Planning a Disneyland summer getaway?
This article has everything you need to know about visiting during summer at Disneyland, plus lots of tips to help you make the most of your vacation!
A trip to Disneyland in the summer can be magical – but it also comes with a few challenges. With school out and families flocking to the parks, summertime is one of the busiest and hottest times of the year. But don’t worry! With the right planning and expectations, you can beat the heat, avoid the biggest crowds, and still have a wonderful time.
Disneyland summer 2026 is also the continuation of Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration. There are lots of special things happening at the parks to help celebrate this milestone. In addition, some cool new attractions will be here just in time for summer! I’ve got all the details below.
Whether it’s your first visit or your fifteenth, these tips and insights are based on years of experience visiting Disneyland in summer will help you get the most out of your Disneyland vacation.
Crowd Levels
The second thing that is important to know about visiting Disneyland in summer is that the parks will be CROWDED.
Summer is one of the busiest times of year at Disneyland. The holiday season is the only other time that comes close, although there really are very few “quiet” times at Disneyland anymore. Expect large crowds, especially on weekends and over Memorial Day and Fourth of July.
That said, many levels of Disneyland’s Magic Key Program are blacked out during the summer months. This at least helps keep many Magic Key annual passholders away, but it will still be very busy.
The good news that comes with visiting during busy times is that Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park are usually open longer, with more time to enjoy the shows and attractions at night.
Peak Busy Days:
- Memorial Day Weekend
- Mid-June through mid-August
- The week of July 4th
- Halloween Time at Disneyland will kick off on August 21, 2026, right as the summer season starts to dwindle. The parks will be very busy the first week of Halloween Time. This is also right around the time those Magic Key blackout dates lift.
- Early mornings and weekdays (especially Tuesday through Thursday) are slightly less crowded.
► Be sure to check out my Disneyland Resort Vacation Planning Guide for details on tickets, rides, events, and planning tips.
Disneyland Summer 2026 Ticket Offers
There are two great ticket offers happening right now that you can take advantage of to visit Disneyland this summer.
A limited-time Kids’ Summer Ticket Offer is available now for visits between May 22 through September 7, 2026. Children ages 3 through 9 can visit Disneyland Resort for as low as $48 per day plus a free park hopper upgrade, when you purchase with our partners at Get Away Today.
Summer Weather at Disneyland
Let’s start with one of the things that will have the biggest impact on your visit – weather.
Disneyland summer weather is typically hot and dry. Daytime highs in Anaheim often range from the mid-80s to mid-90s, though it can occasionally creep into triple digits. The sun can be intense, and there’s little shade in many parts of the parks. But unlike summer at Walt Disney World in Florida, you will rarely get rain.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Stay hydrated. Bring a reusable water bottle – there are many water refill stations throughout the Disneyland Resort.
- Dress smart. Lightweight, breathable clothes are essential, and bring a light jacket if you are planning to stay late as it will definitely cool off when the sun goes down.
- Don’t forget sunscreen!
- Consider splurging on Lightning Lane to keep wait times for popular rides short.
- Arrive early so you can enjoy the parks while the weather is cool and the crowds are light.
- Plan to take breaks throughout the day, especially if traveling with kids.
What’s New at Disneyland This Summer
Disneyland 70th Anniversary
In 2025, Disney kicked off its Disneyland Resort 70th Anniversary Celebration and it will continue through summer 2026, honoring seven decades of happiness.
The celebration features special entertainment, new food and beverage offerings, 70th Anniversary merchandise, and colorful decor around both parks. The entertainment lineup includes a special World of Color show at DCA and the return of Paint the Night Parade and Wondrous Journeys Nighttime show at Disneyland.
Here’s a quick look at the 70th Anniversary entertainment happening now through the summer at Disneyland.
- “World of Color Happiness!” at Disney California Adventure Park
- “Tapestry of Happiness” at Disneyland Park
- The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade
- Wondrous Journeys
- Paint the Night parade
- Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and other Disney characters in special 70th Celebration attire throughout the Disneyland Resort
Disneyland’s 70th Celebration goes through August 9, 2026.
Bluey’s Best Day Ever!
On March 22, “Bluey’s Best Day Ever!” kicked off at the Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland Park. This new show celebrates the heart and humor of the critically acclaimed Disney+ animated series, Bluey.
There will also be select themed foods inspired by the animated series at Troubadour Tavern, which is located adjacent to the Fantasyland Theatre.
Soarin’ Across America
In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, Soarin’ will receive an all-new airborne adventure at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World in Florida.
Opening on July 2, 2026 (just in time for Fourth of July!), Soarin’ Across America will showcase scenes and scents from around the country that capture its natural beauty and iconic cityscapes. And I love that they are bringing back Patrick Warburton as the iconic Chief Flight Attendant for the pre-show.
Until Soarin’ Across America is released in July, you can enjoy Soarin’ Across California.
New Mission for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Beginning May 22, you can check out a new mission on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland Park.
The all-new story, centered around The Mandalorian and Grogu, arrives the same weekend the new Star Wars movie is released in theaters.
Tips for Visiting Disneyland in the Summer
Yes, it’s going to be hot. Yes, it’s going to be crowded.
