This Summer Is the Best Time to Take Your Toddler to Disneyland. Here’s What to Do When You’re There.

A year and a half after taking my son to Disneyland for the first time, I’ve officially ventured into “Disney adult” territory. I’m now a Magic Key passholder and have made more than a dozen visits with my now-2.5-year-old. Babies at Disneyland are one thing, but toddlers are another story. And with the arrival of Bluey’s Best Day Ever! in March, plus the limited-time kids’ summer ticket offer ($50 for visitors ages 3 to 9 from May 22 to September 7), it’s never been a better time to take your toddler to Disneyland.

My son knows his favorite characters (usually Woody or Donald Duck, depending on the day), tells me whether he wants to prioritize character meetups or rides, and requires all the snacks. Each time we visit, we set out to accomplish at least three rides, and on average, we line up to meet at least three characters. Here’s everything you need to do on your next trip to the Happiest Place for Toddlers on Earth.

Disneyland Resort/Christian Thompson

Bluey’s Best Day Ever!

Fantasyland at Disneyland 

The newest toddler attraction at Disneyland, Bluey and Bingo joins actors and musicians on stage for a lively show that will have little ones on their feet the entire time. It’s also in a shaded area, making it the ultimate retreat from a hot summer day in Anaheim. 

My son didn’t want to leave the interactive games just outside of the show, and loved the magic asparagus snack (a pretzel rod covered in green-dyed white chocolate to look like the fantastical veggie from the show. If you feel like treating yourself, I highly recommend the indulgent Mud Cake Cold Brew—it’s basically caffeinated chocolate milk for adults.

Blake Bakkila

Well…Pretty Much Everything in Fantasyland

Fantasyland is arguably the best “land” for littles. You’ll find princesses at Royal Hall, and there are a number of toddler-friendly rides. Our go-tos include “it’s a small world,” Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Storybook Land Canal Boats, and the King Arthur Carousel.

Disneyland Resort/Christian Thompson

Mickey’s House and Meet Mickey Mouse

Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland

Toontown is another hotspot for toddlers, complete with more approachable rides like Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway and Chip ‘N’ Dale’s GADGETcoaster. Perhaps the biggest attraction there, though, is touring Mickey’s very own home. Walk through his many rooms until you reach the Movie Barn. I’ll admit, the line feels endless at times, but there’s constant entertainment and the chance to meet Mickey at the end.

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Bayou Country at Disneyland

Bayou Country is home to a sleeper hit in Disneyland. The Winnie the Pooh ride generally has shorter wait times and it’s simply adorable. Pooh dozes off into dreamland and nothing is what it seems. Until he wakes up to a special birthday celebration! Tucked into one corner of Disneyland, you’ll often find Pooh and Tigger ready for photo opps, too.

Disneyland Railroad

There’s no shortage of fun at Disneyland, and that extends to the Disneyland Railroad. Not only will it take you to various “lands” without requiring a long trek on foot, but it provides plenty of entertainment along the way. As the loop around the park ends, you’ll journey to the Grand Canyon and all the way back to when dinosaurs roamed the earth. (One warning here: My son needs extra reassurance that the dinosaurs aren’t real, so it might be scary for some tots.)

Disneyland Resort/Christian Thompson

Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!

Hollywood Studios at California Adventure 

Cross over into California Adventure and immerse yourself in a live-action version of the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse TV show… aka enjoy about 25 minutes of dancing and singing in an air-conditioned theater. Mickey, Minnie, and their friend Sam visit Goofy, Daisy, and Pluto to see why they haven’t made it to the clubhouse yet. Bubbles, fake “snow,” and confetti make it extra special.

Blake Bakkila

Long lines aren’t always the easiest to endure—for toddlers and their parents—so make sure to download the Disneyland app and check the Tip Board. There, you’ll see estimated wait times, and you can click on the “Character” option to see when and where you can meet your toddler’s favorite Disney icons.