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Facade of "it's a small world" at Disneyland during the holidays. Text says "disneyland in November What to expect, how to plan."
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Are you planning on visiting Disneyland in November? Great! I’ve got all the information you need to make it a wonderful vacation! November is one of my favorite times to visit the Disneyland Park. The Holiday celebrations are just getting started, the weather is cooling down and the crowds are manageable(at least for the first half of the month). It’s a great way to kick off your holiday celebrations!

 In this post, we’ll talk about everything you need to know about visiting Disneyland in November. I’ve got information on the best days to visit, weather, events, what to pack, and information on Thanksgiving at Disneyland. I’ve even got a Disneyland crowd calendar! I’m also sharing information on where to get a great deal on discounted park tickets and hotels! Make sure you check out my full guide to Disneyland during the Holidays for lots of important information to help you with your Holiday Disneyland Vacation!

Disneyland In November Deals

If you’re visiting Disneyland in November, it’s a great time to find deals! Hotels are anxious to fill rooms, so they often offer lower prices, especially if you travel midweek.

Please be aware, that Disney theme parks all require park tickets and reservations. Make sure you have both! Please don’t pay full price for your Disney tickets or hotel. My partners at Get Away Today have the very best deals on tickets and hotels. Their customer service is top-notch and they even have layaway plans. Click the link below or call 1-855-GET-AWAY. Make sure you tell them Melissa from Mix In Some Magic sent you for the best deal! 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 hotel reviews that might be helpful for you if you’re still trying to decide where you’d like to stay. 

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

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

Disneyland Touring plans

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!

Disneyland In November Crowds

November crowd calendar 2024

Crowd levels at Disneyland in November go from one extreme to the other. It can be very slow at the beginning of the month(early November), but crazy busy toward the end. The reason for this is the Holiday celebrations. Disneyland has lots to offer during the holidays and it draws a lot of guests to the parks. You can expect fairly low crowds at the beginning of the month. Many guests(including locals) will wait until the holiday offerings are in full swing before they visit. The holiday festivities begin November 15th and run through early January. Expect medium size crowds in mid-November and full-blown holiday crowds beginning the week of Thanksgiving. It will also be crowded around Veterans Day.

The middle of the week is usually less crowded at Disneyland in November. If you’re looking for the very lowest crowds try to visit on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.

If you happen to visit when there are large crowds, don’t be discouraged. I have a bunch of information about visiting Disneyland with Holiday crowds. Make sure you read it so you can be prepared. Plan ahead by making dining reservations ahead of time. You can make them 60 days in advance. To get a jump on the crowds, I recommend rope-dropping! This means you need to arrive at the parks 60-90 minutes before they open.

Consider adding Genie Plus to your visit. Especially if you’re visiting during a crowded time of the month. Genie Plus is the new system that has taken the place of the old Fastpass/max pass system. Genie plus does cost extra, but it allows you to skip the standby line and enter select attractions through the lightning lane. This can save you so much time! Especially when you’re visiting at a busy time of year. I’ve got lots of information about using Genie Plus at Disneyland here. I’ve also got full touring plans that utilize Genie Plus if you’d like a step-by-step plan for your day. Check them out here.

Weather

Disneyland in November usually has very mild weather, which is another good reason to visit this month! The average high at Disneyland in November is 71.4°F (21.9°C) with an average low of 56.3°F (13.5°C). There’s usually very little rain.

Daytime temperatures will likely be perfect, but it can get chilly in the mornings and evenings. I suggest bringing a jacket and long pants. Those southern California nights can be chilly! You don’t want to get stuck buying expensive Disney sweatshirts if it’s cold and you forgot to bring one. It’s hard to have a great time at Disneyland in November when you’re cold.

Keep an eye on the weather as your trip gets closer to make sure you’re prepared. I have a full guide about what to wear to Disneyland in November. You can find it here.

Events

Here’s a list of special events that you’ll find happening at Disneyland in November. There’s a lot going on for the Holidays at Disneyland in November! So much to see and do! Both parks will have festive lights, holiday decorations, and music. There will also be an incredible assortment of holiday foods. Let’s break down the other offerings by park.

Disney California Adventure Park Holiday Events

Disney Festival of Holidays: Pay tribute to multicultural and diverse music, cuisine, and traditions.

Disney Viva Navidad!: Delight in a celebration of holiday traditions from Mexico and Brazil, brought to life by cultural performers.

