What to Wear to Disneyland in the Summer: Cute Outfit Ideas
It is so fun choosing what to wear to Disneyland. When choosing an outfit for Disney, I focus on two things: being comfortable and looking cute. This guide to what to wear to Disneyland in the summer will explain how to put together cute, fashionable, outfits that you’ll be comfortable in all day long.
I’ve visited Disneyland at least a dozen times both as a kid and as an adult. Whenever I walk down Main Street USA, I’m transported back to being a kid again. This Disney Magic just wouldn’t be the same wearing boring normal clothes (or maybe that’s just me).
While many Disney adults get a bad rep for being over the top, I believe Disneyland summer outfits can be subtle, mature, and fun all at the same time.
This guide includes an easily formula for outfits, outfit ideas for Disneyland and California Adventure, and how to do matching family shirts in a cute way (yes, it’s possible).
For more outfit ideas, check out what to wear in the winter and what to wear for men.
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Disneyland Outfit Ideas
My simple formula for putting together an outfit for Disneyland is a neutral outfit + one or two festive items. The above collage shows how I put this all together. In addition, some outfit ideas are:
- Jean shorts, Disney shirt, neutral shoes
- Black jumpsuit, ears, and a Disney bag
- Biker shorts, Disney shirt, and Disney sneakers
- Simple athletic dress, ears, Disney fanny pack
There are a few extra things to consider when deciding what to wear to Disneyland in the summer. To survive a 12 hour day, walking 10+ miles, in 80 degree heat, comfort is key. To optimize comfort, I focus on a few things.
- Prevent Thigh Chafing – No it’s not sexy, but chub rub is a real concern for many women. To prevent this, I make sure my inner thighs are covered. To do this, I wear jean shorts with a longer inseam like these jean shorts, bike shorts either alone or under dresses, and longer pants on cooler days.
- Good Shoes are Key – Don’t be tempted to break in new shoes or wear your cutest sandals. I like to wear athletic shoes, comfortable sneakers, or comfortable sandals like Birkenstocks.
- Dress for the Weather – Summer in Disneyland is typically 80-90 degrees. Shorts, tanks, and dresses will be your friend to stay cool. Some days, it may be a bit chilly in the morning or at night. A light flannel or sweater is a great idea to tie around your waist in case it cools down.
As I mentioned, the key to a cute Disneyland outfit is pairing neutrals with 1-2 fun items. Keep reading for ideas for a pop of Disney such as ears, bags, shirts, and accessories.
Also be sure to check out my guide to Men’s Disney outfits.
What to Wear to Disneyland
For Disneyland, there are a few directions you can go. One option is wearing Disneyland-specific themed items, such as the shirts or hats in the top left of the above graphic that refer to the theme park as a whole.
Another idea is to dress based on of the “lands” inside the park such as the items in the bottom left of the image. For example, a princess shirt for fantasy land or star wars ears for galaxy’s edge.
Since Disneyland is the original Disney park, its also a great place to break out your classic Mickey Mouse gear such as the items in the bottom right. For a more subtle approach to Disney, I love the Mickey Mouse jewelry shown in the top right.
Shop These Disneyland Clothes and Accessories
What to Wear to California Adventure
Similar to the outfit ideas for Disneyland, you can take the same approach to what to wear to California adventure. In the top left, I show shirt ideas that are themed to DCA specifically. In the bottom of the graphic are land-themed shirts.
For Disney’s California Adventure, some fun themes are Marvel, the Incredibles, or Cars which relate to Avenger’s Campus, Pixar Pier, and Radiator Springs, respectively.
Again, for a more subtle approach, I love the simple accessories in the top right of the collage.
Shop These Clothing Ideas for California Adventure
Disney Family T-Shirt Ideas
Matching Disney shirts for a family really approaches the line of cute and tacky. Here are some tips to stay on the “cute” side of the spectrum.
- Avoid shirts with large or busy text
- Get contrasting colors for each person in your group
- Accessorize your outfit with a cute jacket, shoes, and/or mickey ears to add a bit of individual flare
The above matching t-shirts are all shoppable here. The top left options are great because everyone in the group or family can choose their own color shirt or hat to keep it from being too matchy-matchy.
Since I recommend avoiding large text, the option in the top right is a great way to include your names without looking cheesy.
The bottom left option would be cute for all the girls in the group or family to wear, with the focus on the Cinderella’s castle. The bottom right is fun since they come with unique characters and colors.
Shop these Disneyland matching family shirt ideas
Travel Day Outfits
If you want to go all-out with your Disneyland travel outfits, check out these simple travel shirts for a travel day. These shirts and sweatshirts are great to wear on the plane or in the car headed to Disney. Since they are not Disney-themed, you can easily re-wear the clothing items for any vacation.
What to Pack for Summer in Disneyland
In addition to what to wear to Disneyland in summer, it’s important to pack the right items for your day bag for the park. These summer essentials will help keep you cool and protected from the sun all day.
Neck fan – We all know summer in southern California can be super hot and humid. The best way to stay cool is with his neck fan that blows directly on your face and neck.
Handheld fan – Since one fan isn’t enough, this hand held one is a great thing to pack and is very compact
Collapsible water bottle – This bottle folds up super small and is great to stay hydrated throughout the day
Portable charger – Since your phone is also your camera, ticket, and map, be sure it stays charged with a portable charger
Sunscreen – Be sure to protect your skin and reapply throughout the day
Rain poncho – This is great to have on hand for water rides or random summer rainstorms
Shop these essentials for Disneyland in the summer
Summary of What to Wear to Disneyland in the Summer
If you take away two things from this Disneyland outfit guide, it should be this.
- Comfort is key. Don’t get blown away trying to style the cutest outfit that you will be uncomfortable all day. My go-to Disney outfit is an athletic dress with built in spandex, running shoes, and ears. This outfit is so comfortable, and its an added bonus that it looks fashionable.
- One accessory can go a long way. Disney is already an expensive trip, so don’t feel like you need to buy a new wardrobe. A simple pair of mouse ears or fanny pack can go with any outfit to be on theme without breaking the bank.
FAQ
To stay cool in Disneyland in July, it’s important to dress and pack accordingly. For clothes to wear to Disneyland in July, I recommend shorts and a breathable t-shirt with a performance fabric like dry fit. Wear breathable footwear such as Birkenstocks sandals. In addition, pack a neck fan or handheld portable fan to cool yourself down.
The short answer is no, Disneyland is not too hot in the summer. Most of the time, it’s a very pleasant temperature and there is plenty of shade to stay cool. However, there are heat waves where summer temperatures can be uncomfortable. In that case, visit in the early morning or evening hours when it’s a bit cooler.
Most of the year, leggings are not too hot for Disney. They are a comfortable and versatile pant to wear to the parks. In the summer, wear bike shorts instead of leggings for a similar vibe that is less hot.
On average, Disneyland is the hottest in August. However, July and September can be equally as hot.
Related Posts:
- What To Wear To Disney World In December
- Outfit Ideas For Disney World For Men
- 2 Day Disneyland Itinerary – Are Two Days In Disneyland Enough?
- What To Eat In Disneyland – Ultimate Foodie Guide
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