Disneyland Crowd Calendar – Best Times to Visit Disneyland in 2024

Let's dive into when to visit Disneyland and how to avoid the Disneyland crowds. Below see the complete Disneyland 2024 calendar with crowds, holiday celebrations, and new attraction offerings to help you decide when to visit Disneyland.

Disneyland has over 18 million visitors per year and you will have the most pleasant vacation if you avoid as many of the crowds those visitors create as possible.

Note –  Currently, theme park reservations are required for all visits. Reservations are available up to 120 days in advance. Read our guide to Disneyland reservations for all details and how to make.

Disneyland Crowd Tracker 2024 – When to Visit

Two things affecting Disneyland crowd levels are the events happening throughout the resort and school holidays. These are the two most important Disneyland crowd indicators. So, let's dive into the question: “when will it be crowded at Disneyland?”

Most weekends will be busy no matter when you visit the resort. Disneyland has over 1 million annual pass holders who frequent the resort after school or work.

Take a look at our discount Disneyland tickets page for information on how to save money and info on how long you should visit.

Because Disneyland is both a vacation destination and a local hangout, it can be difficult to judge when there will be the most crowds. In the sections below we have taken into consideration the schedule from the nearby convention center and the previous year's crowd trends to create a calendar that will help you to avoid the crowds at Disneyland.

When to Visit Disneyland in 2024

Most Crowded

• The weeks before and after Easter: mid-March through mid-April, or Spring Break Season
• October which will increase in crowd levels the closer it gets to Halloween
• The week before Christmas through the first couple of weeks of January, Christmas Day and New Years Eve bring in some of the largest crowds the park sees all year long.
• If July 4th falls close to a weekend, then it will be extremely busy
• Check the Anaheim Convention Center website for large conferences. Busy in the late afternoon during these time periods.

Busy, But Not Overrun 

• End of August through Labor Day
• July through early August, during the time that schools have summer break
• The month of December, leading up to Christmas week
• Weekends throughout October and beginning of November while the theme parks are decorated for Halloween

Not Crowded

• Late January through February
• Late April unless Easter falls at that time

Read our full analysis of all the best months and specific dates to visit Disneyland and the worst, most crowded, times at Disneyland.

January through the beginning of May is what many call the “off season.” These weeks have the least amount of crowds, but a lot of the shows will not be running like the fireworks. This is important to consider in the debate of when to visit Disneyland.

If you are considering visiting Walt Disney World in Florida, be sure to look at our guide to when to visit Disney World.

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If your Disneyland hotel prices are coming up high during a time period that we list as not crowded, be sure to check out the Anaheim Convention Center schedule. During large conventions, the prices for hotels can skyrocket.

This time of year is a blessing and a curse. Many Disneyland rides are closed for refurbishment during the first two months of the year. Check the refurbishment calendar on the official Disneyland website, released 60 days in advance, for closures.

I spent some time putting together a Disneyland attendance calendar detailing all of the different pros and cons of the different months of the year when visiting. The information included in our best time to go to Disneyland calendar is basic Disneyland crowd levels, park hours, and weather.

Be sure to check the Disneyland calendar on the official Disneyland website for more info on closures, entertainment schedules, and other info. This will help you to decide when to visit Disneyland! You can also read our thoughts on the cheapest times to go to Disneyland.

January Disneyland Crowd Calendar and Events in 2024

• Disney California Adventure celebrates Lunar New Year January 23, 2024 through February 18, 2024. This is a large cultural festival that will include special entertainment and dining options.
• Valentine’s Month kicks off in late January- a celebration of the love of Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Disneyland park will feature lovely, festive Valentine’s décor, including a new Mickey Mouse flower “portrait” on Main Street, U.S.A. Guests may also choose to partake in Minnie’s Valentine Surprise, a special scavenger hunt experience in Disneyland park.
• Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts' Nite takes place on January 23, 25, 30.
• The Disneyland Half Marathon weekend returns to Disneyland on January 11-14, 2024.
• Be sure to read our guide Visiting Disneyland in January to get a detailed description of what to expect, what to pack, what to wear, and what current events are planned.

