Ultimate Guide to Disneyland in the Heat
How can you prepare if you know the weather is going to be really hot at Disneyland? Find out exactly what you can see, eat, and do at Disneyland in the heat. With these tips you'll have fun and stay cool at Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure park.
What Can You Do When It's Hot at Disneyland?
If you already know there will be a heatwave at Disneyland, you can prepare in advance. This is the best keep-cool advice so that you and your family won't be cranky, tired and wiped out by the heat mid-day! This article will share top tips on how to beat the heat and have a great day at the theme parks.
When is the weather the hottest at Disneyland?
Summer in California is usually warm and sunny. Even though summer may wind down, it doesn't mean the high temperatures start to drop. At Disneyland, early August is when things start to really warm up!
In Southern California, August, September and October are usually the warmest months of the year. There might be pumpkins on Main Street USA but the thermometer is still reading 100 degrees!
SoCal has also been known to get 90 degree temperatures in February, when much of the country is blanketed in snow. Unlike the moist warmth in Orlando at Walt Disney World, the heat in California comes in from the desert.
It's a dry heat you might not have experienced before. After scorching under the hot sun all day you'll be wishing for Elsa's frosty touch!
It's a great idea to download a weather app to your phone and check the forecast before your trip. While the forecast can change, you'll at least have some clues as to how to pack and prepare.
How to Do Disneyland in the Heat
I'm sharing ideas on things to do indoors, air-conditioned rides that will cool you off, and where to get wet at Disneyland. Find out the best ways to avoid the summer heat, where to get a free cup of water, and eliminating the risk of heat exhaustion.
I also have suggestions on what to pack in your bag for a day in the sun and what you can buy in the parks. Keep reading for ways to maximize your day in the sun and what to do if the heat gets the best of you.
Keep reading for all the top tips in this warm weather survival guide to the Disneyland resort. This is the expert advice for doing Disneyland in the heat!
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Disneyland Changes That Might Affect Your Vacation
There are a great many vacation planning changes for Disneyland in the last few years. If you haven't been to the theme parks in a while, be sure to read this section carefully.
Disneyland Tickets are not sold at the front gate
Disneyland tickets are now sold strictly online, in advance of a trip. No tickets are offered for sale at the parks. All guests MUST purchase tickets ahead of time - I recommend Get Away Today for excellent prices on multi-day tickets and awesome hotel discounts!
Disneyland reservations are required for entry.
In addition, every guest needs to make a park reservation via the Disneyland website or app. Read up to get the details on virtual queue, Disney's Lightning Lane, and Magic Key annual passes!
SAVE WITH DISCOUNTED DISNEYLAND TICKETS!
DISCOUNT DISNEYLAND TICKETS - My travel partners at Get Away Today offer both discounted Disneyland tickets and Anaheim-area hotels to fit any budget! Many hotels include exclusive discounts like free parking, complimentary breakfast or even free nights, just for booking through Get Away Today.
Mention code REWRITTEN to receive an extra discount off your SoCal vacation package (when booking 2+ nights with two or more tickets).
Disneyland tickets purchased now are good through December 31st, 2027. Purchase your multi-day tickets through Get Away Today today and lock in the best pricing of the year.
Discount Disneyland tickets!
Disneyland Itinerary in Hot Weather
Disneyland in the heat can be draining. This is especially true if you have a multi-day trip planned when it's hot at Disneyland.
It's ideal to follow this rule when doing Disneyland in the heat: Arrive early and stay late. If you take advantage of early morning hours and theme park time after the sun drops, you'll fare best with the hot weather.
Disneyland rope drop
When planning out your schedule, aim to arrive to the parks early when temperatures are lowest. I recommend arriving before official park opening year 'round to take advantage of lighter morning crowds. These Disneyland rope drop tips will help you maximize the first two hours after opening.
Purchase a Disneyland ticket with Lightning Lane to minimize wait times during the heat of the day until the late afternoon. Or use the tips later in this article to take a mid-day break outside of the theme parks.
