How to Avoid a Disneyland Meltdown: Parent-Tested Tips for a Stress-Free Day

Share!

Disneyland is a magical place that's filled with fantasy and all-day fun! There are also long lines, big crowds, and lots of stimulation in the way of bright lights and loud noises. All of these factors can sometimes result in a major meltdown. Follow these great tips to avoid a Disneyland meltdown at the California Disney theme park.

How to Avoid a Disneyland Meltdown

We've all seen the videos online of kids at Disney having temper tantrums, right? These poor kids will lay right down on Main Street U.S.A. and have an epic meltdown!

Did you know that the Disneyland meltdown can be avoided or minimized? You can potentially avoid the tantrums, with just a little pre-planning and my tried-and-tested tips.

family members with autism, sensitivity, or anxiety?

If you have family members that are prone to meltdown you need to go at their pace and not the schedule you have set for the day. You just can't cram too much activity into the day.

Adults need a time out too. My anxious husband requires a daily mid-afternoon break. We usually go back to the hotel for a few hours of swimming and snacks before going back to the park in the evening.

This article will share lots of tips on being proactive about avoiding meltdowns, ways to deal with them, and a list of quiet areas throughout the Disneyland theme parks where kids and adults alike can rest.

avoiding a disney meltdown: personal story

With a child on the Autism spectrum, our family goal when going to amusement parks is to completely eliminate the dreaded Disneyland meltdown. My husband also has anxiety disorder, so a jam-packed theme park vacation can be a challenge.

For the most part, we've done pretty well when we follow this plan. But as you can see from the picture below, sometimes tantrums happen!

Disneyland might be called the Happiest Place on Earth. But nobody is going to have a magical time if you and your kids are stressed out! Keep reading for my best tips on how to avoid the Disneyland meltdown with ideas for everyone from babies to adults.

Do Your Pre-Disneyland Vacation Homework

Kids who don't know what to expect are more likely to suffer a Disneyland meltdown. I highly discourage the "surprise" vacation! Prep your children ahead of your Disneyland trip by involving them in the planning process.

Understand Expectations Versus Reality

Everyone going to Disneyland wants to experience that magical vacation they've seen in the commercials. But even the most hard-core Disney fans know that not every trip goes as planned.

get an idea what to expect at the theme parks

Some families don't want to watch anything or know too much about what they're going to experience in person. But if you have a child who is prone to meltdowns, this sort of planning is imperative.

Don't think of this pre-vacation planning as "spoiling" your trip. Instead, consider it preparation that builds excitement for the real thing!

PREP THE ENTIRE FAMILY AHEAD OF TIME

You'll want to prep your family on what to expect. This can be a tricky balance, especially when you're taking this vacation with another adult. For instance, I like to go from rope drop to park close, but my husband wants to take a mid-day hotel and swim break. Be sure that both parents are on the same page to minimize frustrations during the trip.

Let everyone know that they'll have to wait in line for attractions. Remind everyone that there will be heavier crowds than they might be used to. Talk about the noises and loud sounds they might experience. The more that anxious children know, the better.

Create a Disney Vacation To-Do List

I usually tell parents not to rely on a strict Disney vacation itinerary. But it is important to have a Disneyland to-do list.

Make a Disney vacation checklist of the favorite things the family wants to experience during the trip. Get input from each person, then make those activities happen first.

If you're unsure how kids will react to certain attractions, watch rides ahead of time on YouTube. There are a number of influencers that have on-ride point-of-view videos that offer a great overview of each attraction.

Making (and Breaking) Disneyland Plans

Whether it's your kid's first time at Disneyland or your family has been before, your dream schedule may need some on-the-fly adjusting.

If the sight of Mickey Mouse induces tears during your entire trip, planning a Disney character meal dining experience probably won't be the most enjoyable activity. Sure, it's sad to have to cancel.

shift gears when necessary

Shifting gears is better than stressing out a child who isn't comfortable in the situation. And infinitely better than hearing them scream during the entire dinner!

Stay flexible with the Disney vacation itinerary and don't be stressed out if you need to change up the schedule. Do what you need to do to avoid the meltdown rather than push the schedule at all costs.

