How to Survive HOT Weather at Disneyland

Have a Disneyland trip planned, but worried about the Southern California heat?

You’ve come to the right place for tips on what to wear, how to stay cool, and what to expect from our sunny SoCal weather.

I’m a San Diego girl (which is less than 2 hours from Disneyland) and have grown up going to Disneyland at least once a year since I was 2 years old. Now that I’m “all-grown-up” with kids of my own, my husband have Magic Key Disneyland Season Passes and take our girls to Disneyland at least once a month.

Safe to say I’ve seen the entire range of weather at the theme parks from cold and rainy (umm..remember our California “hurricane” scare?) to triple digits during heat waves.

When is it Hot in Disneyland

You need to know that summer isn’t the hot weather season…July and August are hot, but June Gloom is overcast and can still be cooler weather.

Fire season in Southern California is in September and October, leaving us with a lot of very hot Halloweens. This is not great for elaborate Oogie Boogie Bash costumes.

Does this mean it’s always over 90 F July through October? No, but it’s always worth double-checking the weather report and packing layers.

What to Wear at Disneyland in Hot Weather

There are two types of hot weather outfits I recommend to beat the heat at Disneyland. 

The first option is your tank top and shorts all day. It is hot. It is not going to cool down. It’ll still be in the 80s at night. You do not need layers. 

The second outfit is to wear a tank top and shorts, but bring a light sweater.

It can be 100F during the day, but as soon as that sun goes down, the temperature drops. 

We were just at Disneyland for a full weekend where Southern California was going through a heat wave…

…I like the heat and even I was saying it was too hot. 

I brought our sweaters (better to be prepared, right?), but we didn’t even look at them. 

Bottom line: check the weather for temperature change throughout the day and the UV Index.

The higher the UV index is, the stronger that direct sunlight will feel.

You can check out my top picks for what shoes to wear at Disneyland and theme parks, but the main takeaway is to wear tennis shoes.

Unless you have comfortable hiking sandals made for walking all day. Teva and Keen are great hiking shoe brands with sandals.

Last time I wore my flip-flops to Disneyland, they got stepped on and the strap broke. And then I got blisters from the new plastic sandals that I had to buy at the Disneyland gift shop. Not ideal. 

What to Wear at Disneyland in the Heat

• Tank Top (breathable, moisture-wicking fabric)
• Shorts
• Walking Shoes
• Light Sweater (for the evening)

Beat the Heat Accessories 

• Sunglasses
• Sun Hat
• Sunscreen
• Cooling Towels
• Portable Fan
• Spray Bottle Fan

Water Stations & Staying Hydrated

I know Disneyland is known for delicious drinks, from Blue Milk (although I prefer the Green Milk) to specialty coffee, cocktails, and mocktails, but you need to hydrate with water on those hot days!

Most quick-service restaurants will give you water (with or without ice) if you ask for a cup.

Pro tip: refill your water bottle with ice water when you stop for meals or snacks.

Water Refill Stations:

• Bottle Refill Stations: These usually offer cool water, but if they’re in the sun, it can be warmer water. Still, it’s better than the drinking fountains.
• Quick Service Restaurants: You can always ask for a free cup of ice water at any quick-service location.
• Water Cup Stations: During heat waves, some quick-service restaurants like Flo’s V8 Café in California Adventure will have water stations set up with pre-filled cups of ice water, making it quick and easy to grab a drink.

Best Refill Spots:

• Carnation Café (Main Street): On extremely hot days at Disneyland, this Main Street quick-service restaurant has water cups pre-filled, but they do not have ice in them.
• Red Rose Tavern (Fantasyland): This is a hidden gem for water refills! They have a self-serve water station in the seating area that offers cold water. You can also ask for ice at the quick service counter.
• Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta (Paradise Gardens Park): This quick-service restaurant can give you a full-size cup to use for ice water at the self-serving soda station.

Planning Your Day in Disneyland Heat

If you’re braving a heat wave in Southern California, you need a plan. Where will you go to cool off? What do you “have to do” at Disneyland, and what time would be best to experience those items on your checklist?