Plan an afternoon break from the theme parks
Peak hours mid-day can be hot and busy at Disneyland. Consider taking an afternoon break back at the hotel to recharge. Plan on spending a few hours dining at the hotel, swimming, watching TV, or napping while relaxing off your feet in the air conditioning.
Enjoy theme park evening hours
Return to the parks in the early evening when temperatures dip. Once the sun sets, you'll be rewarded with cooler temperatures. It's a great time to schedule nighttime spectaculars, like fireworks, parades, Fantasmic!, and World of Color. Aim to stay until closing to enjoy lighter crowds and low heat!
Doing Disneyland in the Heat
It’s easy to get dehydrated when you're walking all day. Seek out areas to get out of the sun and take a break, especially mid-day. These are additional tips when you're visiting Disneyland during hot weather season.
Where do the Disneyland characters meet when it's hot?
Most Disney characters still meet outdoors. Expect to stand in a long line, possibly in the sun.
This is a good opportunity to reapply sunscreen. Consider packing a sun umbrella for these times when you're in direct sun for an extended time period.
Are Disneyland queues outdoors?
Yes, a large number of the rides and attractions at Disneyland have outdoor queues. Some attractions have outdoor lines which means extra time under the sunshine. Be sure to wear a hat, reapply sun protection frequently, and again, take breaks to re-hydrate.
Can you bring refillable water bottles into Disneyland?
Yes, there are refill stations in the theme parks. Look for water bottle refill stations located around the park.
Enter the phrase "Bottle-Filling Stations" on the Disneyland app to view the exact spots. This particular water fountain is located in a hallway as you exit Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.
Are Disneyland Dining Reservations and Mobile Ordering Important?
For families looking for air conditioning and a respite off their feet during the mid-day heat, restaurant dining is key. When experiencing Disneyland in the heat, an extended break to dine inside under air conditioning is important!
While many Disneyland restaurants offer mostly outdoor seating, some spots do have indoor dining as well. The following sections will outline which restaurants feature indoor seating.
Full Service Dining at Disneyland with Indoor Seating
Consider booking an advance dining reservation for one or more table service restaurant ahead of your trip. If you aren't able to secure an ADR, try using the "walk up" button when offered on the Disneyland app for select locations on the day of your visit.
Check out these additional tips on how to eat at Disneyland without reservations.
Seek locations that offer indoor dining at one of these restaurants:
- Blue Bayou
- Café Orleans
- Carnation Café
- Carthay Circle
- Lamplight Lounge
- Oga's Cantina in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge (mostly cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages with a few snacks)
- River Belle Terrace
- Wine Country Trattoria
Quick Service Dining at Disneyland with Indoor Seating
In order to minimize your time standing in line, opt for mobile ordering through the Disneyland app. Scheduling meals for quick service restaurants is my favorite way to maximize time!
Consider placing all of your orders first thing in the morning. Schedule the timing throughout the day to eat when you'll want to get out of the heat.
Not all counter service dining locations offer inside dining. Many of them only have outside seating. Most seats will be under shade covering or umbrella.
The added bonus of A/C is incentive to seek out an indoor location! When mobile ordering, look to these counter service restaurants that offer indoor seating.
- Alien Pizza Planet
- Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta
- Docking Bay 7 Food & Cargo
- Fidler, Fifer & Practical Café
- Flo's V8 Café
- Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor
- Golden Horseshoe
- Plaza Inn
- Rancho del Zocalo
- Red Rose Taverne
- Smokejumpers Grill
Indoor Attractions at Disneyland & Disney's California Adventure
There are many locations within the theme parks in which to escape the heat. These non-ride indoor attractions offer leisurely walks or rest indoors where you can enjoy the air conditioning.
Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough - Walk through the castle to view dioramas of the movie storyline. The walkthrough is located on the right hand side in the back of the castle.
Mickey's House in Toontown - This walk-through attraction takes you through the whimsical house of Mickey. Wait for a one-on-one character greeting with him while watching cartoons in air-conditioned comfort.
