IF they are still doing the fastpass system, plan your day around that. What it was is you go and get your ticket. That gets you into the short line during that 1 hour window that pass is good for. Cuts the wait down significantly on the major rides. Like 10-15 minutes vs 60+.
Look for rides that have short waits that you can jump on in between the big rides. That helps fill the day for a 6 year old by mixing in waiting with short lines for less popular rides.
We stayed on site (Disney hotel) and it was about a 10 minute walk to get in. It was shorter to walk than to wait for the monorail.
Wear comfortable shoes! No flip flops. Comfortable shoes.
Go during off-season times if possible.
There is a place by the Pacific Warf area that sold clam chowder in a sourdough bread bow. Great meal! Kids got nuggets or burgers and we had that, twice. Ghirardelli is also there, but that quality of chocolate is lost on a 6 year old. Get him/her ice cream and you enjoy the chocolate.
Mickey's fun wheel at Paradise pier usually has a reasonable short line so if you need a ride with a great view of the park that will help calm a 6 year old, this is a good choice.
Soarin' Over California is an awesome ride and worth the wait if your 6 year old is tall enough to go on it.
Turtle Talk with Crush in Hollywood Land is pretty cool. If it's like the one in Orlando, it interacts with the kids. Great indoor calm activity of you need a break from the sun/weather.
Check out what shows are going on at the Hyperion Theater in Hollywood Land. We caught a 30 minute show of Aladdin that had people in costumes coming down the aisle. It was a like a short version of a Broadway Disney Play. Seriously cool and will hold a 6 year old's attention well. Great way to cool off, sit down, and enjoy. Possibly good for afternoons when you need a chance to just rest a bit.
When entering the main Disney park (not California land), the main street is a gauntlet of food and trinket shops. Lots of things specifically designed to grab the attention of children. Be prepared. Maybe have the kid ride on your shoulders to prevent/reduce the lure. This is a very dangerous stretch of road you must cross to get to the rides. Lots of "I want!!"
If your 6 year old is a boy and needs to run, take him to Tom Sawyer Island which has stuff for them to walk/run/climb. Good place to burn energy.
If you want to meet Mickey or Minnie, pick a morning and head straight back to Mickey's ToonTown. Get in early, worship at the rodent, then move on. Later in the day, the lines can get really long which sucks because it's full of fried kids and wiped out parents.
Enjoy!
