When Is the Best Time to Visit Disneyland?

Believe it or not, you can visit Disneyland without getting swallowed by wall-to-wall crowds.

Sure, if your only experience has been a midsummer weekend or a major holiday, that might sound laughable. But Disney magic isn’t just about fireworks and fairy dust — it’s also about timing. Depending on your travel style, budget and who’s tagging along, there is a perfect time for your Disneyland getaway.

Let’s break it down — from first-timers to adults without kids to families to, yes, even Halloween fans.

» Learn more: 10 easy ways to do Disneyland on a budget

First trip? Welcome to the happiest place on Earth.

Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, is made up of two theme parks: the original Disneyland Park, which opened in 1955 and houses icons like Sleeping Beauty Castle, Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion, and Disney California Adventure Park, which debuted in 2001 and features lands inspired by Pixar, Marvel and Cars.

If you’re hoping to hit all the highlights, plan at least two days — one per park. To avoid the thickest crowds (and longest lines), steer clear of weekends, major holidays and school breaks.

Some of the most jam-packed periods include:

• Spring break (typically mid-March through mid-April)

• Summer (mid-June through mid-August)

• Thanksgiving week

• The second half of December through New Year’s Day

Aim for weekdays in January, February, or mid-September for a more laid-back first visit.

» Learn more: How to save on your first — or next — Disney vacation

Let’s be honest: families with school-age kids are often at the mercy of the school calendar. That means you'll likely be visiting during more crowded times — but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Some of the most kid-friendly special events also take place during these peak seasons. A standout? Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party, a separately ticketed, after-hours event at Disney California Adventure. Kids can trick-or-treat, meet rare characters in costume, enjoy a spooky parade and ride popular attractions with shorter wait times.

Even outside of the party, there’s plenty of seasonal fun — from holiday décor to themed snacks.

If you can manage a midweek visit in early May, late August or right after Labor Day, you'll often find thinner crowds — even if just for a short window.

» Learn more: The best ways to buy Disney tickets

Everyone thinks of Christmas as the big Disney holiday, but by many metrics, Halloween is a money-making machine for Disneyland.

And it's not for nothing. Disneyland during Halloween is a must-see — whether you're in it for the eerie ambiance, festive food or costumed characters.

This year, Halloween Time takes over the entire resort from Aug. 22 through Oct. 31, 2025, bringing autumnal charm and just the right dose of spooky fun. The transformation includes:

• A giant Mickey pumpkin on Main Street, U.S.A.

• Halloween overlays on attractions like Haunted Mansion Holiday, Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween, Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree and Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark.

• Special performances like “Mickey’s Trick and Treat”, and the nighttime “Halloween Screams” fireworks show.

• Resort-wide scavenger hunts like Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit.

• Festive food, like jalapeño-cream cheese bread and Oogie Boogie lemonade.

Over at Disney California Adventure, don’t miss Plaza de la Familia — a tribute to Día de los Muertos, running through Nov. 2, 2025. Inspired by Coco, the celebration includes live storytelling, mariachi music and vibrant décor.

And of course, there’s Oogie Boogie Bash, happening on select nights from Aug. 17 to Oct. 31.

This is one of the most magical — and photogenic — times to visit the parks, so costume up and prepare for pumpkin overload.

If the idea of being shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers gives you goosebumps (and not the Halloween kind), there are moments when Disneyland is blissfully calm.

Try weekdays in January, February, and early March, or head over in late August, before Labor Day kicks the crowds back into gear. Another sweet spot? The brief lull between Thanksgiving and mid-December.

Keep in mind: lower crowds may come with tradeoffs like shorter park hours or ride refurbishments, but the serenity might just be worth it.

A Disney trip can cost a pretty penny, but savvy planning makes a big difference.

Disneyland’s dynamic pricing means one-day ticket prices vary from $104 to $179, depending on demand. Want the lowest ticket prices and the best hotel and flight deals? Visit during off-peak periods (usually weekdays in winter or late summer).

You can also stretch your travel budget by using points and miles. Chain hotels from companies like Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott and IHG are within walking distance of the parks and are often bookable with points.

Disneyland is accessible via six Southern California airports. Not only does that mean you can avoid the chaos of LAX, but that makes it easier to snag award flights on major airlines or have more flight options, too.

» Learn more: How to stay at Disney hotels for cheap (or free)

Don’t let the princesses and strollers fool you — Disneyland knows how to party like a grown-up.

Disney California Adventure has you covered with upscale dining, signature cocktails and craft beer. Time your visit with one of the resort’s many seasonal festivals for themed bites and sips (the Food & Wine Festival is a fan favorite).

The park also offers a rotating selection of festivals throughout the year, featuring pop-up pavilions. These pavilions provide limited-time food and drink offerings and are popular with adult parties.

Nighttime is also prime time for adult fun. Special events like Sweethearts’ Nite, Throwback Nite, Star Wars Nite and Pride Nite are made for grown-ups who want Disney with a twist.

» Learn more: The best Disney resort for adults

There’s no single “best” time to visit Disneyland — it depends on your vibe, your crew and your budget. Whether you’re hunting for the lowest prices, the smallest crowds or the biggest thrills, there’s a season for you.

But here’s a secret: a little planning goes a long way. Check ticket calendars, scan crowd prediction tools, and keep your eye on special events that align with your interests.

And whenever you go, be sure to snag a churro. Some things never change.

(Top photo courtesy of Disneyland Resort)