5 Ways to Make Disneyland More Magical for a Preschooler

Disneyland is the most magical place on earth for a preschooler. Disney has over 60 years experience making the park pure magic for kids, both young and old. We’ve been to Disneyland a number of times and it’s always special. From the rides and the shows to the crew members and the characters, Disneyland is a world of endless entertainment. On our recent visit, we experienced five ways to make Disneyland more magical for a preschooler.

If you are visiting Disneyland for the first time or you’re going for a special event, here are the ways to make Disneyland more magical for a preschooler.

Number 1: Plan a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Experience at the Disneyland Resort
Behold a royal transformation as kids turn into elegant princesses and shining knights—right before your eyes! 

We opted for the Crown Package at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. This package features hair-styling, makeup, princess accessories, and nail polish. Athena received a Fairytale Princess hairstyle, shimmering makeup, princess sash, cinch bag, face gem, and nail polish. She was given nail polish, face gems, and make-up to take home in her cinch bag as well.

As Fairy Godmother’s assistant took Athena to her speical seat, Athena was glowing before she even applied the make-up. The transformation took time and Fairy Godmother’s assistant, Paula, chatted with Athena about the princesses and life with Fairy Godmother. She was patient and gentle as she turned Athena into a princess and gave her the royal treatment.

Number 2: Dress Up
Allow your child to dress like a real princess in the enchanted world of Disneyland. 
A visit to the Disneyland is a dream come true for almost all children. It’s a magical place with enchantment abound. Dressing your child as their favorite Disney character makes them feel more immersed in the experience.

Athena chose to be Jasmine for the day and she smile joyfully every time someone commented on her costume or called her princess.

Number Three: Meet the Characters
Watch as your child’s face lights up when they meet their favorite Disney princesses or characters
There are character appearances all over Disneyland. Make sure your autograph book is ready while bounding down Buena Vista Street. Some of your favorite pals including Mickey, Minnie, or Goofy are ready to have their picture taken with you.

Early mornings are the ideal time to meet Disney Princesses at Fantasy Faire. Royal Hall is home for a few Disney Princesses and each Princess has her reception nook in the grand Royal Hall.

Athena was most excited about the royal greeting in Arendelle. At Anna and Elsa’s Royal Welcome, the regal sisters were eager to share stories of their icy adventures and, in return, they wanted to learn all about Athena’s kingdom too.  The experience lasted almost five minutes as the sisters shared stories with Athena and asked her about her life. There was a photographer there as part of the PhotoPass Collection and he captured the moment so it could last a lifetime.

Number Four: Purchase the PhotoPass Collection
Get the Royal treatment with a photo package so you’re certain to capture all the magic for life.
Disney PhotoPass service helps you capture vacation memories in beautiful photos, which you can view online for free and then choose to purchase and share. Disneyland photographers are poised and ready to take your photos at several scenic locations throughout Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park—at Character Greetings, select dining locations, special events, and more. You can also find them wandering the parks, seeking to capture magical moments of you and your entire family. I’m sure pictures like these will become treasured snapshots of a truly special moment in time. 

Athena felt like a true princess as photographers captured our moments and allowed her to pose like a princess in the magical setting.

Number Five: World of Color Dessert Party at Disneyland
Watch Disney characters soar to life on a vivid veil of mist in this towering nighttime spectacular. 

At the World of Color Dessert Party we dined on delectable sweets and watched the World of Color water show from sensational seating in Paradise Park. The World of Color Dessert Party includes a sweet and savory dessert selection served with sparkling beverages. There is reserved seating in the World of Color preferred viewing area, located at Disney California Adventure Park and it puts you in the perfect spot to enjoy the show.

The World of Color Dessert Party began at 7:30. We were shown to our assigned seats and a waiter immediately took our drink order. There were a lot of drink options including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and drinks were unlimited. Every guest received their own  dessert plate filled with cheeses, fruit, and desserts.

My favorite part of the experience was the glass that Athena’s drink was served in. It lit up and changed color with the lights from the show. As the lights magically danced in different colors and heights before our eyes, the glass changed in unison. Athena was amazed!

World of Color progresses through the history of Disney with songs and video clips from some of the greatest moments in Disney history. When Elsa appeared in the projection and Let It Go played, Athena stood on her seat and sang along. She knew every word and sang loudly for everyone to hear. Normally, I’d ask her to lower her voice a little or to sit down but I figured this was her moment and I let her express herself. The joy on her face was enough to make anyone that saw her understand that this is what Disney is about. It is, after all, the happiest place on earth and she might have been the happiest kid in the park.

No other guests in the entire park had private seating for the show and space is limited. It truly adds a magical touch to the day.

“Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.” 

                                                                                      Walt Disney 

When I first visited Disneyland with Athena a couple years ago, I didn’t think it was possible to experience more magic than that first day but by adding these five experiences, we made Disneyland more magical for our preschooler.

Disclaimer: Thank you to Disneyland for providing us with passes to visit Disney for the day. As always, all opinions are my own.