Santa’s Holiday Visit at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail: Get ready for a jolly old time when you see Santa and his band of merry elves!

Ride Overlays: Two rides in Carsland transform for the holidays! Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree becomes Mater’s Jingle Jamboree. Luigi’s Rollikin’ Roadsters becomes Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl.

Buena Vista Street Holiday Tree Lighting: Witness the wonder as the magnificent tree is illuminated.

Disneyland Park Holiday Events

A Christmas Fantasy Parade: Watch Disney characters join Santa for the merriest musical procession in town!

“it’s a small world” Holiday: Set off on a merry version of the park classic as children sing tidings of joy.

“Believe… In Holiday Magic” Fireworks: Don’t miss dazzling fireworks, stirring music, and even a sprinkling of snow!

Wintertime enchantment at Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle: Behold a shimmering spectacle as the castle is transformed each evening.

“it’s a small world” Holiday Lighting: Witness the magic when the whimsical facade lights up in a dazzling display.

Haunted Mansion Holiday: Christmas and Halloween collide at this holiday favorite hosted by Jack Skellington from The Nightmare before Christmas.

Visiting Santa

You must visit Santa when you’re visiting Disneyland in November! It’s a highlight. There are quite a few places where you can meet Santa Claus. My favorite place to visit him is in California Adventure at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. You can find out more information about visiting Santa at Disneyland here.

Thanksgiving At Disneyland

I visited Disneyland for Thanksgiving last year and we had a really great time! I was nervous about crowd levels during Thanksgiving week, but we didn’t let them bother us. Most restaurants (table service and quick service) prepare some type of Thanksgiving meal. If you don’t have a slice of pumpkin pie is it even Thanksgiving? I really enjoyed celebrating the holiday at the parks. I think we’ll go back in a few years and do it again. I’ve got lots of information about Disneyland on Thanksgiving here.

What To Expect

Because Disneyland in November is so popular, all the attractions should be up and running. The most popular attraction in November is the Haunted Mansion Holiday which has a Nightmare Before Christmas Holiday overlay. I talk all about it on an episode of my podcast. Because this attraction is so popular, it will have long lines, especially as the day goes on. I suggest getting there early in the day for shorter wait times or using Genie Plus to skip the standby lines.

“it’s a small world’ will also have a holiday overlay for the Christmas season. It’s pretty magical! Make sure you take the time to ride on it and check out the facade at night when it’s all lit up.

On days when crowds are higher, Disneyland will have longer park hours. Use these to your advantage! Get there early for the lowest crowds. Take a break midday if things get too busy and come back in the evening for more Holiday fun.

Having a basic plan will help you navigate your day and help you avoid waiting in long lines. I have a Disneyland touring plan that I update each month with a free printable that might be helpful for you. You can find it here. Or check out my touring plans with Genie Plus here.

What To Pack

Disneyland packing list

I’ve got a free printable packing list so you don’t forget anything! Make sure you print it out before your vacation.

Be prepared for colder weather at night and pack accordingly. You should also be prepared for a heat wave! You just never know what you’re going to get at Disneyland in November. Pack layers so that you are prepared for anything. I have information on my favorite shoes to wear to the park that might be helpful. Check out my printable packing list!

You can find my full list of what I bring in my park bag here. You don’t want to be unprepared! I also buy lots of things on Amazon beforehand so I can save time and money. Disney will sell you anything you need, but it will cost more. You can find my Amazon list here.

Disneyland Tips and Helpful Info

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.
  11. Check out my downloadable touring plans if you’d like a step-by-step guide to the parks! have a planning phone call that’s super popular! In this phone call, I can answer your Disneyland vacation questions and give you lots of tips and info tailored to you and your group!

I hope this guide to Disneyland in November was helpful! I know you are going to have such a good time at the happiest place on earth! November is one of the best months to visit Disneyland. There’s something so special about the Holidays at Disneyland. It doesn’t get any better than walking down Main Street with a churro in your hand while listening to holiday music. Absolutely magical!

Make sure to check out my podcast for lots of Disney planning information! You can find it on Apple PodcastsSpotify, 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!

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Hey there!

I'm Melissa, your Disney vacation aficionado and full-time mom to four. Whether it's sipping Diet Dr. Pepper or sharing unbeatable Disney planning tips, I'm all about adding a touch of magic to everyday life. Let me help turn your Disney dreams into reality with insider advice and customized planning strategies. Join me on this magical journey and make every Disney adventure unforgettable! Read more...

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