Best Time To Visit Disneyland California 2024

Best Time To Visit Disneyland California 2024

Best Time To Visit Disneyland California 2024

This article is your complete guide to the best time to visit Disneyland in 2024! If you’re wondering when is the best time of year to visit Disneyland, you’ve come to the right place. The truth is, there are countless factors to consider when planning a trip to Disneyland. Recently, we have seen a strong demand for guests visiting Disneyland instead of Walt Disney World for various reasons. So it’s important to know the answer to when is the best time to go to Disneyland?

If you don’t already know the answers when answering questions such as, “when is Disneyland least crowded” and “when are Disneyland value days”. You’re in luck since we are going to cover all of those in the guide below! So if you’re ready to find out when is the best time to visit Disneyland in California, read on!

We hope you find this post helpful, and if you are planning the best day to go to Disneyland 2024 be sure to check out our other FREE vacation planning tools. Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time on your next vacation and find the cheapest Disneyland vacation packages!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you’re looking for the best time to visit Disneyland check out our Disneyland Crowd Calendar!

Disneyland Crowd Calendar

When is the Best Time to Visit Disneyland 2024?

If Sleeping Beauty’s Castle towers before you instead of Cinderella’s Castle, you are definitely not in Disney World anymore. The California sun has replaced the humidity of Florida, and you are in Disneyland! The happiest place on earth! So, let’s talk about the best times to visit Disneyland in 2024. While Disney World covers an astounding 43 square miles of land, Disneyland contrasts that with only 500 acres of land. However, Disneyland still boasts incredible crowds.

With the introduction of the Park Pass Reservation system, it helps control the crowds a little bit. But Disneyland still seems just as busy as before the shut down! But there are absolutely times of the year that are better than others as far as crowd size. We typically find that September is the best month to visit most theme parks, but this guide will cover Disneyland in depth.

Use a 2024 Disneyland Crowd Calendar to Plan Your Vacation

• Using a Disneyland Crowd Calendar can help you not only find the slowest time at Disneyland. But also help you keep down the cost of your ticket.

One of the easiest ways to pick the best time to visit Disneyland 2024 is to compare the cheapest Disneyland ticket prices. The cheaper the tickets, the more likely it is that the parks won’t be as crowded.That’s one of the main reasons why we have been so obsessed with tracking crowd data over the past few years. It allows us to help you pick the best time of year to visit Disneyland when avoiding large crowds. It also helps us create all of the daily park plans we give to our customers.

Related Post: Complete Guide to Genie+ at Disneyland

What Are Value Days at Disneyland 2024?

A Value Day in Disneyland ticket terms is a day where the ticket price is the lowest price offered. As we mentioned above, Disneyland’s ticket prices are on a tiered date based pricing system. This means that the price of your ticket depends on the date of your visit. When Disneyland reopened after the Covid-19 shut down, their ticket system changed once again. Along with their prices and will usually reflect how busy the park is! They removed the “value”, “regular”, and “peak” pricing terms. And it is now referred to in “Tier” levels. It is slightly confusing, so let’s break down the Disneyland ticket pricing system first.

Disneyland Tiered Ticket Pricing System for 1-Park 1-Day:

• Tier 1: $104 adult, $98 child
• Tier 2: $119 adult, $113 child
• Tier 3: $134 adult, $127 child
• Tier 4: $149 adult, $141 child
• Tier 5: $159 adult, $150 child
• Tier 6: $164 adult, $155 child

Ticket tiers depend on the day of the week you are planning to go to the park. As we know, some months compared to others see higher crowd levels. But even in a busy month, some weeks are slated to be the least busy time to go to Disneyland. So next, let’s break down the best months to go to Disneyland.

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When is the Best Month to Visit Disneyland California 2024?

Even though Disneyland Resort in California is open 365 days a year. There are some times of the year that are going to be less crowded than others. For example, we know that Disney during the holidays is the worst time to visit. Followed by summer. And then spring break season. Based on our Disneyland Crowd Calendar data, the slowest time of year for Disneyland is often to visit before or after a busier time. These are generally the times of year that offer a less crowded park experience. 

The Best Months to Visit Disneyland 2024

• January – Christmas time at Disneyland typically ends the second week of January. After all of the holiday decorations and special event end, is one of the best times to visit Disneyland 2024
• February – For similar reasons as January, February hosts low crowd levels. Mostly due to a lack of special events, but also most people travel during the holidays than after them. A special note would be to avoid the parks the 10th – 15th as Valentine’s Day brings in more guest.
• August – Specifically the end of August. In California, most schools start their normal sessions before labor day. You can take advantage of the start of school season for lower crowd levels. 
• September – This is the sweet spot of the year to visit Disneyland. It’s in between the start of school and Halloween. September crowd levels are historically similar to January’s levels. 

