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What to Wear to Disneyland in May

ByAshley Smith

Before venturing to an amusement park, it is integral to choose an outfit that will allow you to walk around, stand, and possibly be upside-down comfortably for hours at a time. Disneyland Park, the mother of all amusement parks, is certainly no exception. If you want to be able to actually enjoy your trip, then a comfortable dress code is a must. However, prioritizing comfort does not mean that you have to sacrifice style. With the list of trendy but trip-appropriate clothing we’ve compiled below as your aid, you will know exactly what to wear to Disneyland in May to ensure your trip is comfortable and fashionable!

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With average daytime temperatures of around 70 degrees (Fahrenheit), May might just be the perfect time of year to visit southern California. You won’t have to worry about the weather being too hot in the summer heat or too cold in the winter frosts, which means you have some much-needed liberty in your outfit choices. You can add layers, minimize layers, wear a cute sweater, or throw on a tank top with long pants–the fashion world is your oyster! To minimize the decision-making process, scroll down to get some inspiration for what to wear to Disneyland in May.

Here is the scoop on the perfect Disneyland packing list for May to ensure you’re comfortable and fashionable!

Photo of several tops and jeans suitable for May weather in California.

Here are some of our personal favorite outfits that suit cold weather and warmer weather, depending on how you layer them. Make sure to check Disneyland’s dress code and park rules before purchasing any products! Refrain from wearing clothing with objectionable material (including obscene language or graphics).

To get the scoop about crafting the perfect Disney packing list catered toward the warmer months, keep reading!

Packing for Disneyland in May

One of the most difficult (and dreaded) parts of going on vacation is packing. You want to pack enough to sustain you over the duration of the trip, but you also want to pack with enough room to fit goodies and souvenirs on the way back. We understand the struggle! That’s why we decided to simplify the process to make your Disney trip as seamless as possible.

First of all, let’s cover outfits. Luckily, since the winter months are long past, you won’t have to worry about packing heavy clothes. Instead, wear layers that you can shed off as the day gets warmer. Make sure to bring an extra layer into the park for when the temperature drops at night!

Pack a bathing suit for those hot days when you want to hop on the water rides. Also be sure to bring an extra change of clothes in case yours get wet! Splash Mountain, here we come!

Here are some cute short sleeve shirts, themed t-shirts, and other tops we recommend you to wear to Disneyland in May.

Tops to Wear in Disneyland in May

Photo of nine tops suitable for May weather in California.

Next up is bottoms! Check out the image below and find the best option to match your Disney shirts.

Bottoms to Wear to Disneyland in May

Photo of nine bottoms suitable for May weather in California.

Comfortable walking shoes are another essential. With Disney’s infamously long lines, you have to have good walking shoes that will support and cushion your feet while keeping them cool on warm days. Consider the shoes listed in the first image, or pack your own comfortable shoes that you know and trust. Also try to bring an extra pair of socks in case you sweat through your original pair!

Another clothing-related packing idea is color coordination based on specific Disney characters. If you have a favorite character that you’re dying to dress up as, pick clothing and accessories to wear that correspond to the colors of your character! This is called Disney Bounding, the best way for guests over 14 years of age to get into costume without violating park rules.

Disneyland Accessories

Next on our packing list is acceptable accessories. A cute backpack (like the one pictured above) is the perfect accessory to simultaneously keep your belongings close by and add an extra flair to your stylish outfit. A fanny pack accomplishes the same thing but allows you to keep your cellphone and credit card strapped onto your waist with less hassle than a backpack. Lastly, buy yourself some Mickey Ears–you can’t go into Disneyland without them!

Disneyland Necessities

The final category is necessities. Although amusement parks and water parks are great fun, they are full of germs and pathogens just waiting to infect you. That’s why you need to pack hand sanitizer; just slip a mini bottle into your backpack or fanny pack and use it whenever you feel extra germy.

Another small item to include is lip balm. With the warm California weather, you must keep lips your hydrated and protected from the sun. Try to find a lip balm with at least SPF 30 to prevent sunburn and blistering. And if you do get sunburnt, make sure to keep a water bottle close at hand; drinking extra water when you have a burn helps prevent dehydration and will keep you feeling refreshed in the park. Check out the list below for more must-haves for your trip:

  • Battery pack charger for phone
  • Travel documents
  • Camera
  • ID
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug spray
  • Umbrella
  • Deodorant
  • First aid kit
  • Tissues
  • Map of the park
  • Small roll of toilet paper (handy if you have a toddler or baby!)

After you’re all packed and ready to go, double-check Disneyland’s resort rules to ensure that nothing you bring into the park is against regulations.

Hotel Reservations

Now that you’ve packed your suitcases, it’s time to plan your trip to the happiest place on Earth!

First, let’s cover hotel room reservations and tickets. If you’re planning on spending several days in Disneyland, then you need to make park reservations along with park tickets. The main elements of California Disney are Disneyland itself full of attractions and rides; Disneyland California Adventure with attractions related to Marvel, Pixar, and other Disney franchises; and Disneyland Resort, which is home to Downtown Disney and three Disneyland Resort hotels.

