What to Do at Disneyland When It’s Really Hot

If you’re wondering what to do at Disneyland when it’s hot, you’re definitely not alone. Summer temperatures in Anaheim can climb into the 80s and 90s, and when you combine that with long park days, lots of walking, and crowded pathways, the heat can start to feel pretty intense.

The good news is that there are plenty of ways to stay comfortable and still have an amazing day in the parks. With a little planning and a few smart strategies, you can handle the Disneyland summer heat and still experience everything that makes a Disney trip so magical.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly what to do at Disneyland when it’s really hot so you can stay cool and make the most of your day.

How Hot Does Disneyland Get?

Before planning your strategy, it helps to know what to expect.

During the summer months, temperatures at the Disneyland Resort regularly reach the mid-80s to low-90s, especially in July, August, and September. Because Disneyland has large concrete walkways and long lines that are sometimes exposed to the sun, the heat can feel even more intense in the afternoon.

If you’re visiting during warmer months, it helps to have a plan for how to stay cool at Disneyland so the heat doesn’t slow you down.

Start Your Day Early

One of the best ways to deal with the Disneyland summer heat is to start your day early.

Mornings are usually the coolest part of the day, and crowds are lighter. That makes it the perfect time to experience outdoor rides and attractions before the temperature starts climbing.

Many experienced visitors use a rope drop strategy to ride several attractions quickly before lines get long. Starting early can help you accomplish a lot before the hottest part of the day arrives.

You can read my full rope drop strategy here:
Full guide to rope dropping at Disneyland

Pro tip:
If you can knock out a few of the rides with the longest outdoor queues early in the morning, you’ll avoid standing in the heat later in the day.

Use Lightning Lane to Avoid Standing in the Heat

Long lines can feel much worse when you’re standing in direct sun. That’s where Lightning Lane can make a big difference.

Lightning Lane allows you to reserve return times for select attractions so you can skip the standby line and spend less time waiting outside in the heat.

Using Lightning Lane strategically can help you experience more attractions while avoiding long outdoor queues.

If you’re new to the system, you can read my full guide here:
Full guide to Lightning Lane at Disneyland

Take Advantage of Indoor Attractions

When the temperature starts climbing, indoor rides are your best friend.

Many classic Disneyland attractions offer air conditioning and a chance to relax while still enjoying the magic of the park.

Some of the best indoor attractions when it’s hot include:

• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Haunted Mansion
• Star Tours
• The Enchanted Tiki Room
• Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln
• “it’s a small world”

These attractions provide a nice break from the heat while still letting you enjoy some of the best experiences in the park.

Take a Midday Break

One of the smartest strategies for visiting Disneyland when it’s really hot is to take a break during the hottest part of the day.

Temperatures usually peak between about 1:00 and 4:00 in the afternoon, which is when the parks tend to feel the most uncomfortable.

If you’re staying at a nearby hotel, consider heading back to your room for a rest, a swim, or even a quick nap before returning later in the evening. Many hotels located directly across Harbor Boulevard are only a five to ten minute walk from the park, which makes midday breaks surprisingly easy.

If you want help finding the best hotels within walking distance, check out my guide to the best hotels across the street from Disneyland.

Full guide to the best hotels across from Disneyland

If you’re still planning your trip, my favorite travel partners at Get Away Today can help you find great deals on Disneyland hotels, park tickets, and vacation packages.

You can also call 855-GET-AWAY and tell them Mix In Some Magic sent you.

Taking a break in the afternoon is one of the smartest things you can do when deciding what to do at Disneyland when it’s really hot. If you’ve ever tried pushing through the afternoon heat without a break, you know how exhausting it can be. Even a short rest can make the rest of your day much more enjoyable.

One thing I’ve learned after many Disneyland trips is that the afternoon heat can really drain your energy. Even just sitting down in the shade for 20 minutes can make a big difference in how the rest of your day feels.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is essential when spending long days in the parks.

Bringing a refillable water bottle makes it easy to drink water throughout the day. There are water fountains and bottle filling stations around the parks, and you can also request a free cup of ice water at any quick-service restaurant.

