Disneyland, Walt Disney’s California theme park, has been a destination families, amusement park fans and Mickey Mouse lovers go to since it opened in 1955. When planning a vacation, a lot of people want to know the best time to go to Disneyland. With some guidelines and information, you can get a better idea of when the best time to go is.

Disneyland – A World of Magic

The second busiest theme park in the United Sates, Disneyland has over fifteen million visitors every year. You will never be alone no matter when you go.

This park is the centerpiece of the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim California. Millions around the world hold a special place in their hearts for the original Disney Theme Park. Millions of guests go there each year, and today Disneyland is truly a magical place, undisputedly the “Happiest Place on Earth”. It is thought by many to be a masterpiece of innovation, civil engineering and imagination. For over fifty years, Walt’s Park has been charming and captivating to guests of all ages. If your decide to explore it, you'd better know when is the best time to go to Disneyland for your own particular need.

When Is the Best Time to Go to Disneyland?

Is there truly a best time to visit Disneyland? It honestly depends upon what you are looking to get from your visit. Some people want to go when the crowds are lighter, however there are only a few special attractions at this time. Other visitors will only go when the theme park is totally decked out, like during Halloween or Christmas, however this is also when there is the largest crowd.
1

If you want to enjoy the most shows

During the last ten years, the on season at the Disneyland Resort has really expanded. The on season traditionally shows the longest sustained attendance rates in the summertime, running from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day weekend. Even though things used to slow down at this time, the events during Halloween at the Resort now keep crowds from September through the end of October, which is when the Holiday Season starts up. Crowds also peak at other holiday weekends which include President’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr, plus Easter/Spring break. Early in June, the attendance peaks as well when Southern California Annual Passholders visit the park before their passes are blocked out for the entire summer. The busiest time of year to go to the park is now during the holiday rush in December, where you might see attendance maxed out and the gates at the front closed for new ticket holders.

Even though these are the busiest times of year, they are a perfect chance to see all of the shows that the Resort has to offer, thus making it the best time to go to Disneyland if you do not mind the crowd. It tries to keep all guests entertained, even when the crowds are large. In the time of on season, the Resort will offer its complete lineup of entertainment features from its daytime shows to the nighttime spectaculars.

2

If you want to avoid the crowd

The off-season in November to early March is the coolest time of the year, and generally is the best time to go if you want to avoid crowds. The temperatures range between forty and seventy degrees. The lines are the shortest during the second week of January through President’s week, and also two weeks after Easter Sunday through the week of Memorial Day. Another option to avoid the long lines is to go to the park anytime between the end of Thanksgiving weekend through the middle of December.

If you cannot stand crowds at all, the best time to go to Disneyland is during the shoulder season from October and September. The weather being in the low eighties is great, and crowds are manageable considering most children have returned to school. Between Memorial Day and the beginning of summer vacation offers moderate temperatures in the mid-seventies and crowds that are lighter.

3

If you want to keep your budget low

The resorts at Disneyland offer various pricing for each of the three seasons. Even though ticket prices stay the same, the room rates are usually the least expensive during the value seasons which are January, February, mid-October through mid-November, and also the first several weeks in December. During the regular season from March through June, moderate rates are offered, except mid-April and late August through early October. In these two seasons, you might find lower room rates and other discounts on rooms. Don’t go to Disneyland during peak seasons in mid-April, July, most of August and around Thanksgiving, New Year’s or Christmas when the rates for rooms are at their highest.

Find Out When Is the Best Time to Go to Disneyland for Yourself

Each month offers different ways to experience the things that Disneyland Resort has to offer. From summer late-night extravaganzas to the winter months that are quieter, there are different advantages for visiting in various seasons.

Month

General Description

Opening Hours

Jan.

Average Temperature: 45 to 69°F

The weather tends to be cooler and lines are possibly shorter in the later part of the month. You could catch the very end of some of the holidays at Disneyland Attractions and Entertainment in the first week of the month.

Mon. – Thurs.

10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.

Fri. – Sun.

Disneyland Park: 8:00 or 9:00 a.m.–10:00, 11:00 p.m. or 12:00 midnight

Disney California Adventure: 10:00 a.m.–9:00 or 10:00 p.m.

Feb.

Average Temperature: 47 to 69°F

This month typically has less attendance and shorter lines, except during President’s Day. Find special dining and events at Downtown Disney around Valentine’s Day.

Mon. – Thurs.

Disneyland Park: 9:00 or 10:00 a.m.–8:00, 9:00 or 10:00 p.m.

Disney California Adventure: 10:00 a.m.–8:00 or 9:00 p.m.

Fri.-Sun.

Disneyland Park: 8:00 or 9:00 a.m.–10:00, 11:00 p.m. or 12:00 midnight

Disney California Adventure: 10:00 a.m.–9:00 or 10:00 p.m.

Mar.

Average Temperature: 48 to 73°F

Here you deal with Daylight Savings Time and families enjoying Spring Break. This brings longer days and additional sunshine. March 17th is the St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Downtown Disney District.

Mon. – Thurs.

Disneyland Park: 8:00 or 10:00 a.m.–8:00, 11:00 p.m. or 12:00 midnight

Disney California Adventure: 10:00 a.m.–8:00, 9:00 or 10:00 p.m.

