Make Magical Memories Without the Stress
Planning a family trip to Disneyland in the spring? You’re in for a treat! Spring is one of the best times to visit the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. With beautiful blooms in full display, milder temperatures, and exciting seasonal events like the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival, springtime offers a magical experience for all ages. This year we were lucky enough to visit during the 70th anniversary celebration and were able to enjoy the food, merch and parades!
But navigating Disneyland with kids—especially in the bustling spring season—takes a little strategy. That’s why I’ve put together this ultimate guide to help your family make the most of your Disney day. Plus, don’t forget to grab my Disneyland Day Trip Planner to make your visit even smoother!
Why Spring Is a Great Time to Visit Disneyland
- Milder Weather: Temperatures typically range from the mid-60s to low 80s, making it comfortable for walking the parks. Just be aware, you can experience the occasional spring heat wave.
- Lush Landscaping: Flower beds around the parks bloom beautifully in spring, creating picture-perfect backdrops.
- Seasonal Events: You can enjoy events like the Food & Wine Festival in Disney California Adventure and Disney anniversary celebrations.
- Lower Crowds (Sometimes): While spring break and Easter weekends can get busy, weekdays in March and early May are often manageable. Visits in late May or June require a little more planning due to grad night celebrations that take place and increase foot traffic and sometimes limit park hours.
1. Dress in Layers for Unpredictable Weather
What to wear to Disneyland in the spring?
Southern California weather can be unpredictable in the spring—cool mornings, warm afternoons, and breezy evenings. That’s why layering is key.
What to Pack:
- Lightweight hoodies or zip-up jackets
- Breathable t-shirts
- Comfortable walking shoes + extra socks
- Ponchos or compact umbrellas (just in case)
Pro tip: Avoid bulky bags. Keep layers lightweight and use lockers to stash extras.
2. Bring or Buy Snacks to Keep Everyone Happy
Best snacks for Disneyland with kids?
Even the most magical day can go sour fast with a hangry toddler or young child. Packing or buying the right snacks can help avoid meltdowns between meals and while waiting in line. I have plenty of blog posts covering some of the best snacks that are kid (and parent) approved! Just search “snack” through my site and a list of blog posts with recommendations will come up for you to sift through. In the meantime, enjoy the tips below!
Great Snack Ideas to Pack:
- Granola bars, trail mix, or goldfish crackers
- Squeeze applesauce or fruit pouches
- Pretzels or crackers
Favorite Disneyland Springtime Snacks:
- Mickey Pretzels
- Churros – watch for seasonal flavors!
- Dole Whip
- Popcorn in souvenir buckets
3. Plan for Parades, Characters, and Photo Ops
Best Disneyland photo spots in Spring?
Spring at Disneyland is full of vibrant backdrops and magical moments—perfect for family photos and character interactions! The park is beautiful and has so many opportunities for beautiful photos.
Don’t Miss These Photo Ops:
- Main Street, U.S.A. in full bloom
- Sleeping Beauty Castle with spring flowers
- Floral Mickey in front of the Disneyland Railroad station
- Characters in spring-themed outfits
Pro tip: Use PhotoPass photographers—they’ll take pictures with your phone too! cast members take pictures at designated picture-worthy spots. Depending on your ticket you can download or pay a small fee.
4. Arrive Early for Fewer Crowds
Disneyland rope drop strategy.
Getting to the park at “rope drop” (official opening time) gives you a huge advantage, especially during spring break. Arrive 30–45 minutes early for:
- Shorter wait times for popular rides
- Cooler morning temperatures
- Uncrowded castle photos
Pair early entry with Genie+ or Lightning Lane reservations for a smoother day. This works best with kids that are a bit older but even with littles in tow, they can have a slow morning on the stroller while one parent enjoys coffee and the other takes the kids to a couple of attractions.
5. Take Midday Breaks (Yes, Even in Spring)
Even when it’s not blazing hot, Disneyland can be exhausting. Give your family time to recharge with a midday break. This is a non-negotiable for us.
Midday Break Ideas:
- Return to your hotel for a swim or nap
- Relax at the Animation Academy or Disney Junior Dance Party
- Ride the Disneyland Railroad for a scenic rest
- Explore quiet corners like Grizzly Peak or New Orleans Square.
- Head back to the car (sizing permissible) to rest your feet and recharge. Works great for kiddos too!
6. Pack Smart: Don’t Overload Your Park Bag
Disneyland spring packing list.
Here’s a quick checklist of spring essentials:
- Sunscreen & SPF lip balm
- Refillable water bottles
- Wet wipes & hand sanitizer
- Mini first aid kit (think Advil for adults, electrolyte mix )
- Portable phone charger
- Zip-top bags for wet clothes
- Lightweight jackets or sweaters
7. Use Mobile Ordering to Skip Lines
Disneyland mobile ordering tips.
Mobile ordering through the Disneyland app is a game-changer in spring when the parks get busy. Order ahead and avoid long food lines. Don’t sleep on this. I’ve tried to wing it and have walked up for things like snacks and have many-a-time regretted not using mobile-order.
Top Family-Friendly Mobile Order Spots:
- Jolly Holiday Bakery Café
- Alien Pizza Planet
- Corn Dog Castle (a kid favorite!)
- Bengal Barbecue
Pro tip: Order early in the day to secure popular time slots.
8. Don’t Try to Do It All
Disneyland one day itinerary with kids.
This is your reminder that less is more—especially with young children. Prioritize joy and flexibility over trying to check every box.
Tips for a Low-Stress Day:
- Pick 5–6 must-do rides
- Leave buffer time for rest and snacking
- Go with the flow—let the kids lead sometimes
A well-paced day creates happier memories for the whole family!
🎉 Bonus Tip: Use My Disneyland Day Trip Planner
Want an easier way to plan your day, pack smarter, and stay organized?
Click below to buy the Disneyland Day Trip Planner!
This downloadable PDF includes:
- Customizable itinerary
- Snack, meal, and parade planning
- Ride reservation tracker
✨ Less stress = more magic. Don’t go without it!
Final Thoughts
Spring at Disneyland is truly a magical time for families. With the right preparation and a flexible mindset, you can experience the best the parks have to offer—without feeling overwhelmed.
Use these tips, trust your instincts, and above all—have fun! 🏰
✅ Don’t forget to grab your Disneyland Day Trip Planner before your trip!
Have you visited Disneyland in the spring?
Share your favorite springtime tips or moments in the comments below!
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