Nervous Nellies And Small Children

Disneyland has tons of rides for kids and adults of all ages, but getting your money’s worth from the park seems difficult if your kids are hesitant about braving the coasters. When I was little, I was afraid of EVERYTHING: roller coasters, dark rides, you name it! For me, it was the tamer the better.

I’ve put together a touring plan designed for kids (or grown ups) who want to have fun but just don’t have the courage for the big rides yet. Just because you aren’t ready for big drops and fast turns doesn’t mean you can’t have fun at the park and experience lots of attractions!

This plan is separated by park, but you can probably fit both parks into one day if you hustle. I recommend you do one per day, so that the kids in your party don’t get too tired and can fully enjoy their time at the resort.

PLAN FOR DISNEYLAND

Main Street USA

Fun to walk through. There’s the firehouse, the ice cream parlor, candy shop, and seasonal decorations. But kids don’t seem too interested in hanging on the street once they see the castle up ahead. Stop at Main Street for a snack or some breakfast, but with kids, don’t spend too much time in this area.

Tomorrowland

1. Astro Orbitor
2. Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
3. Autopia
4. Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
5. Jedi Training Academy
6. Star Wars Launch Bay

Fantasyland

1. It’s A Small World
2. Storybook Land Canal Boats
3. Dumbo The Flying Elephant
4. King Arthur Carrousel
5. Casey Jr. Circus Train
6. Peter Pan’s Flight
7. Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough
8. Disney Princess Fantasy Faire
9. Pixie Hollow

Time for a lunch break! Check out the restaurants on Main Street USA or Frontierland for a bite to eat.

Frontierland

1. Frontierland Shootin’ Exposition
2. Mark Twain Riverboat & Sailing Ship Columbia
3. Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island

Critter Country

1. Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes
2. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

New Orleans Square

Easily unnerved kids probably won’t enjoy either of the two dark rides in New Orleans Square. Instead, take a snack break at any of the restaurants (most overlook the Rivers of America) and give everyone a chance to get off their feet. When your group is ready to get back to it, head to the New Orleans Square station for the Disneyland Railroad and take the train to the Mickey’s Toontown station.

Mickey’s Toontown

1. Chip ‘N Dale Treehouse
2. Goofy’s Playhouse
3. Donald’s Boat
4. Minnie’s House
5. Mickey’s House
6. Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin

To avoid the big walk, take the Disneyland Railroad back to the New Orleans Square station. You will finish the full ride around the park, and Adventureland is a quick walk from New Orleans Square.

Adventureland

1. Tarzan’s Treehouse
2. Jungle Cruise
3. Enchanted Tiki Room

Cross over to Tomorrowland and take the Monorail if you want to eat dinner in Downtown Disney. Otherwise, check out wait times for the restaurants on Main Street USA or in New Orleans Square. If the kids are still up for exploring after dinner, take this time to further explore Main Street USA or hop on the train for a quick visit back to their favorite rides.

PLAN FOR CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE

Buena Vista Street

With almost constant live music and lots of shops and restaurants, this is a great place to grab breakfast in the park. Grab a table along the main circle or take a ride on the Red Car Trolley.

Hollywood Land

1. Disney Junior – Live on Stage!
2. Disney Animation
3. Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley To The Rescue!

A Bug’s Land

1. Francis’ Ladybug Boogie
2. Tuck and Roll’s Drive ‘Em Buggies
3. Heimlich’s Chew Chew Train
4. Princess Dot Puddle Park
5. Flik’s Flyers
6. It’s Tough to Be a Bug!

Pacific Wharf

This land is almost exclusively restaurants, and has lots of different choices for lunch. Even the pickiest eaters will find something they like here, and there’s tons of seating.

Cars Land

1. Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree

Paradise Pier

1. The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
2. Golden Zephyr
3. Jumpin’ Jellyfish
4. Toy Story Midway Mania!
5. King Triton’s Carousel

Grizzly Peak

1. Redwood Creek Challenge Trail

Grab dinner at any of the restaurants along Paradise Pier. They all have good food, many offer character dining, and some even have live music! Any of the restaurants along the water have lovely views of the pier, Mickey’s Fun Wheel, and California Screamin’. It’s a great place to take a break from all of the walking you’ve done.

Like with the Disneyland touring plan, if you still feel up to exploring after dinner, this is a great time to revisit your favorite rides. Crowds drastically decrease after sunset most times of the year. Remember, although the Monorail rides through California Adventure, there is no stop there, so you’ll have a longer walk back to Downtown Disney or the hotels than from Disneyland.