The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln - A restful theater and cool air. Air conditioned theater features a rousing historic presentation and animatronic of the President giving one of his speeches.
Inside the air conditioned building are some fascinating Disney memorabilia, which you can spend time viewing. Some guests admit they come here to take a brief nap!
Enchanted Tiki Room - Not to be skipped, the Tiki Room is especially refreshing on a hot day. Pick up a Dole Whip before going inside as you can snack during the show. Use Mobile Ordering on the Disneyland app to save time in line!
More Indoor Things to Do at California Adventure & Disneyland in the Heat
Main Street Cinema - Get a glimpse at the beginning days of Mickey Mouse inside this theater, which shows 6 classic cartoons on separate but simultaneous movie screens. No place to sit inside but still nicely air conditioned.
Disney Junior Dance Party! - Get toddlers out of the heat and inside to watch and dance along with the adorable show featuring favorite TV show characters.
Mickey's PhilharMagic - A delightful indoor show, it's a place to sit and be treated to favorite characters in a family-friendly 4-D experience.
Bakery Tour - Hosted by Boudin Bread, this walk-through tour lasts about ten air conditioned minutes with a behind-the-scenes look at how sourdough bread is made.
Redwood Creek Challenge Trail - Not technically indoors but it's highly shaded. Kids can run around and get sweaty on the tire swings, slides, and overhead ropes. Adults can sit in the shade of the tall trees and take a break!
The Disney Animation Building - This indoor space hosts a variety of activities that can take up the hottest part of the day. Be sure to check out Turtle Talk with Crush and Animation Academy, where guests learn to draw with a Disney animator.
Survive Disneyland Heat and Stay Cool on an Indoor Ride
Looking to beat the heat but still enjoy the rides? Lengthy indoor rides are a great way to stay out of the sun.
The following attractions will get you off your feet and into the air conditioning! (This section features rides at Disneyland. Read the next section for Disney California Adventure rides.)
- Pirates of the Caribbean - Yo-ho! 15-minutes of dark caverns and swarthy pirates will have you rested and ready to take on the sun again.
- The Disneyland Railroad - Hop aboard for an 18-minute grand circle tour. You'll be shaded in the open train cars and get a great breeze as the train takes a trip around Disneyland.
- Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters - A slow, cool ride in the dark while firing off laser guns to defeat Zurg!
- Mark Twain Riverboat - This classic paddle wheel takes a long ride on the Rivers of America. Take a seat in the shade or stand at the helm to capture the breeze.
- Haunted Mansion - This attraction offers a rest for weary souls with bone-chilling a/c. All thrills viewed from the comfort of your Doombuggy.
- Indiana Jones Adventure - Take a long, cool walk in the shady queue, with most of the line-up inside with air conditioning.
- "it's a small world" - The happiest cruise that ever sailed. It's a Small World offers 15-minutes of lovely air-conditioning, accompanied by music!
Disney California Adventure Park - Best Rides on a Hot Day
- Pixar Pal-A-Round - A breezy Ferris wheel ride, take the swinging version for extra "zip".
- Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: BREAKOUT! - Shaded outdoor queue and an air-conditioned indoor waiting area.
- Silly Symphony Swings - A windy spin on this ride will cool off any sweat drops!
- Soarin' Around the World - The outdoor line up for this attraction offers cooling misters on hot days with a mostly-inside queue.
- The Little Mermaid - Ariel's Undersea Adventure - What could be more refreshing than going under the sea? This ride has no height requirements, so it's perfect for the entire family.
Rides and Other Places to Get Wet at Disneyland
There are several locations within the theme parks to get wet, including some of the rides. On a hot day these will be your favorite rides! Use Lightning Lane to secure your ride reservation or plan on waiting.
- Grizzly River Run - If you're really looking for a soaking, try this water rapids ride at Disney California Adventure. Rarely does anyone escape without at least one article of clothing sopping wet.
