available to rent! Expect to pay $18.00 per day for one stroller and $36.00 for a double.
You can grab these just outside of the main entrance.
These strollers don’t provide the most storage, so I recommend these strollers above that will fit in the overhead bin of an airplane!
Taking a Stroller on the Parking Lot Tram
If you take the tram from a Disneyland parking lot, you will have to unpack and fold your stroller to board. You’ll need to be able to carry everything (including your kiddo) on and off the tram. Once you’re off, you can re-organize and load up that stroller!
Life-Saving Hip Carrier
This hip seat carrier was our MVP item for a day at Disneyland with a toddler! Oliver is in his “GO” phase, so it was like wrangling a hog most of the day. And it gets kinda wild waiting in a queue with a toddler who doesn’t want to stand in one place.
A hip seat carrier “secures” your little one so you can still hold them through ride lines without feeling like your arms are going to fall off.
My Favorite Hip Carrier
I love the Alta Hip Seat! It has a detachable panel with padded shoulder straps, so it can be used as a hands-free baby carrier if your little one still likes contact naps or facing forward.
It has a side pocket for keys and phones. It’s also made from breathable mesh to keep you and your kiddo cool.
A Well-Stocked Diaper Bag
The devil is in the details, which means the little things can make or break your Disney day! This can include things like wipes, hand sanitizers, snacks, and go-to comfort items.
Here are some items I recommend when stocking your diaper bag for Disneyland:
The Ultimate Diaper Bag
This is my tried-and-true diaper bag for just about everything. Its design is so stylish and streamlined that it looks like a regular bag until you open it up to find its several compartments and ample storage for bulkier baby items like bottles and diapers. The front pocket is actually a removable fanny pack—I keep a single diaper and travel-sized wipes in it for quick changes.
Airtags for Baby Items
I’ve always kept an Airtag hidden in the stroller and diaper bag for peace of mind, but it might be worth it for a day at Disneyland. You’ll be parking and leaving your stroller in “designated parking areas” throughout the park all day, and you can forget where you parked it or for someone to mistake your stroller for their own. Annnnnnd, if you wanna throw one on your kid while you’re at it, losing your kiddo in the crowd is a very real possibility. Just sayin.
Diapers, Diaper Cream & Wipes
You most likely already use your favorite brand that works for you and your kiddo. Personally, we LOVE Coterie diapers and wipes—they’re super absorbent and soft! And the wipes are bigger and stronger than any we’ve ever used.
Hand Sanitizer & Wipes
I always like to keep sanitizing hand spray or gel AND sanitizing wipes in my diaper bag. Whether it’s wiping down a table before a meal or quickly cleaning hands after a ride, you’ll want a few options!
Sunscreen
Sun protection is absolutely essential at Disneyland—not just for your little one but for the whole family! Make sure to bring a couple of bottles, so you have enough to reapply throughout the day.
If it isn’t SPF 30 or higher, it’s probably not protective enough!
First Aid Kit
When the day isn’t quite cooperating, you’ll be very grateful for those bandages, antibiotic ointment, infant (and adult) pain reliever, and gauze. Also, pack any vitamins and supplements you take daily.
Toiletries & Hair Care
Pack anything else you might need, such as lip balm, tissues, dental items, and hair supplies.
Where can I go for diaper changes and feedings?
Disneyland has a Baby Care Center with nursing and changing rooms, a kitchen with bottle warmers and a microwave, feeding areas with high chairs, and a vending machine with formula, sunscreen, and pacifiers. It even has toddler-sized toilets!
The Baby Care Center is located at the end of Main Street in Disneyland Park. Baby changing stations are also available in most Disneyland restrooms.
Must-Haves for Napping on the Go
When parents are packing for Disneyland, it’s easy to overlook the in-between moments to prepare for. But these can truly make or break your Disney trip as a rested toddler, which is just as important as the park days themselves.
Here’s what I recommend to pack for napping on the go:
Portable Sound Machine
This is our go-to travel sound machine. We pretty much exclusively use white noise, but there are other sounds, too, like rain and lullabies. I love that you can use it in the nursery or bring it with you wherever you’re going. The clip is super useful for securing it to the stroller!
Nap Shade
This is just a reminder to pack whatever you use to shade your little one during a stroller nap. As a reminder, it can be VERY hot at Disneyland. So, pack a portable fan and use a breathable cover to keep your little one safe from overheating. I originally bought this shade for breastfeeding and carrier naps, but it’s super handy for securing on a stroller, too.
Pacifiers & Comfort Items
If your little one uses a pacifier, pack some backups. There’s a high chance of losing one, so be sure you have 1-2 extras (just in case). I also love this UV case for sanitizing silicone pacifiers. And definitely don’t forget that favorite lovey or blankie. We all know that’s a one-way ticket to disaster!
Food & Beverage Packing Tips for Disneyland
There are endless dining options, but sometimes, a hungry tummy just can’t wait. Luckily, Disneyland has the option to Mobile Order some food and snacks.
Here are some tips on what to pack for snacks, dining, and preventing messes when visiting Disneyland!
Can I bring outside food, snacks, and beverages into the park?
Yes! Between the endless lines, closures, and expensive dining prices, it’s best to have some of your own snacks on-hand.
As long as the beverages are non-alcoholic, the food/drinks are not in glass containers, do not require heating, reheating, processing or refrigeration and do not have pungent odors then you’re good to go!
Soft Mini Cooler
If you are bringing in perishable items or want to keep drinks or food cool, you can bring in a cooler! I opt for a reasonably small cooler, so I’m not lugging around more than absolutely necessary.
