Are you heading to Southern California soon and wondering what to wear to Disneyland in March? Spring is a great time to head to Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park! It is warmer weather than the winter months, and yet not the full-blown hot days of the summer months. I was lucky enough to live in Southern California during my twenties, and I miss California weather, especially in the Midwest’s cold months of January through April. I hope this post helps you plan your next Disneyland visit to see Mickey Mouse and your other favorite Disney characters!
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Is March a good time to visit Disneyland?
March is a great time of year to visit Disneyland. Generally, crowds are slower at the beginning of the month coming out of winter. Spring break gradually brings more people to Disney parks by the end of March, but April brings the highest spring break crowds. Neighboring states of Utah and Colorado, along with schools in Orange County (where Disneyland is located) typically have spring break in late March, so crowds will begin to build by the end of the month.
The fantastic warmer months of the spring make March a good option for Disneyland travel. Most of the cold weather of January and February has passed with the average temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the low 70s during the day. The average high temperature is around 72 degrees with the average low around 52 degrees in March. I usually check the Weather Channel site or app for the latest forecast.
It is always a great idea to begin checking the weather forecast for your Disneyland vacation about a week in advance, any month of the year. Though daytime temperatures may be warm, chilly mornings and cool temperatures at night time are common in Southern California.
Be sure to pack a light jacket, a sweatshirt, or shirts with long sleeves, as you will most likely need them for any cooler weather during your trip. Be sure to pack layers for a Disney vacation in Anaheim for cooler temperatures.
What shoud I wear to Disneyland in March?
Layers
Consider packing layers for Disneyland in March. You might want some short sleeved tops or tank tops, but pack some shirts with long sleeves or sweatshirts for chilly mornings and evenings.
Jeans or leggings
I always throw one or two pairs of long pants in my bag for March travel, including jeans or leggings. They are versatile, and I can easily wear them at least twice during my trip.
Shorts/Skorts
If the weather forecast calls for sunny skies, throw some shorts or skorts into your bag! Take advantage of warmers temps during your trip, if they occur.
Comfortable Shoes
Comfortable walking shoes are essential for Disneyland and Disney World! You will be on your feet a lot during the day, so be sure to test them out before you leave home. My personal favorites are Brooks running shoes and Teva sandals.
Bathing suit
If you plan to swim during your Disneyland vacation, don’t forget to pack your bathing suit, a cover up and flip flops for pool days!
Sunscreen
Remember your sunscreen protection for your days in the parks. Remember, you still need skin protection during cloudy and cooler days outside.
Hat and Sunglasses
Hats and sunglasses help protect your eyes during your time in the parks and give your face a little sun protection as well.
Magic Bands
If you purchased Magic Bands before your trip, throw them into your suitcase. Make sure they are linked to your My Disney Experience account. If you purchased the MagicBand+ option, be sure to also charge them before your trip with the charger included in the box.
Confirmations
Call me old-fashioned but I like to print paper confirmations for my resort, car rental, and ticket purchases. Just in case my phone dies or is lost, I still have access to my reservation numbers.
Electronics and Chargers
Be sure to pack all of your electronics, such as cell phones, Ipads, and laptops if you are taking them on your trip. A portable charger is also essential in the parks.
Park Bag and Essentials
Choose a great park bag to take your essentials into the parks. Keep reading below to see all of my current favorites for a day at Disney.
Does it rain at Disneyland in March?
The rainy season in Southern California is typically ending by mid to late March. The beginning of the month has about a 15-18% chance of rain, dropping to 10% by the end of March. Typically, a Southern California spring is the perfect time to visit amusement parks.
An insider tip is to always throw a poncho in your park bag, or a small umbrella for sudden showers. Though afternoon showers aren’t quite as common as they are at the Orlando Disney theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Central Florida, it is still a good idea to be prepared for a chance of rain.
Do I need a bathing suit at Disneyland in March?
Check the forecast for rainy days before you pack your bathing suit, but in general, you should pack your bathing suit for Disneyland in March! If you stay on property at the Disneyland Hotel or Grand Californian, the good news is the pools will be heated all year long. Even if it’s not the best time to sit out by the pool due to cooler temperatures, you can always hop into the heated spas around the resorts as well.
Be sure to throw a pair of flip flops or waterproof sandals in your suitcase to wear around the pool area. Pool towels are provided by the Disney resorts at the pools, at no extra cost to you. If you want to spend an extended amount of time at the pools, check into renting a cabana for the day!
Cabanas include comfortable lounge chairs and sofas, a coffee table, a television, a ceiling fan, a safe, a radio, a resort phone, a mini fridge with water, a complimentary fruit platter, and a towel service. Servers are also available to order more food and beverages throughout the day. It is a great way to spend a break day from the long lines to your Disney vacation!
Are there special festivals at Disneyland in March?
The Disneyland Food and Wine Festival occurs during the month of March. This festival occurs in Disney’s California Adventure. The Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival is so much fun!
There are speciality food booths throughout the park, along with cooking demonstrations from celebrity chefs. Live music and live entertainment is also amazing at the park during this festival. It’s a great idea to research some of the food items featured before you visit to see what you might want to purchase since it will add some extra costs to your park tickets.
Should I stay on-site at Disneyland in March?
It is always fun to stay onsite at a Disneyland resort when you visit Southern California. You can take advantage of staying on property at the happiest place on earth with the Early Entry benefit. If you stay at Disneyland Hotel, Pixar Pier or the Grand Californian, you can enter the parks 30 minutes before the set park open time.