Pre-thinking the flow of your day will help set expectations and keep attitudes from getting too hot.

1. Start with Rope Drop:

• Getting to Disneyland early is a game-changer, especially when it’s hot. You can avoid the intense midday heat and crowds, plus you’ll knock out several rides before it gets too busy. This is a great option if your kids are naturally early risers.
• Pick a popular ride to get done first, then hit up any attractions nearby with low wait times. You’ll get most of your family rides done early morning.

2. Midday Escape:

• Between 11 AM and 2 PM, when the sun is at its peak, it’s best to take a break from outdoor activities. Try indoor attractions with air conditioning like Pirates of the Caribbean, Mickey’s PhilharMagic, or Turtle Talk with Crush. These will keep you cool while still giving you some Disneyland magic.
• Shows are another great option. Even outdoor ones, like the Fantasy Fair Theater, are shaded and can offer a nice break from walking.
• Pool Time! Head back to your hotel after an early lunch and take full advantage of the cool water. My favorite is the rooftop pool at Pixar Place Hotel complete with a water slide, splash pad, and refreshing snack stand.

3. Dining in Comfort:

• If you can, make a dining reservation for a sit-down restaurant. It guarantees you’ll have a seat in air conditioning and table service, which is a great way to recharge. Quick service can be tempting for convenience, but many of those spots only have outdoor seating, so plan ahead for an indoor meal.
• Some good quick-service options with indoor seating are Pizza Planet and Red Rose Tavern.
• The Grand Californian Grill is outdoors, but poolside at the Grand Californian Hotel and in the shade, usually with a breeze. Lamplight Lounge and Carnation Cafe are delicious with an indoor dining option.

4. Late Afternoon & Evening:

• Once the sun starts to set and things cool off a bit- that’s when you want to be more active again. Take advantage of this time to hit up the rides you missed earlier or simply enjoy the park with a bit less heat.

5. Window Shopping:

• Shopping is a popular option to beat the heat, but there are so many air conditioned shops you can usually not get stuck in a crowd. If your kids want everything they see, take a picture of them with their favorite items to create a wish list. It keeps them happy and helps you remember what they liked for future gifts.

Cool Retreats: Finding Shade and AC

One of my favorite ways to escape the heat at Disneyland is to go hotel hopping around the Disney Resort hotels. It’s a great way to cool off and explore different areas of Disney magic beyond the parks.

Disneyland “hotel hopping” means you go to each Disney Resort hotel and just look around at the different lobbies. 

They are so well-designed and beautiful. The Grand Californian, especially, always has a seasonal display. The shops have some similar items you’d see in the regular Disneyland shops, but they’ll also have more unique items specific to the hotel that the shop is at. And it’s just a fun way to immerse yourself in just some more extra magic of Disney.

• The Grand Californian is a must-visit with its stunning lobby, cozy atmosphere, and seasonal displays that add extra Disney magic. It’s also a great spot to find unique merchandise that’s exclusive to the hotel.
• You can also check out Disneyland Hotel and Paradise Pier Hotel. Each has its own themed decor and shops with exclusive items you won’t find in the regular park stores.

Hotel hopping is a relaxing way to enjoy the magic of Disney, get out of the heat, and discover hidden gems around the resorts. Plus, you don’t need a reservation or to be staying at the hotel to explore!

Splash Zone: Water-Based Attractions

Disneyland and California Adventure offer some great water-based attractions that can be a fun way to cool off on a hot day.

Water Attractions:

• Grizzly River Run (California Adventure): This is my personal favorite. It’s a thrilling water rafting ride where you’re almost guaranteed to get wet! If your kids aren’t tall enough or are a little nervous, they can stand near the drop to get splashed, which is a super fun and refreshing way to cool down without riding.
• Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, and It’s a Small World: While not major splash rides, these attractions still provide a break from the heat, offering a cool, shaded or air-conditioned experience as they’re all water-based.
• Tiana’s Bayou Adventure: this reimagined ride is amazing! So much fun with a lighthearted, positive vibe the whole way. Plus you will get wet!

