Best Time to Visit Disneyland in 2024
Determining the best time for a Disneyland vacation is a crucial aspect of trip planning! Although there’s no longer a time of the year when Disneyland is entirely devoid of visitors, certain months and specific dates within them are certainly more favorable for a visit.
By choosing to go during the less crowded months, you can steer clear of the busiest periods and capitalize on some of the most attractive deals at Disneyland. However, this doesn’t rule out the possibility of enjoying some of the year’s grandest celebrations, such as Halloween and Christmas.
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January
January is a favored month for Disneyland visits due to its notably low crowd levels. Optimal days for minimal crowds are typically found at least a week after New Year’s Day. However, it’s essential to steer clear of the weekend of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a popular travel holiday weekend, if you aim to avoid larger crowds.
For those seeking special celebrations at the resort, the end of January is particularly appealing. This period often marks the commencement of the Lunar New Year festival at Disney California Adventure, featuring food marketplace booths, entertainment, and unique character photo opportunities.
Visitors prioritizing minimal crowds above all else will discover that January presents an excellent opportunity for a Disneyland getaway.
February
February is another month characterized by lower crowd levels, offering a respite before the bustling spring break season kicks in. The only weekend to be cautious of in February is the third Monday, hosting President’s Day weekend, when crowd levels tend to be exceptionally high due to the three-day break.
The Lunar New Year festival at California Adventure typically extends into the middle of February, providing an additional attraction during this time. Moreover, Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite, a popular after-dark event, occurs multiple times throughout the month, adding to the special experiences.
For those seeking a combination of lower crowd levels and unique events, February stands out as one of the best months to plan a Disneyland visit.
April
April, while busier than both January and February, falls short of the bustling levels seen in other months (think October during the Halloween season), offering a variety of activities. Particularly if you opt for weekdays or plan your visit towards the end of the month, you can discover numerous days in April with manageable crowds.
Notably, April hosts the well-received Disneyland Food and Wine Festival in California Adventure, considered one of the premier festivals at the park throughout the year. This event features marketplace booths offering a diverse range of food and wine, culinary demonstrations, the return of Soarin’ Over California, and more. Additionally, April marks Dapper Day at Disneyland, where many guests dress up in their finest attire to visit the resort, creating a lively atmosphere. Depending on the timing of Easter, if it falls within April, you can also indulge in Easter-themed treats, activities, and more.
August
Despite August typically being the hottest month at Disneyland, it happens to be one of our preferred times to visit. It allows you to partake in the summer festivities while benefiting from diminishing crowds. Since numerous schools resume classes before Labor Day, August becomes one of the more subdued months of the summer, with tourist crowds gradually thinning out.
This month stands out as an excellent time to experience Disneyland. You can relish the extended operating hours characteristic of summer, along with all the perks of a summer visit, without encountering the elevated crowd levels often observed in June and July.
September
For those seeking the optimal period to experience Disneyland during the Halloween season, September is the top recommendation. October has a reputation for being notably hectic, potentially ranking as one of the busiest months throughout the year at Disneyland. September provides an ideal window to visit before the Halloween crowds begin to surge.
Typically, the Halloween season at Disneyland commences after the initial week of September, with crowds gradually intensifying as the month progresses. Visiting earlier in September enables you to steer clear of larger crowds and enjoy a more leisurely experience.
November
November proves to be an excellent winter month for a Disneyland visit, allowing you to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere that begins within the initial week of the month. If you aim to capture both Halloween and Christmas magic, starting your visit on November 1st provides the best opportunity to witness the transition from Halloween decorations coming down to the emergence of holiday décor.
However, it’s advisable to steer clear of Veteran’s Day weekend, as this period is likely to be one of the most crowded weekends in November, along with the Thanksgiving weekend.
What is your favorite time to visit the Disneyland Resort?
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