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By Renee Cuessy

The first time we took our youngest to Disneyland we had just celebrated his first birthday. My husband and I decided to take all four of our kids (the older three are all teenagers). Many people thought we were out of our minds to take a baby to Disneyland. Turns out the baby was so much easier than the teenagers. Like, a ridiculous amount easier.

In June of 2018, Elijah was not yet 2 and my husband had an opportunity to attend a

Leadership conference hosted by Disney. Who could pass up that opportunity? It was very last minute, but we managed to snag a flight for me and the baby and immediately grabbed a one-day ticket to the park. The big kids stayed behind to avoid missing any more school. We flew in on a Monday and left on Wednesday. Quick trip to say the least. Since my husband was in a conference all day Tuesday at the Disney Hotel I decided to pack up Elijah and walk to the park for the day, just the two of us. My husband was able to meet up with us in the park later in the day. Being a typical toddler, Elijah was up bright and early so we were in the park for rope drop. I have been to Disneyland several times throughout my life and I must say this was probably the most fun I have ever had.

Again, I got lots of comments from people who thought I was in over my head. Who goes to Disneyland with a toddler? Turns out I am not the only one. Several families take their babies and toddlers to Disneyland every day. And why not? Below are a few points that may have you asking the same thing. Why not?

Entrance in to the parks for 2 and under is free

That alone is incentive enough to take my toddler. As a parent or grandparent, I am sure you know how quickly cost of entrance can add up especially if you have a large family. Take advantage of that kids entrance being free!

They can enjoy a long list of rides

Unlike other parks, Disneyland is not full of only roller coasters. Many of the rides have no height requirement and if your baby is still small enough to fit in a carrier comfortably they can sleep while you enjoy the ride yourself, such as the Jungle Cruise. As a matter of fact, it would be easier for me to make you a list of rides a baby cannot go on.

They go where you go

There was no arguing with my toddler. He never told me he was bored. When he was tired he fell asleep in his stroller and I got to take my time wandering down Main Street U.S.A. Toddlers are much more go with the flow then we realize which makes your day so much easier to navigate. Be flexible about their routine and your day will be a breeze.

Easier on the wallet

When my toddler was hungry we would split a meal. The portions at Disneyland tend to be pretty decent so there was plenty for us to share. Our favorite was the Raspberry Mickey Macaron from the Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe on Main Street U.S.A. It was bigger than I expected and delicious! My toddlers favorite souvenirs tend to be the least expensive. He chose a small Mickey in a race car that cost me $5.99. Did I mention his entrance to the park was free? Also,we brought our own stroller and packed a small bag with snacks, juices and a water bottle which saved us a few dollars as well.

The memories

Sure, they may be too young to remember everything later, but you always will. I loved the skeptical look my little man had while riding Dumbo, it just cracked me up. How adorable it was to see him sitting on his dad’s’ shoulders watching the Pixar Parade. He jabbered on the whole time while we walked around talking about how much he was seeing and taking in. Elijah was so in awe of the Halloween decorations in the Haunted Mansion the first time we went that even my teenagers could not help but get excited with him. The excitement of a toddler is contagious. Take lots of pictures because you will want to remember those little moments of pure joy when they grow up.

For more information on taking your children to Disneyland or help planning your next

Disney vacation contact Renee at [email protected] Follow me on facebook at fb/ReneeRopeDrop and on Instagram @butterbeer_mickeyears for more tips, tricks and pics!