How to Beat the Heat at Disneyland

Let's face it. There's nothing worse than being at the Happiest Place on Earth with the other 40,000 people in 95 degree heat. Oh wait, there is...being there with two miserably hot toddlers. Here are some attractions that you can check out to help beat the heat.

Disneyland

Catch the Parade

Currently, the parade is Mickey's Soundsational Parade, but there is word that a new parade will make its debut for the 60th Anniversary Celebration. No matter what parade it is, kids love seeing their favorite characters pass by. It may be tough for the little ones to sit patiently for the parade to start so maybe grab a special treat to help distract them. I always try to find a shady spot close to the bathrooms. One thing to keep in mind is that the parade doesn't run every day so check the Entertainment Times Guide.

Watch a show

• The Royal Theatre - At the moment, the show at the Royal Theatre is Frozen. Previous shows were Tangled and Beauty and the Beast. You can obtain a Fastpass for the show but you can still view the show if there is room after all of the Fastpass holders have been seated. 
• Mickey and the Magical Map - This is really quite a fun show with shaded bleachers. It's filled with lots of dancing, music, and rarely seen characters like Pocahontas and Mulan. 
• Enchanted Tiki Room - My kids love this show. It's indoors and right next to the Dole Whip Tiki Juice Bar so I don't mind sitting through a show with mechanical birds singing away. 

All Aboard

My son's favorite thing to do at Disneyland is going on the train. I gotta say that I love it too. There's usually a very short wait and the changing scenery keeps the kids occupied. If you can fold up and carry your stroller onto the train, you can use the train as a way to avoid the crowds as you travel to the other end of the park.

Ride the Rides

K on King Arthur Carrousel

There are a few rides that usually have a shorter waiting time with the majority of the waiting done in the shade. 

• Pinocchio - For whatever reason, my daughter always requests to go on this ride even though she has never seen the movie. I don't mind. 
• King Arthur Carrousel - This carrousel can accommodate a huge amount of riders at a time, therefore the line moves quickly.
• Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin - The entire ride and waiting area are indoors. The line can get long but there is a Fastpass option.

Meet Someone Special

Belle right outside the Royal Theatre

Sure you can find characters all over the place, but there are a couple places that your child can meet her beloved Princess without standing in the hot sun on Main Street.

• Royal Hall - Here you wait in one line in the shade to meet three princesses, usually Cinderella, Snow White, and Ariel. As an added bonus, there is usually a fourth princess just outside the Royal Theatre. 
• Mickey and Minnie - In Toontown, you can visit Mickey's house and Minnie's house; and often, you can actually meet them there inside the houses. 

California Adventure

Disney Junior Live on Stage!

My kids LOVE this show and that is not a shocker. This show has everyone: Mickey and friends, Sofia the First, Doc McStuffins, and Jake and the Neverland Pirates. In addition to the characters, there's fun surprises like bubbles and gold doubloons. I've seen this show so many times that I can recite the script by heart, but I can't complain. This is show takes place in an air conditioned room.

We have tried out the "It's Tough to be a Bug!" show and the "Disney's Aladdin-A Musical Spectacular," which are both in air conditioned buildings; but my kiddos are too young to enjoy them. The "It's Tough to be a Bug!" show was a little too scary for them, and the Aladdin show was too long as it's a 45 minute show.

Disney Animation

There is a lot to do in the Disney Animation building. Turtle Talk with Crush is a fun, interactive show that the kids love. Here, kids have the opportunity to ask Crush from Finding Nemo questions. Of course, this is also where you can learn how to draw Olaf and meet Anna and Elsa (Fastpass required) but you can read more about that temporary attraction here.

Jump in a "puddle"

In Bug's Land, the kiddos can cool off at Princess Dot Puddle Park. What kid doesn't love to run and splash in the water???  Enough said.

Other Tips

• Bring frozen water bottles and frozen ice packs/gel packs. When it's hot outside but I need to put R in the Ergobaby carrier, I put an frozen ice pack in the outside pocket which helps keeps him cool.
• Buy a misting fan. You can buy the Disney one for $18 at the World of Disney Store in Downtown Disney or in the parks. There are cheaper ones available online. 
• I've heard great things about cooling towels. My Dad just gave me one and I'm very excited to try it out. You get it wet, wring it out, and it is supposed to keep you cool but dry.
• Use insulated sippy cups. I love these Thermos Funtainers which keep the kiddos' drinks cool for hours. One word of warning though, the exterior can get warm especially the black Batman one so keep them out of direct sunlight.