During our first visit to Disneyland, Princess D was just 18 months old. We booked it mainly with Petrolhead A – then 6 – in mind, I really wasn’t sure if there was going to be much for Princess D to do. I needn’t have worried. We had a ball. And whilst many would argue she can’t remember anything about it now, we love to look through the photos together.
There is a fabulous buzz at Disneyland that the children really feed off. Even a little one in a buggy has so much to watch and take in – they really don’t get bored. There are plenty of rides that they can go on whilst sitting on parents laps.
Here are a few of our favourites –
Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast
Location – Discoveryland.
Restrictions – None
Fastpass available – Yes
About – Always our first ride when we arrive. It has become tradition. You climb into a seated “space cruiser” which navigates its way through space. You are each armed with a laser shooter and the aim is to shoot the targets. Your space cruisers on board computer keeps your score. Things can get very competitive, let me tell you!
The ride is sedate, and great fun. Nothing scary or sinister and a fab opportunity for the little ones to spot some of their favourite Toy Story Characters. There is a camera towards the end – as your space cruiser voluntarily turns to the right to face a very large alien craft – SMILE! We have been back on time and time again to improve our photos!
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Location – Fantasyland
Restrictions – None
Fastpass available – No
Until our last visit this was my daughters absolute favourite. The excitement of seeing which colour cap your Dumbo would have, to soaring high into the sky with him. Its wonderful and exhilarating for little ones. Much like a slow rotating carousel. Your “Dumbo” is equipped with a lever, which the little ones can push or pull to soar or descend as they wish. The most popular ride with youngsters so you are almost guaranteed a 40 – 60 minute wait, but well worth it – they love it.
Astro Orbitor
Where – Tomorrowland
Restrictions – none
FastPass available – no
A similar concept to the Dumbo ride, but here you climb aboard a rocket destined for space. The same lever action for rising and descending as you orbit. Lots of fun – fairly long queues after magic hours end.
Ratatouille
Where – Toon Studio
Restrictions – none
Fastpass available – Yes
This ride was new on our last visit, and it certainly became an immediate favourite. An innovative 4D experience that is suitable for all members of the family. As you queue you wander through the streets outside Gusteaus restaurant. The set is fab.
You find yourselves shrunk to the size of Remy and navigating Chef Skinners kitchen, before being discovered and setting off on a wild goose-chase (or rat-chase?). The 4 D effects are fantastic. Not scary at all, but great fun and enjoyable for all. Prepare to ride this one plenty of times with the little ones.
Autopia
Where – Tomorrowland
Restrictions – 81cm or taller
FastPass available – Yes
Petrolhead A’s firm favourite until he was big enough for Space Mountain.
Designed in the 1950’s to give a taste of the future of driving, Autopia gives children the opportunity to drive a motorcar around a specially designed track. Whilst the driver needs to steer and accelerate / decelerate the car is mostly controlled by the track (maximum speed – 6.5 MPH). Each car comfortably seats two people. The minimum height to ride is 81 cms and the minimum height to drive is 1.32m. Its a fab drive, with hills and bends to negotiate and gives many children their first taste of driving. Its worth noting that this ride is not available during the Magic Hours.
Its a Small World
Where – Fantasyland
Restrictions – none
Fastpass available – no
Absolutely perfect for the little ones. Climb aboard a little boat and set sail on a magical world tour of singing dolls and toys. Lasting around 10 minutes its cheerful and relaxing. Lots of imagination, colours and songs to keep the tiny ones happy.
Peter Pans Flight
Where – Fantasyland
Restrictions – No
Fastpass available – Yes
Climb aboard a colourful galleon and disappear off into the night to follow Peter Pan on his flight of adventure. Soar through the night time sky over London, don’t forget to look out for some famous landmarks! Through a door and into Neverland, past erupting volcanoes and cascading waterfalls. Watch out for appearances from some well known villains before returning home to Wendys nursery.
Le Carrousel de Lancelot
Where – Fantasyland
Restrictions – none
Fastpass available – no
A stunningly beautiful carousel, made up of Knights horses and beautifully crafted carriages. The carriages are perfect for parents with little ones to hop on and ride.