Snacks
Hangry temper tantrums are real when visiting Disneyland. That’s why having snacks on hand is always recommended (and the less messy, the better!).
Head to my blog post for all of my favorite travel-friendly toddler snacks to bring to Disneyland!
Snack Containers & Water Bottles
Bento boxes and snack containers are absolutely essential for packing food and snacks for Disneyland. Be sure to bring a refillable water bottle for you and your little one too!
Disposable Placemats
We always keep 4-5 of these in the diaper bag at all times. They’re great for meals, airplane trays, and messy playtime.
Bibs & Utensils
These are items I almost ALWAYS need a reminder to pack, but it’s so helpful to BYO toddler utensils! And, if you use a bib, be sure to bring 1-2 for mealtimes.
Prepare for Long Lines
Whether you’re waiting to enter the park, an amusement ride, or even a souvenir shop, you’ll be waiting around a lot! These portable snacks are perfect for moments like these if you find yourself waiting around without a Lightning Pass or Rider Swap. If you’re staying at one of the Disneyland Resort hotels, they also have some great grab-n-go options.
Check Out These Posts:
Toddler-Approved Snacks for Your Next Flight
The Ultimate Guide to Disneyland with a Toddler
The Perfect 2-Day Disneyland Itinerary with a Toddler
Electronics & Apps
Imagine your phone dying and not being able to capture those special moments. These electronics and apps will keep you prepared and fully charged for your day at Disneyland!
Disneyland App
You definitely want to download the Disneyland app before your trip to get a lay of the “land.” During your visit, you can check ride queue waits, view showtimes, and mobile order food & snacks in advance.
Camera & Accessories
Many people are fine with nothing more than their phone cameras, but if you want to bring a camera to elevate the quality of your photos, here’s your reminder to pack everything you need! I’ve included some of my favorite entry-level and point-and-shoot cameras that are perfect for Disneyland here.
Power Bank & Charging Cables
I bring a power bank on EVERY trip and keep one fully charged in my handbag most days. I love the Anker MagGo for wireless charging, but I recommend also bringing a bigger power bank so that you can charge fully and/or multiple devices!
Portable Fan
You may want some for the whole family if you’re visiting during the hottest summer months! But, at the very least, definitely bring one for the stroller. We always travel with this portable fan with bendy legs—you can attach it pretty much anywhere.
Reminder: Charge Your Devices!
Be sure to charge all of your devices the night before your visit to Disneyland!
Check Out This Post:
The Best Travel Products for Babies and Toddlers
A Change of Clothes & Layers
This is essential not only for your little one but for you as well!
When it comes to your toddler, it’s best to assume that spills, messes, rips, and plenty of accidents will happen. And, let’s be honest, many toddler spills end up on you too!
It’s worth packing a full change of clothes for you and your kiddo (just in case).
One of the joys of Southern California is the beautiful weather year-round. But mornings and evenings can still be chilly. Even in the summer.
You can often count on mornings to be brisk and chilly. In the summer, the sun can be scorching. And after a day of sunburn, you’ll be shivering when there’s a sudden breeze in the evening. And yes, this can happen in the summer!
Rather than commit to thermals or only bringing a tank top, layering up will be helpful.
Shop all of my toddler Disneyland must-haves below!
Sweatshirts and Sets
Sweatshirts and sweatpants that can easily be added or subtracted throughout the day is the best way to go. This makes it easier to warm up your little one without having to go back for a complete outfit change.
Jackets
I am truly obsessed with vintage bombers and varsity jackets, especially when it comes to Disney apparel. This one is my favorite, but Zara has a few cute ones as well!
Layers for Parents
When it comes to layers for the parents, you’ll want something a little lighter in the warmer seasons since you’ll still be doing a lot of the heavy lifting, walking, and pushing throughout the park.
Rain Gear
It may not rain often in sunny SoCal, but it does happen, especially if you’re visiting between December and April. Be sure to check out the weather forecast beforehand and pack appropriately.
Where to Get the Cutest Disney Clothes for Toddlers and Parents
I love a good fashion moment and a day at Disneyland is no exception.
While function and comfort are a huge factor in dressing myself and my toddler for a day at Disney, I always consider style as well (because if we’re not doing it for the ‘gram, why else would we go?).
There’s a wide array of Disneyland apparel options out there, but I like to stick with elevated patterns, some delicate pops of color, bespoke designs, and of course, neutrals.
As much as I love a good character design, I find that I don’t lean towards large, graphic tees or styles. But never say never!
My Favorite Disney Apparel Brands
H&M
Honestly, you can’t go wrong with H&M. There’s almost always something cute to be found when shopping for your upcoming Disney day.
Gap
Lots of cute vintage vibe options usually
Target
Personally, Target is a bit of a hit or miss for me. But when we went to Disneyland November 2024, they had SO much cute stuff. Almost all of his outfits from our trip were Target. It’s best to check out
Zara
Zara is usually the BEST for cute and unique Disney stuff. I highly recommend!
Kohl’s
Another hit or miss. I’ve managed to compile some of my favorites from Kohl’s below!
Etsy
I love Etsy for more personalized designs, vintage finds, and matching outfits!
Monica and andy
There are some goodies to be had here. Oliver’s entire personality is Lightening McQueen and I’m doing everything I can to not buy this.
Forever 21
There isn’t much, but there are a few super-cute selects, mostly for adults.
Shop my Favorite Disney Apparel for Toddlers and Mamas
