Disney Style – What To Wear to Disneyland

Updated November 2, 2023

I put a lot of thought into what I wear to the parks for many reasons.

I consider going to Disneyland a privilege and I dress like it. That doesn’t always translate to an actual dress and heels, but I do tend to wear my cuter clothes to the parks. It makes me feel more put together and when I feel like that, I’m a whole lot nicer to be around.

Why else do I dress up for the parks?  For pictures. I take more photos in the park than I do at most events.  Twice now I’ve ended up using a picture from a visit for our holiday card.  I have several photographs framed and on our walls from Disneyland.  I probably wouldn’t use them as much if we looked like a mess.11041719_731888106908835_3780897444985641774_n

Shoes I Recommend

First, absolutely wear what you’re used to. Don’t break in a pair of new shoes at the parks. If you shop for your trip in advance, leave a couple of weeks to walk around in the shoes you bought.

Here are my favorite shoe options for Disneyland:

Mary Janes

These are not built for park days, but that doesn’t stop me from wearing them. I adore these simple shoes and get LOTS of compliments on them. I have them in both black and brown.

Find them on Amazon here.

OluKai

One of my favorite brand of shoes is OluKais. I wear their Ohana Flip Flops every day, in the park or not, and can’t say enough good about them. They’re podiatrist recommended and provide great support.

Pehueas by OluKai are just as good. Find those at this link.

Accessories I Recommend

  • For sun protection, of course, a hat works well.  But, I also feel like a hat keeps me looking pulled together.  I don’t want to fuss with my hair throughout the day, so I often wear a hat.  If I don’t start out with it, I pack one for later in the day.
  • Minnie ears are not only cute, but functional. I wear them at almost every visit now because they serve as a headband to keep my hair back. They look cute in photographs, too! Check the Shop Disney app for lots of cute options.
  • A colorful pashmina scarf is useful in so many ways, above and beyond wearing it to stay warm.  If it gets chilly unexpectedly, you can use it as a blanket for a little one.  It can cover a stroller for nap time.  It stores easily in your backpack and can even be tied onto your stroller.  The one I use most often is a bright turquoise which photographs well.  These can be found at most department stores, online and in boutiques.  Larger than a scarf, they can be used as a wrap. You’ll often see one of these tied onto my purse when I’m not wearing it.

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Park Bag

I prefer totes over backpacks in the park, but I understand that’s not the norm.

 

Also, in my bag, that is related to what we wear:

  • A princess dress – For my daughter.  Even if she leaves the house telling me she won’t want to wear it, she might want to later in the day and I’d rather be prepared than be tempted to indulge on-site.
  • My makeup bag (with deodorant) – To freshen up throughout the day, especially if it’s a hot one.
  • Essential oils – I keep several of these on hand for stress-relief and in place of perfume.
  • Extra hair accessories – In case my daughter breaks a rubber band or loses a hair pin.
  • Kids N Toddler ponchos – It rarely rains in Anaheim, but you don’t want to be caught without coverage for your cute clothes in case it does.  Ponchos at the park are pricey!

My Favorite Outfit to Wear to the Parks

14353_723051144459198_2545247790652247879_nA casual shift dress, leggings and comfy shoes totally works for me.

I wear leggings to Disneyland on at least half my visits. They’re so nice to have for chilly mornings and nights.

Wear them under a dress or tunic and then take them off mid-day if they get too warm. Bring a cardigan to wear over your dress and remove it as needed for the weather. Both leggings and a cardigan can be added or removed, depending on the weather.

Temperatures at Disneyland

Although SoCal is known for perfect weather, night time does bring chilly temps and you want to be prepared.  We dress in layers and always have something on hand for cold weather – even during warmer months. Year round, you will almost always need a sweater for the evening hours.

Check out the lows and highs for each month in our area:

January – 48/71

February – 48/71

March – 51/73

April – 53/76

May – 57/78

June – 61/81

July – 65/87

August – 65/89

September – 63/87

October – 58/82

November – 52/76

December – 47/70

Ideas on What to Wear

11071573_739959912768321_6949045348597874033_n*A simple, sleeveless dress can transform from morning to daytime to nighttime. I bring leggings to wear until it gets warm and then add them again at night when I’m cold. I also wear a sweater when it gets chilly.

