Taking a 4 year old to Disneyland - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Grasshopper Green · 05-13-2006, 09:37 AM

Hubby and I have been to Disneyland numerous times together, and we know what we like doing when we get there. However, we are taking our first official family vacation this year to Disneyland, and I have a few concerns...anyone who has taken a young child to Disneyland (or another large themepark)..advice would be appreciated.

My concerns are basically this...him becoming overly tired early in the afternoon, and him getting separated from us and becoming lost. I've thought about just renting a stroller for him to solve both concerns..but at 42 lbs and 42 inches...I think he's too large for one. I don't think Disneyland rents wagons, which are better for larger kids. Any suggestions, advice?

maleficent · 05-13-2006, 10:01 AM

4 is a little young to go to disneyland... (I read an article recently that disney suggests 7 as the perfect age for kids to enjoy it) the walking around and waiting in line will make for a tired crabby kid and it'll be tough to enjoy yourselves...

Stroller would work... (for when the kid wants to walk -- I'd probably use one of those leashes for kids - yeah they look awful but it keeps your kid from wandering too far from you...)
If you google stroller rental and disney - you'll get some helpful links...
http://www.mouseplanet.com/akrock/akrock2.htm
(this link points out that the max weight in the stroller is 40 lbs...
Do you have a stoller from home you could bring-- it can either be gate checkd at the plane or even go directly into baggage...

Does the hotel provide any kid services -- like a day camp or babysitting (even for a fee) where you could leave junior for the day ad you and your husband go off and do what you want to do - like go on the rides that the 4 year old wouldn't be allowed on.

Toaster126 · 05-13-2006, 02:17 PM

Wait four years.

If you ignore that advice, buy one of those child leash thingies and drag him around. He won't get lost.

snowy · 05-13-2006, 02:21 PM

We took my brother to Disneyland as a 2-year-old. I was 5. Your son will probably need frequent breaks, yes, maybe a stroller, and a leash isn't a bad idea--we had one for my brother and it seemed to work. Either way, we both still remember Disneyland and how much fun we had there. We still talk about what our favorite rides were.

maleficent · 05-13-2006, 02:27 PM

http://www.laughingplace.com/Info-ID...-Amenities.asp

Quote:

Strollers
Stroller rentals are available just inside the main gates. Price is $7 per day with no deposit required. You will not be allowed to take Disneyland strollers outside the parks. However, if you are moving between both parks, you can use your receipt at the new park to get a stroller so you only have to pay once.

Two stroller models. The main stroller is a four wheeler that holds up to 45lbs. The second stroller is a three wheel model that can hold up to 75lbs. The four wheel stroller is allowed on the Disneyland Railroad but the larger capacity three wheel stroller is not

Note: Strollers are not guaranteed to be available for rental, but it's rare for the parks to run out of both styles..

Tip: Hold on to your stroller receipt. If your rental stroller is lost or stolen go back to the stroller rental location and show them your receipt for a new one. You may also use your receipt to get a stroller if you leave during the day and return later or switch parks.

Guest Relations
Just about any question you have regarding the Disneyland Resort can be answered by Guest Relations. It's also the place to go if you have a complaint about something.

so they do have bigger strollers, they just aren't allowed in all the places

Grasshopper Green · 05-13-2006, 02:35 PM

We *are* taking him for sure...I visited the Disneyland website about stroller information, but there was none about weights, etc. I'm really considering the leash idea...I think that might be the best bet, because I know he wouldn't want to be in a stroller all day.

My niece went when she was 4 and had a fantastic time. I don't think he's too young to enjoy it..I just want to make sure he can enjoy it as much as possible without getting too tuckered out

mixedsubstance · 05-13-2006, 09:38 PM

I, personally, would not take him at that age. He won't remember it. A good age to do so is between 9-11. I went when I was 9, and I am 27 now and I still remember it a lot. Plus, he might not be big enough to be able to go on or even want to go on some of the rides.
I wouldn't fathom taking my 6 yr. old son yet. If you do go, and you feel comfortable with it, you could always get one of those harness/leashes. But I am not the type to do that to my child. If I have to do that, then I shouldn't be taking him out in public.
Have you thought about California Adventure instead? I've heard it's devoted more to the wee ones.

analog · 05-14-2006, 01:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Medusa

We *are* taking him for sure...I visited the Disneyland website about stroller information, but there was none about weights, etc. I'm really considering the leash idea...I think that might be the best bet, because I know he wouldn't want to be in a stroller all day.