The three hotels are Paradise Pier Hotel, Disneyland Hotel, and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel. If you’re looking to stay inside the resort, then consider booking a room in one of those three to have the most immersive Disney experience possible!

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If you’re looking for something a bit less expensive, then there also are places to stay that are within walking distance of the park, such as the Good Neighbor Hotels. All options promise a good time!

Ticket Reservations

As for ticket reservations, the prices differ according to the type of ticket purchased, the ages of the guests in your party, and how long you are planning on staying.

There are two different types of tickets: the ‘1 Park Per Day Tickets’ and the ‘Park Hopper’ tickets. The ‘1 Park Per Day Tickets’ permit you to visit only one park (either Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park), while the ‘Park Hopper’ tickets allow you to visit both Disney theme parks on the same day. If you have children coming with you on your trip, you can get a discounted price on either of the ticket types for guests ages 3 through 9.

There also is an option to purchase Disney’s newest implementations to ticket system: Genie+ and Lightning Lanes, replacements of the paper FastPass. Instead of the FastPass, you either can pay $20 extra a day for the Genie+ to get one ride without the wait (plus included audio experiences and unlimited PhotoPass downloads), or $7-$15 per person per ride to skip the line in the Lightning Lane.

Visit Disney’s tourist blog to find out how to purchase these features and which rides they apply to.

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If you’re looking to save money, Disney has a variety of ticket packages to make your trip a bit less expensive for the entire family. On top of the overall discount, bundling your park tickets and hotel stay in these packages also comes with extra discounts at specific park restaurants and collectible trading pins and lanyards.

With all of this in mind, planning everything by yourself can be very overwhelming. That’s why we recommend speaking with a travel agent who specializes in Disney travel. The agent can help you book hotel rooms, theme park passes, and Disney packages all within your budget! Not to mention, the agent’s service is free. Their money comes from a small commission paid by the travel supplier, which means you won’t have to pay them a single dime.

What to Do in Disneyland

Next, let’s talk about your Disney itinerary.

Between Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, there are over 75 attractions. Don’t expect yourself to be able to cover all of these attractions–according to Disney’s website, the average guest will only be able to experience 10-11. Visit Disney’s Map of Attractions to pick out the rides that are of the highest priority to you, and try to hit those first! You also can download the Disneyland app, which has a personalized itinerary feature that can help you hit your favorite rides at the best time for the shortest lines.

In the past two years, a lot has changed at Disneyland. The Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge was the biggest development, in addition to its two companion attractions, the Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.

This year, Disneyland has announced the return of Fantasmic, Disneyland Forever Fireworks, Small World, World of Color, and, the most anticipated addition–the Avengers Campus Marvel Land. If you and your family love Marvel, then you can’t miss out on this experience. Guests will be able to attend meet & greets, watch a Stuntronics SpiderMan, shop for their favorite Marvel-related souvenirs, and fight crime with the Avengers in an action-packed roller-coaster ride.

Instagram @avengerscampusdisney

However, due to COVID-19 restrictions and construction, there are some rides that aren’t open to the public yet. For instance, Disneyland’s Toontown is closed in March 2022 and is due to reopen in 2023. Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, Donald’s Boat, Goofy’s Playhouse, Mickey’s House, Minnie’s House, Pixie Hollow, and Star Wars Launch Bay are also closed, so make sure to check those off your list (or visit Disney’s website to see when they plan to reopen!).

May Events in Disneyland

There are some special events that Disney plans to put on in May 2022. On May 3rd, 4th, and 27th, Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite is back! After 6 pm (when the park closes), fans can re-enter the park to experience entertainment such as a Star Wars-themed firework show, a galactic dance party, cast member meet & greets, and a March of the First Order featuring Captain Phasma and Stormtroopers. There also will be themed decor, food, drinks, and beverages to enjoy! Tickets go for about an extra cost of $100 per person.

Instagram @disneyland

The next event is Bats Day Fun in the Fun Park on May 8th. Bats Day is the perfect opportunity for you to let your closeted emo side shine! Guests will be dressed all in goth, steampunk, Halloween, and rockabilly clothing to honor members of the Goth sub-culture. There will be several Livestream music performances by artists such as Abney Park, Voltaire, Creatures Features, and more. If you like these types of events, then consider attending the Oogie Boogie Bash–Disneyland’s Halloween party–in September.

Next is the Disney Channel Fan Fest, which doesn’t yet have a set date. This event includes Disney’s ‘QUIZney’ trivia challenge, drawing lessons with Disney Television Animation creators, sneak peeks at upcoming Disney movies, dance parties, photo-ops with Disney channel stars, and cavalcade down Main Street.

Lastly, there will be eight dates in total in May dedicated to Grad Nites, days in which high school seniors have the opportunity to celebrate graduation at the Disneyland Resort with discounted attractions, food, photos, and other magical moments (and even get the park to themselves after it closes!). Keep checking Disney’s website to find out which dates are solidified for May 2022.