February Disneyland Crowd Calendar and Events in 2024

• Disneyland Lunar New Year Celebration continues until February 18th at California Adventure.
• Valentine’s Month continues until the middle of February- a celebration of the love of Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Disneyland Park will feature lovely, festive Valentine’s décor, including a new Mickey Mouse flower “portrait” on Main Street, U.S.A. Guests may also choose to partake in Minnie’s Valentine Surprise, a special scavenger hunt experience in Disneyland Park.
• There are special menus at some of the table service restaurants for Valentine's Day. You will also find lots of holiday-specific desserts and special treats all throughout the resort.
• Disneyland celebrates Black History Month with Celebrate Gospel including Marvin Sapp (on February 17) and Tasha Cobbs Leonard (on February 24) performing at the Fantasyland Theatre.
• In celebration of the Anaheim Ducks Hockey Club's 30th anniversary, Anaheim Ducks Days at Disney California Adventure Park will be a two-day event taking place in Hollywood Land from February 22-23
• Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts' Nite takes place February 1, 6, 8, 12 & 14.
• Be sure to read our guide Visiting Disneyland in February to get a detailed description of what to expect, what to pack, what to wear, and what current events are planned.

March Disneyland Crowd Calendar and Events in 2024

• March marks the beginning of the more crowded Spring Break season and the end of the renovation season where more of Disneyland's attractions are scheduled for maintenance.
• The Disneyland Food and Wine Festival takes place March 1-April 22. The Food and Wine Festival features special festival food booths, cooking demonstrations, and lifestyle presentations. This festival takes place in Disney California Adventure park.
• You'll find special foods throughout the resort for St. Patrick's Day at Disneyland. Don't forget to wear your green!
• Disney Channel Nite will take place March 5 & 7, 2024.
• Be sure to read our guide Visiting Disneyland in March to get a detailed description of what to expect, what to pack, what to wear, and what current events are planned.

April Disneyland Crowd Calendar and Events in 2024

• Spring Break season continues in Disneyland with lots of crowds expected every day. Follow our Disneyland crowd calendar tips seen below for help avoiding the crowds.
• Pixar Fest starts April 26th and includes Pixar themed fireworks, a brand new parade, and more.
• The Disneyland Food and Wine Festival runs through April 22nd in Disney California Adventure park. This event includes special cooking demonstrations, unique food booths, and special menu items throughout the resort. There are also special ticketed events with celebrity chefs.
• Disney has an Easter egg hunt throughout both theme parks. You can purchase a scavenger hunt packet from participating shops throughout the resort, find all the eggs, turn in your packet, and then receive a prize. Disneyland's Easter Eggstravaganza will return in April.
• Dapper Day at Disneyland is on April 7th. This is a celebration of the vintage style clothing that used to be worn to Disneyland and that was featured heavily in early concept artwork. About 1/10 of the park usually participates. It is lots of fun to be in the parks during the events. The Disneyland crowds in attendance are usually bearable as those who come out for the event are typically in the parks to take photos more than they are to experience attractions.
• Season of the Force at Disneyland Park will be running from April 5 to June 2 with the return of Hyperspace Mountain, new Star Tours scenes, and more.
• Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite takes place April 16, 18, 23, 25, 30.
• Be sure to read our guide Visiting Disneyland in April to get a detailed description of what to expect, what to pack, what to wear, and what current events are planned.

May Disneyland Crowd Calendar and Events in 2024

• Grad Nites at Disneyland are scheduled for May 10, 14, 15, 17, 19, 22, 23, 28 & 31. These evenings will have certain sections of the theme parks shut down specifically for recent high school graduates. The students visiting the parks will also have access to Disneyland throughout the day. Expect big Disney California Adventure crowds especially later in the evening. 
• Pixar Fest continues and includes Pixar themed fireworks, a brand new parade, and more.
• Disneyland After Dark Star Wars Nite takes place May 2, 7 & 9.
• Enjoy Star Wars celebrations on May 4th in Tomorrowland like the transformation of Space Mountain into Hyperspace Mountain, Captain Phasma and her storm troopers along with Star Wars themed souvenirs and food options.
• Season of the Force at Disneyland Park will be running from April 5 to June 2 with the return of Hyperspace Mountain, new Star Tours scenes, and more.
• Be sure to read our guide Visiting Disneyland in May to get a detailed description of what to expect, what to pack, what to wear, and what current events are planned.

June Disneyland Crowd Calendar and Events in 2024

• Disneyland Grad Nites are scheduled for June 2, 5, 7, 9, 12 & 14. These events are extremely popular for recently graduated high school seniors and includes special private access to certain areas of Disneyland later in the evening. These dates mean that you'll want to avoid Disney California Adventure at night where a majority of the event takes place.
• Pixar Fest continues and includes Pixar themed fireworks, a brand new parade, and more.
• Season of the Force at Disneyland Park will be running from April 5 to June 2 with the return of Hyperspace Mountain, new Star Tours scenes, and more.
• Pride Month at Disneyland will feature a variety of themed foods and merchandise including Pride Nite which takes place June 18 & 20.
• Be sure to read our guide Visiting Disneyland in June to get a detailed description of what to expect, what to pack, what to wear, and what current events are planned.

