Summer is a wonderful time to go to Disneyland!
It’s bright and sunny, school’s out for the kids, and the park has a wonderful bustling energy that makes the park experience something special.
The heat at Disneyland during summer can be challenging, but there are ways to manage it. Visitors can take breaks in air-conditioned attractions, dress appropriately for the weather, enjoy icy treats and drinks, and plan their trips carefully to avoid extreme heat days.
(The Ultimate Guide to Disneyland)
How to Beat the Heat at Disneyland
Just walking around can get exhausting with high temperatures like those in Anaheim during summer.
Which is why you should think about planning your summer Disneyland outfits.
Little Nerdlings, in particular, might need a break from triple-digit temps in the heart of a Southern California summer.
But luckily, there are many ways to beat the heat at Disneyland!
From snacks to cool rides, here are our top tips for staying cool!
1. Take a Break with a Meal to beat the heat
Sometimes, even during the best Disneyland visit, the heat can feel like too much. If you need to get out of the sun, why not take a break and get a bite to eat?
Many dining establishments around Disneyland and California Adventure have indoor seating with air conditioning.
Taking the time to sit down and eat lets you refresh during your trip.
Plus, you get to enjoy the delightful food and charming environment of the park restaurants.
If you have a specific restaurant in mind to visit, be sure to check in advance to see if reservations are possible because some places can get extremely busy.
But no matter where you end up, you’re sure to have a fun time and a nice break from the sun!
But air conditioning isn’t always necessary to beat the heat.
You can also look for shade and some food to-go.
New Orleans Square and Frontierland are particularly great spots to pick up some food (this Nerdling loves any soup in a bread bowl!) and find a nice bench beneath a tree by the river or in the shadow of one of Disneyland’s mountainsides.
The Nerd is also a big fan of the shady pergolas of the Hungry Bear Restaurant, where you can enjoy a quick-and-easy meal in the shade, all while overlooking Disneyland’s picturesque river.
2. Cool Off in Air-Conditioned Attractions to Beat the Heat
A visit to Disneyland includes a lot of walking in the sun, which can get tiring during the hot summers.
Luckily, some of the best breaks from the heat can come from the attractions themselves!
There are lots of rides that allow you to cool off in air conditioning, take a break and sit down, or even cool off with a splash of water.
You can cool off on water rides, such as the classic Splash Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Small World – all of which have the added bonus of letting you sit for a bit!
Pirates and Small World, in particular, are long rides that actually allow the air conditioning to soak into your bones!
Many attractions allow you to sit down and rest for some time, such as Jungle Cruise and the classic Small World.
Finally, many attractions allow you to rest inside away from the sun.
Star Tours, Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters, and the Enchanted Tiki Room are just a few indoor attractions you can find across Disney parks that give you time inside.
That last one – the Tiki Room – is a special treat. A lengthy show, some pineapple soft serve, and a powerful a/c make for a glorious mid-summer cooldown at the park.
3. Dress for the Weather to the Beat the Heat
When going to parks in the heat, one of the best ways to cool off is simply to dress for success!
Make sure to wear clothes that will keep you comfy in hot weather and for a long day of walking around the park.
Do you like to dress on-theme for your trip?
No problem!
Nerds can draw inspiration from many iconic Disney characters while still keeping an eye on the forecast.
Make small adjustments to your outfits to adjust for the heat while keeping the color scheme or accessories the same, and you’ll still capture the character perfectly while staying comfortable in the sun!
4. Get Some Icy Treats and Drinks to Beat the Heat!
Looking for a nice snack to cool off, but don’t have time for a sit-down restaurant?
Disney has a wide variety of yummy treats and drinks to help you cool off! From ice cream to frosty drinks, there’s lots of snacks to help you beat the heat on a hot day.
There are cold drinks available at most snack stands across parks, plus many restaurants have to-go options where you can pick up specialty sodas, shakes, and beverages.
Grab a refreshing mint julep in New Orleans Square, or cool off with a Dole Whip at the Tiki Juice Bar in Adventureland.
5. Plan Your Trip Carefully
Of course, the best way to beat the heat is to avoid it altogether!
While planning your trip, be sure to check on the weather.
It’s hard to completely avoid hot days in California summer, but looking at the forecast in advance can help you stay away from days with extreme heat.
This simple step can make your trip much more comfortable!
So, there you have it!
You can have a wonderful time at Disneyland even in the summer SoCal heat just by following these tips to beat the heat. Have fun out there!
