Grandkids have two speeds at Disneyland: full speed and asleep in the stroller.
You don’t have to match them step for step. With a little planning, you can be there for every big moment without spending the next two days on the couch.
Here’s how to enjoy the trip at a pace that works for you. For more general advice, see our guide to Disneyland for seniors.
You Don’t Have to Do Everything
The best grandparent trips start with a simple shift in mindset. Your job isn’t to ride every ride.
It’s to share the moments that matter: the first look at the castle, the parade, the character hug, the churro on the bench.
Talk with the parents before the trip about which rides you want to do and which ones you’ll happily skip.
Being the person who holds the bags, grabs the snacks, and saves a parade spot is a real role, and the kids will remember you being there more than they’ll remember who rode Space Mountain.
Get Off Your Feet with a Mobility Scooter
A full Disneyland day can mean a lot of walking, and it adds up fast when you’re keeping pace with kids.
A mobility scooter lets you cover the park without paying for it later.
Disneyland rents scooters (they call them ECVs) at the Stroller Shop near the main entrance for $60 a day plus tax, with a $20 refundable deposit. The catch is that supply is limited and they go first come, first served. On busy days, you could show up and find none left.
That’s why many families book outside the park.
Anaheim Scooters is on Harbor Blvd directly across from the Disneyland entrance, and they deliver to your hotel for free.
Your scooter is waiting at the front desk when you arrive, even if you haven’t checked in yet. When the trip is over, just leave it with the front desk.
On a multi-day trip, you keep the same scooter the whole time, so you can ride it from your hotel room to the park gates and back every day.
If you’d rather pick it up yourself, their shop is across the street from Disneyland inside the Best Western Park Place Inn.
A few things to know before you ride:
- Disneyland allows one rider per scooter. No grandkids on your lap or on the floorboard.
- The basket is for bags, snacks, and jackets, not children.
- Some rides ask you to transfer from your scooter to the ride vehicle or a wheelchair. Check the Disneyland app for details on each ride, or see our guide to the best mobility-friendly rides at Disneyland.
Once you’re rolling, the payoff is huge. You can follow the kids from land to land, get to the parade early, and still have the energy for fireworks.
Plan the Day Around Your Energy
Mornings are the sweet spot. It’s cooler, lines are shorter, and everyone is fresh. Try to get the most walking done early.
By early afternoon, the heat and crowds pick up and little ones start to melt down. That’s a good time to head back to the hotel for a nap or a swim, then return in the evening. If you’re staying close to the parks, this one break can change the whole trip.
On a multi-day visit, don’t plan two big days back to back. Mix in a lighter day where you sleep in, enjoy the hotel, or stroll Downtown Disney. Only have one day? Try this one-day Disneyland itinerary built to keep you from wearing out.
Rides You Can Enjoy Together
Plenty of Disneyland favorites are easy on the body and great for all ages. Look for rides where you sit the whole time and the motion stays gentle:
- Disneyland Railroad: A relaxing loop around the park with four stations. It’s a ride and a shortcut in one.
- Mark Twain Riverboat: A slow cruise around the Rivers of America with plenty of room to sit or stand.
- “it’s a small world”: A classic boat ride the youngest kids love.
- Pirates of the Caribbean: A boat ride with a couple of small drops. Fine for most guests, but ask the parents if the dark scenes will scare the little ones.
- Haunted Mansion: More silly than scary, and you stay seated in your Doom Buggy.
- Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room: A seated, air-conditioned show. A great place to cool off.
Check the Disneyland app before you go. It lists ride details and access information so you know what to expect.
Use Rider Switch
If one of the grandkids is too short for a ride, Rider Switch keeps everyone happy. You wait outside the line with the little one while the rest of the group rides. When they’re done, up to two people from your waiting group can ride without going through the regular line.
Here’s the best part for grandparents: if you’re the only one waiting and you decide to ride, one of the kids can go again with you. That’s an easy way to turn sitting out into a special one-on-one moment.
Just tell a Cast Member at the ride entrance that you’d like to use Rider Switch, with your whole group there.
Know Where to Rest
Disneyland has more places to sit than most people notice. A few good ones:
- Seated shows give you a break and air conditioning at the same time.
- Mickey’s Toontown has open lawn space where kids can play while you sit nearby.
- The Baby Care Center at the end of Main Street, U.S.A., next to First Aid, is quiet and handy if you’re helping with a toddler.
- First Aid is right there too if you need a bandage or a cool spot to sit for a few minutes.
Agree on a meeting spot early in the day. If the group splits up, you won’t have to chase anyone across the park.
Eat and Drink Smarter
Long lines for food wear you out fast. Use mobile ordering in the Disneyland app so you can pick up your meal without standing in line.
Stay ahead of thirst. Bring a refillable water bottle, and don’t wait until you feel tired to take a drink. Quick-service restaurants will give you a cup of ice water if you ask.
Sit-down meals are worth it, even just one. An hour off your feet in a cool dining room can recharge the whole group.
What to Pack
- Comfortable, broken-in shoes (even if you’re using a scooter)
- A refillable water bottle
- Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses
- A light jacket for the evening
- Any medications you take during the day
- A phone charger or portable battery for the Disneyland app
Make Memories, Not Mileage
The grandkids won’t remember how many steps you took. They’ll remember riding the train with you, eating ice cream on Main Street, and seeing your face light up at the castle. Pace yourself, take the breaks, and get the help that keeps you in the fun.
Reserve your scooter ahead of time at anaheimscooters.com/scooters or call 714-644-8057. Free delivery to your hotel is included.
