If you are a parent that’s planning to visit Disney in May, you’re probably beginning to gather a list of Disney essentials for your upcoming trip. May is one of the best months to visit Disneyland—it’s before the summer rush, the weather is mild, and the flowers are in full bloom. As a family of three and regular Disney go-ers, we are here to bring you some of our best planning tips to make sure you have a magical time at the happies place on earth. As a parent, preparing for a successful Disneyland day trip can feel overwhelming, especially with a six-year-old in tow. This blog post is your go-to guide to navigating Disneyland in May with kids. Oh yeah, and our Disney itineraries are always kid-approved, by our very own six-year-old!
We’ll cover:
- Two printable PDF checklists to help make packing and planning stress-free (with Amazon links for quick shopping!)
- What the weather is like in Disneyland in May
- What to pack for a six-year-old
- The best Disney snacks to share
- Must-have Disneyland essentials
What Is the Weather Like at Disneyland in May?
May is a great time to visit Disneyland in terms of weather. You can expect:
- Daytime temperatures: Highs range from 72°F to 80°F (22°C to 27°C)
- Evening temperatures: Lows dip to around 58°F (14°C)
- Rain: Rare but possible—usually fewer than 3 days in the month
- Crowds: Early May is quieter; later in the month gets busier with schools letting out
Parent Tip: Dress in light layers. Mornings and evenings can be breezy, but mid-day warms up quickly.
Anaheim, California has great weather in May. I always recommend dressing in layers. You can still get surprised by the occasional drizzle of rain. You are, however, so much more likely to experience sunny and warm weather.
What to Wear to Disneyland in May
We keep things really easy so we alwyas make sure to carry the following items:
- Zip Up Sweater for easy layering
- SPF – You’ll ne sout and about all day standing in lines. Don’t let overcast weather fool you.
- Tennis Shoes or sneakers – always! Do yourself the favor.
🎒 What to Pack for a Six-Year-Old at Disneyland in May
Packing for a six-year-old can make or break your Disneyland day. Here’s what to bring to keep your kiddo happy and comfortable from rope drop to fireworks. Be sure to check out my shoppable collage at the end that has all our kids tried and true Disney day must-haves.
✅ Top Items to Pack in Your Backpack:
- Refillable water bottle
- Lightweight hoodie or zip-up jacket
- Sunscreen stick (easy for kids to apply!)
- Mickey ears or sun hat
- Change of clothes in a gallon Ziploc bag
- Comfortable sneakers (skip the sandals)
- Pair of good socks
- Healthy snacks like apple sauce pouches or granola bars
📝 Grab My FREE Printable: Disneyland Packing List for Kids
To make your life easier, I’ve created a PDF Disneyland Packing Checklist with Amazon links to all my favorite park-day items. It’s printable and clickable so you can shop with ease!
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🍿 Best Shareable Disney Snacks for Families
Snacking your way through Disneyland is half the fun! But when you’ve got a young child, you’ll want snacks that are kid-friendly, shareable, and budget-conscious. I always like to include a budget-friendly tip for parents that are planning their Disneyland trip.
One of the more common planning questions is how parents can stretch their money at Disney. After all, every single parent wants to create a fun and memorable Disney experience for their children in the best way possible. And that can be done in so many different ways. That’s the beauty of Disney! Parents get to create their magic, their way!
So here goes… get shareable snacks and small meals throughout the day! I love using my Disney Day trip planner to plan all the snacks and Disney food we want to try!
Planning ahead helps with setting expectations, avoiding chaotic conversations regarding who wants what, and yep getting those mobile orders lined up while waiting in line. Everyone in the group gets to try something they want! And best of all – no arguing, it’s been planned, it’s on the Disney list.
Top Shareable Disneyland Snacks:
- Mickey Pretzel – Salty, warm, and fun to split.
- Churros – Get one (or two!) to break apart and enjoy as you wait in line.
- Popcorn Buckets
- Garlic Cheesy Brat
I have to recommend the Edelweiss Snacks in Fantasyland. The Garlic Cheesy Brat is a hit, easily shareable amongst two. This is a delicious bratwurst in a cheesy garlic pretzel bread. This is a great snack or small meal for parents or kids.
This is also the perfect time to sit, rest and eat any packed snacks you may have brought from home. This is truly a perfect time to mix and match food options and catch your breath!
Parent Tip: If your six-year-old is picky, bring a few familiar snacks from home to avoid a mid-day meltdown.
🧢 What are some Disneyland Essentials Every Parent Should Bring
Beyond kid-specific items, here are some must-have essentials every parent should bring to Disneyland in May.
🛍️ Top Disneyland Day Trip Essentials:
- Water bottle – At least one per person.
- Fanny Packs/Backpacks
- Cooling towel – Especially helpful on warmer May afternoons.
- Sun protection – Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen for the whole family.
- Wet wipes and hand sanitizer – A Disneyland essential with kids.
- Small umbrella – Just in case of a surprise drizzle.
📋 Grab My Disneyland Day Trip Planner PDF
Want to plan your day by ride times, food stops, and rest breaks? Download my Disneyland Day Trip Planner—a printable and fillable PDF designed just for parents.
📎 Click here to download the planner PDF →
🎠 Pro Tips for Parents Visiting Disneyland in May
As you start planning for your Disney trip, browse through the blog using the search feature for answers to other Disney questions you may have. There are tons of restaurant reviews and guides for Disneyland, Disney California Adventure and Downton Disney.
💡 Parent-to-Parent Tip: Don’t aim to “do it all.” Focus on magical moments, not a packed itinerary.
Happy planning!
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