Visiting Disneyland In April- Everything You Need To Know For 2026

Planning a trip to Disneyland in April 2026? You picked a really fun time to go!

April brings beautiful weather, special events, and that exciting spring energy in the parks. It is also one of the busier times of year because of spring break crowds.

The good news is that with the right plan, you can still have an amazing trip and avoid the biggest mistakes most people make.

In this guide, I will walk you through everything you need to know about Disneyland in April, including crowds, weather, events, and my best tips to help you spend less time waiting in line and more time actually enjoying your trip.

Disneyland In April Deals

Want to save the most on your Disneyland trip?

I always recommend booking through my partners at Get Away Today. They consistently have some of the best prices on both tickets and hotels, and their customer service is amazing.

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Pro tip. The biggest savings usually come when you bundle your hotel and tickets together. This is where people can save hundreds.

Not sure which type of park ticket is right for you? Check out this post on Disney park tickets to help you decide!

If you book a package with park tickets and a hotel room, you can use my code MIX10 to save an extra $10. That’s more churro money, friends!

I have a bunch of Disneyland hotel reviews that might be helpful for you if you’re still trying to decide where you’d like to stay.

Disneyland In April

Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Disneyland in April!

Disneyland In April Crowds

Disneyland in April can get crowded due to Spring Breaks. Spring Break season is an ideal time to visit for many families(maybe yours!), so their children don’t miss school. The good news is Disneyland will have longer hours and scheduled entertainment more often, so you should have plenty of time in the park.

Expect the highest crowds from late March through mid April due to spring break. If you can visit later in the month, you may see slightly lower crowd levels.

Don’t let higher crowds scare you away! You can still have a great time, even when it’s crowded. I do recommend arriving at security at least 60 minutes early. You’ll want to take advantage of the lower wait times in the morning! The afternoons bring long lines. I have many other tips to help you enjoy Disneyland when it’s crowded here. 

The best days to visit for low crowd levels are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday. My Disneyland crowd calendar will be helpful for you, but keep in mind: this is my best guess at crowd levels. I don’t have a magic crystal ball, so I use this calendar for planning purposes only. 

Best Time to Visit Disneyland in April

If you have flexibility, the best time to visit Disneyland in April is later in the month after most spring break crowds have ended.

Early April tends to be the busiest, especially around Easter.

Late April can still be busy, but crowds are usually a little more manageable.

Disneyland in April Strategy You Should Not Skip!

If you are visiting in April, you need a plan for Lightning Lane.

Crowds are high this time of year and standby wait times can easily reach 60 to 120 minutes for the most popular rides by midday.

But you do not have to wait in those lines.

I created a free Lightning Lane cheat sheet that shows you exactly how to use it efficiently so you can ride more rides, wait in shorter lines, and avoid the mistakes I see people make all the time.

Grab my free Lightning Lane cheat sheet here!

This will show you exactly what to book and when so you can ride more rides and spend less time waiting in line.

This is the exact strategy I use every time I visit and it makes a huge difference.

If you want a full step by step plan for your entire day, I share that in my planning guides below.

Disneyland in April Weather

Disneyland in April usually has mild weather. The days are starting to warm up, nights aren’t as chilly, and the rainy season has mostly come and gone.

The average high is 74 degrees F, with an average low of 54 degrees F. You may still want to pack a jacket for those chilly evenings. Keep an eye on the weather leading up to your trip so you can be prepared for a rainy day! By the end of the month, it can be pretty warm!

I have a complete guide to what to wear to Disneyland in April. You can find it here.

Disneyland In April Events

April is one of the most exciting months to visit Disneyland because there is so much happening.

Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival

This festival runs through April 27th 2026. You will find food booths, special entertainment, and lots of limited time menu items throughout the park. Check out my guide to the Food and Wine Festival with a free printable foodie guide!

Season of The Force

In past years, Disneyland has hosted a full “Season of the Force” Star Wars celebration in the spring.

For 2026, Disney has not officially announced a full Season of the Force event.

However, Star Wars experiences will still be happening in late April and May, including new updates in Galaxy’s Edge and special ticketed events like Star Wars Nite.

If you are visiting earlier in April, you will likely not see these offerings. If your trip is at the end of the month or into May, you may experience more Star Wars themed entertainment and offerings.

Dapper Day

Dapper Day will take place on April 19, 2026, with additional events and the Dapper Day Expo happening April 18 and 19.

This unofficial event is when guests dress up in stylish outfits, often inspired by vintage fashion. You will see everything from classic 1950s looks to modern, polished outfits.

Even if you are not planning to dress up, it is a really fun day to be in the parks because so many people go all out.

Easter At Disneyland

Easter at Disneyland April 5 2026

Disneyland usually celebrates Easter with a fun egg scavenger hunt across both parks. You can purchase a map, find the hidden eggs, and redeem it for a prize.

Tip. These events do bring in more people, but they also make April one of the most fun times to visit.

Here’s an updated list with events and ride closures at Disneyland in April for you to be aware of.

Disney Channel Nite

Disney Channel Nite is a special after hours event at Disneyland that takes place on April 12, 14, and 16, 2026.

