Visiting Disneyland® with children can be one of the most magical adventures of your life (and theirs!). The Disneyland Resort is a magical place of wonder for all ages, and the experience is even more wondrous with your children. Here are a few proven tips to consider for your trip to Disneyland® with school-age kids that will make your time with Mickey and Minnie all the more spectacular. 

Stay Within Walking Distance 

First thing’s first, your Disneyland® vacation begins the moment you arrive in Anaheim at your hotel. You are going to need the right accommodations. Therefore, your base of operations should be close by. Camelot Inn and Suites is mere steps away from Disneyland’s® main gates. Our convenient location allows guests to walk back to the hotel anytime for a nap or meal break. 

When you’re not in the Park, the kids will need a place to have fun while Mom and Dad rest up. For this reason, a hotel with a pool is essential; the kids can have fun while you get to relax. Plus, our terrace level swimming pool and Jacuzzi offer great views of Disney’s famous fireworks display!

Plan of Attack

When planning your Disneyland® itinerary, you must, of course, incorporate the rides and attractions your kids want to see most. Then, rank those attractions and rides by priority and cross off any areas that no one has any interest in. 

When you’re ready to create a game plan, draw up a path from the gate to the newest or most popular attractions, as those lines will fill up first. Don’t forget to account for lunch in there somewhere! And remember, after a few lines at the newest attractions, the morning will pass more quickly than you realize and then it will be time to grab a bite to eat and recharge!

Kids Gotta Eat

At Disneyland®, the food can be as magical as the rides for your grade-schoolers. The Park offers numerous food and refreshment stands. There are snack bars and restaurants to accommodate a wide range of tastes. What’s most exciting, though, is character dining. Who wouldn’t want to share ice cream with Minnie Mouse or have breakfast with Goofy? Young kids are at that special age where these encounters are the most memorable. Be sure to check the website for reservation availability. 

It’s always a good idea to bring snacks and water with you for longer lines. Some nuts or healthy trail mix might stave off the tummy rumbles while in line at your favorite attractions. 

Ride Smart 

If you are visiting Disneyland® with tweens, Rider Switch and FastPass are a must. Both services are available on select rides throughout the Park. Rider Switch is perfect for members of the family who need a break from lines but want to enjoy the attraction. In this case, one family member swaps in line for another with their scanned ticket. This way, everyone gets to enjoy the rides.  

Having said that, here are some rides that are a must for park-goers.

  • Splash Mountain
  • Pirates of the Caribbean
  • Autopia
  • Haunted Mansion
  • Indiana Jones
  • Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
  • Turtle Talk with Crush
  • Animation Academy 

With some thought and planning, a family trip to Disneyland® will be an adventure of a lifetime. Book your stay at Camelot Inn & Suites, ideally located across the street from the Happiest Place on Earth.