My niece went when she was 4 and had a fantastic time. I don't think he's too young to enjoy it..I just want to make sure he can enjoy it as much as possible without getting too tuckered out

Without the stroller, at that age, the amount of walking will tire him out very, very quickly. You may find, after just a few hours, that getting a stroller is a very good idea.

Grasshopper Green · 05-14-2006, 05:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mixedsubstance

I, personally, would not take him at that age. He won't remember it. A good age to do so is between 9-11. I went when I was 9, and I am 27 now and I still remember it a lot. Plus, he might not be big enough to be able to go on or even want to go on some of the rides.
I wouldn't fathom taking my 6 yr. old son yet. If you do go, and you feel comfortable with it, you could always get one of those harness/leashes. But I am not the type to do that to my child. If I have to do that, then I shouldn't be taking him out in public.
Have you thought about California Adventure instead? I've heard it's devoted more to the wee ones.

My sister got lost at Disneyland when she was 5. We were good kids who never strayed from our parents sides...Disneyland is full of people and even adults can get separated. It has nothing to do with "having" to do that to him..it has to do with keeping his safe. Stuff happens. I'm preparing for the possibility.

Grasshopper Green · 05-14-2006, 05:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by analog

Without the stroller, at that age, the amount of walking will tire him out very, very quickly. You may find, after just a few hours, that getting a stroller is a very good idea.

After reading mal's post about the larger sized strollers, I'm thinking the exact same thing!

Just for clarification...we ARE taking him. It's decided. It's fine that others wouldn't take a child at this age...great. We took him to a local amusement park last summer at the age of 3 and he had a blast. I'm sure Disneyland will be the same.

dtheriault · 05-14-2006, 10:52 PM

I took my son at 4 1/2 and again just the other day at 5 1/2. We did both parks: disneyland and california adventure. My son likes holding hands in unfamiliar places and is not a wanderer so it was fine. I held him on my shoulders sometimes or in my arms and he made it- both parks- from 10:30 am till 8 pm.

My son has never watched a single disney movie so your son might be different with his favorites.
1. The train that goes around disneyland- good break from walking and he loves the dinosaurs.
2. AstroBlaster: Buzzlightyear- loved it.
3. Junglecruise.
4. Most of the kiddie rides ie Dumbo have painfully long lines for a 4 year old.
5. It's a small world.
6. Toon town was okay for him.
At California Adventure he liked the A bug's life section and the giant tree house/bear trail area on the other side of the park near the large water ride. He also really liked a fire boat that had interactive stuff.

Have fun.

Redlemon · 05-15-2006, 08:01 AM

I read on a parent's site the idea of getting a bunch of preprinted sticky mailing labels (they'll cost a couple of bucks for 500 of them) with your cell phone number on them, and stick it on the back of your kid's shirt. Pretty cool, I need to do that.

maleficent · 05-15-2006, 10:30 AM

I seem to find lost kids a lot - one thing that you want to make sure your kids know (even when they are upset) that mommy's name isn't MOMMY - Mommy has a real name - first and last - so when the kid does get lost --mommy and daddy can be paged. I cannot tell you how many kids I've seen, especially when i worked in retail, that could not tell you the parents name...

If you've got a digital camera with you on the trip - take a picture of the kid... if he does get lost... you'll know exactly what he was wearing and are able to describe him.

Grasshopper Green · 05-15-2006, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maleficent

I seem to find lost kids a lot - one thing that you want to make sure your kids know (even when they are upset) that mommy's name isn't MOMMY - Mommy has a real name - first and last - so when the kid does get lost --mommy and daddy can be paged. I cannot tell you how many kids I've seen, especially when i worked in retail, that could not tell you the parents name...

If you've got a digital camera with you on the trip - take a picture of the kid... if he does get lost... you'll know exactly what he was wearing and are able to describe him.

We worked on names this weekend as a matter of fact. He'll have them down pat by the time we go!

Thats a great idea about the labels, Redlemon. I'll definitely look into that. Maybe even something like that in keyring fashion to attach to a belt loop....

