The holiday season is still in full gear at Disneyland until January 6th and I know the parks will be busy, and maybe a little cold and rainy during winter break, but I have you covered! No, not in the shelter kind of way, but in the tips for having the most magical experience possible kind of way despite the weather and the crowds! Obviously you’ll want to bring an umbrella or a poncho and a change of clothes, but don’t let the weather or crowds stop you from visiting and enjoying the merriest place on earth this holiday season!

 

 

Below are my TOP 5 TIPS for visiting Disneyland on Rainy and or Busy Days! And here’s a little secret – Disneyland tends to be less busy on rainy days, so bundle up and have fun! A little rain never hurt anyone!

 

 

1️⃣ During the holidays you want to get there early for rope drop. Even on busy days, the park is always the least crowded first thing in the morning and gradually gets busier as the day goes on. Check the app or website for park hours the night before you go! You may even look into seeing if you can go an hour earlier than park opening during the extra magic hour or magic morning early admission option.

2️⃣ Prepare your day in advance and prioritize the rides you want to go on and the shows you want to see before you go. Most importantly, plan your Fast Passes so you can time your rides throughout the day! If there is a BIG ride like Hyperspace Mountain, Haunted Mansion Holiday, Incredicoaster, or Radiator Springs Racers, go on those rides first because FastPasses might not be available after a certain time of day, even if you plan to stay until closing. But if all else fails, go in the single rider line (ages 7+). When you schedule the day out ahead of time you won’t be as stressed during your visit. You can read my previous blog  post for a sample itinerary so you won’t miss anything during the holidays!

3️⃣ If it’s busy or raining, look at showtimes for various indoor shows like the Disney Junior Dance Party, Frozen – Live at the Hyperion, Mickey’s PhilharMagic, and the Tiki Room! These are also often not as busy as some other ride attractions! 

4️⃣ I always have the Animation Academy on my list during busy or rainy days because there is so much to do inside like drawing your favorite characters, meeting Elsa, Anna, and Olaf, Turtle Talk w/ Crush, seeing the Beast’s library, and more! 

5️⃣ The best attractions with shelter from the rain are It’s A Small World, Pirates of the Caribbean, walking through Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle, Soarin’ Around the World, Star Tours, and even riding on the Monorail! And many of these have Fast Passes for when it’s busy! And the best rides for busy days that often don’t have a long line are the Golden Zephyr, The Little Mermaid, Pinocchio’s Daring Journey, and Snow White’s Scary Adventures! You may also consider just running around and playing in the wide open at the Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island or Redwood Creek Challenge Trail! 

 

Have fun and happy holidays!