Fri. – Sun.

Disneyland Park: 8:00 or 9:00 a.m.–12:00 midnight

Disney California Adventure: 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.

Apr.

Average Temperature: 51 to 73°F

Both March and April, Spring Break is one of the most popular times of the year for the Resort. Guests at the hotel can take a break and relax in the pools between park visits.

Mon. – Thurs.

Disneyland Park: 8:00 or 9:00 a.m.–10:00, 11:00 p.m. or 12 midnight

Disney California Adventure: 10:00 a.m.–8:00, 9:00 or 10:00 p.m.

Fri. – Sun.

Disneyland Park: 8:00 or 9:00 a.m.–10:00, 11:00 p.m. or 12 p.m.

Disney California Adventure: 10:00 a.m.–8:00, 9:00 or 10:00 p.m.

May

Average Temperature: 56 to 75°F

Summer kicks off at the end of Ma, which is the Resort’s high season. The parks might close early for Grad NIte private celebrations on certain weekend nights.

Mon. – Thurs.

Disneyland Park: 9:00 or 10:00 a.m.–8:00, 9:00 or 10:00 p.m.

Disney California Adventure: 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.

Fri. – Sun.

Disneyland Park: 8:00 or 9:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. or 12:00 p.m.

Disney California Adventure: 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.

June

Average Temperature: 60 to 79°F

During summertime, the park is open later and there are all kinds of street parties in the evening. In the first part of the month, Grad Nite goes on, entertainment generally has more performance times and there are fewer attractions closed for refurbishment, which is why this can be the best time to go to Disneyland.

Typical June Hours (subject to change)

Disneyland Park: 8:00 or 9:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. or 12 p.m.

Disney California Adventure: 8:00, 9:00 or 10:00 a.m. –10:00 or 11:00 p.m.

July

Average Temperature: 62 to 84°F

With summer hours here, the Park now stays open later. This and additional show times give guests more time to watch their favorite nighttime events such as World of Color.

Typical July Hours (subject to change)

Disneyland Park: 8:00 a.m.–12 p.m.

Disney California Adventure: 8:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.

Aug.

Average Temperature: 63 to 86°F

The most popular month of the year. Get your Disney FASTPASS early on in the day.

Typical August Hours (subject to change)

Disneyland Park: 8:00 or 9:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. or 12 p.m.

Disney California Adventure: 8:00 or 9:00 a.m.–10:00 or 11:00 p.m.

Sept.

Average Temperature: 62 to 85°F

Athletes of all kinds compete in the Disneyland Half Marathon. The Disneyland Resort gets an early start on Halloween later in the month. The park hours get shorter as the days do as well.

Typical September Hours (subject to change)

Disneyland Park: 9:00 or 10:00 a.m.–8:00 or 10:00 p.m.

Disney California Adventure: 9:00 or 10:00 a.m.–8:00 or 10:00 p.m.

Oct.

Average Temperature: 56 to 80°F

Halloween Time has arrived at the   Disneyland Resort. Look for costumed Disney Characters, plus themed attractions and dining. You can trick-or-treat at Mickey’s Halloween Party with a separate admission.

Typical October Hours (subject to change)

Disneyland Park: 8:00 or 9:00 a.m.–8:00 or 9:00 p.m.

Disney California Adventure: 10:00 a.m.–8:00p.m.

Nov.

Average Temperature: 51 to 74°F

In November, the first few weeks many times have shorter lines and temps that are cooler. Around the middle of the month, Holidays at Disneyland Resort welcomes the season with special dining, décor and attractions. If you are a big fan of these, this is probably the best time to go to Disneyland for you.

Mon. – Thurs.

Disneyland Park: 9:00 or 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.

Disney California Adventure: 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.

Fri. – Sun.

Disneyland Park: 8:00 or 9:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. or 12:00 p.m.

Disney California Adventure: 10:00 a.m.–9:00 or 10:00 p.m.

Dec.

Average Temperature: 46 to 70°F

Families readily go to the Merriest Place on Earth to celebrate the holiday season with the special events that are help during this time including the Believe in Holiday Magic Fireworks Spectacular, Disney Characters in festive attire and decadent treats of all kinds.

Typical December Hours (subject to change)

Disneyland Park: 8:00 or 9:00 a.m.–9:00, 10:00, 11:00 p.m. or 12 midnight

Disney California Adventure: 10:00 a.m.–8:00, 9:00 or 10:00 p.m.

Tips
  • Make sure your family is rested up and gets a full night’s sleep before you journey to the parks to keep crankiness to a minimum.
  • You shouldn’t enter the park planning to ride every ride or see all the shows, since this just isn’t possible on a busy or a season day. If you are aware of this and come to enjoy yourself for the day you’ll have a much more relaxed time.
  • If you have young children, learn which attractions are for children and adults, and don’t get frustrated if your child wants to spend hours in one particular section of the park.
  • It is a good idea for you to take a rest around midday, during the hottest and busiest time of the day. If you’re staying close to the Disneyland Resort, going back to the hotel for a rest is a great idea.
  • Nighttime at the Resort has become much busier because of more people with an annual pass coming to the park after work. Therefore, plan out your viewing for night entertainment and arrange seating ahead of time.
References
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