the journey to hiraeth

Recently, I was gifted two Park Hopper tickets to Disneyland and California Adventure—a blessing that felt like pure magic during the holiday season. But as a mom of two little ones under the age of two, I couldn’t help but feel a little stressed. How would I survive an entire day at a massive theme park with two babies, especially with Christmas, birthdays, and a tight budget all looming?

Thankfully, I’ve been here before—raised by a single mom who taught me the art of turning a day at an amusement park into a memory without breaking the bank. My mom would pack sandwiches so legendary we still reminisce about them today—simple, delicious, and somehow better than any food the park had to offer.

So I channeled that energy, packed my cooler, planned my day, and created a truly magical Disneyland experience for my family—without spending a single penny in the parks. Here’s how I did it, and how you can, too!

1. Cooler and Ice Protocol

One of the best things about Disneyland is that they allow you to bring in small coolers (within their guidelines). Here’s what you need to know:

• Cooler Size Limit: No larger than 24” long x 15” wide x 18” high. That’s about the size of a standard lunchbox cooler or a small camping cooler.

• No Loose Ice: Disneyland doesn’t allow loose ice in coolers, so instead:

• Use frozen water bottles or ice packs to keep food cold.

• Bonus: As the frozen water bottles melt, you’ll have cold water to drink throughout the day.

Lucky for me, my mom (a camper at heart) had the perfect cooler that fit the guidelines.

2. What to Pack in Your Cooler and Diaper Bag

Here’s exactly what I packed for my family, making sure we had plenty to eat and drink while keeping it toddler-friendly:

For the Cooler:

• Mom’s Legendary Sandwiches: Keep it simple with meat, cheese, and bread—packaged in baggies or foil for easy grabbing.

• Toddler Snacks:

• Granola bars (toddler-friendly, low sugar)

• Applesauce pouches

• Cheese sticks

• Fresh fruit (grapes, apple slices, peeled mandarins)

• Beverages:

• Mini soda cans for the adults (because, let’s be real, we need it!)

• Boxed milk cartons for my toddler

• Frozen water bottles (doubles as ice packs)

For My Infant:

• Mom’s milk on the go! I packed my wearable breast pump and discreetly pumped throughout the day. This allowed me to bottle-feed during our food breaks without a hitch.

Diaper Bag Essentials:

• Diapers, wipes, and diaper cream (don’t underestimate how often you’ll need these).

• A change of clothes for each kid.

• Lightweight blankets for naps in the stroller.

• Toddler-friendly utensils and bibs (for a less messy mealtime).

• Hand sanitizer and extra wipes for sticky fingers.

3. Surviving the Day with a Stroller and Baby Carrier

With two little ones, having the right gear is everything.

• Baby Carrier: I kept my infant strapped to me in a baby carrier, which was a lifesaver for keeping him calm and close. Plus, it freed up my hands for the stroller.

• Stroller: My toddler lived his best life riding in the stroller, which doubled as our “storage cart” for the cooler and diaper bag. I hung the diaper bag on the handles and stored the cooler in the basket underneath.

• Pro Tip: If your toddler naps in the stroller, this gives you a chance to recharge and plan out the rest of your day.

4. Planning Your Day with the Disneyland App

The Disneyland app was a game-changer. I used it to map out our day, focusing on areas with:

• Rides with Low Wait Times: Surprisingly, our longest wait time was only about 35 minutes! (I swear, as a kid, I thought every line lasted hours—maybe it was just my imagination.)

• Family-Friendly Attractions: I prioritized rides that both my toddler and I could enjoy together. Some toddler-friendly favorites include:

• Dumbo the Flying Elephant (Fantasyland)

• It’s a Small World (bonus: it’s holiday-themed right now!)

• Jungle Cruise

• The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure (California Adventure)

• Parades and Character Sightings: Don’t underestimate the magic of seeing Mickey and friends up close. The parades were a huge hit, and my toddler’s face said it all.

5. Extra Tips for a Budget-Friendly Day

• Bring Your Own Souvenirs: If your kids are too little to know the difference, skip the expensive gift shops and pack a small Disney-themed toy, coloring book, or outfit from home.

• Refill Water Bottles: There are plenty of water fountains and bottle refill stations throughout both parks—no need to buy pricey drinks

• Find Shady Spots for Breaks: Keeping little ones cool and rested is key to avoiding meltdowns. Look for benches, shaded areas, or quiet spots for food breaks and naps.

6. Why It Was Worth It

Disneyland during the holidays is nothing short of magical. The lights, the music, the festive decor—everything feels like a scene out of a fairytale. Watching my toddler take it all in with wide eyes, seeing him wave to characters, and experiencing the joy of rides with my family made every moment worth it.

And best of all? I pulled it off without spending a single dime inside the parks. It’s proof that magic doesn’t have to come with a big price tag—you just need a little planning, a good cooler, and some “mom-style sandwiches.”

Final Thoughts

If you’re considering Disneyland or California Adventure with little ones and a tight budget, you can make it happen. Pack smart, plan ahead, and enjoy the magic of Disney without the stress of overspending.

It truly was a day to remember, and I hope these tips help you create your own magical memories.

Have you survived Disneyland with toddlers? Share your tips in the comments!