Theme Parks · Best Jan–Mar, Sep–Nov
Disneyland Resort packing list for families
Disneyland Resort is compact and walkable, but Southern California weather changes a lot between morning and night. Smart layers and a few small extras make long park days much easier.
Photo by Steven Beyer on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Disneyland Resort
- Southern California days swing a lot. Mornings and nights can be cool even in summer, then midday gets warm. I pack a zip hoodie for everyone and leave it in the stroller basket.
- The two parks sit across a plaza from each other, so park hopping is easy. With little kids, I stay walking distance so we can go back for a nap and return for the evening.
- Water rides like the log flume and river rafts really soak you. I bring a spare shirt and socks in a zip bag, especially in cooler months when wet clothes get cold fast.
Best timeJan–Mar, Sep–Nov
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyUS dollar
PassportNot for US citizens
Your packing edit
Disneyland Resort
This time of year
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Every item links to what Kristina would buy. Tap Add to bag on what you're missing, then check out on Amazon in one tap.
Carry-on17
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Travel neck pillow for the grown-ups
Kids' travel pillow
Light blanket or large scarf for the plane
Change of shirt for the grown-upsSpills on a kid mean spills on you.
Baby wipes, even for big kids
Kids' backpack for their own things
Coloring book, sticker book, or activity pad
A new book or two
Gum or mints
Clothing12
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light sweater or sweatshirt per personPlanes, restaurants, and evenings run cool.
Light rain jacket per person
Leggings or comfy travel pants for the flight
Shorts and skirts
Belt
Sports bra or workout clothes
Socks for closed shoes, plus a spare pair
Pajamas for the first night in the carry-onIf a bag is late, bedtime still happens.
Lightweight zip hoodieKristina's pickCool mornings and evenings, even in summer.
Shoes3
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Sandals
Flip-flops or slides for the pool and shower
Beach & pool7
Swimsuits2 per person
Mineral sunscreen
Wide-brim sun hats
Swim diapers
Goggles
Pool float or swim vest for little swimmers
After-sun aloe
Park days4
Cooling towelsKristina's pick
Ponchos for afternoon storms
Small backpack with water bottle pockets
Handheld fan
Little ones14
Lightweight travel strollerKristina's pick
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Sippy cup or straw cup
Bibs and a few spoons
Portable changing pad
Diaper cream
Baby monitor
Fitted crib sheet from homeA familiar smell helps babies sleep in a new crib.
Outlet covers
Potty seat or folding potty
Stroller clips and hooksKeeps hoodies and bags handy while you wait in line.
Little things23
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Stick-on battery night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Kids' sunglasses
Wet bag for swimsuits
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Small foldable tote for souvenirs and laundry
Sewing kit and safety pins
Luggage tags
Collapsible water bottle for the grown-ups
Sunglasses for the grown-ups
Small umbrella
Spare socks in a zip bagFor after water rides that soak shoes.
Autograph book and fat penEasy to hand over at character meets.
Health & toiletries20
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Bug spray
Hanging toiletry bag
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Deodorant
Hairbrush, comb, and hair ties
Face wash and moisturizer
Makeup and makeup remover
Razor
Contact lenses, solution, and glasses
Prescription medicines in original bottlesKeep them in your carry-on, never in checked bags.
Bandages and blister pads
Kids' thermometer
Anti-itch cream
Hand lotion and SPF lip balm
Feminine products
Clear quart bag for liquids
Blister padsPark days mean many miles on hard pavement.
Documents & tech17
Phone lanyard or crossbody case
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
Driver's licenses and kids' IDs
Health insurance cards
Travel insurance details
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Some cash in small billsFor tips, taxis, and markets.
Photos of passports and IDs on your phone
Booking confirmations saved offline
Phone chargers and cables for everyone
Multi-port wall chargerOne outlet, every device charged by morning.
Tablet chargers and kids' headphones adapter
Wireless earbuds for the grown-ups
Airplane Bluetooth adapter for seatback screens
Camera and memory card
E-reader
The outfit edit
Park pastels
Lavender, pale pink, sky, white
For the kids
For photos
- Coordinate the pastels, skip the logos
- Go early for empty backdrops
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
Disneyland Resort weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 71°F 22°C | Mild, sunny days and cool nights, with most of the year's rain | Lunar New Year celebration at Disney California Adventure Holiday season, with decorations and festive parades |
| February | 71°F 22°C | Mild, sunny days and cool nights, with most of the year's rain | Lunar New Year celebration at Disney California Adventure |
| March | 73°F 23°C | Mild, sunny days and cool nights, with most of the year's rain | Food and wine festival at Disney California Adventure |
| April | 75°F 24°C | Pleasant, often with morning marine clouds in May and June | Food and wine festival at Disney California Adventure |
| May | 77°F 25°C | Pleasant, often with morning marine clouds in May and June | |
| June | 81°F 27°C | Pleasant, often with morning marine clouds in May and June | Summer crowds and later park hours |
| July | 86°F 30°C | Hot and dry, the warmest stretch of the year | Summer crowds and later park hours |
| August | 88°F 31°C | Hot and dry, the warmest stretch of the year | Summer crowds and later park hours Halloween season, with seasonal decor and evening parties |
| September | 87°F 31°C | Hot and dry, the warmest stretch of the year | Halloween season, with seasonal decor and evening parties |
| October | 82°F 28°C | Warm October, cooling in November; Santa Ana winds can bring heat | Halloween season, with seasonal decor and evening parties |
| November | 76°F 24°C | Warm October, cooling in November; Santa Ana winds can bring heat | Holiday season, with decorations and festive parades |
| December | 71°F 22°C | Mild, sunny days and cool nights, with most of the year's rain | Holiday season, with decorations and festive parades |
Questions families ask
Disneyland Resort with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Disneyland Resort with kids?
The best time is Jan–Mar, Sep–Nov. Pleasant, often with morning marine clouds in May and June
What's the weather like in Disneyland Resort?
Typical daytime highs range from about 71°F (22°C) in January to about 88°F (31°C) in August. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Disneyland Resort?
US citizens don't need a passport, but bring a government ID for adults.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Disneyland Resort?
None. Disneyland Resort uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for Disneyland Resort with kids?
Southern California days swing a lot. Mornings and nights can be cool even in summer, then midday gets warm. I pack a zip hoodie for everyone and leave it in the stroller basket.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.