READ MORE tips for the best way to surprise your kids with a Disneyland vacation.

Mom Rewritten uses affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through the links in these posts. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see the Privacy Policy and Disclosures tab.

Book Your Trip in the Off-Season

Nothing will induce a family to tears faster than long waits for everything! Tight, loud crowds tend to increase my blood pressure. So you can only imagine how stressful it can be for a child or someone with special needs. If being around a lot of people and crowds is a problem, booking an "off-season" trip is the best idea.

How to know when the Parks will be busy and when it's the best time to plan your vacation? See my post about the Best Times of the Year to Visit Disneyland.

DISCOUNT DISNEYLAND TICKETS - My travel partners at Get Away Today offer both discounted Disneyland tickets and Anaheim-area hotels to fit any budget! Many hotels include exclusive discounts like free parking, complimentary breakfast or even free nights, just for booking through Get Away Today.

Mention code REWRITTEN to receive an extra discount off your SoCal vacation package (when booking 2+ nights with two or more tickets).

Disneyland tickets purchased now are good through December 31st, 2027. Purchase your multi-day tickets through Get Away Today today and lock in the best pricing of the year.

Be On Alert for Oncoming Disneyland Meltdowns

There tends to be a build up of bad moods before the big meltdown occurs. When you can sense that your kids are having a hard time, stop and redirect immediately.

There is no attempt to try and squeeze in "one more" event! Bail out of your schedule and seek out a restful spot immediately.

Early Warning Signs of a Disneyland Meltdown

Many parents can sense when a meltdown is developing in usually circumstances. In the excitement of a vacation, the signs can be easy to miss.

You know your child's behaviors and what to watch for when traveling or straying from the usual routine. Rather than being reactive, there are ways to be proactive and stop a meltdown before it starts.

Is naptime or taking a break the most magical thing? No, but intervening in the early stages is much easier than handling a full tantrum!

recognizing meltdown warning signs

• Increased whining and irritable behavior
• Refusing rides or pushing back against activities
• Arguing with siblings
• Complaining about boredom and asking to leave
• Signs of being sleeping, including rubbing eyes, yawning, or walking slowly
• Overly emotional about minor issues
• "Stimming" behavior, including restlessness and hand-flapping

READ MORE: Positive parenting tips for calming toddler and preschooler tantrums.

Have a Flexible Disney Itinerary

Having a loose schedule is important when planning out your Disneyland day. Before your trip you should know what attractions are must-do, where you'll eat your meals, and what shows you want to watch.

Having a Disneyland itinerary will help you pace yourself and make sure you can really fit it all in.

Choose One Must-Do Experience Each Day

Have each family member pick one thing that they want to do on your Disneyland day. This simple approach can help reduce disappointment. Anything beyond that is a bonus.

add these to your disneyland itinerary

Avoid burnout by keeping the day fresh. Alternate activities between rides, character greetings, meals, shows, and parades.

Keep your children involved in their vacation. Ask your kids what they want to do next!

Make sure children have enough active free time that includes some of the play areas. Toddlers in particular need freedom from the stroller. There are playgrounds in both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure for active, hands-on play.

Take time to rest throughout the day. Too much of a good thing is still too much! Work in plenty of downtime in the way of snack breaks, rests in the shade, or hotel naps.

Preventing Sensory Overload at Disneyland

Disney theme parks are overwhelming at times, but there are ways to limit Disneyland sensory overload. These are some simple ways to prevent meltdowns before they start.

Avoid back-to-back thrill rides which can be overly exciting. Plan plenty of indoor breaks, along with attractions that have calm environments.

Use calm areas before children become overwhelmed.

Stay away from potential meltdown triggers. If your child is sensitive to noise, leave the theme parks before the fireworks begin.

Avoid Heat-Related Disneyland Meltdowns

Vacationers coming to Southern California often underestimate how exhausting the sun can be. Excessive heat can trigger upset in all family members, so remember to stay aware before it's too late.