Try to drink water regularly rather than waiting until you feel thirsty. It will help you maintain energy and avoid dehydration during a long park day.

You can also bring a refillable bottle and fill it throughout the day. I share more tips like this in my guide to visiting Disneyland like a pro.

Use Cooling Accessories

A few simple items can make a big difference when it’s really hot.

Many Disneyland visitors bring portable fans, misting fans, cooling towels, or neck fans to help them stay comfortable.

These can be especially helpful when you’re waiting for rides, watching a parade, or walking across the park in the afternoon sun.

While these items are available inside Disneyland, they’re usually cheaper if you bring them from home.

If you want to see the exact items I recommend, I put together a list of my favorite cooling gear and park essentials here:
What To Pack When It’s Hot Amazon List

Enjoy Cold Treats

Another fun way to cool off is by enjoying some of Disneyland’s refreshing treats.

A few favorites include Dole Whip in Adventureland, frozen lemonade on Main Street, ice cream bars, fruit bars, and cold brew drinks.

Taking a break for a cold treat is a great excuse to sit down, relax for a few minutes, and recharge before heading to your next attraction.

If you’re looking for more must-try snacks, check out my guide to the best treats at Disneyland.

Have a Smart Disneyland Strategy

When visiting Disneyland during hot weather, a little planning goes a long way.

Having a plan helps you avoid the heat, minimize long lines, and make the most of your time in the parks.

If you want help creating the perfect park plan, my Disneyland planning guides include step-by-step strategies, touring plans, and tips to help you maximize your day.

You can check out my planning guides here:
Best Disneyland Planning Guide with Touring Plans and Tips

More Tips for Beating the Heat at Disneyland

If you’re looking for even more ways to stay cool, be sure to check out my full guide to beating the heat at Disneyland. In that post I share additional tips, cooling tricks, and some of the best places in the park to escape the heat at Disneyland when it’s hot.

Read it here:
How to beat the heat at Disneyland

Is Disneyland Too Hot in the Summer?

This is one of the most common questions people ask when planning a Disneyland trip.

The truth is that summer at Disneyland can definitely be hot, especially in July, August, and sometimes even into September. Afternoon temperatures often reach the upper 80s or low 90s, and the combination of sun, crowds, and lots of walking can make it feel even warmer.

That said, plenty of people visit Disneyland during the summer and still have an amazing time. The parks offer lots of indoor attractions, air-conditioned restaurants and shops, and plenty of opportunities to cool down throughout the day.

The key is simply to plan ahead. Starting early, taking breaks during the hottest part of the afternoon, and using strategies like Lightning Lane can make a big difference.

If you go in with the right expectations and a good plan, visiting Disneyland when it’s hot can still be a fantastic experience.

FAQ About Disneyland Heat

What is the hottest month at Disneyland?

July, August and September are usually the hottest months at Disneyland in the summer, with temperatures often reaching the upper 80s or even high 90s.

Is Disneyland hotter than Disney World?

Many visitors find Disneyland slightly more comfortable because the park is smaller and easier to navigate, but hot summer days can still feel intense.

Does Disneyland have air conditioning?

Many rides, shops, and restaurants have air conditioning, making it easy to cool off throughout the day at Disneyland when it’s hot.

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Final Thoughts

Disneyland in the summer can definitely get hot, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still have an incredible visit. With a little planning and a few smart strategies, it’s completely possible to stay comfortable and enjoy everything the parks have to offer.

Starting your day early, using Lightning Lane to avoid long lines in the sun, taking advantage of indoor attractions, and giving yourself permission to take a midday break can make a huge difference. Staying hydrated and planning a few cooling stops throughout the day will also help you keep your energy up.

The key is simply to go in with a plan. When you know how to structure your day and where to find places to cool off, the heat becomes much easier to manage.

When you use these strategies, you’ll know exactly what to do at Disneyland when it’s really hot and can focus on enjoying the rides, the food, and the magic of the parks.

If you want help planning the perfect park day, my Disneyland planning guides walk you through exactly how to structure your day so you can avoid long lines and make the most of your time in the parks.