- Mickey's Toontown splashpad and fountains - There are several locations inside Toontown for guests to get wet.
- Water balls - There are two rotating water-coated balls in the parks. Find one in Disneyland near the entrance to Space Mountain. There's a Pixar ball in Pixar Pier area at Disney California Adventure.
What to bring for water rides at Disneyland
Consider packing in a pair of flip-flops to wear on water rides. Swap out your regular shows and put on sandals. Wearing soggy socks is a sure way to induce blisters!
A waterproof waist pack is an ideal place to store items like your phone and wallet to avoid getting them wet.
Swim Break from Disneyland in the Heat
For families on a multi-day Disneyland vacation, I highly recommend taking a swim break back at the hotel pool. A mid-day stop to swim, snack, rest, and maybe take a nap is an ideal way to break from Disneyland in the heat. That's definitely one of our family favorite tips on warm days.
All three Disneyland Resort hotel pools have water slides for added fun!
The Disneyland Hotel is my personal favorite, with the Monorail Slide and multiple swimming pools. The Grand Californian has the advantage of quick access to pools through the Disney California Adventure side entrance. Pixar Place has an awesome themed roof-top pool area with a kiddie splash pool.
These Good Neighbor Hotels in the Disneyland area are nearby enough for a middle-of-the-day break. There are other nearby locations in the Anaheim area with awesome family swimming areas.
Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance and Waterpark Resort is located directly across from the park entrance. Their Surfside Waterpark includes a pool, kiddie splash pad, and 6 water slides.
The Residence Inn hotel offers a great splash pad for young kids, swimming pool as well as a full kitchen and excellent kid's suites.
Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel & Waterpark Playground offers two swim spots, including the fantastic Castaway Cove with water slides.
What to Bring With You During Warm Weather at Disneyland
Park Tickets - Purchase your multi-day tickets ahead of time from my partner at Get Away Today. You'll save a lot on the cost of tickets.
Also remember that tickets are not currently being sold at the front gates! Get more tips about purchasing Disneyland tickets, Magic Key annual pass and making park reservations on this article.
Sunscreen - Always. Use a high SPF and reapply often, especially if you are sweating. Spray sunscreen is best for body coverage. A stick sunscreen is a good option for faces.
Reusable Water Bottle - Refill at one of the water fountains or water dispenser refill stations. Choose a light weight version rather than metal to minimize the weight of what you'll be carrying.
Frozen bottles of water - Pour a little off the top before freezing them and pack them in your bag or soft-sided cooler. I highly recommend the Engel Cooler, a bag with interchangeable handles and straps which we use on our Disneyland trips.
Deodorant - If you find that you need to reapply mid-day when the weather is hot, do your queue-mates a favor and bring in deodorant!
Change of Shoes - In particular, it's nice to have a pair of plastic flip-flops or sandals that you can change into before going on wet rides.
Need more Disneyland packing tips? Get the free Disney packing list printable!
What to Wear at Disneyland in the Heat
Chill Towel - So refreshing to rinse a chill towel in cool water and wrap around your neck. Doing this will lower your body temperature several degrees.
Hat - Wear one to block direct sun off your face and the top of your head. I always tend to get a burned scalp when I forget my hat and wow, does that hurt!
Sunglasses - Nothing like squinting into the sun all day to give you a headache.
Warm Weather Shoes - I'm a fan of open-toed shoes during the hot weather. For more tips click through for the best shoes to wear at Disney Parks.
What About Halloween Time at Disneyland?
The fall season happens at Disneyland beginning in early September and lasting through the end of October. But there's hardly a crisp feeling in the air. You'll likely be experiencing very hot temperatures!
Keep a watch on the weather forecasts leading up to your vacation. Mornings can often be chilly, with a mid-afternoon warm up. You might need the bring both shorts and a Disney Halloween Spirit Jersey!
It will not be fun to suffer in an overly hot Halloween costume if temperatures are high. If attending Oogie Boogie Bash - A Disneyland Halloween Party plan costumes carefully.