But don’t let that deter you! Follow these tips to help plan your day, navigate the parks, and have the best Disney vacation possible!
1. Plan Ahead
Make park reservations as soon as you buy your tickets, and plan your day around popular rides and showtimes. This also goes for if you are planning to make any reservations for table-service restaurants or dining packages.
2. Arrive Early
My #1 tip any time of year but especially in the summer is to arrive early. And not just early, very early, so you can be parked, through Security, and inside the park in time for rope drop – that magical moment when all the rides open and you can run to your favorite.
Arriving early also helps with parking at Disneyland. You can easily sit in line to pay at the toll booth if you get there right before opening, and I’m not even talking about the line you’ll then have to wait on to get on the tram. Arriving extra early will prevent you from losing valuable morning park time getting on rides.
And it is worth a mention: you’ll get the coolest weather in the morning hours, too.
3. Take Midday Breaks
Head back to your hotel for a break or swim in the afternoon, when the crowds are at the thickest. Consider staying at one of the hotels near Disneyland with water slides and water park features so the fun doesn’t have to end just because you leave the parks! And if you stay at one of the on-property Disney Resorts or other hotels walking distance to Disneyland, getting back and forth will be super easy.
Midday breaks can also happen right at Disneyland. Enjoy a long late lunch, visit Downtown Disney, or hit an indoor attraction where you can relax such as The Enchanted Tiki Room, Mickey’s PhilharMagic, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, or catch a show at the Royal Theatre.
When we can’t escape to our hotel (I am lucky to live close enough to usually visit on a day trip), we like to take the monorail or walk over to The Disneyland Hotel and relax with a Dole Whip at Tangaroa Terrace.
4. Hit the Water Rides
Although the Disneyland Resort does not have a traditional water park like Walt Disney World, there are some rides that will get you wet! This will cool your family off spectacularly on a hot summer day.
At Disneyland, you can ride Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. At Disney California Adventure Park, Grizzly River Run – one of the world’s tallest raft rides – will get you nice and soaked.
► Travel Insight
Lines for these rides can get insanely long on hot afternoons during summer at Disneyland. Your best bet is to hit them early in the day or use Lightning Lane to skip the bulk of the line.
5. Use the Disneyland App
The app lets you check out ride wait times, use mobile food ordering, Lightning Lane passes, and maps, all essential for navigating Disneyland on busy summer days. Be sure to bring a portable phone charger, as you will be using the app a lot throughout the day, which can drain your battery.
6. Pack Smart
Bring portable phone chargers, snacks, sunglasses, and extra sunscreen. Make sure you also pack a refillable water bottle to help stay hydrated throughout the day and save money on drinks. If you need one, locker rentals are available.
7. Eat at Off-Peak Times
Avoid long food lines by dining before 11:30 a.m. or after 2 p.m. for lunch, and before 5 p.m. or after 7 p.m. for dinner. Most quick service restaurants offer Mobile Order service, so order and pay for lunch in advance so all you have to do is pick it up and enjoy.
I also recommend not eating too heavy when it is hot outside because it will just make you feel not-so-great. Check out this list of where to find the best salads the Disneyland Resort to plan a light and healthy meal perfect for a summer day!
8. Consider Purchasing a Lightning Lane Multi Pass
I am personally not a huge fan of spending extra money when it comes to Disney, but sometimes being able to skip the lines can be a lifesaver.
With the Lightning Lane Multi Pass, you can choose available times to skip the standby line for a variety of popular rides. You can also purchase an individual Lightning Lane reservation to skip the line for one particular ride.
9. Use Single Rider Lines
Disneyland Single Rider lines are one of the best (and totally free!) ways to save time on your Disney vacation and squeeze more rides into your day. If you don’t mind being separated from your group on the ride – you can still wait in line together – using this option can cut your wait time down dramatically. For instance, we got in the Single Rider line for Indiana Jones when the stand-by wait time was posted at 45 minutes, and within 10 minutes I was getting on the ride!
10. Be Flexible with Your Plans
With large crowds and high temperatures, it’s easy to burn out when you visit Disneyland in summer. Don’t feel bad if you need to build in some extra rest time or change your plans around to accommodate cranky kids or rides that break down. Just go with the flow and you’ll have a great day!
Discount Disneyland Tickets
Looking for discount Disney tickets? Check out these great discounts on Disneyland tickets and vacation packages from authorized Disney seller and our trusted partner, Get Away Today. Be sure to use code CFT10 an additional $10 savings.
Get Away Today sells discount theme park tickets as well as vacation packages for both on-property and off-property hotels. They will even assist with all your Disneyland vacation plans with their free concierge service!
Final Thoughts: Tips for Summer at Disneyland
Visiting Disneyland in the summer can definitely have its down sides, but with thoughtful planning and a few insider strategies, it can also be one of the most exciting times to experience the magic.
From longer park hours to exclusive entertainment and treats, summer offers a lively and unforgettable Disney vacation. Just remember to pace yourself, stay cool, and enjoy every magical moment.
Read these articles for more help planning your Disneyland vacation:
Save These Disneyland Summer Tips for Later!
Planning a trip to the Disneyland Resort this summer? Pin the image below for future reference.
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