If there was ever a quintessential grandparents-and-grandchildren-only holiday, it’s a trip to Disneyland. So if you’re thinking about taking your cherished little cherubs to the happiest place on earth, we’ve got a few tips to make sure the happiness doesn’t wear off and both little legs and legs with life experience alike can have a fabulous time. After all, Disneyland is where dreams come true!

Best for grandparents and grandchildren

Hong Kong Disneyland: While this is the smallest Disneyland on the list, we love it because it’s the closest to Australian shores – and that means the shortest plane trip possible with young children (about nine hours). Due to its smaller size, it’s ideal for kidlets and has plenty of great rides and attractions across the seven fun-packed lands. You may even find there are smaller lines and fewer crowds to battle! 

Tokyo Disneyland: For a Disney experience that has it all plus has the benefit of being close, Tokyo Disneyland is perfect. A 10 to 11 hour flight from the east coast, this was the first Disney theme park to be built outside of the United States so it has all of the beloved attractions and is well suited to young kids. Tokyo is also home to the fabulous Disney Sea, which has many modern attractions and thrilling rides, but it tends to be better for the older ones.

Disneyland California: The one-and-only original Disneyland is impossible to resist! It is a 13 to 14 hour flight away though, and the big time difference is worth taking into consideration for little body clocks used to routine. Located in Anaheim, just outside of Los Angeles, Disneyland California is everything you imagine it to be and more, full of family-friendly activities and rides suitable to children of all ages. Disneyland California Adventure is also here, but is best suited to older kids with more adventurous rides.

Handy tips to consider!

1. Get the kids excited: Give the kids a money-box to help them save for their big holiday and make the excitement start long before they arrive at Disneyland.
2. Stay close by: Consider staying at a Disney Resort Hotel to stay close to action and get a head-start on the long days full of shows, rides and attractions. It’s also a great idea to return to the hotel in the middle of the day for lunch (and perhaps even a refreshing swim).
3. Book tickets: Pre-order your ticket to avoid lining up on the day and avoid the busy weekend crowds by going on weekdays.
4. Plan your day: There’s literally so much to do at Disneyland that it’s best to arrive with a plan of attack, so arrive armed with a list of things you want to do and see – especially if you’re only there for one day (some require a number of days to see it all).
5. Pack snacks: It’s not always convenient to line up for food, so take some snacks that are easy to eat on the run and make them healthy ones to even out all those hotdogs and mouthfuls of fairy floss.
6. Take breaks: Don’t wear yourself out by being on your feet all day. Take any chance you can to sit down – watch a show, enjoy a long lunch break and make the most of any rides you see, from relaxing horse-and-carriage rides to the more adventurous kinds!
7. Get that photo: When you first arrive, head straight to the Information Centre for a list of where the different characters will be at what time – it’s the best way to ensure your littlies get a photo with their favourite characters. Also make sure your camera is fully charged and ready to go so you don’t miss a single moment!
8. Pack the essentials: You’ll be wandering outside and inside all day long, so don’t forget to pack sunscreen, water and hats, and be sure to wear your most comfortable walking shoes.
9. Pace yourself: If you plan to stay late to catch a night parade or fireworks, ease into the day and start a little later so you’re not all falling asleep by the time the big show goes off.
10. Don’t forget to have fun: Disneyland is meant to fun, so don’t stress! Let your silly side out a little and take your time to enjoy every moment with your grandchildren. And if you don’t get to everything you wanted, they probably won’t even notice!

Are you thinking about taking the grandkids to Disneyland? If you’ve already been, do you have any extra tips to share?

This article is sponsored by Escape Travel and they have written the story with us, specifically for over 60 travellers. We bring you this article to share insights into what we feel is relevant and interesting to our community. Consider Escape Travel for your next holiday. Visit their website for more information