Thanks for the input, dtherialt. My son has seen quite a few movies, so he's already excited for the movie ones. I've been to the California Adventure and I'm sure he'll like the bugs life section too.

We aren't going until July, but I'll have to post how the trip went afterwards

ngdawg · 05-15-2006, 05:09 PM

I second (or third) the wrist leash. I used them on my kids until they were going into kindergarten. They're fantastic in such crowded places. You'll get about 4-6ft of leeway and it leaves your hands free for getting food, paying, etc.
wrist leash

Toaster126 · 05-15-2006, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Medusa

Just for clarification...we ARE taking him. It's decided. It's fine that others wouldn't take a child at this age...great. We took him to a local amusement park last summer at the age of 3 and he had a blast. I'm sure Disneyland will be the same.

Good luck with that.

highthief · 05-16-2006, 03:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Medusa

Just for clarification...we ARE taking him. It's decided. It's fine that others wouldn't take a child at this age...great. We took him to a local amusement park last summer at the age of 3 and he had a blast. I'm sure Disneyland will be the same.

Yup, only you know how your kid will react, not other people. Maybe their kids couldn't handle Disney at 4, but your's can, so enjoy! (We also plan on taking our daughter when she is 4 or 5)

sashime76 · 05-16-2006, 08:54 AM

I'd suggest taking him to California Adventure, he will have a great time in either park. Disneyland is probably more suitable for ages 6, 7 and up. We took our boys, ages 4 and 2 then to Ca Adventure last spring and they had a blast. My older son was almost 43" tall and 42 lbs then and he was able to fit into the stroller we brought. Or, you can rent a wagon and pull him around at whatever the rental charge.

Sultana · 05-16-2006, 03:50 PM

I've been to Disneyland every year from the age of 2 to about...22! Of course I don't remember the first couple of trips, but they are well-cherished memories. And Disneyland is well-equipped for kids of all ages--they know where their bread is buttered!

Have a blast, Medusa!

maleficent · 05-16-2006, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Medusa

Thats a great idea about the labels, Redlemon. I'll definitely look into that. Maybe even something like that in keyring fashion to attach to a belt loop....

Disneyland is supposed to be a safe place, but you never know... if you label said child... put the label in a place that can't be read unless someone is looking... kids are not threatened when a stranger knows their name (cause if the stranger knows their name, they aren't a stranger)

Baggage tag on the belt loop ( the kind that loops over so you have to open it to read it would also work

dtheriault · 05-16-2006, 11:42 PM

One more general parenting tip that I got from the book "Protecting the gift"
I've trained my son that if he gets lost to head straight for the first mommy or sister and ask for help. 99% of all weirdos and creeps are guys. They'll pretend to be a manager, police officer or just offer to help. If he just randomly walks up to a female and asks for help he's much more likely to be safe.

In fact, in most situations it's far better to seek someone out then to look vulnerable and wait for "help" to come to you.

Both this advice and the picture taking are a bit paranoid, but if it helps make you feel calmer as a parent then go ahead and do it.

maleficent · 05-17-2006, 03:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dtheriault

Both this advice and the picture taking are a bit paranoid, but if it helps make you feel calmer as a parent then go ahead and do it.

the picture isn't necessarily paranoid.. Years back, when I was young and had more patience... I was managing a pretty large retail store... One of the associates found a little kid wandering the aisles with no parent to be seen. The kid wasn't even in toys, he was in housewares. They took him to customer service and let him play in the play area we had set up for lost kids. we made an announcement that there was a lost child (more than one that day, and for the parent to please come to customer service) The kid didn't know his name, the kid didn't know his parent's name (Mommy).

Hysterical mommy shows up in customer service unable to speak... Between the pleas of "I'm a bad mother"< ok that's beside the point, what's your child's name? What was he wearing (I think we had three kids in kiddie jail at that moment) Mother could not tell us what she dressed her child in that day, the child couldn't tell us his name, and we couldn't allow the parents back in a restricted area... what do we do next/ have a kiddie parade and she picks the one she likes best?

A picture helps to remember what the child was wearing and what the kid looks like at that moment, in the event that the child wanders off... Kids do that sometimes...

Redlemon · 05-17-2006, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maleficent

if you label said child... put the label in a place that can't be read unless someone is looking...