11081296_742308322533480_1410897073084914651_n*Here is a similar dress to what I’m wearing above, but with leggings and a sweater. It all works together and requires little packing on my part. Leggings are lightweight and don’t take up a lot of room in my bag and I usually tie my sweater onto my purse when I’m not wearing it.

10959355_714179248679721_2506570600430333538_n*Jeans can be just as cute as a dress. Pair them with a cute top or with jewelry or a scarf to complete the look.

Some other ideas for dressing:

  • Yoga pants, long sleeve t-shirt, pashmina scarf and mary janes.
  • Maxi dress, light sweater, and moccasins.
  • Jeans, tunic, light sweater, moccasins, and hat.
  • Leggings, casual dress, sweater, Keens and hat.

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I can usually use one of these combinations for day to night wear, but I don’t get cold easily. Some might want a heavier jacket for night time.

Keep in mind, you’ll likely walk 10+ miles during a single day at the park, so a work out is included in your visit.  That often keeps my body temperature up and I feel less of a need for a heavy coat.

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Take a look at my post on the logistics of Disneyland to know where to find lockers in case you need to store coats or other gear.

Going the Extra Mile

I’m a big fan of over-doing things and dressing for Disneyland is no exception. Dapper Day comes and goes each year, but I’ve been told a few times that I dress like it’s Dapper Day every time I go. I can live with that.

Here are Lainey and me at Dapper Day in 2014:

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And, with my super gorgeous husband a couple of years later:

And, while Dapper Day dressing isn’t for everyone, I do have some ideas on how to add a little extra to your outfit to look and feel cute:

  • Minnie Ears – As mentioned above, they’re as useful as they are cute. And, I always feel put together with my hair pulled back out of my face.
  • Jewelry – I wear earrings, a watch, bracelets and more to Disney. I know that’s not for everyone, so consider even just a cute statement necklace to add interest to your outfit. You can still be comfortable, but cute, at the parks.
  • Hats – Men and women can wear hats for both comfort and style. The Mad Hatter (on site in three locations at Disneyland) has all sorts of fun options, or you can stop by Target prior to your trip for something a little more fashionable. A hat is the easiest way not to have to deal with your hair.

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What Kids Should Wear

My children are almost always dressed in patterned clothing because we are messy and I can’t stand to see stains on their clothes. So, plaids or printed pieces work best for us. They also wear Star Wars or Marvel gear, of course.

I also recommend layering for children. My older son often wears shorts, a t-shirt and hoodie. He doesn’t get cold often. My middle son wears pants and a short sleeve shirt with a hoodie tied around his waist. My daughter wears jeans or leggings with dresses or tunics like me and then adds a sweater at night.

Shoes might be the most important selection you make for your children. If a little one starts his or day without socks, pack some. You’ll likely need them later. Comfy shoes make all the difference for tired feet that are walking, essentially, double what we are with their tiny legs.

Kids N Toddler has a huge selection of licensed apparel at a fraction of the cost of what you will find at the parks. They have free shipping and returns, too! Definitely check them out for kids’ clothes.

See the look on my daughter’s face here? This is the look of defeat. Of mom being right. Her furry kitten heels (Lord give me strength) didn’t make it out of Mickey’s Parking Garage. Good thing mom had Toms in her backpack. Why am I speaking in third person?

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Check this out! We almost look like a normal family here.

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Disney Bounding

Disney Bounding occurs when park guests wear clothes that identify with a popular Disney character without being in actual costume. Costumes are not allowed in the park – with the exception of special events – so Disney Bounding is a way to emulate your favorite character without the actual costume.

What About When it Rains?

First, be sure to buy ponchos prior to your trip. Kids N Toddler sells well made, thick ponchos that will keep you dry on the rainiest days. They offer free shipping and returns. Check them out for sure! This page includes a link to their shop and a discount code for when you buy.

It rarely rains at Disneyland, but when it does, there are plenty of places to take cover.

And, if you know it’s going to rain prior to your visit, don’t panic. In fact, a rainy day at Disneyland provides you with the chance to ride and do more than what you would be able to on a bright and sunny day, so have no fear.