Ensure that you have items that will keep everyone comfortable through warm weather, including battery-operated fans, cooling towels, and electrolytes. Apply sunscreen frequently to avoid sunburn. Kids prefer a roll-on type versus lotion application. Use sunglasses when outdoors.

Seek out indoor attractions during the hottest part of the day. Treat the family to frozen treats like ice cream bars or Dole whips!

Pack a Disneyland Meltdown Prevention Kit

A Disneyland calm-down kit can help children stay in control. Stock their day bag with these essential items as a preventative measure before meltdowns happen.

Schedule Daily Decompression Time

In the business of planning a Disneyland vacation, parents tend to over plan which can often lead to frustration and exhaustion. Scheduling Disney trips without a break is the recipe for a big tantrum!

Take your Disneyland day at an easy pace and add in plenty of breaks. This can be as simple as sitting in the shade with an ice cream cone. But if your child is inconsolable, taking a break might mean that you leave the Parks mid-day to recoup at the hotel for a swim or a nap.

Ensure that you have worked decompression time into your itinerary. Reserving downtime can go a long way to preventing meltdowns.

return to the hotel room

A mid-day retreat can do wonders. Plan on spending an hour at the hotel pool each afternoon. Pull the curtains and rest in a dark, cool room. If a nap happens, that's all good too!

Disney Theme Park Activities to Help You Recharge

Vacations can't be non-stop action, especially when you have a hypersensitive child. There are a number of locations and activities families can do to round out a Disneyland vacation. Aim to work several of these downtime activities into your day.

DISNEYLAND RAILROAD

The train station waiting areas at each have covered seating. Except for when the train pulls in, these are fairly quiet places to rest. This transportation is also a great distraction and many special needs kids love riding the train.

The train ride is mostly just a relaxing overview of the entire park with one caveat. The train ride leaving Tomorrowland Station takes guests through Primeval World, a Grand Canyon and dinosaur-themed diorama. There are some moments including a volcano and dinosaur fight that might upset some children.

WATCHING DUCKS

Feathered friends swim along the Rivers of America and in the Sleeping Beauty Castle moat.

DISNEY ANIMATION BUILDING

There are several fun activities within this spot, including an Anna & Elsa meet 'n greet, Turtle Talk with Crush, and drawing lessons in the Animation Academy. Many guests like to kick back in the main lobby, where movie clips play on screens around the room.

MARK TWAIN RIVERBOAT

Take a relaxing trip around the Rivers of America. There are lots of benches in the shade and you'll enjoy a cool breeze across the water.

MONORAIL

Take the Monorail loop for a quiet ride with a great overview of the parks and Downtown Disney.

Consider hopping off and walking back through this outdoor shopping district. There's plenty of places to sit in the shade in Downtown Disney, amiably wander through the shops, or enjoy a snack.

visit the resort hotels

Visit the resorts on property for a change of scenery. Each of the hotels has their own restaurant, which can be great for a break from the theme parks.

Check out the walls inside the Disneyland Hotel near Goofy's Kitchen. Historical memorabilia and photographs are on display. We like the outdoor patio at Disneyland Hotel's Tangaroa Terrace, which overlooks the pool. Inside Disney's Grand Californian, there's a roomy lobby with cartoons and small chairs for kids to rest.

Disneyland Resort Spots to Unwind

Overstimulated? When you or your kid is headed for a Disneyland meltdown, go immediately to one of these quiet spots for a little decompressing.

These would also be great places to sit with a child who is sleeping in their stroller. Make note of these restful locations within the amusement parks.

Quiet Areas at Disneyland

Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island - Shaded areas to sit, relax and people-watch from across the Rivers of America.

Tinker Bell in Pixie Hollow - Even if Tinker Bell isn't greeting guests, you can still walk through the quaint and quiet area.

Rancho del Zocalo Restaurant - The outdoor patio dining space is particularly pretty here in the evenings when overhead lanterns are lit.

Hungry Bear Barbeque Jamboree - Seek out a table that's tucked all the way in the back on the upper level. There are dining tables and a resting spot overlooking the Rivers of America. 

