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What’s new at Disneyland 2021 including reopening planning advice, discount Disneyland tickets, month-by-month vacation planning guide and details on the all new attractions at Avengers Campus and new to many, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Disneyland Reopening Updates
In 2020 Disneyland Resort faced a global crisis and as I write this update for 2021, is still closed in what quickly became the longest Disney Parks closure in history.
As we look forward to better days ahead, you might be wondering what’s changed at The Happiest Place on Earth. I’ve been following things every step of the way to give you a recap on what you missed and what’s new since your last visit.
Tips for visiting Disneyland Resort in 2021
Health and safety is at the forefront of Disneyland Resort’s reopening procedures. Face coverings, temp checks, physical distancing and more are all in place to ensure a happy and healthy visit. Read more about Disneyland’s health and safety procedures here, plus get answers on what type of masks are permitted.
Disneyland Resort has reopened many shopping and dining experiences but is not expected to operate as a theme park until well into 2021, possibly summer or later. This means no rides or attractions until they can fully open as a theme park.
When Disneyland reopens as a theme park, your tickets alone won’t get you in, be sure you’re up to date with the new Disneyland reservation system. Speaking of tickets, many ticket types have extended their expiration dates. Read about the validity of your existing Disneyland ticket here.
Now booking Disneyland 2021 good neighbor hotel packages! Lock in low prices with as little as $175 down with my ticket partner.
When Disneyland reopens as a theme park with rides and attractions:
- Snow White’s Enchanted Wish, a reimagined attraction will debut with the reopening of Disneyland Resort.
- Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is open with both headlining attractions, so many of us didn’t get to ride both because Rise of the Resistance was only open for a few weeks before the closure.
- Splash Mountain will be reimagined into an all new experience featuring Tiana from Princess and the Frog. See the beautiful concept art here.
- An all new land in California Adventure is expected to arrive soon—see Avengers Campus info here!
- D23 Expo returns in 2022, this time in September! How will this affect Halloween Time and Oogie Boogie Bash
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, the first major Mickey-themed ride, opening in 2023 in Mickey’s Toontown.
Now let’s dig into a detailed look at what is scheduled for each month at Disneyland in 2021. Note changes will be made to this planning guide as official word comes in from Disneyland Resort regarding their full reopening to the public.
Disneyland in January 2021
January 2021 will be different than most years at Disneyland, but Disney has found some ways to keep the magic alive by opening select dining and shopping throughout the resort.
If you’ve ever wanted to experience California Adventure like you’re the only one there—now is the time. Due to state and local restrictions, capacity is very limited. And since parts of California Adventure have reopened as an extension of Downtown Disney, you can enjoy strolling and shopping with very little company.
A traditional January looks like this . . .
Disneyland in January wraps up the holiday season and Disneyland Resort traditionally undergoes seasonal refurbishments and ride closures. Entertainment like fireworks and shows often run on limited schedules.
Disneyland in January hours: Disneyland Park Monday through Thursday opens 8 or 9 am and closes at 8 or 9 pm. Friday through Sunday opens at 8 or 9 am and closes at 11 or midnight. California Adventure Park Monday through Thursday opens 8 or 9 am and closes at 8 or 9 pm. Friday through Sunday opens at 8 or 9 am and closes at 9 or 10 pm.
Get in the last bit of the holidays by the first full week of January. Experience these incredbile seasonal offerings:
- Festival of Holidays and Viva Navidad
- Snowfall at Disneyland Resort
- Holiday Desserts, there’s over 75!
- Complete Disneyland Resort Holiday Guide
The Anaheim Ducks celebrate at Disney California Adventure. Join in on this annual celebration in early January.
Mid-January during MLK weekend, Star Wars fans unite in celebrating the first anniversary of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance attraction.
From mid-January through early February 2021 kicks off Lunar New Year to celebrate wealth and prosperity with Year of the Ox. Mulan fans will love seeing more of this strong, brave Disney Princess during the festivities. And Disney foodies will rejoice at the return of Lunar New Year marketplaces.
Late January usually hosts an After Dark event, see this article for more details.
Questions about your Disneyland in January visit? Print your step by step Disneyland Plan now or submit a request for a one on one planning help.
Disneyland in February 2021
Disneyland operations will be different in 2021, keep checking back for more news. Below is what typically happens in this month of the year.
Disneyland in February celebrates Lunar New Year and Disneyland Resort traditionally undergoes seasonal refurbishments and ride closures. Entertainment like fireworks and shows often run on limited schedules.