You should dress appropriately, however. Review my post on how to deal with the rain at Disneyland and consider what I suggest on how to be prepared. Water-resistant shoes are a must.

Recently, on a day with rain in the forecast, I wore this:

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It was a chilly day and I knew I’d need the rain boots for later on. The leggings kept me warm and I had an extra pair in my bag should the ones I was wearing get wet from the rain. When jeans get wet in the rain, they stay wet. Leggings don’t stay as wet and with another pair to change into, I was set.

I absolutely adore my pair of Hunter Original Tall Red Rainboots because they’re just about the cutest thing ever.

Find those on Amazon.

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Notes

Being prepared can make all the difference in your Disneyland visit.  Looking good (which translates to feeling good for me) will make for a great day, too!

Bottom line: Be comfortable, but like what you’re wearing. Don’t put all your effort into your kids and forget about yourself.

Don’t stray too far from what you already feel comfortable in. I wouldn’t buy shoes just for your visit and throw them on day 1 hoping the work. Wear what you know works for you.

Layer, layer, layer. Can’t stress that enough. Leggings, a dress and a sweater typically work for me for this very reason. But, you can find your own version of that idea.

Don’t miss my “I Recommend” page for a list of companies that I suggest you consider while planning your trip. Many of those listed have apparel and many include discounts for Disneyland Daily readers. 

Hashtag your Disneyland outfits with #DISNEYLANDDAILY so I can see what you’re wearing. I’d love to get inspiration from you, too!

Take a look at how Get Away Today can help with your vacation

52 thoughts on “Disney Style – What To Wear to Disneyland

  1. Thank you for this suitable article about what to wear to Disneyland, it will help me and people like me looking for the same. I appreciate your effort for taking time to do your research and present these details before us. Really nice way to present this content, very appreciative!!

  2. HI Casey, currently planning my first Disney Trip from Australia – your site is SO helpful! I’ve never been to a Disney Park or USA main land so this is a god send.
    I have some cute Minnie ears I was planning on wearing but I’m worried about them coming off on fast/big rides?
    As I’ve never been to a USA theme park, I’m unsure – in Australia most of the big/fast rides usually have a little safe box/hutch to leave purses, sunglasses, hats ect that you cant take on the ride with you – do big Disney rides have these also? I wouldn’t want to go back to a locker every time for a handbag/hat ect.
    Thanks!

  3. I’ll tell you what I bring into Disneyland; my ID, credit card, two aspirin chapstick and a sweater I ty around my waist. I put on my items in my front jean pockets except my sweater. My thought is if I need it that badly I’ll buy it.

    1. Congratulations! 20 is no joke. I’ve been married for 17 years. It’s hard work! But, totally worth it. I hope you have a lovely celebration. Don’t forget to get your buttons to show off your celebration!

  4. Hi Casey,
    I’m just curious if there are any rides that will turn me away if I wear sandals without back straps? I know there are some rides in other parks that require shoes that cannot slip off.

  5. Great info. I obsess over rides and never give this important stuff a thought. Most helpful! I channeled my inner YOU and stopped at a pop up LuLuLaroe truck and got a black/white striped tunic dress that looked like you. Now in scrolling your pics if the dress/tunic you are in with your solid black bag is LLL – I have the identical one. ๐Ÿ™‚ Great trips!!!

  6. I love love love your whole site and this post in particular! I’ve been to Disney about 1000 times in my youth-20s but after a looong hiatus plus 10bs of thighs, I’m going back for the first time with my kids in June!! I don’t think I can pull off the bikini top as a bra thing anymore so on your recommendation, I think I’ll go the dress route. I’m definitely interested in those Sanuk slings too!! Thank you for posting all this incredibly useful info to make park time sooo much better for everyone!

  7. Where do you usually get your tops? The long tunic types? You always look so adorable, but comfy. Totally what I’m looking for ๐Ÿ™‚

  8. You and I both have similar style…dresses and leggings all the way! I was wondering if just a cardigan would be warm enough for a December/January trip?

