Covid-19 Update: While this pandemic has thrown a curveball in all of our lives, the Disneyland Resort is no exception. A new ticketing program with mandatory reservations will probably disrupt your travel plans. Use the below information as a guide for your visit and remember, you must purchase tickets before you can make Park reservations.
When is the Best Time to Visit the Disneyland Resort? The best time to visit the Disneyland Resort is from New Year’s Day through New Year’s Eve. Seriously, anytime you can visit the resort is a good time. As long as you can experience the magic of the Disneyland Resort you will leave a little more fulfilled. However, there are better times to visit than others. Generally, weekdays are better than weekends and the summer months and holidays are pretty crowded. There’s lots of fun no matter when you visit! Every month the Disneyland Resort offers a different way to experience entertainment. From late-night summers to the quietest and most peaceful winter months, there are different advantages to visiting during the various seasons. If you want to visit the Park when the attendance is low, visit during the middle of the week and avoid the weekends or holiday months. The disadvantage to the off-peak season is there are fewer shows and parades and the attractions will close for refurbishment during these lower attendance times. Some restaurants and snack carts are closed or will have limited hours. The bright side to this is you can generally experience the Park faster because of the lower attendance. Note that the Park opens later and closes earlier. There are several times during the year when you can take advantage of lower attendance: Mid-January through mid-March (except for President’s Day Weekend) Mid-April through mid-May (except during Spring Break) Mid-September through mid-November (except during Halloween Time) If you would like to come when hours and entertainment are at their peak, June through August is the high season. The benefits to this are more shows and parades and the attractions are all usually not closed for refurbishment. All of the restaurants and snack carts are generally open most of the day.
Find out which month are the best match for you:
In January, the weather is cooler and lines can be shorter later in the month. The Disneyland Holidays generally run through the first week, so plan your visit after that if you are looking for shorter lines.
February usually has less attendance for shorter lines, except for the popular President’s Day and Valentine’s Day. Weekdays are a great time to visit as crowds are light.
March brings a St. Patrick’s Day celebration to Downtown Disney District. Weekdays are light and a great time to visit.
In April, Spring Break is one of the Resort’s most popular times of the year. The weather is perfect and the lines are shorter. Avoid the first and second full week in April as California’s Spring Break generally falls there.
May kicks off summer and the Disneyland Resort’s high season! On select weekend nights, the Parks may close early for Grad Nite private celebrations.
June has summer in full swing at the Resort! The Park stays open later and evening street parties abound. Entertainment usually has additional showtimes and fewer attractions are closed for refurbishment.
July has long summer hours are the Parks stay open later. It will be hot standing in the sun all day. This is one of the few months when you might visit in the morning and evening and use the hot afternoon to visit your hotel’s pool or take a nap. There will be long lines so prepare for them.
August is the busiest, most crowded, and hottest month of the year. It’s hot so bring your hats and sunscreen. This is one of the few months when you might visit in the morning and evening and use the hot afternoon to visit your hotel’s pool or take a nap. There will be long lines so prepare for them.
September is when summer starts winding down with the number of shows. The Park hours are getting shorter and they will start preparing for the holiday season. The Halloween season generally starts the first week of September.
October is Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort is here. The Park is decorated Halloween style and some attractions are also decorated for the season. Main Street USA is decorated with a large Mickey-shaped pumpkin and the Haunted Mansion Holiday is back. Holiday Mickey’s Halloween Party is on selected evenings.
The first two weeks in November is my favorite time to visit. That is between the Halloween and Christmas seasons. There are shorter lines and cooler temperatures. The last two weeks of the month, Holidays at Disneyland Resort begin the season with special attractions, dining, and décor. This is a special time of year when families come together to get a head start on Holiday Cheer!
December is when families flock to The Merriest Place on Earth to celebrate the season with the “it’s a small world” holiday, “Believe… In Holiday Magic” Fireworks Spectacular, Haunted Mansion Holiday, Jingle Cruise, Star Wars Season of Force, decadent treats, and Disney Characters in festive attire. The resort is completely decorated for the holidays.