Disneyland in February hours: Disneyland Park Monday through Thursday opens 8 or 9 am and closes at 8 or 9 pm. Friday through Sunday opens at 8 or 9 am and closes at 11 or midnight. California Adventure Park Monday through Thursday opens 8 or 9 am and closes at 8 or 9 pm. Friday through Sunday opens at 8 or 9 am and closes at 9 or 10 pm.
Experience the full festivities of Lunar New Year which continue early February. Mulan is center stage along with color display of dancers and entertainment.
In search of good food during Lunar New Year? Your guide to all the food is right here.
Let’s not forget, February is the season of love and lots is happening during Valentine’s Month, including the return of Valentine-inspired decor throughout the resort. Will Sweethearts night at Disneyland return in 2021?
Popping the question at Disneyland? I’ve outlined the most popular spots, along with some not-so-obvious places to purpose at Disneyland Resort.
We’ll keep adding to this February 2021 calendar as more details are released.
Disneyland in March 2021
Disneyland operations will be different in 2021, keep checking back for more news. Below is what typically happens in this month of the year.
Disneyland in March begins spring break and lots of exciting new food and entertainment. Disneyland Resort traditionally ups park hours as more guests take advantage of spring break and great weather.
Disneyland in March hours: Disneyland Park Monday through Thursday opens 8 or 9 am and closes at 9 or 10 pm. Friday through Sunday opens at 8 or 9 am and closes at 11 or midnight. California Adventure Park Monday through Thursday opens 8 or 9 am and closes at 8, 9 or 10 pm. Friday through Sunday opens at 8 or 9 am and closes at 9 or 10 pm.
One of my favorite times of year is back! And it can only mean one thing, Food & Wine Festival at Disney California Adventure Park. This event is free with park admission and is truly for the whole family to enjoy.
Everyone will love using their Sip & Savor Pass to sample small bites, drinks and desserts throughout the Food & Wine Festival marketplaces.
Kids get access to free coloring, crafts and Jr Chef with Chef Goofy, so no one is left out during this spring break event.
March at California Adventure Park may host a themed after hours event, see this article for the latest After Dark events.
I love visiting during spring break and often find crowds are lower than most people expect. Get discount Disneyland tickets here and use promo code DisneylandPlan when you add a hotel to your package.
Disneyland in April 2021
Disneyland operations will be different in 2021, keep checking back for more news. Below is what typically happens in this month of the year.
Disneyland in April is spring break and Easter season. Disneyland Resort traditionally ups park hours as more guests take advantage of spring break and great weather.
Disneyland in April hours: Disneyland Park Monday through Thursday opens 8 or 9 am and closes at 10, 11 or midnight. Friday through Sunday opens at 8 or 9 am and closes at 11 or midnight. California Adventure Park Monday through Thursday opens 8 or 9 am and closes at 8, 9 or 10 pm. Friday through Sunday opens at 8 or 9 am and closes at 9 or 10 pm.
Want to go on an Easter egg hunt? Spring marks the return of Eggstravaganza where kids of all ages can search for giant hidden eggs and earn a prize at the end of their egg hunt. And if you’re worried you may have missed Food & Wine Festival, worry no more!
Food & Wine Festival is a family event where you can sip, stroll and enjoy live entertainment at California Adventure Park during March and April. April 10th and 11th is also Dapper Day, an unofficial Disneyland event.
Looking ahead to more Disneyland 2021 events? Don’t forget ticket to Oogie Boogie Bash Halloween Party typically go on sale this month. Is a spring break trip in the works for your family? Get discount Disneyland tickets here and use promo code DisneylandPlan when you add a hotel to your package.
Disneyland in May 2021
Disneyland operations will be different in 2021, keep checking back for more news. Below is what typically happens in this month of the year.
Disneyland in May is graduation and brand-new-things season. Disneyland Resort traditionally extends park hours as more guests take advantage of warm weather and last minute trips before the summer rush.
Disneyland in May hours: Disneyland Park Monday through Thursday opens 8 or 9 am and closes at 10, 11 or midnight. Friday through Sunday opens at 8 or 9 am and closes at 11 or midnight. California Adventure Park Monday through Thursday opens 8 or 9 am and closes at 8, 9 or 10 pm. Friday through Sunday opens at 8 or 9 am and closes at 9 or 10 pm.