These have historically been the least busy times at Disneyland. But if we are being honest, you can expect your Disneyland vacation even in these months to feel crowded. They’re just LESS crowded than normal.

Related Post: How Many Days Should You Spend at Disneyland

When is the Best Day to go to Disneyland 2024?

Let’s break it down even further. The best month to visit Disneyland 2024 is limited. And even if it is the best month, there are better weeks than others. Or even better days! The tiered ticket pricing system makes it difficult to nail down the best time of year. But it makes it easy to nail down the best day to go to Disneyland 2024. The data we gather for our Disneyland Crowd Calendar is from the past few year. Like everything, the Covid-19 shut down impacted those numbers but this is our best data and user experience! 

The Best Times to Visit Disneyland in 2024

• January: 5th – 8th, 10th – 15th, & 24th – 31st
• February: 1st – 14th & 22nd – 28th
• March: 1st – 6th
• April: 25th – 30th
• May: 1st & 8th – 15th
• August: 1st – 31st
• September: 1st – 30th
• October: 1st – 7th, 11th – 16th, 18th – 22nd, & 24th – 29th
• November: 1st – 6th, 8th – 10th, & 14th – 19th
• December: 1st – 4th & 6th – 11th

One of the easiest ways to pick the best days to visit Disneyland is to compare the cheapest Disneyland ticket prices. The cheaper the tickets the more likely it is that the parks won’t be as crowded during that time of year.

Related Post: Complete Guide to Halloween at Disneyland

When Are The Busiest Times at Disneyland 2024?

So now that we have discovered the off peak periods at Disneyland, let’s review the busier times of the year. Some of the busier times can easily be marked by major US holidays, school break periods, or even Disneyland events. Unlike Disney World on the East Coast, the weather is more consistent at the California park. It’s also important to note that Disneyland also sees more local visitors than Disney World. So much so that the park blocks certain dates that are expected to be high volume from the Magic Key Holders. This means that visitors can use the Disneyland admissions and block out calendar to anticipate when high volume dates are expected.

The Busiest Times at Disneyland 2024

• March: This is typically when Spring Break happens in California and the crowds this time of year can be just as busy as summer! 
• April: This month is a dangerous time at Disneyland. Not only do you have the overflow of Spring Break travel, you also have Easter.
• May: Two holidays plague this month. Mother’s Day is a smaller holiday that brings in a big crowd to Disneyland. And then there’s the start of summer! Memorial Day is almost as busy as Christmas Day.
• June: Summer has officially begun as well as nightly performances of all nighttime spectaculars.
• July: Not only is it summer, its also one of the largest summer holidays! Independence Day is another holiday that brings in Christmas level crowds. 
• October: Spooky season at Disneyland has become a fan favorite and draws massive crowds the entire month. 
• November: Christmas comes early! Although some days in November are safe, the holiday season begins November
• December: Need we say more? Yes, there are “less crowded days” in December. But any day in December is going to bring large crowds. 

So, if large crowds aren’t your cup of tea, the aforementioned is unmistakably when to avoid Disneyland due to some of the busiest days at Disneyland. However, if you cannot visit during the slowest season at Disneyland, don’t let that discourage you from planning your trip. Besides crowds, there are many other factors that could go into planning your trip, including special events and more.

Related Post: How Many Days Should You Spend at Disneyland

What is the Least Crowded Time to Go to Disneyland 2024?

So when is Disneyland least crowded for guests trying to avoid large crowds? Very simply the end of August and the entire month of September. These months are considered some of the least crowded times to visit Disneyland. The main reason is many families are getting their kids ready to go back to school and most summer vacations are over. For these reasons we always find the beginning of fall to be one of the best times to visit Disneyland if you are trying to avoid the crowds.

When is Disneyland the Least Crowded 2024?

• August 22nd – September 30th 

Something else to consider when planning a Disneyland vacation is that the Anaheim Convention Center is located next to Disneyland. This often causes a spillover of additional visitors to Disneyland. Albeit, typically not mind-blowing numbers that will devastate to your trip. But we still suggest checking the convention center’s calendar while trip-planning just to be safe! 

Depending on the week you plan to visit, families might also be able to enjoy some early Halloween celebrations at Disneyland. You will also find the crowds at some of the earlier Halloween events to be less crowded with is an added benefit.

