Disneyland draws millions of visitors of all ages annually. Everyone from a child to a granny wants to experience the magic of the park. Here you can enjoy over 50 rides like Splash Mountain and Space Mountain.
Well, it feels much better getting on a ride without hours of waiting in a queue. Though, there are some drawbacks during the off-season. Some of the Disneyland rides can be closed for refurbishment and the park closes earlier than usual, but the waiting time is shorter.
There are a few time periods throughout a year when crowds are thinner and queues are shorter. After the Christmas Season is over, roughly from mid-January, there are fewer visitors to the Resort for about two months. Mid-March to mid-April is a spring break, so kids take over the place, thus, we recommend avoiding this time. May through July weekends are usually fully packed.
August–October would be a good choice, especially when it gets a bit colder outside. Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays in the Disneyland promise endless queues, so we suggest avoiding those as well. All in all, early spring and early fall would be the best times to get on the rides and make new memories!
Practical info
When should I plan my trip to Disneyland in California?
For fewer crowds, the best time to visit Disneyland in California is from mid-January to early March or August to mid-November. Although weekends and holidays tend to be busier, visitors can enjoy shorter queues and avoid the longer waiting times on rides. Plan your trip ahead, particularly if you want to avoid refurbishment period as well. Show more
What is Disneyland and where is it located in California?
Disneyland is a popular theme park located in Anaheim, California, which is roughly 27 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles. The park is situated close to other tourist attractions, including Huntington Beach and Long Beach. Visitors can explore more than 50 rides, shows, and character meet-and-greets during their visit. Show more
Which are the must-try rides in Disneyland?
Visitors to Disneyland can experience over 50 rides and attractions. Must-try rides include Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, and Pirates of the Caribbean to name a few, but parades, character meet-and-greets, and live shows are also popular options. Visitors can take advantage of the park's FastPass system, allowing them to skip lines and reducing waiting times for select rides. Show more
How can I reduce waiting times in Disneyland?
Aside from visiting from mid-January to early March or August to mid-November when crowds are slightly less, visitors can purchase a FastPass, a service that lets them skip lines for popular attractions. Early arrivals and late departures also help reduce waiting times. Keep in mind, however, rides can undergo refurbishment during the off-season, thus check beforehand the availability of the rides. Show more
What are some times in the year when I should avoid visiting Disneyland in California?
If possible, avoid visiting Disneyland in California during the Christmas, Halloween, and Thanksgiving holidays as crowds tend to be at their highest. Avoid the mid-March to mid-April period as well due to spring break. Weekends from May through July tend to be similarly crowded. Finally, be mindful of rides going through refurbishment during the off-season periods. Show more