Where to Eat at Disneyland

The sheer number of upscale restaurants in Disneyland may be overwhelming for first time visitors. But fear not–below we have compiled a list of some highly-rated dining options that will fit your every need. Whether you’re looking to indulge in treats for this special occasion, trying to stay healthy, or simply looking for low-budget options, we have the best choices for you!

  • Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo: If you’re a Star Wars fan, then look no further–the Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo is the restaurant for you. Some of its famous dishes include the Endorian Fried Tip-Yip (fried chicken served with mashed potatoes and green gravy), the Batuuan Beef Pot Roast, and the Hummus Garden Spread.
  • Plaza Inn: Located on Main Street in the heart of the action, Plaza Inn is one of Disneyland’s most famous restaurants (and one of Walt Disney’s favorites!). This restaurant is famous for character breakfasts, meaning you and your family can eat some yummy breakfast food while chatting with your favorite cast members!
  • Carnation Cafe: Also located on Main Street, the Carnation Cafe is a favorite for healthy-eaters and indulgent-eaters alike. If grilled salmon and vegetarian protein bowls, apple-granola pancakes, fried pickles, or Mickey waffles sound like a good option for you, then make your way over to Carnation!
  • Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe: If you’re looking for a cheaper option than the ones listed above, the Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe has numerous meals under $10 that keep you full for hours. Personal favorites include the turkey sandwich and tomato basil soup!
  • Bengal Barbecue: The Bengal Barbecue is another cheaper option that serves meat skewers, veggies, and fruit. The food is healthy and inexpensive, but has smaller serving sizes.
  • Cafe Orleans: The Cafe Orleans is another Disneyland classic that has been around since 1966, and contains one of Disney’s most famous dishes: the mouth-watering Monte Cristo. Just look at it!
Photo of Monte Cristo from Cafe Orleans.
Credit @ tripadvisor.com
  • Flo’s V8 Cafe: Flo’s V8 Cafe, located in Cars Land in Disney California Adventure Park, is a Route 66-inspired diner that gets you a delicious meal quickly and efficiently. Whether you’re looking for crispy fried chicken, cobb salads, cheeseburgers, or club sandwiches, Flo’s V8 Cafe has it all!
  • Red Rose Tavern: If you’re a die-hard “Beauty and the Beast” fan like me, then the Red Rose Tavern is the best option to satisfy your hunger and your childhood dreams. The “grey stuff” based off of the fairytale is delicious, accompanied by Mickey-shaped pancakes, flatbreads, salads, and cauliflower sandwiches. Anything you want, the Red Rose Tavern can deliver!

Quick Tricks & Tips to Maneuvering Disneyland

Even though this article already has broken down the meticulous steps you need to take prior to visiting Disneyland, we want to make sure you are more than prepared to conquer your vacation with full confidence. That’s why we’ve compiled another list to keep in mind some essential tips and tricks to maneuvering the Disney parks.

  • Purchase tickets online beforehand! An important thing to remember about Disneyland is that tickets sell out fast. That’s why it is critical to buy your tickets months prior to your vacation. Get a leg up on the other vacationers!
  • Cut the wait at the security line. One of the most time-consuming elements of entering the park is security. Make sure to pack your bag with the fewest zippers and compartments as possible, and unzip it all before getting to the security member checking your bag. Your cell phone, keys, belt, and any other metal devices will need to be removed from your body before screening, so pull those out as well! The quicker you can get through security, the faster you can get in line for rides.
  • Get to the park before it opens. This may sound like common sense, but it’s one of the most important tips on this list: get to the park in the early morning to beat attraction traffic! This will allow you to beat long lines and interact with cast members first before other guests.
  • Rent a locker. A locker is a great option for storing your light layers, cameras, bags, and more. If your personal preference is not to carry a bag around, then make sure to get to the lockers when you first get to the park–they fill up fast!
  • Wait until the park closes to shop. Shopping at Disneyland Resort gets jam-packed throughout the day. A great way to avoid this traffic is to wait until the parks close and most people have filtered out before starting your shopping expedition. The shops on Main Street and Buena Vista Street stay open an hour after the parks close!
  • Keep an eye on the weather forecasts at all times. Even though May is typically a stable month of average temperatures in comparison to the summer months, it’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast before leaving your hotel room for the day. Bring a light jacket or sweatshirt for when there are cooler temperatures at night!

Enjoy your Disneyland Vacation!

Instagram @disneyland

Although all of this extensive information may look daunting, don’t stress yourself out–Disneyland is famous for being the most magical place on Earth for a reason! Disney guarantees fun no matter what you plan or don’t plan. As long as you exact good judgment on outfit choices, bring appropriate accessories and necessities, eat good food, and follow the tricks and tips listed above, your vacation will certainly be above standards. Next is Walt Disney World Resort!

We hope that this guide helps you in deciding what to wear to Disneyland in May, and how to plan your vacation in general! For more Disney vacation scoop, check out these articles:

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