You can also enjoy next day package delivery, preferred access to dining reservations, and easy access to the theme parks. Of course, DIsneyland is different than Walt Disney World in Orlando. Being in the middle of Anaheim, there are many hotels around the parks. If you opt to stay in a hotel room off property, just be sure to research how far away it is from the parks and any park perks they might be able to offer. It is always a good idea to run your numbers and calculate what best fits into your budget.
Do I need park reservations at Disneyland in March?
Yes! Currently, theme park reservations are still required at Disneyland. Be sure to link your tickets to your Disneyland account and make your park pass reservations. You can choose to start at either Disneyland or California Adenture Park.
If you purchase a park hopper ticket, you can hop to the next park any time after 1:00 PM. Remember, you can always use a travel advisor specializing in DInsey vacations to help you make a plan at no extra charge!
How can I cut down on my wait times in March at Disneyland?
If you want to cut down on your wait times at Disneyland, consider purchasing Genie+ during your vacation. You can purchase this with your tickets or package before your trip or the day of your visit. This purchase allows you to skip the main line on many of the most popular attractions at Disneyland.
Disneyland Park Genie+ includes Autopia, Big Thunder, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, Haunted Mansion, Indiana Jones Adventure, It’s a Small World, Matterhorn, Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run, Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, and Star Tours.
California Adventure Genie+ includes lightning lane entrances for Goofy’s Sky Schook, Grizzly river Run, Guardians of the Galaxy, Incredicoaster, Monsters Inc, Soarin over California, Toy Story Midway Mania, and Web Slingers.
You can also purchase a few rides a la carte at each park. The Indvidiual Lightning Lanes include Radiator Springs Racers at California Adventure and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disneyland.
If you do not want to purchase Genie+ during your visit, it is always a good idea to arrive at the parks early. “The early bird gets the worm” common sense theory works at Disney too! Generally, you can knock out a few of the best rides with minimal wait times early in the mornings.
Should I purchase a park hopper for Disneyland in March?
A park hopper is always a good idea for Disneyland. California Adventure and Disneyland are so close together, so it just makes sense to go back and forth. Remember, that you have to wait until after 1:00 to hop to another park.
Can I bring snacks into Disneyland?
You can bring outside food and nonalcoholic beverages into the Disney parks. Be sure to leave glass containers at home along with food that needs to be heated, processed, or refrigerated.
Disneyland does offer a picnic area for guests right outside the main entrance to Disneyland Park if you want a nice place to sit down. Remember, you can also get free cups of ice water in the Disney parks. Just ask any counter service location. Stay hydrated in the parks so you can keep going all day long!
What should I include in my park bag?
If you go to the Disney parks on a regular basis, you are probably familiar with the term “park bag.” Whatever option you choose for the parks, check to see it has enough storage for your daily needs and is comfortable enough to carry around all day. Bags with thin rope strings or backpacks made of heavy material may not be the best option for a long day in the parks.
Loungefly backpacks are very popular in the parks. If you purchase one, make sure it has plenty of room for all of your items. I have one featuring the Dapper Dans that I adore! This Mickey one would be a cute one to complete your set too!
One of my best friends swears by her Kavu bag for Disney trips! Try this one!
Aa far as what you should pack in your park bag, there are a few essentials. Don’t forget a refillable water bottle so stay hydrated in the parks.
Also, throw some sunscreen in your park bag to protect your skin. A hat and sunglasses are also a welcome addition in the Southern California sunshine.
If you have little ones longing to meet their favorite Disney characters and princesses, remember to throw an autograph book in your park bag. We find that clickable Sharpies are the easiest for the characters to use when signing. Of course, you will find several autograph book options in the parks and the resorts as well.
I always include a small amount of bandages, Moleskin for any blisters, and medications our family might need in our park bag. Snacks and candy to prevent meltdowns in long lines might help too!
A portable charger for your phone is essential in the Disney parks, as the My Disney Experience app can quickly drain your phone battery.
Carry your photo ID along with credit cards or cash you might want to use in the parks. You can also purchase items through your Magic Band, if you have a credit card linked to your account.
If you are a fan of Mickey ears, be sure to pack your favorite pairs!
What is not allowed at Disneyland?
Note that Disneyland will screen all guests for security before entering the parks. Firearms, ammunition, knives and weapons are not allowed in the Disney parks. The parks are also smoke-free. Fireworks are not allowed. Glass containers are not allowed either (except for baby food jars.)
Drones, skates, and skateboards are prohibited. Wagons and large strollers are also not allowed in the parks. Wheeled mobility devices also have some size restrictions, as well as suitcases. No selfie sticks or large tripods are allowed into Disneyland or California Adventure Park. See Disneyland’s website for more details.
Should I bring a stroller for my kids at Disneyland?
Disneyland does require some walking, so I would encourage you to bring a stroller or rent a stroller for your little ones. Stroller wagons are not permitted, nor are strollers exceeding 31″ in width and 52″ in length.
If your park days will be warm, consider bringing a portable fan that can attach to the stroller to keep your children cool.
I hope this post helps you prepare for your trip to Disneyland in March. As always, reach out to a travel advisor specializing in Disney vacations to help you plan your next trip. We are included in the cost of your Disney vacation and offer expert advice to help you maximize your time in the parks. Sign up below for my free packing list and keep reading for more great Disney travel advice!
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