A Guide to Finding the Best Time to Visit Disneyland

Finding the best time to visit Disneyland can be tricky, this guide will cover what you can expect during each season and will help you decide when would be the best time for your family visit.

Disneyland Park is undoubtedly one of the world’s most popular and beloved theme parks. Located in Anaheim, California, it is a dream destination for many children and adults, offering a unique combination of thrilling rides, magical experiences, and a nostalgia-inducing atmosphere.

However, with its immense popularity, Disneyland can often get overcrowded and overwhelming, leading to long lines, wait times, and a less-than-magical experience. This is why choosing the best time to visit Disneyland is crucial, as it can make a significant difference in your overall experience.

In this guide, I’ll take you through the various factors to consider when choosing the best time to visit Disneyland, including weather and seasonal events, crowds and wait times, park hours and unique offerings, and personal preferences and priorities. By understanding these factors, you can plan ahead and make the most of your Disneyland trip, resulting in a stress-free and magical experience for you and your loved ones.

Make sure you check out my Disneyland Crowd Calendar to help you pick the best time to visit Disneyland.

Discount Disney Park Tickets And Hotels

After you pick the best time to visit Disneyland, you’re going to need tickets and a hotel! Please be aware that all Disney parks require park tickets and a theme park reservation. Make sure you have both! Please don’t pay the full price for your Disneyland 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. You can find them by clicking on the image below or by calling 1-855-GET-AWAY. Make sure you tell them Melissa from Mix In Some Magic, sent you the best deal!

They have great deals on hotels! Many of their properties offer a free night with a stay, free parking, extra discounts, or a complimentary breakfast! You save the most money when you purchase a vacation package and bundle your hotel rooms with one of their discount resort ticket offer.

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.

What Is Disneyland’s Least Busy Month?

When looking for the best time to visit Disneyland, People are always wondering what is the least busy month. Finding a slow time for your Disneyland vacation these days is tricky. Disneyland is a popular place and is usually crowded. However, there are lower crowds in January and February(if you avoid holidays); Early March is a good time(before Spring Breaks and Grad Nites get going). You can also find low crowds on Halloween day and the first week of November. If those times of the year don’t work for you, don’t stress! Even when it’s crowded, you can still have a great time at Disneyland. 

What is Disneyland’s Most Busy Month?

Summer break at Disneyland is jam-packed; if you’re able to avoid summer vacation, you’ll have lower crowds. You’ll also find high crowds during all major holidays and school breaks. The worst time to visit Disneyland(if you’re trying to avoid crowds) is between Christmas and New Year’s Day. The parks are bustling during Christmas break. During this time of year, wait times for popular attractions can get quite long. Avoid it if possible.  The best time to visit Disneyland for my family is avoiding the most busy times of the year, if possible.

Check out my podcast episode where I discuss the best time to visit Disneyland. In it, I cover each month of the year and talk about what you can expect and how to plan!

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Time to Visit Disneyland

1. Weather and Seasonal Events: The weather in Anaheim, California, is usually warm and sunny, but it’s essential to keep in mind the seasonal changes and how they can impact your experience. For example, summer tends to be the busiest due to summer vacations, and temperatures can get scorching hot. Spring and fall offer milder weather but also the possibility of rain. Additionally, Disneyland hosts various seasonal events throughout the year, such as Halloween and Holiday celebrations, which can impact crowds and ride availability.
2. Crowds and Wait Times: The number of visitors at Disneyland can vary significantly from day to day and season to season, so it’s essential to research crowd levels before planning your trip. Holidays and weekends are the busiest, with longer wait times for rides and attractions. On the other hand, weekdays during the off-season tend to have lower crowd levels and shorter wait times. I recommend using Disney Genie Plus to skip the long lines no matter when you’re visiting. 
3. Park Hours and Special Offerings: Disneyland has varying park hours throughout the year, with some attractions and events only available during certain times. It’s important to check the park’s schedule and plan your visit accordingly. Additionally, Disneyland offers special promotions and deals during off-peak seasons, such as discounted tickets or hotel rates.
4. Personal Preferences and Priorities: Everyone has their own unique preferences and priorities when it comes to visiting Disneyland. Some may prioritize character meet and greets, while others prefer thrill rides. Some may prefer a quieter, more relaxed experience, while others may thrive in the hustle and bustle of the park. It’s essential to consider your preferences and priorities when planning your trip to ensure you have the best possible experience.

Considering these factors when planning your Disneyland trip, you can choose the best time to visit Disneyland that aligns with your preferences and priorities, resulting in a memorable and stress-free experience.