July Disneyland Crowd Calendar and Events in 2024

• Disneyland 4th of July can be very crowded due to the popularity of the fireworks show.
• Pixar Fest continues and includes Pixar themed fireworks, a brand new parade, and more.
• Tickets for the popular Halloween Party usually go on sale in July. If you have a preference for which date you attend the party you should be ready to book.
• Be sure to read our guide Visiting Disneyland in July to get a detailed description of what to expect, what to pack, what to wear, and what current events are planned.

August Disneyland Crowd Calendar and Events in 2024

• Disneyland Halloween will begin August 23 and run until Halloween.
• Plaza de la Familia will run from August 23 to November 2.
• Pixar Fest runs until August 4th and includes Pixar themed fireworks, a brand new parade, and more.
• The popular CHOC Walk at Disneyland that raises money for the Children's Hospital of Orange County happens this month. The parks can open later on the day of the race.
• Be sure to read our guide Visiting Disneyland in August to get a detailed description of what to expect, what to pack, what to wear, and what current events are planned.

September Disneyland Crowd Calendar and Events in 2024

• Disneyland Halloween and Plaza de la Familia will continue throughout September. 
• The first nights of Disneyland Oogie Boogie's Bash after hours event occur during this month. The event consists of a special Halloween entertainment, an opportunity to wear costumes in the parks, and lots of meet and greets.
• Universal Studios Hollywood, another extremely popular theme park featuring the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter kicks off their Halloween Horror Nights mid September. You can read more about visiting Universal in our Universal Studios Hollywood guide and more about Halloween Horror Nights in our guide here.
• The fan-created Disneyland Gay Days are held at the end of the month. You can expect quite a few people in the parks wearing red to demonstrate they are members of the event. Disneyland offers rainbow merchandise and food offerings throughout the park in recognition of the celebration.
• Read our detailed monthly guide for visiting Disneyland in September to find our more details about crowd patterns, events, weather, and more.

October Disneyland Crowd Calendar and Events in 2024

• Disneyland Halloween and Plaza de la Familia continue until Halloween with special attraction overlays and decorations throughout both theme parks.
• In October, the state of Utah has holiday breaks for their schools. The Utah Education Association has a large convention in Anaheim and it can sometimes feel like the entire state of Utah is in Anaheim. Be aware of this seemingly innocent Thursday and Friday in October as they can be some of the busiest days of the year in Disneyland.
• October has increasingly become one of the busiest months of the year due to the increase in Fall breaks across the country and the growing popularity of the Halloween season at Disneyland.
• Universal Studios Hollywood continues their Halloween Horror Nights through the first week of November.
• Read our detailed monthly guide for visiting Disneyland in October to find our more details about crowd patterns, events, weather, and more.

November Disneyland Crowd Calendar and Events in 2024

• There is another Dapper Day event each year in early November. This day is a celebration of the classic clothing that used to be worn to Disneyland. Sometimes you can find discounted rates at the Disney property hotels for the event by looking on the Dapper Day official website. 
• Plaza de la Familia runs until November 2nd.
• The Disneyland Christmas celebration begins on November 15th and runs until the first week of January (you can see my top favorite Disneyland Christmas offerings here).
• Beginning Thanksgiving weekend, the parks are quite crowded all the way through the Christmas season.
• There are a wide variety of food offerings for Thanksgiving throughout the resort. The Disneyland Hotel has a large Thanksgiving buffet with characters and all of the classic Thanksgiving fixings. See our Disneyland restaurant review article for information on booking dining.
• Universal Studios Hollywood celebrates Christmas with a fantastic Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter featuring beautiful decorations, live entertainment, and a breathtaking new nighttime spectacular. They also have their Grinchmas celebration featuring characters from the Dr. Seuss classic.
• Be sure to read our guide Visiting Disneyland in November to get a detailed description of what to expect, what to pack, what to wear, and what current events are planned.