When people hear about Grad Nites at Disneyland, they tend to freak out a little bit. They’re nervous that the abundance of teens celebrating will ruin their vacation. Note 2021 Grad Nites have been cancelled.
But let me reassure you. This event happens every year, and Disney keeps doing it because one: it’s a great way to celebrate (I can’t wait til my little graduates can do the same one year) and two: it’s been a success for year without disrupting other guests’ vacations. Don’t worry! Come to Disneyland, have a blast and keep reading to see what else is in store.
Disneyland Park celebrate two years of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opening. I was there opening day and throughout the weekend. It’s a memory I will hold onto forever, but still there’s many people who haven’t been yet. I have an entire guide dedicated to the ins and outs of Galaxy’s Edge you can read here.
Will Disney Channel Fan Fest return? Teens and tweens will fill the park for a chance to run into their favorite Disney Channel stars. Read more here.
Disneyland in May also opens up official swimming season! Now, most hotels here in Anaheim have heated pools that are open year-round. But if you need the warmer weather to start your tan, I suggest a stay and a full day at The Disneyland Hotel pool.
Looking ahead to more Disneyland 2021 events? Don’t forget tickets to Oogie Boogie Bash Halloween Party are on sale now. Is a Get discount Disneyland tickets here and use promo code DisneylandPlan when you add a hotel to your package.
Disneyland in June 2021
Disneyland operations will be different in 2021, keep checking back for more news. Below is what typically happens in this month of the year.
Disneyland in June is graduation and summer celebrations! Disneyland Resort extends park hours as summer break arrives. See updates on Disneyland’s reopening here.
Disneyland in June hours: Disneyland Park opens 8 am and closes at midnight. California Adventure Park opens at 8 or 9 am and closes at 9 or 10 pm.
Grad Nites continue through the middle of June, but don’t let the grads crash your party—it’s totally going to be okay. Note 2021 Grad Nites have been cancelled.
The Disneyland Hotel has the best pool and waterslides of all the Disneyland Resort hotels, I’ve stayed at them all and this is still my favorite. Check out all my hotel reviews here for your summer stay.
Which summer parade will grace Disneyland Park in 2021? Magic Happens and Paint the Night are two of my favorites, what’s your vote?
Do you have more questions about your Disneyland in June visit? Print your step by step Disneyland Plan now or submit a request for a one on one planning help now.
Disneyland in July 2021
Disneyland operations will be different in 2021, keep checking back for more news. Below is what typically happens in this month of the year.
Disneyland in July is all about what’s new at Disneyland Resort and summer celebrations! Enjoy extended park hours and warm summer nights.
Disneyland in July hours: Disneyland Park opens 8 am and closes at midnight. California Adventure Park opens at 8 and closes at 10 pm. I expect adjustments to these hours during the initial reopening.
Will “Magic Happens” be around this summer? If you’re spending the 4th of July at Disneyland, staying on site at a Disneyland Resort hotel is your best bet to experience it all!
Need help with your Disneyland in July vacation? Print your step by step Disneyland Plan now or submit a request for a one on one planning help now.
Disneyland in August 2021
Disneyland operations will be different in 2021, keep checking back for more news. Below is what typically happens in this month of the year.
Disneyland in August is calling to you! Last minute summer vacations are still available. Enjoy extended park hours and warm summer nights.
Disneyland in August hours: Disneyland Park opens 8 or 9 am and closes at 11 pm or midnight. California Adventure Park opens at 8 or 9 am and closes at 9 or 10 pm.
D23 Expo is hosted in August every other year including 2021 but has been MOVED to 2022. I always look forward to the Disney Legends Ceremony.
Annual CHOC Walk in early August to support Children’s Hospital of Orange County. Expect more crowds that weekend, but don’t stress too much about it! It’s all for a wonderful cause and I can help with your very own step by step Disneyland Plan.
Looking ahead to more Disneyland 2021 events? Don’t forget ticket to Oogie Boogie Bash Halloween Party are on sale now. Is a Get discount Disneyland tickets here and use promo code DisneylandPlan when you add a hotel to your package.
Disneyland in September 2021
Disneyland operations will be different in 2021, keep checking back for more news. Below is what typically happens in this month of the year.
Disneyland in September means kids are back in school so a quick weekday trip is in order! Last minute tickets are available here.
Disneyland in September hours: Disneyland Park opens 8 or 9 am and closes at 10, 11 pm or midnight. California Adventure Park opens at 8 or 9 am and closes at 9 or 10 pm on regular nights, but closes at 6 pm on nights featuring Oogie Boogie Bash.