Good point. Actually, I wouldn't any names on the label at all; just "If I'm lost, please call my parents at __________".

05-13-2006, 09:37 AM	#1 (permalink)
Grasshopper Green ...is a comical chap Location: Where morons reign supreme	Taking a 4 year old to Disneyland Hubby and I have been to Disneyland numerous times together, and we know what we like doing when we get there. However, we are taking our first official family vacation this year to Disneyland, and I have a few concerns...anyone who has taken a young child to Disneyland (or another large themepark)..advice would be appreciated. My concerns are basically this...him becoming overly tired early in the afternoon, and him getting separated from us and becoming lost. I've thought about just renting a stroller for him to solve both concerns..but at 42 lbs and 42 inches...I think he's too large for one. I don't think Disneyland rents wagons, which are better for larger kids. Any suggestions, advice? __________________ "They say that patriotism is the last refuge to which a scoundrel clings; steal a little and they throw you in jail, steal a lot and they make you king" Formerly Medusa

05-13-2006, 10:01 AM	#2 (permalink)
maleficent Junkie Moderator Emeritus Location: Chicago	4 is a little young to go to disneyland... (I read an article recently that disney suggests 7 as the perfect age for kids to enjoy it) the walking around and waiting in line will make for a tired crabby kid and it'll be tough to enjoy yourselves... Stroller would work... (for when the kid wants to walk -- I'd probably use one of those leashes for kids - yeah they look awful but it keeps your kid from wandering too far from you...) If you google stroller rental and disney - you'll get some helpful links... http://www.mouseplanet.com/akrock/akrock2.htm (this link points out that the max weight in the stroller is 40 lbs... Do you have a stoller from home you could bring-- it can either be gate checkd at the plane or even go directly into baggage... Does the hotel provide any kid services -- like a day camp or babysitting (even for a fee) where you could leave junior for the day ad you and your husband go off and do what you want to do - like go on the rides that the 4 year old wouldn't be allowed on. __________________ Free your heart from hatred. Free your mind from worries. Live simply. Give more. Expect less.

05-13-2006, 02:17 PM	#3 (permalink)
Toaster126 Extreme moderation Location: Kansas City, yo.	Wait four years. If you ignore that advice, buy one of those child leash thingies and drag him around. He won't get lost. __________________ "The question isn't who is going to let me, it's who is going to stop me." (Ayn Rand) "The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers." (M. Scott Peck)

05-13-2006, 02:21 PM	#4 (permalink)
snowy Kick Ass Kunoichi Location: Oregon	We took my brother to Disneyland as a 2-year-old. I was 5. Your son will probably need frequent breaks, yes, maybe a stroller, and a leash isn't a bad idea--we had one for my brother and it seemed to work. Either way, we both still remember Disneyland and how much fun we had there. We still talk about what our favorite rides were. __________________ If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau

05-13-2006, 02:35 PM	#6 (permalink)
Grasshopper Green ...is a comical chap Location: Where morons reign supreme	We are taking him for sure...I visited the Disneyland website about stroller information, but there was none about weights, etc. I'm really considering the leash idea...I think that might be the best bet, because I know he wouldn't want to be in a stroller all day. My niece went when she was 4 and had a fantastic time. I don't think he's too young to enjoy it..I just want to make sure he can enjoy it as much as possible without getting too tuckered out __________________ "They say that patriotism is the last refuge to which a scoundrel clings; steal a little and they throw you in jail, steal a lot and they make you king" Formerly Medusa

05-13-2006, 09:38 PM	#7 (permalink)
mixedsubstance Crazy Location: Where the wild things are.	I, personally, would not take him at that age. He won't remember it. A good age to do so is between 9-11. I went when I was 9, and I am 27 now and I still remember it a lot. Plus, he might not be big enough to be able to go on or even want to go on some of the rides. I wouldn't fathom taking my 6 yr. old son yet. If you do go, and you feel comfortable with it, you could always get one of those harness/leashes. But I am not the type to do that to my child. If I have to do that, then I shouldn't be taking him out in public. Have you thought about California Adventure instead? I've heard it's devoted more to the wee ones. __________________ Well, isn't that just kick-you-in-the-crotch, spit-on-your-neck fantastic?!? Without energy, there would be nothing.

