Hi K.,
How fun!!! I am desperately trying not to be jealous! You see I am from California and my family and I are former Disney Pass Holders twice! My husband and I like you and your husband love it as much as our kids!
OK, so I know the park very well and I agree with most of the others that have responded. Definitely bring your stroller. I personally would not do a backpack because of my back. For me, carrying my child on my back for the entire day or even half the day at Disneyland sounds torcherous!! I love having a stroller to put all our stuff not just my child. We usually have jackets/sweaters/snacks and or lunch. I don't know how long it has been for you since your last visit but food there is very expensive! So if you plan on going for the entire day take snacks!
As the others have stated, yes, every place is set up pretty much to leave your stroller. I do admit, that I had two strollers at one time and then when my youngest got a lot older I purchased a cheap Umbrella Stroller because I too was concerned someone my take my expensive Aprica I had at one time. I am actually sad that my now 5 yr. old will not be in a stroller when we go again and I am wondering what we are going to do with all our stuff!!-lol!
Take the advise given on how to get on the rides because of course, there are some your little one may be too young for
and you make that judgement. Some do not like the Pirates of the Carribean it's just too dark and scary for them. My little guy finally was able to when he was four.
Also, I must tell you about this place that Disneyland has set up for families with babies and toddlers. It is right at the end of Main Street. OK, so if you are coming into the park walking down Main St. getting ready to decide which Land to go into make a sharp right it is in the far corner rt. side across from the Carnation Restaurant, next to a Corn Dog Cart (which by the way, are the best Corn Dogs in the World!!). If you hit the Carnation Rest. before entrance to Tomorrow Land you have gone too far.
Anyway I forgot the name of it but they offer services for Mom's and Dad's especially with young ones. Hopefully it has not changed (I use to have a friend who worked there). They have places for Mom's to nurse, like Rocking Chairs and High Chairs to feed your little ones. They will also warm bottles, and food if you ask!! The other awesome thing they have is places in the back to change your little ones and little toilets for young ones just learning to go potty. The toilets sit low to the ground and don't make a lot of noise when they flush! Isn't that cool!! My girlfriend said that it has been around since the opening of Disneyland because Walt wanted to make sure that their were all conveniences available for a family. I just wanted to let you know because most people are not aware of this place and they do not really advertise it. It is also where they take kids if something happens to them or they get lost.
last but not least go to the Disney Web site they have something set up for Parents with toddlers. It has been awhile since I have been to the site. But they have something you can print out with recommended rides and places to go with toddlers. I remember being surprised that there was things recommended that I had forgot about or did not know existed because I was of course, looking at Disneyland for so long as an adult!
If you need anymore advise please do not hesitate to e-mail me personally. Would love to help in any way. Oh, forgot to mention. Goofy's Kitchen is awesome as recommended, however, be aware that it is in Downtown Disney (outside of Park) but you can take the Monorail to it. Well, almost to it. You get off and go to the right towards Disney Hotel- you have to walk to it a bit. Plus it is very expensive and you have to make reservations and then there can Still be a Wait!! But food is great and Kids Love it there!!!
Have lots of fun!
A.