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Best Time to Visit Disneyland for Special Events 2024

Disneyland is known for hosting several special events thought the year. These events have grown in popularity over the past few years and are back to bringing the masses to the park. These events include special festivals, After Dark events, or even holiday parties. Depending on the time of year you plan your visit, the best time to visit Disneyland 2024 could intersect with one of these events. So let’s go over all events at Disneyland that could affect the crowd level during your next visit. 

Festivals and Events at Disneyland California 2024

• Lunar New Year Festival – January 21st – February 13th, 2024
• Sweet Hearts Nite – On select nights February 1st – 14th, 2024
• Villain’s Nite – March 8th & 10th, 2024
• Food and Wine Festival – March 4th – April 26th, 2024
• Star Wars Nite – May 3rd, 4th, & 27th, 2024
• Grad Nite Reunion – June 23rd, 28th, & 30th, 2024
• Oogie Boogie Bash – On select nights September 2nd – October 31st, 2024
• Festival of the Holidays – November 11th, 2024 – January 8th, 2024

The holiday season doesn’t have a specific event that it hosts. In 2021, Disneyland held it’s first (and last) After Dark event called Merriest Nights. It will not be retuning this year following the Disneyland Holiday announcement. But it’s important to plan around the entire holiday season for your trip! If you want, or don’t want that type of crowd environment.

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Best Time to go to Disneyland in Winter/Spring 2024

The Best Time to Visit Disneyland in January 2024

So is January a good time to visit Disneyland? There are a bunch of advantages of visiting Disneyland in January which include the great weather, low wait times for rides and discount Disneyland tickets.

• January 12th – 19th & 25th – 31st

One of the main reasons are families are all getting ready for kids to go back to school after Christmas break. It’s no secret that January has some of the best weeks to visit Disneyland. As outlined above, the best weeks are right after the first weekend in January which include January 12th -19th, and then the 25th-31st. If you are only planning on visiting Disneyland for a day or two, the best individual park days based on crowd levels and theme park ticket prices are January 14th or January 15th.

The Best Time to Visit Disneyland in February 2024

Just how busy is Disneyland in February? Like many other vacation destinations guests will want to visit Disneyland in February before Presidents Day weekend.

Just like the best time to visit Disneyland in January guests can take advantage of discounted Disneyland tickets. 

• February 2nd – 15th

When avoiding Presidents day weekend the best weeks to go to Disneyland are February 2-8th and 8-15th. However  the best time to go to Disneyland in February based on individual days are the 10th and the 11th.

The Best Time to Visit Disneyland in March 2024

So if February doesn’t work for you and your family, you’re probably wondering how busy is Disneyland in March? This isn’t as easy as January and February, as March is typically when see schools and universities start spring breaks. We also find March to be one of the best times to visit Disneyland in regards to weather. This gives families a ton of flexibility as they can plan a few days by the pool of their favorite Disneyland hotel or even go visit one of the nearby beaches.

• March 1st – 7th

March is also typically when we start to hear about the Disneyland Food and Wine festival. We do find the best week to visit Disneyland in March is the 1st – 7th, and the 3rd and 4th if you are only planning on spending a day.

The Best Time to Visit Disneyland in April 2024

If the crowds at Disneyland start to pick up in March, you might be wondering is April a bad time to go to Disneyland? Our answer to that would be, of course not! There is never a bad time to go to Disneyland! Just plan as much as you can and always use our Disneyland crowd calendar to avoid the April crowds at Disneyland. 

• April 25th – May 1st 

Visiting Disneyland in April is very popular among families for a few reasons. The first it is another month when almost all schools with have a break which allows families to take advantage of a great vacation without taking their kids out of school. The second reason is there is so much to do with the Disney’s California Adventure Food and Wine festival. If you’re picking a full week to travel we recommend the last week of April 25th – May 1st. But if you are looking for the slowest time to go to Disneyland for a day try April 29th or 30th.

Related Post: When Do The Holidays Start at Disneyland?

Best Time to go to Disneyland in Spring/Summer 2024

The Best Time to Visit Disneyland in May 2024

So as school breaks start to officially wind down towards the end of April, your family might be wondering what are the best days in May to go to Disneyland? Historically, May has been a slower month compared to April and the summer months.

• May 11th – 17th

The middle of May has two of the best weeks to visit Disneyland throughout the entire year. This is because guests will have access to all of the attractions but enjoy lower crowds than March and April. If you’re picking a full week to travel we recommend the week of May 11th-17th, but if you are looking for the slowest time to go to Disneyland for a day, try May 12th or 13th.

The Best Time to Visit Disneyland in June 2024

The beginning of summer has historically been a very popular time to vacation, but is June a good time to visit Disneyland? We’ll get into the pros and cons in a minute, but the best week to visit Disneyland in June is the 1st-6th. We anticipate the best days to go to Disneyland in June to be the 7th or 8th.

