The best thing you can plan to wear to Disneyland is whatever you’re most comfortable in. With all the walking around and adventures you’ll go on, it pays to be comfortable. However, if you’re up for some extra fun, you might want to dress up in some of your favorite Disney apparel or even get your group matching shirts.
Of all the theme parks, I’ve seen the most people dressed up at Disneyland. I don’t mean dressy, I mean decked out in Disney. Families often buy matching shirts. Some little ones might dress up like their favorite character, and lots of people wear Mickey or Minnie ears, just for the fun of it.
If you want to truly get into the spirit, I’d recommend taking at least one themed shirt with you to Disneyland. We always take our Disney backpack and water bottle as well.
So in this article, we’re going to give you a few tips on what to wear to Disneyland that will help you be as comfortable and prepared as possible. We’ll also showcase some of our favorite Disney gear to get you in the spirit for the trip.
Planning a trip to Disneyland?
- Get your Disney tickets. Save $26 on a 4-Day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Ticket!
- Book your private airport transfer from Anaheim hotels to LAX.
- Renting a car isn’t necessary for a Disney-only trip, but it is if you plan to go anywhere else. We always find the best deals on cars through DiscoverCars.com.
Where to Stay in Disneyland:
- The Westin Anaheim Resort (Very close to the park, tons of room options)
- Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa (Direct access to the park + perks)
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott Anaheim Maingate (Free breakfast, kids stay free)
Best Tours and Experiences in Disneyland:
Top Things to Keep in Mind When Packing
- Wear layers – It can be very hot during the day and drop in temperature at night, so wear layers that can easily fit in your backpack when taken off.
- Be appropriate – Disney has a very relaxed dress code, but they do require appropriate dress – so don’t wear anything too revealing or that shows offensive tattoos, or that could get caught in a ride and be unsafe.
- Shoes – You must wear shoes at all times in Disneyland. You can wear sandals, flip flops, tennis shoes. I don’t recommend heels. Make sure your shoes don’t cause blisters. If you haven’t worn them for at least 5 hours in a day before, probably don’t start now.
- Flexibility is key – You don’t want to wear a dress that won’t allow you to climb into rides, or something tight that doesn’t allow you to move freely. Anything that’s going to fall down, fall off, rip or tear easily.
- Wear your Disney gear – While adults aren’t permitted to wear costumes in the park, you can still dress up in your Disney gear – t-shirts, hats, backpacks, etc. A lot of families and groups will wear matching t-shirts.
- Only kids under 13 can wear costumes in the park.
Planning your trip? We’ve got tons of helpful Disney planning guides from our awesome list of 40 essential tips, to how to get to Disneyland, where to stay near Disney, what to pack, what to wear, where to park, and what to eat in both Disneyland and California Adventure.
What to Wear to Disneyland
We love the opportunity to dress up in something special when we go to Disneyland. Our family usually goes together, and every one either picks out their favorite shirts to wear, or we coordinate and all wear the same thing.
These are a few of the favorite items we’ve chosen in the past, as well as a few that we’ve seen other people wearing that we love. Most of these are available on Amazon, which is the quickest, easiest way to get your gear, unless you have a Disney store near by.
Minnie Mouse Ears
These are one of the most popular things people wear at Disneyland. They also sell them at the park, but we found some on Amazon that are just as nice as the ones at the park, for way less. So be sure to buy them in advance!
Magic Vibes Shirts
These are one of the most popular things people wear at Disneyland. They also sell them at the park, but we found some on Amazon that are just as nice as the ones at the park, for way less. So be sure to buy them in advance!
Jungle Cruise T-Shirts
These officially licensed Disney Jungle Cruise T-Shirts are really fun. Jungle Cruise was the park’s signature ride when it opened at Disneyland.
Minnie Mouse Halloween Shirt
We’ve gone to Disneyland twice in October because it’s less busy and they do an awesome job decorating for it. These were our Disney Halloween shirts.
Magical Shirt
My favorite shirt is this Magical shirt. It comes in lots of different colors and is perfect for a day at Disneyland or Disney World.
Family T-Shirt Ideas
Matching Disney Shirts For Families
If you’re going to Disney with your family or a group of friends, these matching Disney shirts are a fun way to dress up. They come in many different sizes and colors.
Matching Personalized Shirts
Everyone can have their name printed on these shirts, so it’s extra special. They come in white and grey, Mickey and Minnie, and all different sizes.