05-14-2006, 10:52 PM	#11 (permalink)
dtheriault Psycho Location: maybe utah	I took my son at 4 1/2 and again just the other day at 5 1/2. We did both parks: disneyland and california adventure. My son likes holding hands in unfamiliar places and is not a wanderer so it was fine. I held him on my shoulders sometimes or in my arms and he made it- both parks- from 10:30 am till 8 pm. My son has never watched a single disney movie so your son might be different with his favorites. 1. The train that goes around disneyland- good break from walking and he loves the dinosaurs. 2. AstroBlaster: Buzzlightyear- loved it. 3. Junglecruise. 4. Most of the kiddie rides ie Dumbo have painfully long lines for a 4 year old. 5. It's a small world. 6. Toon town was okay for him. At California Adventure he liked the A bug's life section and the giant tree house/bear trail area on the other side of the park near the large water ride. He also really liked a fire boat that had interactive stuff. Have fun. __________________ "Remember, it takes two to lie. One to lie and one to listen." -Homer Unless you are the freakin Highlander, what is the point in learning how to fight with a sword?

05-15-2006, 08:01 AM	#12 (permalink)
Redlemon Devoted Donor Location: New England	I read on a parent's site the idea of getting a bunch of preprinted sticky mailing labels (they'll cost a couple of bucks for 500 of them) with your cell phone number on them, and stick it on the back of your kid's shirt. Pretty cool, I need to do that. __________________ I can't read your signature. Sorry.

05-15-2006, 10:30 AM	#13 (permalink)
maleficent Junkie Moderator Emeritus Location: Chicago	I seem to find lost kids a lot - one thing that you want to make sure your kids know (even when they are upset) that mommy's name isn't MOMMY - Mommy has a real name - first and last - so when the kid does get lost --mommy and daddy can be paged. I cannot tell you how many kids I've seen, especially when i worked in retail, that could not tell you the parents name... If you've got a digital camera with you on the trip - take a picture of the kid... if he does get lost... you'll know exactly what he was wearing and are able to describe him. __________________ Free your heart from hatred. Free your mind from worries. Live simply. Give more. Expect less. Last edited by maleficent; 05-15-2006 at 10:35 AM..

05-15-2006, 05:09 PM	#15 (permalink)
ngdawg peekaboo Location: on the back, bitch	I second (or third) the wrist leash. I used them on my kids until they were going into kindergarten. They're fantastic in such crowded places. You'll get about 4-6ft of leeway and it leaves your hands free for getting food, paying, etc. wrist leash __________________ Don't blame me. I didn't vote for either of'em.

05-16-2006, 08:54 AM	#18 (permalink)
sashime76 Addict Location: Hoosier State	I'd suggest taking him to California Adventure, he will have a great time in either park. Disneyland is probably more suitable for ages 6, 7 and up. We took our boys, ages 4 and 2 then to Ca Adventure last spring and they had a blast. My older son was almost 43" tall and 42 lbs then and he was able to fit into the stroller we brought. Or, you can rent a wagon and pull him around at whatever the rental charge.

05-16-2006, 03:50 PM	#19 (permalink)
Sultana Falling Angel Location: L.A. L.A. land	I've been to Disneyland every year from the age of 2 to about...22! Of course I don't remember the first couple of trips, but they are well-cherished memories. And Disneyland is well-equipped for kids of all ages--they know where their bread is buttered! Have a blast, Medusa! __________________ "Love is a snowmobile racing across the tundra and then suddenly it flips over, pinning you underneath. At night, the ice weasels come." - Matt Groening My goal? To fulfill my potential.

05-16-2006, 11:42 PM	#21 (permalink)
dtheriault Psycho Location: maybe utah	One more general parenting tip that I got from the book "Protecting the gift" I've trained my son that if he gets lost to head straight for the first mommy or sister and ask for help. 99% of all weirdos and creeps are guys. They'll pretend to be a manager, police officer or just offer to help. If he just randomly walks up to a female and asks for help he's much more likely to be safe. In fact, in most situations it's far better to seek someone out then to look vulnerable and wait for "help" to come to you. Both this advice and the picture taking are a bit paranoid, but if it helps make you feel calmer as a parent then go ahead and do it. __________________ "Remember, it takes two to lie. One to lie and one to listen." -Homer Unless you are the freakin Highlander, what is the point in learning how to fight with a sword?