When is the best time to visit Disneyland? There’s something for everyone all year-long at the Disneyland Resort, and I’m here to help you discover when to go to Disneyland with your family.
Everyone’s situation is different: some people want to go when it’s least crowded and will do whatever it takes to make it happen (ditching school anyone?), some visitors want to experience Disneyland during the holidays, sometimes the only option is during weekends or holidays. And everyone wants to be there with the least amount of strangers as possible.
Here’s how to plan your Disneyland trip at the best time for you!
Best Time to Visit Disneyland for Cheap Tickets
Disneyland tickets are always a hot discussion and I know how to get the best prices for your family. Use any and all that apply for strategies on getting discount Disneyland tickets:
- Don’t go for one day. You’ll pay more per day now that tickets are based on demand and crowds.
- Take your babies before they turn 3; younger than 3 is still free!
- Take your kids before they turn 10; under 10 is kid ticket prices!
- Military members get amazing discounts on base, so be sure to check that out.
Best Time to Visit Disneyland for Hotel Deals
The earlier you book, typically the better hotel rates you will get no matter what time of year you visit.
You can often find lower hotel prices in September (after Labor Day but before Halloween Time at Disneyland) and in January after the holidays.
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Best Time to Visit Disneyland for Low Crowds
Hands, down my favorite and personal best times to visit Disneyland and California Adventure is early September (but after Labor Day) and February.
For small crowds and fabulous California weather, head to Disneyland just after Labor Day in September. The summer crowds are gone and the parks are still in full swing. Weekday visits are your best bet for smaller crowds, now that kids are back in school.
February weather is a little on the cool side. My husband and I spent our honeymoon at the Disneyland Resort during the week after Presidents Day weekend. Daytime weather is pleasant, crowds are small and nighttime is the perfect time to snuggle up on your favorite rides. Be sure to pack ponchos incase of a a little rain.
Best Time to Visit Disneyland During Summer Break
If summer break is your only option for hitting Disneyland consider taking the kids out of school a few days early (before summer break begins) in mid May to beat the crowds.
If summer break as in everyone’s-out-of-school-and-wants-to-go-to-Disneyland is your only option, you’ll definitely want to hit the parks mid-week. Think Wednesday and Thursday in July and August and you’ll miss all the crowds who are trying to squeeze in a 3 day weekend at the park.
Yes, it can still be crowded but it’s one of the best times to go during summer break.
Best Time to Visit Disneyland without Events
Events are a tough one because sometimes they aren’t announced until you’ve already booked your trip. For example, Disneyland announced a Star Wars Nite event less than 2 months in advance and the special ticketed event has Disneyland closing early.
Here are some yearly events you may want to avoid or join in on during your trip:
- Disneyland After Dark events winter and spring.
- Grad Nite at Disneyland Resort, select nights in May and June.
- Oogie Boogie Bash, select nights in September and October.
Best Time to Visit Disneyland on Holiday Weekends
Watch out for 3 day weekends since it’s everyone’s favorite time to go to the Disneyland Resort. To make the most of those holiday weekends, try snagging an extra day of vacation on the Friday before, or the Tuesday following.
Best Time to Visit Disneyland During Spring Break
Spring Break dates vary in the surrounding Disneyland regions, but count on big crowds from mid March all the way through April.
Best Time to Visit Disneyland During the Holidays
If you’re super into Halloween, head to Disneyland in September or October. Not only can you enjoy character meet and greets during Oogie Boogie Bash, you can also enjoy some amazing fall decor around the park. And it is California, so the weather is almost always superb.
Early November and just after the New Year are excellent choices if you’re looking for a ton of Holiday magic, but not a ton of people. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not gonna be just you and a mouse, but it will be considerably less crowded than during school breaks in December and the beginning of January.
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More Best Time to Visit Disneyland Tips
My friend Gavin from MickeyVisit also notes there are so many great times of the year to visit though each one has pros and cons when you consider weighing decorations/celebrations with crowd levels. When are you going to Disneyland and what’s one season you’d like to try?
We are going December 2021 because that is my Winter Vacation as a teacher. We planned on staying 3 days. Do you think we can do the first of the week? Around the 20-22? I’m looking at your Hotels + Tickets. Thanks in adavance.
Hi Brit, this is so exciting! Now that there are theme park reservations, it’s much easier to visit during set vacation times. Just grab your tickets and theme park reservations now to secure your dates.
I thought the last week of June was a pretty good time if you must go during summer… no??
Summer can be surprisingly nice if you hit it right, but always be prepared with a game plan and you’re already ahead.
New Years Day falls on a Thursday, so if you're talking Friday, the 2nd and even the week after… it's safe to say you're in peak crowd territory. But since you've already been there on a VERY crowded day, you know what it's like. If your dates are set, the best tip I can give is to plan and be prepared to tackle the crowds. Check out a few of our best crowd planning posts: https://thehappiestblogonearth.com/2013/12/dealing-with-disneyland-crowds.html, https://thehappiestblogonearth.com/2013/09/opening-disneyland-resort.html and our "What to Ride First" series.