Pool Options:

If you’re staying at a Disney Resort hotel or a good neighbor hotel, using the pool is an excellent way to beat the heat. Here are some of my favorite spots:

• Pixar Place Hotel: The pool here has a splash pad and a shallow end perfect for younger kids.
• Grand Californian: This hotel has multiple pools, including water slides and shallow kiddie areas, plus a great poolside dining option at the Grand Craftsman Bar and Grill.
• Disneyland Hotel: With its iconic monorail-themed water slide and adorable Steamboat Willie splash pad, this pool area is a must-visit.

Good Neighbor Hotels:

• Candy Cane Inn: It has a quaint pool area with a jacuzzi and a kiddie pool, plus a lovely continental breakfast.
• Grand Legacy at the Park: This hotel has a beach-like entrance pool, a splash pad, and fountains, making it ideal for families. You can even catch the fireworks from the pool area!
• Howard Johnson Hotel (Hojo): Famous for its on-site water park, this is a popular choice for families looking to cool off with some extra water fun.

Whether it’s the rides or the pools, Disneyland Resort has plenty of ways to stay cool while enjoying the magic!

Best Cold Treats and Meals

When it’s blazing hot at Disneyland, skip the ice cream cone—it’ll melt faster than you can eat it and turn into a sticky mess. I say that, but we still get ice cream…it’s just so good!

Ice cream or not, here are some cool treats at Disneyland for those hot days.

Cool Treats:

• Adorable Snowman (California Adventure): Their lemon or mango soft-serve slushies are perfect on a hot day. Get them in a cup to avoid melting too quickly.
• Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor (Disneyland): Grab a sundae in a waffle bowl and enjoy it indoors. You’ll stay cool and avoid a melted mess.
• Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream (Buena Vista Street, California Adventure): They also serve sundaes with plenty of indoor seating to help you escape the heat.
• Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff (Pixar Pier): Their candy-filled slushies are a must-try for a refreshing (and fun) treat (my favorite!!!).
• Dole Whip: This classic is fruity, icy, and served in a cup, making it a perfect choice to cool down.

Refreshing Drinks:

• Slushies: The slushie spot in Cars Land offers super-refreshing drinks, but be sure to drink them fast, or they’ll melt in the heat (although I prefer the ones at Bing Bong’s because of the added candy).
• Mint Juleps: Available in both Disneyland and California Adventure, they often have seasonal flavors. For Halloween 2024, try the peach mango julep, especially with green apple Mickey-shaped beignets. Christmas time has a refreshing cranberry pomegranate mint julep.
• Cold Brew & Lemonades: If you’re a fan of cold brews or lemonades, there are plenty of seasonal and unique options at both parks, offering a refreshing pick-me-up. Try the watermelon lemonade in ToonTown!

Nighttime Spectaculars

Stick it out for the nighttime spectaculars! It typically cools down at night and the shows are impressive.

I suggest seeing Fanstasmic then staying where you are to watch the fireworks and projections. Or skip Fantasmic and get a fireworks spot in Galaxy’s Edge for an epic Star Wars-themed show.

• World of Color (California Adventure)
• Fantasmic (Disneyland)
• Projections +/- Fireworks (Disneyland)

Emergency Cool Down

If you’re getting overheated, top priority is to take care of yourself. There are first aid stations in both parks and the cast members are super helpful.

There is nothing wrong with sitting in the shade or retiring to your hotel room for a break.

You’ll have a much smoother experience which will counter any “lost” theme park time.

Surviving Hot Weather at Disneyland Summary 

There you have it, – your ultimate guide to conquering the heat at the Happiest Place on Earth! Remember, with a little preparation and these cool tips (pun intended!), you can have an amazing time at Disneyland no matter how high the temperature climbs.

Stay hydrated, find those shady spots, and don’t forget to enjoy a Dole Whip (or two! This is my favorite, so tag @famtravelfolio with your best Disneyland Dole Whip picture on Instagram.).

Most importantly, listen to your body and take breaks when needed. After all, a comfortable Disney fan is a happy Disney fan. So go beat the heat and create those magical memories that will last a lifetime!