What to Buy at Disneyland Park to Keep Cool
For the most part, guests should plan to pre-purchase items and bring them into the parks. However there are a few fun hot weather treats to keep in mind that you can buy at Disneyland.
Mint Julep - Swing around New Orleans Square and pick up a mint julep (or two). Get this non-alcoholic drink at the Mint Julep Bar and sit in the shaded patio of Tiana's Palace restaurant. Or seek the cool comfort inside the Blue Bayou Restaurant.
Parasol - Pop it open and you'll be made in the shade! Sold at a cart in New Orleans Square. Price comes with hand painted name personalization and either hearts or flowers (additional designs offered for extra cost).
Sundaes - Eat an ice cream sundae (big enough for two) and catch a show inside The Golden Horseshoe (my favorite is the mint chocolate chip!). With 8 toppings and 8 scoops of ice cream, the Earthquake from Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop will chill everyone in your group!
The classic Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor is the place for people watching...and waffle cone ice creams!
Misting Fan - These are sold in kiosks throughout the park. This is a squirt bottle with an attached fan and strap to hang from your neck. On a hot day, it's priceless!
This is one item you can purchase ahead of time. I'd suggest saving a few dollars and buy one before you go on your trip. See this post for the other souvenirs you should buy before you go!
Change of Clothes - When the sweat is unbearable, seek shelter inside a shop and buy yourself a fresh new tee or tank. You'll feel (and probably smell!) so much better.
Frozen Treat - Enjoy a cool snack from one of the many walk-up carts around the amusement parks. The Boysen Apple Freeze at Maurice's Treats in Fantasyland is a favorite!
Things to Remember When It's Hot at Disneyland
What's the best thing to drink at Disney?
Drink lots of water and add your own electrolyte powder to rehydrate. Bring several empty water bottles and keep them filled with water from the water refill stations.
Guests can also ask for free water at walk-up dining locations. You'll receive a small cup of ice cold water.
Best places to stay out of the sun at Disneyland
Seek out shady places in out of the way locations. These quiet spots can help to avoid a Disneyland meltdown. Mickey's Toontown, Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, Tom Sawyer Island, indoor attractions, and full-service restaurants are the best places to get out of the sun.
As often as you can, keep in the shade. When it's hot at Disneyland, a shady area might be harder to come by.
Avoid the high noon hours
Get to the Parks early, leave mid-day when the sun is hottest, then return to the Parks after a swim and a rest in your room. Or simply retreat to an indoor show or shopping when the sun is blazing.
Avoiding Heat Illness at Disneyland
Follow all of these tips including staying hydrating, getting out of the sun, and taking breaks to avoid heat illness.
If the heat has you feeling sick, stop by First Aid at any time. Symptoms include dizziness, confusion, nausea and cramping.
Things to Do in the Disneyland Area When it's Hot
The Disneyland parks tend to be even hotter because of all the concrete and crowds! Schedule a theme park break in the middle of the day. Here are a few ideas for families to do when they need to get out of the sun on a hot day at Disneyland.
Splitsville Anaheim
This location in Downtown Disney District is a great place for a lunch reservation. Bowl a few games, dine on some great food and have fun in the air conditioning for a few hours.
If you're going with younger children find out more in this post about Splitsville Anaheim With Kids.
Goofy's Kitchen
Another fun dining location! Goofy's Kitchen is a character dining restaurant located inside the Disneyland Hotel and you'll need to book Advance Dining Reservations.
Plan to spend a few hours eating at the buffet and interacting with the characters.
Discovery Cube OC
This children's museum is located just a few minutes drive on the freeway, in Santa Ana. Families can spend all day inside, exploring in this hands-on science center.
SoCal beaches
Embrace the warm California days by lounging on the sandy beach! If you're looking for things to do beyond Disneyland find out the Great Things to Do in Southern California.
This article was originally published May 18th, 2018 and has been updated and republished with a new date.