Halloween Time begins early September, including fireworks and projection show “Halloween Screams” at Disneyland park on select nights. It’s one of the best times of year to visit Disneyland Resort with characters in Halloween costumes and so many delicious treats to try!
Oogie Boogie Bash, the new Halloween Party at California Adventure also kicks off this month. Exclusive shows and trick or treating are among the festivities, including Villainous World of Color.
Disneyland in October 2021
Disneyland operations will be different in 2021, keep checking back for more news. Below is what typically happens in this month of the year.
Disneyland in October means fall break! I call October the new summer break. Expect larger crowds as guests flock from nearby states.
Disneyland in October hours: Disneyland Park opens 8 or 9 am and closes at 10, 11 pm or midnight. California Adventure Park opens at 8 or 9 am and closes at 9 or 10 pm on regular nights, but closes at 6 pm on nights featuring Oogie Boogie Bash.
Gay Days, an unofficial Disney event is the first weekend in October. Expect larger crowds and lots of rainbow shopping and treats during this weekend. Oogie Boogie Bash is also in full swing, so check dates before your arrival.
Mickey and Friends Band-tastic Cavalcade might make an appearance this month for a short run. This “mini-parade” features the Disneyland band and has quick viewing of favorite characters.
Disneyland in November 2021
Disneyland operations will be different in 2021, keep checking back for more news. Below is what typically happens in this month of the year.
Disneyland in November brings the holiday season back to Disneyland in full force. It’s the most magical time of year with so much to do and see.
Disneyland in November hours: Disneyland Park opens 8 or 9 am and closes at 10, 11 pm or midnight. California Adventure Park opens at 8 or 9 am and closes at 8, 9 or 10 pm.
- Holiday Season at Disneyland Resort
- Thanksgiving Dinner at Disneyland– try one of these delicious meal options
- Mickey and Friends Band-tastic Cavalcade might return this month for a short run. This “mini-parade” features the Disneyland band and has quick viewing of favorite characters
- Mickey’s Mix Magic may make a return this month
Disneyland in December 2021
Disneyland operations will be different in 2021, keep checking back for more news. Below is what typically happens in this month of the year.
Disneyland in December is the merriest time of year with lots of holiday cheer. It’s the most magical time of year with so much to do and see.
Disneyland in December hours: Disneyland Park opens 8 and closes at 11 pm or midnight. California Adventure Park opens at 8 and closes at 9 or 10 pm.
Remember, expect crowds during the annual Candlelight Processional at Disneyland in early December. This event is not for public viewing, only invited guest receive seating and other areas are standing room (read, camp out all day for small visibility).
If you’re there that weekend, check out all these other options to do instead:
- Festival of Holidays and Viva Navidad
- Snowfall at Disneyland Resort
- Holiday Desserts, there’s over 75!
- A Christmas Fantasy Parade is back
- Complete Disneyland Resort Holiday Guide
Disneyland Calendar 2021
Disneyland operations will be different in 2021, keep checking back for more news. Below is what typically happens in this month of the year.
When is the best time to go to Disneyland? For lower crowd levels, choose a weekday during the school year. You can also check Disneyland’s calendar and look out for “value” days which indicate Disney’s desire for better crowd distribution.
Typically, these days offer lower level crowds but also have less Annual Passholder restrictions which could increase attendance. If you’d like to experience Disneyland with as many rides and entertainment options running as possible, visit during the summer. Summer brings extended park hours so you can experience more magic throughout the day and night.
When is it busy at Disneyland? I created this guide to help you anticipate events and offerings at Disneyland Resort. What’s “busy” to one person may not be “busy” to another.
The same goes for people who are new to Disneyland and those who visit on a monthly or weekly basis. Study our many line hacks to help you map out your best day ever and print your Disneyland Plan now:
- Skip the lines with Disney MaxPass in 2021
- Utilize Rider Switch when traveling with children
- Get on more rides with a Disneyland Plan
- Disneyland Plans updated quarterly and sometimes even more often!
What parades will be running during my visit? Yearly parade guide is right here.
Will there be fireworks during my visit? Current fireworks schedule is right here.
What rides will be closed during my visit? Current refurbishment scheduled listed here.
Disneyland Ticket Prices
Disneyland ticket prices last went up on January 6, 2019 which is a whole month earlier than we expected an increase. The good news is Disneyland tickets have longer expiration dates than many people think. Lock in your discount Disneyland ticket prices now. Get multi-day tickets for far less than $100 per day with my ticket partners.
