Disneyland Resort hosts signature special events each August and September that impact theme park hours. Even for guests not attending those events, it's important to be aware of them when planning your visit to choose which park(s) you visit on which dates. This is especially true for guests whose tickets do not have park hopping privileges. In such cases, if the park you're visiting for the day is opening late or closing early, your theme park time is cut short.
Disney California Adventure at Disneyland Resort will open late or close early on 20 dates throughout August and September 2026. We have the full list of dates, the reasons for the calendar shifts, and tips for managing how these hours may affect crowds. Mickey Visit brings you the latest Disney news and planning resources, including a new $71 Disneyland ticket and
READ MORE – Disneyland Dates to Avoid If You Hate Crowds 2026
Disney California Adventure Opening Late for Fundraiser
CHOC Walk in the Park is an annual fundraiser supporting healthcare programs, education, and research at Rady Children's Health Orange County, formerly known as CHOC.
Disney Ride Closure ALERTS, Major Changes, Secrets Revealed
Get alerts on closures, park changes, exclusive discounts, and free printables. Trusted by 100,000+ Disney fans & planners.
The walk traverses both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure during the very early morning, before either park opens to the public.
This year's CHOC Walk in the Park will be on August 2, 2026. On that date, Disney California Adventure will open slightly later than usual, at 8:30 AM. This is a half-hour later than its regular 8:00 AM opening time for the rest of the summer.
Disneyland Park's opening time will be unaffected by CHOC Walk in the Park, maintaining its regular 8:00 AM opening.
However, rope drop, the very beginning of operating hours, will likely have larger crowds at both parks on the morning of August 2.
There will be more crowds than usual at Disneyland Park's rope drop at 8:00 AM because there will be one less park for early risers to visit at that time. 30 minutes later, there will likely be more crowds than usual at Disney California Adventure's rope drop at 8:30 AM simply because it will be 30 minutes later in the morning, after an extra half-hour of people amassing outside the gates without steady traffic flow into the park.
If you're rope dropping on August 2, we recommend starting your day at Disneyland Park rather than Disney California Adventure, though both parks' rope drops will likely have more people than usual. See our rope drop strategy guides for Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure.
READ MORE – Secret Target in Disneyland’s Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters Gives You 50,000 Points
Disney California Adventure Closing Early for Halloween Party
Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party is an after-hours special event at Disney California Adventure on select nights each August, September, and October. The party is hosted by the bad guy from Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas, and features special appearances by other rare Disney Villains.
This year, Oogie Boogie Bash will debut Madame Leota's Swinging Wake – A Haunted Mansion Street Party, a new entertainment offering that replaces the annual parade.
On nights when Oogie Boogie Bash takes place, Disney California Adventure closes to the public at 6:00 PM. This is significantly earlier than its usual closing time by several hours. The park typically closes at 10:00 PM in August and at 9:00 PM in September, though double-check for the date of your visit.
Disney California Adventure does not open any earlier on Oogie Boogie Bash days, so guests without party tickets have much less time in the park.
Disney California Adventure will close at 6:00 PM due to Oogie Boogie Bash on the following dates:
- August 18, 20, 23, 25, 27, and 30, 2026
- September 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, and 29, 2026
The event will also continue into October.
In turn, Disneyland Park will likely be more crowded than usual on the evenings listed above, as all Magic Key holders and guests with park hopper tickets who aren't attending Oogie Boogie Bash will have one less park to visit.
All the same, if you don't have a park hopper ticket, we recommend visiting Disneyland Park on days when Oogie Boogie Bash is happening at Disney California Adventure, and bracing for an influx of heavier crowds once the sun sets.
Don't Miss the Latest Disney News
Don't miss the latest Disneyland and Disney World news from Mickey Visit. Join the FREE Mickey Visit newsletter that over 100k readers receive every single week. Mickey Visit is here to help you save money and experience more during your Disney and Universal vacation. See the Mickey Visit guide to Disneyland and the Mickey Visit guide to Disney World for tips.