This is a separately ticketed event, which means the park will close early to regular guests on these nights.

If you do not have a ticket for the event, you will need to leave the park before it begins. If you do have a ticket, you can enter as early as 6:00 PM and stay for exclusive entertainment, shorter ride lines, themed food, and character experiences.

Tip. These nights can actually be great days to visit because crowds are often lighter earlier in the day, but just be aware that the park will close earlier than usual.

Star Wars Nite

Star Wars Nite is a special after hours event at Disneyland that takes place on select nights in April and May.

In 2026, Star Wars Nite will be held on April 28, April 30, May 4, and May 6.

This is a separately ticketed event, which means Disneyland will close early to regular guests on these nights.

If you do not have a ticket, you will need to leave the park before the event begins. If you do have a ticket, you can enter earlier in the evening and enjoy shorter wait times, special entertainment, themed food, and unique character experiences.

Tip. Like other after hours events, these days can actually be great to visit because crowds are often lighter earlier in the day, but you will want to plan for an earlier park closing.

Disneyland Ride Closures In April

Here’s a current list of Disneyland ride closures in April.

What To Expect At Disneyland In April

Most of the rides and attractions should be up and running. Expect higher crowds because of Spring break. You can expect both parks to be open longer due to higher crowds. Take advantage of the longer park hours by staying later if you can! Arriving in time for rope drop will make all the difference during higher crowd days! Don’t let higher crowds scare you away. April is a great time to visit, and you can still have a great time, even in a crowded park.

What To Pack For Disneyland In April

I’ve got a free printable packing list to take the stress out of your packing! I’ve thought of everything! Make sure you print it out before your vacation.

A well-packed bag is beneficial anytime you’re on a Disney trip. Don’t get stuck paying a small fortune for something you easily could have brought from home or purchased at a much lower price at home. Here’s a list of Disney park bag essentials I like to have while I’m inside the parks. I also save a ton of money by buying things on Amazon before my trip. Here’s my Disney trip Amazon list.

I have a whole post on what to wear to Disney Parks in April with lots of cute outfit ideas!

Want a Step by Step Plan for Your Day?

If you are feeling overwhelmed trying to plan all of this, you are not alone.

That is exactly why I created my Disneyland planning guides and touring plans.

These include ride order strategies, park hopping plans, Lightning Lane timing, and tips to help you avoid the busiest parts of the day.

They are perfect if you want to ride more, waste less time, and feel confident going into your trip.

You can check out my Disneyland planning guides here!

If you are visiting during a busy time like April, having a plan really does make all the difference.

Disneyland Tips For April

A trip to Disneyland is a magical experience, but it can also be overwhelming with the crowds and long lines. Here are some insider tips and tricks for making the most out of your visit to the happiest place on earth:

1. Get there early: Arriving at the park before it opens can save you a lot of time waiting in line for popular rides. Plus, you can take advantage of the shorter lines for some of the more popular attractions before the crowds arrive. Check out this post for info on rope-dropping Disneyland. 
2.  Use Lightning Lane Multi Pass: The Lightning Lane Multi Pass system allows you to reserve a spot in line for popular rides, so you don’t have to wait in the regular line. Read this post for more information on Lightning Lane Multi Pass at Disneyland. 
3.  Take advantage of single-rider lines: If you are okay with riding alone or being separated from your group, single-rider lines can be a great way to save time waiting in line. Check out this attractions guide for more info. 
4.  Pack snacks and water: Bringing your own snacks and water can save money and keep you hydrated and energized throughout the day. Here’s info on what food you can bring into the park.
5.  Take advantage of the parades and shows: The parades and shows at Disneyland and California Adventure are not to be missed! Check the schedule for times and plan your day accordingly.
6.  Visit during off-peak times: Visit the park during off-peak times, such as weekdays or off-season. This can help you avoid crowds and save money on tickets and accommodations. Find my guide on when to visit Disneyland to help you pick a time to visit.
7.  Download the Disneyland app: The Disneyland app is an excellent tool for checking wait times, finding your way around the park, and even making dining reservations.
8. Make sure you have a well-packed park bag! You want to avoid paying extra for something at the Disney theme parks that you could easily bring from home! Here’s my guide to what to pack in your park bag. 
9. Mobile ordering can save you a lot of time. Order your food earlier in the day and adjust your pickup window later if your plans change.
10. Don’t miss my top 10 Disneyland tips!
11. Bring a good attitude and go with the flow. Your attitude is part of having a great vacation at the Happiest place on earth! Make sure you’re family has a positive outlook, and you’ll have a great time.
12. Check out my downloadable touring plans if you’d like a step-by-step guide to the parks!

April might be busy, but it is also one of the most fun times to visit Disneyland.

If you go in with a plan, use Lightning Lane wisely, and take advantage of the longer park hours, you can still have an incredible trip.

Some of my favorite Disneyland days have actually been in April.

Follow Along!

Make sure to check out my YouTube videos for helpful info and fun videos! Follow me on Instagram or Facebook for lots of Disney tips and fun and make sure you join my Disney planning Facebook group! It’s a great place to ask all your Disneyland planning questions and get expert help.