It can’t get cold and rainy in Southern California, can it?
Though the weather will most likely be sunny and warm for your Disneyland trip, during the winter months there is always a chance of it becoming quite chilly. Once I was even caught in a freezing downpour during the World of Color nighttime show!
Your Disneyland days can still turn out to be a fantastic vacation because there are many magical indoor experiences at both parks. And now is your chance to show off your favourite Disney sweater that usually only makes an appearance in the evenings! Here are some tips of things to do during the day to have a great time while still keeping warm and staying dry!
Disneyland Park:
1. Visit The Big Cheese Himself: Mickey’s House in Mickey’s Toontown is a cartoon world waiting to be stepped into. It is not just a great place to meet Mickey, but often some of his favourite pals are there to greet you throughout his home. You never know who might be around the next corner so have your autograph books and cameras ready in case Goofy or Pluto appear. The stroll through the house is interactive and you can even watch an old cartoon or two in the Screening Room of Mickey’s Movie Barn.
2. The Rest Of Mickey’s Toontown: Mickey’s Toontown is full of other wonderful indoor experiences besides Mickey’s House. Minnie is waiting to greet you in her own house right next door and Goofy’s Playhouse is fun for little ones. Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin may have a long queue but it is all indoors and is anything but boring. There is always something to look at and the storyline of the queue itself plays into the actual ride.
3. The Golden Horseshoe: This Disneyland original in Frontierland is a great indoor place to catch a few laughs. Currently there are performances by the Laughing Stock Co. who certainly live up to their name. There is a quick service dining location inside as well, making the Golden Horseshoe a perfect place to have some lunch and warm up. Hot tea and coffee are also served here.
4. New Orleans Square: The two major attractions here are both indoors: Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion. These two attractions are also both quite lengthy at approximately 15 minutes and 10 minutes (including the stretching room) respectively. New Orleans Square is also home to many unique shops, delicious dining locations, and a Disneyland Railroad Station for easy access around the park.
5. Star Wars Launch Bay: There are plenty of indoor attractions in Tomorrowland, but you could spend hours in the Star Wars Launch Bay with all that there is to see and do. It is a fun way to spend a rainy afternoon and the displays are being updated with the new Star Wars movie releases. There are even some character meet and greets with favourites such as Chewbacca, Kylo Ren, or maybe even Darth Vader!
Disney California Adventure:
1. The Disney Animation Building: One of my favourite things to do at the Disneyland Resort is to learn how to draw my favourite characters at the Animation Academy in Hollywood Land. A list of times for when each character will be drawn is right outside the building. Other fun things to do inside the Disney Animation Building can be found in the Sorcerer’s Workshop and Turtle Talk with Crush. The Animation Courtyard, the main lobby, is one of the most beautiful locations in Disney California Adventure. The large screens showcase how beloved animated films go from pencil sketches to full coloured animation, complete with their musical scores.
2. Frozen – Live At The Hyperion: This Broadway-style one hour musical is a wonderful performance you can see again and again! The show is performed at the Hyperion Theatre in Hollywood Land is a great place to spend a cozy afternoon. The show times can vary so please check the daily entertainment schedules found at the park entrance, near the Carthay Circle Restaurant, or on the show board of the Hyperion Theatre.
3. Buena Vista Street Shopping: Take a trip back to 1920s Los Angeles and have a look around these shops which opened up as part of the 2012 rededication of Disney California Adventure. You just might find the perfect piece of merchandise for your Disney collection. Shops include Elias & Co., Julius Katz & Sons, and Oswald’s.
4. Soarin’ Around The World: Reimagined from Soarin’ Over California in 2016, this hang glider simulator is a fantastic attraction filled with Disney creativity and magic. This attraction is located in Grizzly Peak Airfield and has a very interesting queue filled with the history of aviation.
5. Grab A Hot Drink: There are many carts and quick dining services around both parks that serve coffee, hot chocolate, and tea. Starbucks beverages are served at the Fiddler, Fifer, & Practical Café on Buena Vista Street. If you are a tea nut like myself, it is possible to ask for just a cup of hot water and bring your own tea bag.
Enjoy your next Disneyland Vacation, no matter what the weather turns out to be! And check out Dis Happy Home’s post about rainy days at Walt Disney World!
I will never forget the fun we had at the animation building. Great post! I almost want a rainy Disney day mow
The Animation Building is definitely one of my favourite places in all of Disneyland!
Great post. I am a Disneyland Blogger myself. When its cold I like to go watch Great Moments with Mr Lincoln. I would love to hang out at the Bar at Carthay Circle because its nice and warm but the line is too long. The Gallery on Main Street is also a great place to warm up.
Thanks for the comment! Those are some excellent suggestions. I recognized your blog’s name and have checked it out in the past, such great content!