Bags & Accessories
MagicBand+
MagicBand+ has come to Disneyland. These colorful bands allow you to easily scan into the park and check-in for your lightening lane reservation with the wave of your hand. The bands are collectible with many styles to choose from. The new MagicBand+ even glows and pulses during select experiences. Disneyland is only supporting the MagicBand+ version, so if you have an older MagicBand or MagicBand2, you will not be able to link them to the Disneyland app.
Disney Mickey Mouse Drawstring Backpack
These backpacks are super easy to carry around because they’re so lightweight and you can wear them in many different ways. They fit everything you’ll need for the day.
Disney Crossbody Bag
This is a great small bag that you can take along for your phone, tickets, and anything small you’re carrying. It has a long adjustable shoulder strap so you can wear it how you want.
Polka Dot Sunglasses
You have to love these cute polka dot sunglasses. They’re perfect for a day at Disney. They come in a lot of different colors, but of course you’d go with the red.
Disney Stud Earrings
If you don’t want to wear a t-shirt but still want to be festive, these Disney stud earrings are a great way to go subtle. Or pair them with your favorite shirt and go all out!
With so many fun ways to dress up for your Disney trip, you’ll surely find something you like! We’ve had so much fun preparing for our trips and adding new shirts to our collection over the years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there lockers to store my stuff?
Yes, you can take advantage of the lockers that are in the park to store your stuff so you don’t have to carry it around all day. There is one set in the cul-de-sac between Market House and Disney Clothiers and another to the left of the ticket turnstiles before you enter the park. They are pay lockers – the small are $7, large are $10 for the day. You can pay with your credit card.
Can I take a stroller into the park?
If you are taking a stroller to the park, make sure that it fits the size requirements. Strollers larger than 31” x 52” and wagons are not permitted. You can rent single ($18) and double ($36) strollers per day outside and to the right of the ticket turnstiles.
Can you bring food into the park?
Yes you can. Make sure food is wrapped up. You can bring drinks in as well. No glass and all ice must be contained. You can bring a cooler in with your lunch if you want. A soft sided cooler works best with reusable ice packs.
Where to Stay Near Disneyland
There are many options for great places to stay near Disneyland, but we definitely recommend staying at a Disney hotel if at all possible.
The three Disney-owned on-site hotels are The Disneyland Hotel, The Grand Californian and Paradise Pier. All three offer early entry to both parks for their guests. The Disneyland Hotel and The Grand Californian offer wonderful dining options as well as character dining.
If you want to stay right across the street from the park, try the Park Vue Inn (3-minute walk) or the Best Western Plus Park Place Inn-Mini Suites (4-minute walk).
How to Get to Disneyland
These are the main airports to choose from to get to Disneyland:
- John Wayne Airport in Orange County (SNA) – 15 Miles from the park.
- Long Beach Airport (LGB) – 25 Miles from the park.
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – 35 Miles from the park.
- Hollywood Burbank Airport, Bob Hope Airport (BUR) – 45 Miles from the park.
Drive times vary depending on the time of day. On-site car rental, taxis, and rideshares are available at all airports.
Uber and Lyft are convenient options. Consider checking the price of both before deciding. Prices will vary depending on the time of day.
Shuttle services can be reserved in advance. Lansky shuttle car service has a complimentary 30 minute grocery/fast food stop on the way to the hotel and they provide car seats. Karmal Shuttle car service only goes to LAX and John Wayne Airport and they don’t provide car seats.
Tips for Visiting Disneyland
Getting to and into Disneyland can be a challenge but not one that you can’t master with a few of our top tips. Here are some of the things we recommend everyone do to make their trip to Disneyland exciting and smooth. Read all of our 40+ Disneyland Tips.
1. Download the Disneyland App
You can and will do everything from the Disneyland app (Apple Store | Android store) before you leave, while you are there, and even when you get home. Mobile ordering snacks and meals is super easy. Check ride times, use the map to get around, and reserve lightening lane passes through Genie+.
2. Get acquainted with the park map.
If you notice that a ride’s line time is short and it is in a land that is close to where you are, you should head there.
3. Use the lockers
Take advantage of the lockers that are in the park. There is one set in the cul-de-sac between Market House and Disney Clothiers and another to the left of the ticket turnstiles before you enter the park.
4. Go on the popular rides first
The first 2-3 hours the park is open are the golden hours when the lines will be the shortest. Go on the most popular rides early to avoid long lines later.
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Laura is a travel fanatic who loves seeing and doing new things. She lives in Ventura, CA, and spends a lot of time exploring California’s cities, beaches, and national parks.