• June 1st – 6th

We’re going to start with a pro because truth be told, there are a lot of cons. June and July typically give families more flexibility to take longer trips since they don’t have to worry about school. As you can probably guess, the downside are the crowds and the prices. They typically start to pick up towards the end of June and lasts through early August. Due, to the increased demand you might not be able to find the best vacation package deals to Disneyland in June.

The Best Time to Visit Disneyland in July 2024

We ranked July slightly higher than June for the best time to visit Disneyland in the summer. Simply because of the 4th of July celebrations at Disneyland. Although the fireworks will draw a crowd, it’s worth it. July is a very busy time of the year to visit Disneyland. If you’re wondering, “when is the best time to visit Disneyland?” and you also despise being around large quantities of people, we can assure you the answer is not July.

Best Time to go to Disneyland in Summer/Fall 2024

The Best Time to Visit Disneyland in August 2024

If you’re looking for the best time to go to Disneyland California, the crowds in August are not horrible; August is the best time to visit Disneyland in the summer. We recommend visiting August 1st – 31st. That’s right, the entire month of August is a great time to go! Specifically after the 22nd of the month.

• August 1st – 31st

There is one thing to consider—at the convention center, the bi-annual D23 Expo has been held since 2009. This expo attracts Disney’s most passionate and loyal fans, so you best believe crowds get bigger due to this event.

The Best Time to Visit Disneyland in September 2024

What is the best time to go to Disneyland? A lot of loyal Disneyland enthusiasts would argue the end of September. But we think like August, the entire month is a great time to visit Disneyland.

• September 1st – 30th

This month offers Disneyland low traffic days, which is always a plus. And if you’re looking for a best time for Disneyland experience, you just may find it this month.

The Best Time to Visit Disneyland in October 2024

Parts of this month are the best time to do Disneyland. But like any other holiday, you’ll typically see crowds jumping up around Halloween.

• October 1st – 7th

October is a tricky month with little room for treats when you’re looking for lower crowds. It’s an understatement to say Disneyland goes all out for Halloween. Starting in early September, not only do you have the Oogie Boogie Bash at DCA. You also have Halloween Time at Disneyland. Two full Halloween celebrations that draw large crowds.

Related Post: Complete Guide to Disneyland Halloween

Best Time to go to Disneyland in Fall/Winter 2024

The Best Time to Visit Disneyland in November 2024

• November 1st – 6th

November has a sweet spot. The best time to visit Disneyland in November is the 1st – 6th. This the period of a week where Disneyland is removing Halloween decor to transform the parks for Christmas. This month has some really great days, and it’s the holiday season so everything feels festive. Just avoid Thanksgiving week; if crowds aren’t your thing, those are some of the worst days to go to Disneyland.

The Best Time to Visit Disneyland in December 2024

• December 1st – 4th

I always rank December high because it’s the best month to visit Disneyland, California. Ff you’re feeling the holiday spirit, Disneyland delivers like no other park. Yes, crowds get worse in December. Especially the closer you get to the holidays. But the beginning of the month boasts some of the lightest crowds, specifically the first two weeks of the month. We recommend visiting December 1st – 4th to get the lowest crowd levels for the holiday season.

Best Time to Visit Disneyland 2024 FAQ

Q: What Are Value Days at Disneyland?

A: A Value Day in Disneyland ticket terms is a day where the ticket price is the lowest price offered. Disneyland’s ticket prices are on a tiered date based pricing system. This means that the price of your ticket depends on the date of your visit. When Disneyland reopened after the Covid-19 shut down, their ticket system changed once again. Along with their prices! They removed the “value”, “regular”, and “peak” pricing terms. And it is now referred to in “Tier” levels.

Q: When Are the Best Months to Visit Disneyland?

A: The best months to visit Disneyland in California are January, February, August, and September.

Q: When is The Best Day to go to Disneyland?

A: There is no “one best day” to visit Disneyland. Each month has their best days to visit! The only months we think don’t have the best days to visit are June and July.

Q: When are the Busiest Times at Disneyland?

A: We find that Disneyland is busiest from March – July, and October – December.

Q: When is Disneyland the Least Crowded?

A: August 22nd – September 30th is the least crowded time of year at the Disneyland Resort. 

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Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Disneyland Trip?

Our Disneyland Crowd Calendar is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We break down park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices, and average temperature. We also break down the best time to visit Disneyland based on specific times of the year and special events.

Don’t forget to check out our wonderful friends over at Theme Park Today, as well!