Question: What rides (attractions) can my baby or toddler go on at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park?

Answer:
Believe it or not, this if the most commonly asked question I get from readers. Families are often concerned they will only be able to enjoy a very limited amount of attractions when they visit Disneyland or Disney California Adventure with a baby or toddler. I have some good news and some even better news.

Here’s the good news: Babies and toddlers can go on almost every attraction in the resort, with exception of the attractions with height requirement, which in most cases are high-speed or turbulent attractions you wouldn’t want to take your wee one on anyway. These attractions have height requirements that are in place for your safety–just like the height and weight requirements set by car seat manufacturers. 

Read the list of Attraction Height Requirements here!

Here’s the even better news: Just because you are going to Disneyland with a baby or toddler, you don’t have to cross those high-speed thrill attractions off your list. If you are traveling with another adult, you can utilize the resort’s rider switch pass. Although the specific procedure for using the pass can vary a bit from attraction to attraction, the basics of the pass remain the same. The pass allows you and your family to wait in line together (typically only to a certain point). One adult then waits by the exit of the attraction with the child or children who won’t be riding while the other adult waits in line with any remaining guests in the party and rides the attraction. Then, after they’ve enjoyed the attraction, the other adult who has been waiting will get to ride the attraction. Typically the attraction’s Cast Member will allow one of the guests who has already been on the attraction to go again with the waiting adult so that they don’t have to ride alone. 

It is important to note that this pass it not limited to turbulent attractions or those with height requirements. For YEARS, my children wouldn’t go on the Haunted Mansion if I paid them in churros and Dole Whip, so for us, the rider switch pass makes perfect sense when we had the need to visit our favorite 999 ghosts.  

Want another tip? Bring a baby carrier like a Baby Bjorn with you during your next visit. Boarding an attraction with baby in a carrier leaves your hands free to help yourself and other children in and out of attractions. In most cases, the baby can remain (facing forward) in the carrier while riding the attraction.

Editor’s Note: This post was updated 5-17-17