When going to Disneyland with a little one, you’re probably wondering where you can buy milk at Disneyland. Obviously, you can’t stuff a gallon of milk into your suitcase so you have no choice but to purchase it upon arrival if you need it since most toddlers drink whole milk daily, it’s a necessity for many families to have on hand, especially for longer vacations. Luckily, Disneyland has quite a few different options to purchase milk, making family trips easy as possible! Let’s talk about some of your options.
Coffee Stands & Shops
If you’re looking for where to buy milk at Disneyland, throughout the park there are coffee kiosks. Although whole milk may not be on the menu don’t feel afraid to ask for it.
The first time I had to search for milk at Disneyland was when I first brought my daughter. It was our first day in the park and she was jet-lagged. We had her Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique appointment and she wasn’t in the greatest of moods. I was sent on a mission to fill her milk bottle. The closest kiosk was the Coffee stand in Main Street, I didn’t see milk on the menu but being a coffee stand I knew milk was used as a creamer.
If you’re in Downtown Disney there’s a Starbucks located close to the Disney store, you can’t miss it. On our way back to the hotel I would mobile order two trenta sized cups of milk. This way I had enough milk to last my daughter until the next day.
White Water Snacks
When we first visited Disneyland we stayed at the Paradise Pier and they sold milk at the shop downstairs. With the price I had to purchase it I knew my wallet wouldn’t be too happy since we were staying for a whole week of Disneyland. At first I was buying milk at Starbucks before heading back to the hotel, then I discovered they sold milk at the Grand Californian at White Water Snacks.
Located at Disney’s Grand Californian Spa and Hotel, White Water Snacks is a great little quick stop option for grabbing a snack or drink on the go. Many people choose this stop to grab their milk because they sell a jug that doesn’t take up too much room in your mini fridge.
Additionally, there is usually not much of a wait and the area is not densely traveled to like other popular areas in the park, making it perfect for those in need of a little break. White Water Snacks is technically in the Grand Californian Spa and Hotel but you do not have to have a reservation there in order to shop in the snack booth so feel free to pop in and get whatever you need! There are even mobile ordering options to make things even faster.
Nearby Shops
If you are wanting a full gallon of milk, you can opt to walk to one of the nearby gas stations or quick shops to purchase some. You get more bang for your buck this way. Many people stop before entering the park and grab a half gallon of milk and use the locker rental areas to store the drink until they need it (more on this later). This allows you the freedom to plan breaks to go back to your locker and also saves you quite a bit of money if you have multiple children in need of whole milk or a single child who just really loves it! In many of the stores you can grab a gallon for close to the price of a single cup in the parks.
Near Disneyland, there are many gas stations and other stores that make it quite easy to pick up whatever you need before entering the park at a much lower rate. If you are staying near Disneyland or within the resort at one of the Disney hotels, you can easily walk or Uber to these stores and stash your purchases in your room to divide up each day into easy to carry servings, too!
Hotels
Though not every hotel has it on hand, many carry some form of milk. Try asking room service if you can make a bulk purchase or check in with the front desk and see if they can sell you some for use in the parks. Many hotels are very accommodating and will go out of their way to get you anything you need or point you in the right direction to find it yourself so do not be afraid to ask.
Delivery / Driving Services
In the age of the internet, it’s quite easy to have pretty much anything delivered right to your hotel room. Through Instacart or other delivery services, you can order whole milk from your phone or computer and have it brought right to your hotel room! This makes making sure you have some on hand at all times easy, especially if you do not have a car or Uber to take you to the grocery store. A little tip: order some other basics like chips, Pop Tarts, and sandwich supplies and eat at least one meal per day in your hotel room if you are looking to save a bit of cash on your vacation! Save dining out for the big meals and snack on a budget.
The Half and Half Trick
If you are really desperate, you can use two percent milk. Though it’s not as nutritious as whole milk, you can add a bit of half and half to two percent milk to create something nutritionally similar to whole milk that is close enough in flavor for many toddlers to accept. If you use this method, which is a super old trick from the time of our great grandmothers, just mix in one part of half and half to three parts of two percent milk. It will be pretty much the same thing, though it’s not a long term replacement and should only be used in a pinch for younger kids.
Shelf Stable Milk
If you are fine with packing your own whole milk, you can pick up a shelf stable version to make your trip easier. Shelf stable milk does not require refrigeration due to its rigorous pasteurization process but still has a comparable, nearly identical nutritional value that will work well as a replacement for kiddos who need whole fat milk regularly. Additionally, it can be warmed or chilled to their preferred temperature, though neither of these temperature changes are required in order for the milk to be drinkable. All in all, many people find this to be the best option since it requires little work and is affordable. You can even buy whole milk in shelf stable organic options!
[amazon box=”B00WVSNJ8Y”]Questions and Answers
1. How can I keep milk cold while in Disneyland?
Keeping milk cold is vital in preventing it from spoiling. My personal method for keeping milk chilled is to keep it in an insulated cooler with ice packs inside. This traps the frigid temperature without freezing the liquid solid. Additionally, you can put milk in the locker area with ice packs too to create a sort of pseudo-fridge situation if you do not mind coming back and forth. Many people just keep whole milk in their hotel rooms if they are close by and go back as needed, though this is not viable if you are further than walking distance away from the parks due to parking pricing and availability.
2. Where can I warm my child’s milk?
There are two commonly chosen methods aside from bringing along a portable bottle warmer. First, many people go to Starbucks or the other coffee shops in the park and simply request an order of warm whole milk. The staff members will warm the milk up; always check the temperature before giving it to your little one to ensure it is not too hot. Otherwise, you can go to the Baby Care Center located next to the First Aid Center at the end of Main Street, U.S.A. They have a microwave inside of the facilities that is perfect for heating up milk while out and about in the parks. Plus, the Baby Care Center is amazing for breaks and to let your little ones grab a snack and get out of the hustle and bustle of the park crowds for a moment.
3. Does Disneyland sell bottles?
They do! You can buy baby bottles and cups at the Baby Care Center. They are no-frills, plain bottles but they will get the job done and are relatively cheap. These bottles make a perfect replacement for any forgotten essentials and are always available. I do not think I have ever witnessed anything in the Baby Care Center sell out so do not worry about shortage; Disneyland has you covered!
Additionally, you can grab other basics like wipes, lotions, rash creams, diapers, pacifiers, and other baby must haves in the Baby Care Center, too, making it a little easier if your kiddo loses something or an unexpected emergency occurs. They even have room for nursing moms to sit and pump or nurse, as well. The Baby Care Center is one of the biggest assets any parent could hope for; it makes Disneyland with toddlers and babies so, so much easier than ever before!