  9. thank you for this inspiring post! I’ve always gone to DLR in shorts, tank, and flip flops for comfort. But now that I’m older, I’ve been wanting to looks more put together like you said and didn’t really know how to do that, especially at DLR. My only concern now is, how to pull that off while wearing my 3mo. It will be super hot next month (thanks for that awesome post as well!) and I want to stay cool/comfortable while wearing him and lol cute! any suggestions? Also, I was told that a large brimmed hat would help with keeping my LO cool. So that means no Minnie Ears. ?

  10. We are visiting at the beginning of September and I had read the highs were in the high 70’s or 80’s, but can feel 5-10 degrees hotter. We are from Texas and it is still VERY hot in September…like…have to wear shorts hot:) Is Anaheim much cooler and the pants or leggings would be fine? Thanks!

    1. I wear leggings and a dress and sweater so that I can take off and add layers. The lows are around 63 and highs are on average 87 for September. We often get an “Indian Summer” in September. But it is cool in the morning and night. I’m from Plano. I know Texas heat! SoCal is much more manageable.

  11. This is a fantastic post! I wear skirts all the time to WDW, and I’ve never had a problem with them. However, I’ve read that it’s not a good idea to wear skirts or dresses to DLR because of rides where you must straddle other riders (like Splash Mountain, which is different at WDW). I haven’t been to DLR since my kids were tiny, so I’m not certain about whether this will be an issue on the “adult” rides that we will be going on this summer. Our trip will be in the summer, so I don’t think I will need tights. I’ve been considering some sort of bike short, but haven’t found anything I really like yet, and I was wondering if you had any recommendations or any advice about riding the rides in a dress. Thanks!

    1. There are some rides to straddle, but I don’t wear tight skirts, so they work. And I usually wear full leggings because the weather gets chilly in the morning and at night. Cropped leggings will work, too, if you prefer to skip the long ones. Enjoy!

  12. Yes!! Feels like 100% years ago. We are going to Disney World for my 40th birthday on a wild hair! And I can’t wait to bring my 2.5 year old! I just have not been since I was a kiddo. I would much rather go to Disney Land. We are kind of just going to play it by ear so I hope it all works out! Ha ha. You are such a cute fun mom! ๐Ÿ™‚ DG Love.

  13. Ha ha ha. On Pinterest researching for upcoming Disney trip next week and came across this post! Ms. Casey Clemmons Starnes. You are just too cute for words!! It’s only been about 20 plus years. Miss my DG Beta Chi girls. Love, Carmen ๐Ÿ™‚ I need some snazzy Minnie ears!

  14. Love the thought you put into this and thanks for all the tips. I was thinking cute jeans for a Jan trip, but now I’m thinking cute dress and leggings (x2 if rain is in the forecast!)!

  15. I was told that if a little girl wears a princess costume that characters are supposed to greet her ..

      1. Recently we went to Paris Disneyland and my three girls were in variations of Minnie outfits. While lined up to meet Minnie she came over and made a big fuss over them, (much to the envy of those around)! It was magical!

  16. Thanks for the post! When you said costumes aren’t allowed in the park, does that include little ones too? So my 3 year old can’t wear her Elsa dress when we go to meet Elsa?

  17. I read the title of this post and thought “yeah, right”. I’m a tshirt and jeans type of gal. But you’ve inspired me to start looking for some dresses and leggings to take on our fall dlr trip. Thanks!!

    1. Kendell, the dresses and leggings/sweater outfit totally makes sense. Jeans get hot! The dress transitions. Trust me! (And, let me know if you try it and love or hate it.)

  18. I loved this post! I always try and look cute when I go to the parks. Even if that’s just some colored jeans and a nice top. Some days I wish I took the workout clothes route when I am tired and sweaty at 10pm but I know I would hate all of the photos from that day.

    Great read ๐Ÿ™‚

  19. Hi
    I love your tips on what to wear to Disneyland. I’m happy you shared the shoes you like to wear. I have been wanting to wear cute and comfy shoes other than my tennis shoes. I’m off to look for the shoes you suggested. Thank you????

    1. Totally welcome! If you feel confident about your size, try Amazon. I found my Minnetonka mocs for $28, rather than the usual $40 I pay at Nordstrom. Amazon has so much.

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