how to survive with two toddlers at disneyland

By now Matt and I should be crowned super aunt and uncle because we have taken both nieces to Knott's, and three times to Disneyland/California Adventure. Most recently we met up with my San Diego family since they were in town and went with them on their third day of Disneyland-ing. They were BEAT by the third day and were my personal heroes. Which is why we were able to accomplish this rare photo:

This is gonna be a long post with a lot of words but you will be rewarded with cute pictures of nieces. It seems ridiculous for me to give advice on children 'cause I don't have any of my own but as I said, I like to be helpful so here's what I've learned and hopefully it will help you when you take your own nieces or nephews. Preferably in Luke Skywalker outfit so they can participate in the Jedi Training Academy (greatest thing ever invented) ahem, Miri, ahem.

Survival with toddlers rests on your own attitude and expectations. If you think you're gonna be dashing from ride to ride with laughter and happiness think again. You will move slowly and there will be crankiness. Disneyland is a great babysitter in itself with so much to see and do that just having them sit in strollers is entertainment enough for them but the true magic is having them interact in the rides and with the characters. Do not expect them to care about everything. Do not over try to get them to react to things. Patience patience patience and know your pack and their tendencies. We know the girls enough that when they're being giant pains in the ass its because they're tired so it bring us to survival tip uno: plan for nap time.

Bring a stroller that leans back and makes for comfortable napping. Bring a blanket. Bring their favorite stuffed toy. Mind you, this only helps if you're planning on making a full day of it 'cause if you're not, once it's nap time and you're done, peace out. We wanted to keep going so I changed their diapers, strapped them in their strollers and would not let them out even if they complained, which they did. I knew they were tired and they knew what it mean when their tired bodies were in that comfy stroller. I was resolved. Matt wanted to take Lyla out as she screamed but I knew hell no, sorry everyone around us. Keeping the stroller moving helps too since they had things to see and the vibrations soothed them. Before too long one was out, then the other. Beautiful.

During this time, Matt and I strolled over to one our favorite places and had a refreshing beverage. I'll do a write up of that in another post 'cause I love it so much.

After the nap Lyla was back to her happy wonderful self:

Waiting in lines. Kids do not understand waiting in line that young. They get restless. Tired. Hungry. Just like adults! The girls are okay in the lines except that they like to wander away and start climbing things and Lyla will just start running and not stop or look back. We usually entertain them by pointing out things and carrying them and flipping them upside down or pulling out secret weapons like iphones or my other hot tip: bring stickers. 

They are powerful agents of peace and reward and play. Magic I say, MAGIC.

Also to save money you should bring your own tiaras and wands. These were so much cheaper at Target than they would have been at super marked up princess stores.

To avoid the ever annoying purse rummaging in my back pocked I had my card wallet with credit card for quick purchase of drinks and band aids. And more stickers.

It should go without saying about expectations that this trip is not about you and what you want. Unless your cousin is willing to watch them while you go on Star Tours, it will not be about what adults want to do. It will be about The Finding Nemo ride.

Stores can be fun for the kids to play with toys BUT do not let them stay there too long or they'll start wanting those things. Usually you can get them to do cute things like rowr-ing like a dinosaur without being told to and they make for great pictures without having to buy expensive toys. 

Be prepared with things that will make the day special like making sure grandma packs their princess outfit and princess umbrella in case it rains. Changes of clothes. Plenty of diapers. PLENTY of baby wipes. Fruit snacks. French Fries. Comfy shoes for them to walk in. Hats and sunglasses for sunny days.

Bring someone with you especially if you're watching two kids. Girlfriend or significant other. One can stay with the stroller while the other one changes diapers. One can eat while the other feeds kids and switch. Matt has been great with the girls and so helpful and I could not do it without him. Sadly on this trip, I was unable to capture Matt changing his first diaper. The women's room changing table at Toontown was a long wait and I was exhausted so I told Matt to change Angie in the men's room. He was nervous but he did it and the diaper was put on the right way. Such a good uncle. 

And you will be a good aunt and uncle if you dare to take kids to the happiest place on earth. It's totally worth it.