Visiting Disneyland in January- Everything You Need To Know For 2024

Thinking of visiting Disneyland in January? If you don’t mind a few ride closures and a chance of rain, it might be the perfect time for you! I’ve got everything you need to know right here if you’re considering Disneyland in January.

Disneyland In January Deals

January can be the perfect time to find deals for Disneyland. Because of lower crowd levels, hotels are often discounted! You can often find deals on park tickets! My partners have the BEST deals on hotels and Disneyland tickets! Check them out here. Don’t pay full price for your park tickets!

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

Visiting Disneyland In January- Everything You Need To Know

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

Crowds

January at Disneyland can be much less crowded than other time of the year. Just take care to avoid the New Years holiday and MLK holiday. With school back in session after the winter holidays and spring break still a way off crowds are often the lowest of the entire year! There are a few conventions that happen in January at the Anaheim Convention Center you may want to be aware of. The NAMM is the largest. Check here for their schedule if you’d like to avoid it.

Weather

The weather in January can be tricky. The average high is 69 F degrees with an average low of 47 F. You’ll want to dress in layers and make sure you have a warm jacket or sweater. Those California nights can be chilly!

You need to be prepared for rain. Rain at Disneyland can thin crowds, but it can also ruin your day if you’re not prepared. Check out my rainy day tips here to make sure you have everything you need.

I have a full guide to what to wear to Disneyland in January. You can find it here.

Events

There are so many fun things happening Disneyland in January!

Lunar New Year

The Lunar New Year Celebration in California Adventure begins January 23rd and runs through February 18th, 2023. The Lunar New Year celebration is a fan favorite. This multicultural celebration is filled with auspicious wishes for health, luck, and prosperity throughout the Year! I’ve got a complete guide to Lunar New Year at Disneyland including a free printable foodie guide. Make sure you check that out!

Event Highlights

• Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession
• Live holiday entertainment
• Sip and Savor Pass for Lunar New Year Marketplaces
• Special appearances by some popular Disney Characters—including Mickey, Minnie, Mulan and Tigger—dressed in colorful attire
• Raya from Raya and the Last Dragon joins the Lunar New Year celebration for the first time at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail.
• Innovative menus celebrating delicious Asian cuisine
• Commemorative merchandise
• Kid-friendly crafts and activities
• Festive décor and more
• Make a wish at the Lucky Wishing Wall

Sweethearts Nite

Sweethearts Nite is an after hour party that takes place on select nights in January and February. A special ticket is required. Tickets to this event will sell out, so make sure to get yours well in advance if you’d like to attend.

Event Details:

• Location: Disneyland Park
• Dates: Jan 23, 25, 30; Feb 1, 6, 8, 12, 14, 2024
• Time: 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM
• Ticket Price: Starting at $139 per Guest (ages 3+)

Ride Closures

Because Disneyland in January is a slower time of year for the resort, this is the time of ride refurbishments. You can expect a few rides to be closed during your visit. I’ll update this section as soon as the information is released for January 2024.

What to expect

Wondering what to expect at Disneyland in January? Holiday decorations will still be up all over the park during the first week or so. The Holidays at Disneyland end January 7th, so the holiday decorations will begin to come down slowly after that.

Lower crowds mean shorter park hours. Fireworks and parades may be limited to weekends. The Haunted Mansion and It’s a Small World will be closed for the removal of their holiday overlay for a few weeks. Disneyland takes advantage of the lower crowds in January and uses it for ride renovations.

What to Pack

Having a well packed bag is incredibly helpful 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. I’ve got a free printable packing list with everything you need to pack for your Disneyland in January vacation!

Here’s a list of Disney park bag essentials that I like to have with me 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.

Disneyland Tips And Helpful Information

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 Genie Plus: The Genie Plus 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 Genie Plus 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. Don’t miss my top 10 Disneyland tips!
10. 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.

Make sure you check out my downloadable touring plans if you’d like a step-by-step guide to the parks! 

I have a planning phone call that’s super popular! In this phone call, I can answer all of your Disneyland vacation questions and give you lots of tips and info tailored just to you and your group!

Make sure to check out my podcast for lots of Disney planning information! You can find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Just search for “Mix In Some Magic” Follow me on Instagram for more Disney tips and lots of Disney tips and fun!