Snow White's Grotto - This precious area is located on the right hand side of Sleeping Beauty Castle. The water-feature with the twirling fish is rather hypnotic. Toss some change into the Wishing Well for good measure!

Sleeping Beauty Castle - Take a slow walk inside the coolness of this castle walkthrough. If your child doesn't like tight quarters or can't handle the stairs, there is an accessible space to view the Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough on a high-definition screen. It's a quiet location with little trinkets on display.

Harbour Galley - Walk around the side of this restaurant for a a quiet and shady dining area along the water. Kids enjoy watching the Splash Mountain riders drift by in their logs!

Fantasyland boat pier - Located between "it's a small world" and the Matterhorn (next to Edelweiss Snacks), this is another spot for duck watching. This quiet boat pier overlooks a lovely water feature with a covered awning and bench seating.

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge - With its large size and low-key mood, this Land is ideal for relaxing. The outdoor patio at restaurant Docking Bay 7 is pleasant and quiet.

Restful Spots in Disney California Adventure Park

Cars Land - Just as you pass under the rock formation into the Pacific Wharf area there is a quiet shady space. You can rest here against the guard rails and watch the cars on Radiator Springs Racers. Alternatively, pull up a chair outside at Flo's V-8 (you don't have to dine here to sit).

Paradise Gardens Promenade - There are benches around the covered promenade underneath the Silly Symphony Swings. You'll get a nice overview of the water. Though this area isn't exactly the most quiet, it does not have much foot-traffic.

Grizzly Trail - This quiet and cool place behind Grizzly River Run serves up a refreshing mist from the water ride! 

Paradise Garden Grill - This is a generally peaceful area, unless there is a special event happening. Seasonally, musical acts play here, which can be enjoyable for kids who enjoy entertainment.

Redwood Creek Challenge Trail - The play area offers busy-body activities like rope swings and rock climbing walls. There are also a few restful benches under the trees, water features and a shaded walking trail.

Bring Back-Up to Help Alleviate Vacation Meltdowns

An extra set of hands (or two) can be vital towards keeping everyone happy. Consider having additional family, friends or your favorite babysitter come with you to Disneyland to help with the kids.

Having other people there to take turns holding toddlers in line and entertaining youngsters while you wait for a meal is invaluable to your own sanity!

Another option is to enlist Nanny-Land assistance. You can choose to have a Nanny-Land helper with you in the park or to watch children at the hotel room.

Choose from one of three Nanny-Land professionals. Here's how it works:

1. Visit Nanny-Land to find out which nanny service works best for your family.
2. Use code REWRITTEN for a discount!

• Gold Crown Nannies have an annual pass to help you and your family inside the theme parks.
• Silver Crown Nannies watch kids in the resort hotel areas, including at the swimming pool.
• Knight Nannies offer unplugged entertainment in a hotel room for a creative and magical themed evening.

Use code REWRITTEN at Nanny-Land and receive a special discount off the service. Nanny-Land operates at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

Consider DAS for Special Needs

If your special needs child has a challenging time with the extensive or crowded queue wait consider requesting a DAS (Disability Access Service) pass.

My friend Becca has an article about Disneyland’s Updated Disability Access Service on her site, This Crazy Adventure Called Life.

Avoid Pressuring Your Child on Vacation

Does this sound familiar - When you push, your kid pushes back? You know your kid. If they really don't want to do something and you press too much, you're going to find yourself facing an epic Disneyland temper tantrum!

When kids are pushed to tears or upset about boarding an attraction, the Disneyland Cast Member may not allow the child to ride.

A Disney vacation is all about making magical memories together as a family. Is your child is having a difficult moment? Try taking the pressure off them to, "Have a good time, or else". Redirect when kids are having a tough minute and do something low key instead.

Meltdown-Free Disneyland Ride Guide

Lots of families go to Disney theme parks for the rides. These are the need-to-know tips for enjoying all of the rides and attractions.

Build Up to the Thrill Rides

As an adult, you might not hesitate to start your Disney California Adventure day with Guardians of the Galaxy in Avengers Campus. But for a sensitive child, they may need to build up courage with less intense attractions.