 Best Time to Visit Disneyland by Season

One of the most significant factors to consider when planning a trip to Disneyland is the time of year you visit. The seasons can significantly impact the park’s crowd levels, weather, and events. Here is a breakdown of the best times to visit Disneyland by season:

1. Winter (January-March): Winter is generally considered one of the best times to visit Disneyland, as the park experiences lower crowd levels and shorter wait times. The weather is mild, with occasional rain, but you’ll have the chance to experience festive seasonal events, such as the Lunar New Year celebration. Additionally, Disneyland’s Christmas decorations typically stay up until early January, so you can still experience the magic of the holiday season.
2. Spring (April-June): Spring can be a great time to visit Disneyland, with mild temperatures and the blooming of flowers throughout the park. However, spring break and Easter can bring in crowds, so it’s essential to plan accordingly. The park also hosts the popular Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival during this time, which can be a highlight for foodies.
3. Summer (July-September): Summer is the busiest time to visit Disneyland, with crowds at their peak due to summer vacations. Temperatures can also get extremely hot, so staying hydrated and taking breaks in the shade is essential. However, the park offers extended hours, with nightly fireworks and the popular Fantasmic! Show.
4. Fall (October-December): Fall is a fantastic time to visit Disneyland, with festive Halloween decorations and seasonal events like the Oogie Boogie Bash. The park also transitions into its holiday season in November with festive decorations, holiday-themed rides, and the popular “it’s a small world” holiday overlay. The crowds tend to be lower during this time, except for the weeks of Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The best time to visit Disneyland will depend on your preferences and priorities. If you prefer lower crowds and milder weather, consider visiting during the off-season of winter and fall. If you want to experience extended hours and nighttime shows, summer may be the best time for you. Regardless of when you visit, planning and considering these seasonal factors can help ensure you have a magical and stress-free experience at the Happiest Place on Earth.

Tips for Avoiding Crowds and Long Wait Times

Even if you pick the best time to visit Disneyland, one of the most significant challenges is dealing with the crowds and long wait times for popular rides and attractions. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can use to minimize your wait time and make the most of your visit. Here are some tips for avoiding crowds and long wait times:

1. Using Genie Plus: Genie Plus is a service offered by Disneyland that allows you to reserve a spot in line for certain rides and attractions. Genie Plus is a paid service that allows you to reserve Lightning Lanes from your mobile device. Using these services strategically can minimize your wait time and make the most of your day at the park.
2. Choosing the correct day of the week: Crowd levels at Disneyland can vary significantly depending on the day of the week. Generally, weekdays tend to have lower crowds than weekends, while Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the least busy. Sundays have also had lower crowds lately. It’s essential to avoid holidays and special events when crowds tend to be at their peak.
3. Arriving early or staying late: Another strategy for avoiding crowds is to arrive at the park before it opens(Rope Drop) or stay until it closes. Many popular rides and attractions have shorter wait times during the first and last hours of the day. Additionally, if you stay late, you can take advantage of shorter wait times during the park’s nightly entertainment shows. I prefer to arrive early because it is one of the best ways for you to maximize your time at Disneyland. I have a complete guide to rope-dropping at Disneyland. 
4. Taking advantage of Early Entry: If you’re staying at a Disneyland resort hotel, you are eligible for early entry, allowing you to enter Disneyland or Disney California Adventure Park 30 minutes early. Select attractions are open during this time. This can be a great way to experience popular rides and attractions with shorter wait times. Check out my complete guide to early entry for tips and strategies. 
5. ​Make A Plan: Have a basic outline of how you’d like your Disney days to go. So many people waste valuable time deciding what to do next. Figure out what rides are most important to your group and prioritize them. Are you planning on meeting characters? Are there any shows you’d like to see? Give these things some thought before you arrive, and it will help save you time once you’re in the park. I have touring plans that utilize Genie Plus and give you a step-by-step Disneyland itinerary that will be helpful for you if you’re looking for a premade plan that you can easily follow. 

Using these tips and strategies, you can minimize your wait time and maximize your visit to Disneyland. Remember to plan, prioritize your must-see attractions, and be flexible with your schedule to ensure a magical and stress-free experience at the Happiest Place on Earth.

Choosing the best time to visit Disneyland can make all the difference in ensuring a magical and stress-free experience at the park. By considering the weather, crowds, park hours, and personal preferences, you can select the ideal season to visit and plan your trip accordingly.

Remember to prioritize your must-see attractions, take advantage of Genie Plus, and use strategies such as arriving early or staying late and taking advantage of Early Entry to avoid crowds and long wait times. And most importantly, plan ahead and be flexible with your schedule to make the most of your time at the Happiest Place on Earth.

Whether you’re visiting Disneyland for the first time or the hundredth, I hope this guide to finding the best time to visit Disneyland was helpful for you! There’s always something new and exciting to discover at Disneyland! By following these tips and planning, you can make your visit to Disneyland an unforgettable experience for you and your loved ones. So what are you waiting for? Pick the best time to visit Disneyland and start planning your dream Disneyland trip today. Prepare for a magical adventure!

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 lots of Disney tips and fun!