December Disneyland Crowd Calendar and Events 2024

• The Disneyland Christmas celebration continues and runs through the first week of January.
• Universal Studios Hollywood also has fantastic Christmas offerings with their Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Dr. Seuss Grinchmas. Both of these are fantastic additions to any vacation and warrant a drive up to Universal Studios. (You can see information on discount Universal Studios Hollywood tickets here).
• The crowds are typically very heavy during this month, but there is lots of entertainment and special offerings that makes visiting totally worth it!
• Disneyland Candlelight Ceremony on Main Street in Disneyland during the first weekend of December. This is the retelling of the birth of Jesus with hundreds of choir singers and a celebrity narrator. You can see video from last year here.
• The two college football teams competing in the Rose Bowl visit Disneyland in the couple of days before the Rose Bowl Game in Pasadena, California. The bands from both schools usually also play either marching in the parade or in Town Square in front of the Train Station.
• Disneyland is always crowded on New Year's Eve, but there are lots of special entertainment offerings including bands and the largest Disneyland fireworks celebration of the year. This fireworks show is made up of all of the fireworks shells that were not shot off during the preceding six months due to wind cancellation.
• Be sure to read our guide Visiting Disneyland in December to get a detailed description of what to expect, what to pack, what to wear, and what current events are planned.

Disneyland Through the Seasons 

Throughout the year there are a few huge special events that make the parks extra magical! The two main holiday seasons, Halloween and Christmas, both bring special entertainment, decorations, and food to the parks. You can also find smaller themed events throughout the year. In addition to holidays, the summer months are also a popular time for guests to visit as this is when Disneyland will typically introduce new additions to the park.

Christmas in Disneyland

At Christmas time you will find Sleeping Beauty Castle lit up with icicles, Main Street laden with decorations, and the rest of the parks beautifully decorated to celebrate the season. Regular shows and experiences are altered to match the holiday theme.

The Haunted Mansion and it’s a small world each receive holiday overlays that transform both attractions. The Haunted Mansion becomes the Haunted Mansion Holiday, which is themed to the “Nightmare Before Christmas.” it's a small world becomes “it's a small world Holiday” adorned with thousands of beautiful lights and the tune of the song inside changes to Jingle Bells.

I highly recommend visiting during Christmas, but expect to be joined by lots of crowds if you are there the week of Christmas through the first week of January. The best time to visit and see the Christmas decorations is the first two weeks of December or the second week of January. You can expect to see busy weekends in December as the locals turn out in droves to see the new holiday decor.

For more information on visiting Disneyland during Christmastime, visit our sister site Disney Dose and read my top Disneyland Christmas must-sees.

Halloween at Disneyland

During Halloween time, the parks are decorated with jack-o-lanterns and the feeling of fall and Halloween is in the air. See all of the information on Disneyland Halloween in our huge guide.

Disney turns Space Mountain into Space Mountain: Ghost Galaxy. Space ghosts are added throughout this classic indoor roller coaster and also the soundtrack is switched to one a bit spookier. The Haunted Mansion is also transformed to be themed to Nightmare Before Christmas. This Haunted Mansion conversion runs from the end of September until the beginning of January.

Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney's California Adventure

Disneyland's California Adventure has taken over hosting the coveted Halloween Party! The Oogie Boogie Bash usually takes place on select dates through September-October at Disney's California Adventure. This party will run in conjunction with the Disneyland Halloween season.

The party consists of fun entertainment, attractions, and candy, all while you wear your Halloween costume inside California Adventure at the Disneyland Resort.

Check out our full guide to Oogie Boogie Bash at California Adventure>

Disneyland in Summertime

In Summertime, Disney often opens new experiences and attractions. This is the best time to “get em while they are hot,” but be careful because that is the same mindset of every visitor and new attractions often have long lines.

The rest of the year Disney has shorter weekend events going on that celebrate certain cultures or smaller holidays like the Lunar New Year, high school graduation, or the 4th of July. In the past they have also held 24 hour days where the parks operate around the clock.

Check out our full guide to summer here.

Recommended Length of Stay

The recommended length for a trip is anything between one and a half days and three full days. Anything more than three days isn’t quite necessary. When we do a trip to Disneyland, it is usually about 2 and a half days over a weekend.

Now that you know when you want to visit Disneyland, it is time to figure out the logistics of where and how you will book your trip. The benefit of staying longer is being able to see and do everything you want at a more leisurely pace. You would also have time to return to your favorite experiences.

Disneyland Crowds Specialists

Now that you have decided when you want to visit Disneyland, it is time to book your trip. We highly recommend a Disneyland package to have the best experience and save the most money while planning your Disneyland vacation. More info here>

More Disneyland Planning Tips

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Lea esta guía de mejor momento para visitar Disneyland en español.