Use Disneyland Lightning Lane

The "line skipping" Disneyland Lightning Lane system works similarly to the Fast Passes of old, though everything operates through the Disneyland app. Guests may book access for use of Lightning Lane lines that speed up the wait times in queue.

If you're visiting with a family member that just can't do long waits in line, purchasing a Disneyland ticket with Lightning Lane is a must. There is a cost in addition to the regular park ticket - but the ability to shorten wait times is well worth the additional charge.

take advantage of rider switch

Use Rider Switch when kids don't want to go on certain attractions.

nervous about NEW EXPERIENCES?

Some kids who are scared or nervous lash out with a meltdown in a show of frustration. If you're concerned that your child might not hold up well with new experiences, read these Tips for Calming Scared and Anxious Kids at Disney.

What to Wear to Disneyland

While you might already be plotting Disney Bound outfits and cute clothes for your vacation, being comfortable goes a long way towards avoiding the Disneyland meltdown. Pack only the most comfy and appropriate clothing that you know your child will wear. Read more about choosing the best Disney outfits for kids.

• Don't attempt to break in new shoes while on a Disney vacation. Ensure that shoes are broken in and comfortable.
• Consider the weather when packing with this free printable Disney packing list for kids.
• Itchy costumes aren't going to win points with your child. Mouse Ears that pinch their heads can be headache inducing. Do trial runs with all outfits before you leave for vacation.
• If your child wants to wear dress-up, check out this review of the Best Places to Buy Disney Princess Dresses.

Tired Legs = Cranky Kids

If little kids get cranky with excessive walking consider bringing your stroller or renting one at the Park. Even older preschoolers who don't usually ride in a stroller find they appreciate having the stroller when they need it.

As a rule, wagon strollers are not permitted inside the Disneyland park. However, families with a special needs child may be able to request wheelchair tags for their stroller wagons. Ask the Cast Member about this when discussing the DAS pass.

That said, toddlers may not like being constantly confined to the stroller all day. Make sure they are able to get up and walk frequently to avoid the Disneyland meltdown.

Our daughter happily used a Backpack with a Tether inside the Disney parks. It allowed her a small amount of freedom to walk. But she still remained within arm's reach. Other guests won't bat an eyelash so don't be worried about using a leash with your kid at Disneyland.

Maintain a Meal Time Schedule

Ever been "hangry"? Then you know what I'm talking about when borderline anger swells up when you're overly hungry.

Guests can bring food into the Disneyland Parks so it's easy to be prepared with snacks. Pack a bag with healthy foods and water bottles. Hand out items frequently to keep blood-sugars level.

And while it's great to indulge in some of the sweet treats available at the Disneyland Parks, know that a diet of sugar-sprinkles and carb-overload isn't ideal all day. Check out my tips on How to Find Healthy Food at Disneyland.

Don't Skip Naps

If your child always takes a nap mid-day, be sure to make a point of sticking to your child's schedule. If you don't want to leave the Park, head for one of the quiet resting spots so they can sleep. Choose a stroller with a full recline feature, using the tips in the article Walking Outside With Your Baby.

Naps in an amusement park are never quite as refreshing as one in a bed though. You might want to get them back to the hotel for a more restful sleep. Choose an Anaheim hotel within walking distance for quick access. By the time you've walked back to the room, your child might already be asleep!

Looking for more help touring Disneyland with toddlers? Read One Day Itinerary – Insider Tips for Disneyland with a Toddler.

Get Enough Sleep on Vacation

Do you notice that your mood is often closely related to the hours of sleep you got the night before? When it comes to young kids and avoiding a Disneyland meltdown, you may not be able to go-go-go from rope drop to park closing.

Sensing that children won't be able to hang as long as you wish inside the theme park? Retreat back to the hotel for bedtime and wake up more refreshed the next day to start over again.

Avoid the Gift Shops at Disneyland

For many kids, the sight of toys within the Disney gift shops is enough to induce a fit. My youngest son is great with all things Disney. But get him inside of a gift shop and the temptation for souvenirs can bring him to tears.

