Rainy southern California days may cause mudslides and flood streets, but they shouldn’t ruin your Disneyland vacation.
I learned long ago, before living here, that you never know what the weather is going to be like. We have experienced cold and wet winter weather during spring break and triple digits on Thanksgiving,
The good news is that those strange weather days never last for long and if prepared, they shouldn’t disrupt your vacation either.
Here are some tips for cold and rainy days that will keep you warm, dry, and happy!
What to do
There are a few rides that may be shut down when it rains, but they are outdoor rides and not ones that you would run to for shelter.
Use this time to discover areas that you haven’t made time for in the past and enjoy lower wait times for everything else since most people leave when it begins to rain.
*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Meaning that at no additional cost to you, I receive a commission when purchases are made via my links. . I am not affiliated with Disneyland or the Disney company.
In addition to attractions, there is nothing more beautiful than to walk throughout the park in the rain. Low crowds make it a perfect time to get some awesome photos of your favorite views. It is also a wonderful time to go shopping or to enjoy a meal at a sit down restaurant.
Here is a quick list of indoor attractions that have mostly indoor queues (if the lines are short, you shouldn’t have to wait outside):
Disneyland
- Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln
- The Disney Gallery
- Space Mountain
- Star Tours
- Buzz Lightyear
- Star War’s Launch Bay
- Tomorrowland Theater
- Roger Rabbit
- Mickey and Minnie’s houses
- Sleeping Beauty’s Castle walkthrough (just be careful of wet floors and stairs)
- The Golden Horseshoe
- Indiana Jones
- Pirates of the Caribbean (just be warned that there is a risk of getting wet on this ride)
- Haunted Mansion (when there is little wait)
California Adventure
- Monster’s Inc
- Guardian’s of the Galaxy Mission Breakout
- Animation Academy
- Soarin’
- The Little Mermaid
- Toy Story Mania
What to wear
All it took was one vacation in 1998 where the weather was freezing for one day of our multi-day visit to make sure to pack for at least one or two cold days. We haven’t always needed our winter attire, but my family was sure thankful I brought it along when our vacations were interrupted by a cold front.
Always bring clothing that can be layered. Make sure jackets are water and wind resistant. Wear rainboots or cover your sneakers with rain covers. Warm hats, earmuffs, gloves, and scarves will also keep you cozy while playing on a damp and cold day.
What to bring
Here is a quick list of items you should always bring on your Disneyland vacation to ensure that a day or two of chilly and rainy days won’t ruin your vacation.
BTW Rainy days aren’t the days to wear your favorite Disney bounding outfit or cutest Disney dress, they are the days to dress for comfort, warmth, ability to stay dry, and functionality. Skip the ears and instead put a bow in your hair!
- Rain and wind-resistant jacket, raincoat, or poncho. (Do not waste your money purchasing a poncho in the parks. Why spend $10 on something of the same quality that could be purchased at your local dollar store or online for far less? Save your money for something that will last like a sweatshirt or hat.)
- Extra socks!! Even if the weather is warm, an extra pair of socks always come in handy whether your feet get wet from the weather or water rides.
- Umbrellas and covers for strollers and wheelchairs and umbrella holder for your stroller, wheelchair, or rollator.
- Hats, earmuffs, gloves, and scarves.
- Ziplock baggies!! I keep my Oska Pulse (a drug-free pain relief device) nice and dry inside a plastic baggy. My family also uses them for our phones and anything else we want to keep dry.