Can I get one day discount Disneyland tickets? One day tickets will cost you the most money per day because only Disneyland itself sells one day tickets.
If you’re looking for a discount one day ticket to Disneyland, you will need to visit during weekdays typically during the school calendar year.
Because of demand-based pricing, you could pay anywhere from $104 to $204 for just one day! Compare that to buying a two day ticket from Get Away Today at $208 and you could pay only a few bucks more to spend 2 days at Disneyland Resort instead of 1 day.
Save Even More with Multi-Day Tickets! The more days you visit Disneyland Resort, the less you pay per day. Multi-day tickets have no blackout dates, so you can travel anytime in 2021. If you’re doing Disneyland on a budget, do not buy your tickets from Disney. You’ll be paying top dollar with no discounts!
Instead, buy your discount Disneyland tickets from Get Away Today (the first company to ever work direct with Disneyland to sell authorized tickets!).
Disneyland Layaway Option. Did you know you can lock in low rates on Disneyland tickets or hotel & ticket packages? In addition to the already low rates, you’ll still get perks like free night specials, free breakfast, no resort fees and free parking when you choose the layaway option from Get Away Today!
Here’s how it works:
- Search for your perfect ticket only or hotel and Disneyland ticket package.
- A small down-payment (includes non-refundable layaway fee) secures your low cost Disneyland vacation.
- Make payments prior to your vacation and it’s all good toward your dream Disneyland trip!
- Pay off your vacation two weeks prior to travel.
- Enjoy your stress-free, paid off Disneyland vacation!
Do you have additional questions about visiting Disneyland in 2021, let’s chat on my Facebook page.
Hi Jessica,
I am planning for a family trip November 17-18. Plans are to attend Mickeys Very Merry Christmas Sunday and Monday Magic Kingdom. This will be my daughters 2nd birthday (11/16) and first visit. She LOVES Minnie and Daisy. Any tips and/or tricks for visiting with a toddler? My biggest want is to ensure she can interact with her favorite characters. Also trying to figure out if a dining plan is worth the cost at this age.
Hey Jessica, I don’t cover Walt Disney World only Disneyland. Since it sounds like you’re prepping for a visit to Florida, I suggest you check out WDW Prep School for all things Walt Disney World. Have a wonderful time on your vacation.
Any idea if Mickey and Minnie will still be appearing in their birthday celebration outfits Sunday-Tuesday, June 9th-12th. See that several of the Get Your Ears on Events are ending the 6th and we arrive a few days after. My mom made a custom matching dress for my daughter so hoping we can still catch them in their birthday attire.
They have both already returned to their regular outfits as of June 1st I saw them in Town Square. I still think the custom outfit will be so amazing to wear and take pictures with the characters. They always get a big kick out of things like that.
Hi Jessica we when on 2014.
Since there we had 2 granddaughters 6 months and 2 1/2 years old.
that why we planned a trip for this year, we have 4 days, April 29 to May 02 2019
We try to understand the Maxpass system and the switch ride.
Our group is 5 adults and 2 babies .
Now a have another worry, the Disneyland After Dark. Because we might leave the park early?
Thank you, because we learn a lot from you.
Hi Silvia. I am so glad you asked! Rider Switch details are right here. That should give you a good start and my MaxPass Guide is here. If you’re visiting during Disneyland After Dark, you will only have to leave when the park closes, which is around 8 or 9 pm, depending on the event. Let me know if you have more questions, happy to help.
We are going April 28 through May 3. I would love to know about special events during that time. Thank you!
The best way to get updates is to sign up for the email newsletter at the top. Choose just April so you don’t get double the emails :). So excited for your trip!
I am going May 1-5. First time not in July. Do you know about closures and hours in May?
Right now we still expect the castle to be under refurbishment in May. I’ll be updating this article with any news for May especially as we get closer to the end of March, be sure to check back then.
What months are considered Spring? I’m going sun-tuesday last days of April
They say “spring” so they can be flexible with the scheduling. I’d say April and even into late May can be considered spring.
If sleeping Beauty’s castle will be closed for walkthroughs, does this mean no Princesses?!?! ? Our first trip to Disneyland is Jan 22-24, my 3 & 4 year girls will be crushed!
You can still meet princesses! The princess meet and greets are in the Royal Hall which is a totally separate entrance and access point. 🙂