For my family, we tend to avoid strolling through the souvenir shops. We usually pre-purchase souvenirs using the ideas in this post, Disney Souvenirs To Buy BEFORE Your Disney Vacation.

If you do want to purchase souvenirs inside the Parks, here are a few words of advice:

Go into the shops with a plan. Does your child want a t-shirt or a hat? Are they going to buy a lollipop or a candied apple? Knowing ahead of time what they are specifically looking for will help them narrow things down. Kids can get so overwhelmed with the plethora of choices that trying to make a decision can really stress them out.

I'd also recommend waiting until the last day of your trip to buy souvenirs. Let kids look in the shops at a casual pace during one day of your trip. This way they can get an idea of what things they'd like to purchase.

Disney-Inspired Distractions

The distraction method is a great way to divert from a meltdown. Have a special stash of things just for this purpose. I've included a few items to pack in your Disneyland day bag and bring to the parks:

World of Disney Eye Found It Card Game - Compact and perfect for waiting in line or at a restaurant.

Small toy cars or bubbles are a treat for toddlers that you can use for distraction before a meltdown.

Disneyland's Hidden Mickeys - Give kids this book to hunt and find the iconic Mickey silhouettes all around the park.

Disney Play App - While I usually keep my kids off electronics on vacation, the Disney Play app is a fun in-park diversion. Family-friendly group games and themed activities to make magic happen within each Land.

The Great Disneyland Scavenger Hunt - When you need a break between rides and shows, try this book that's filled with ways to spot delightful detail in the theme parks.

Stay Close to the Park Gates

If you have a family member that requires a daily break from the excitement, plan to return to your hotel room mid-day. Choose a hotel in close proximity to the Disneyland front entrance.

If your kids are early birds, aim to arrive to the park entrance for Disneyland rope drop and maximize lower crowds in the morning hours.

Disneyland Resort hotels have both indoor and outdoor spaces to relax and recoup. You don't have be staying on-site to visit Disney's Grand Californian, the Disneyland Hotel, or Paradise Pier Hotel.

Maximize quiet time by closing the curtains and laying down in bed for nap time.

Take a swim break at the resort pool to cool down on a hot day. The Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance is a favorite, with kid-friendly bunk beds in every room and an excellent water park.

What Can Cause a Disneyland Meltdown?

These are some of the additional factors that can increase tension and tears. Take note of the helpful solutions to minimize the meltdowns before they start.

loud noises

Disney parks are filled with sounds, often very noisy and overly loud. Children who are sensitive to noise may appreciate wearing these Noise Blocking Ear Muffs. These headphones muffle sounds from fireworks, shows and general park noise.

not tall enough to ride

Imagine the disappointment of your Cars-loving kid who is too short to ride Radiator Springs Racers.

Make sure you know the height of your child and the height restrictions for each attraction. Follow the tips on this Disneyland height requirement guide to measuring children ahead of a trip, along with a free printable.

frustration over food

For kids that are particular about eating, a limited dining menu can lead to frustration. Research desirable menu items ahead of your trip. The Disneyland website offers links to all restaurant menus.

If your child only wants to eat chicken nuggets and vanilla ice cream, you'll know where to eat! In full service dining locations, guests can often make special requests for certain dishes.

do you have a fussy, overstimulated baby?

Retreat to the Baby Care Center. There's one in each of the two Disneyland theme parks. There are semi-private rocking chairs for nursing or bottle feeding, high chairs, diaper changing tables, and tiny toilets for potty training.

READ MORE helpful tips for Taking Babies to Disneyland.

Even the Best Laid Plans May Not Avoid Disneyland Meltdown 

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, our kids sometimes do have a mini-Disneyland meltdown. In my personal experience, we've been able to avoid anything catastrophic at the Happiest Place on Earth. But we live and learn through each situation.

Making your Disney day enjoyable is as much about doing your Park research as it is about knowing, listening, and watching your child for potential break-down. Hopefully the tips in this article will help!

This article originally published on November 10th, 2014 and has been updated and republished with a new date.

---

RECOMMENDED

Share and Be Social!

• Facebook
• Pinterest
• Instagram
• Amazon
• YouTube