Is There Such a Thing as a Slow Season at Disneyland Anymore?

As a self-proclaimed Disney parks expert, one of the most common questions people ask me is, “When is it slow at Disneyland?” or, “When should I visit Disneyland to avoid the crowds?” For the last few years, especially since the COVID pandemic, more people are also asking, “Is there such a thing as a slow season at Disneyland anymore?”

If you've visited Disneyland in the last few years, you have probably noticed that there doesn't seem to be a “slow” season anymore. I myself used to love visiting the Disney parks right after Labor Day, because all the kids would be back in school and the parks would be essentially empty. However, more often than not, the parks always seem to have a ton of visitors even during times that were always slower in the past. I expected the larger crowds to cease a couple years after the end of COVID, however, the numbers still don't seem to be going down, even during off seasons.

Traditionally, spring and early summer, particularly the weeks between major holidays and school breaks, were considered the sweet spot for those seeking fewer crowds. But as the years have gone by, the answer to this question has become increasingly complex. Additionally, Disney has done a good job at attracting crowds during slower seasons with new discounts as well as events, such as runDisney races, which unfortunately prevents visitors such as myself from experiencing extremely low crowds for most of the year.

Although there are still a few weeks out of the year that see less crowds, Disneyland is seeing less and less of these time periods, making it difficult to plan a crowd-free Disneyland trip. Read more below on which seasons draw the biggest crowds, why there doesn't seem to be a slow season anymore, and how to get the most of your next trip to Disneyland regardless of the crowd levels.

When is Disneyland the Busiest?

It's no surprise that the busiest season at Disneyland is during the major holidays including Halloween, Christmas, and New Year's. Not only are these times where kids have breaks from school, but they include time periods where Disneyland transforms into huge attractions on their own. The Halloween season kicks off as early as September, drawing massive crowds for events like Oogie Boogie Bash, which sells out quickly every year. Similarly, the Christmas season at Disneyland, running from mid-November through early January, is a major draw for families and tourists alike, offering a magical holiday experience complete with festive decorations, holiday-themed food, and the much-loved Christmas Fantasy Parade. New Year's Eve in particular is one of the most packed days of the year, with guests eager to ring in the new year surrounded by Disney magic and fireworks.

Beyond the holidays, summer is another high-traffic period, especially from mid-June through August when schools are on break, and families flock to the park for their vacations. The summer months coincide with extended park hours and nightly entertainment, like fireworks and parades, which further entice guests. Spring break periods, typically in March and April, also draw large crowds as families take advantage of school breaks to visit. Disney even fills in some of these busy periods with special events or festivals, such as the Food & Wine Festival in California Adventure, ensuring that there is always something to attract visitors, no matter the time of year.

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New Disneyland Discounts During Slow Seasons

A primary reason why Disneyland doesn't seem to have many slow seasons anymore is due to the discounts that Disney often releases for guests wanting to visit the parks during these times. For example, Disneyland recently released some great hotel discounts ranging between 10% and 25% off during slower seasons. Unsurprisingly, these discounts are valid between January and March of 2025 as well as September 2025, which is when most weeks are slower. Disneyland is also currently offering hotel discounts for Disney Visa cardmembers, Magic Key annual passholders, and military members.

These discounts draw a lot of crowds because although there are a lot of great budget-friendly hotels near Disneyland, nothing beats staying at one of the Disneyland property hotels. Not only are the Disneyland hotels beautiful and within walking distance to the parks, but you can enter the Disneyland parks early on select days if you are staying at an on-property resort.

Disneyland also recently announced discounts on park tickets during the first few months of 2025 which may also contribute to the lack of a “slow season.” Disneyland is currently offering a kids' (ages 3-9) special one day ticket offer costing as low as $50 per day between January 7th and March 20th, 2025. There is also options to add on days and a park hopper option to this kids' ticket at a discounted rate. Additionally, Disneyland is currently offering a southern California resident 3 day ticket for only $67 per day, totaling $199. This ticket is valid between January 1st and May 15th 2025, which primarily consists of slower months at Disneyland.

These and other discounts that Disneyland seems to be constantly releasing is a main contributing factor to why slow seasons are few and far between. Although these discounts can be great for families on a budget, it unfortunately attracts larger crowds to the parks.

Disneyland Events During Slow Seasons

Another reason why Disneyland doesn't seem to have a slow season anymore is due to special events Disneyland hosts during these times. For example, in 2024 Disneyland brought back their popular runDisney races for the first time since 2017. runDisney fans were super excited to see the return of the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend, which takes place towards the end of January. Additionally, Disneyland introduced a Halloween Half Marathon Weekend which takes place the first weekend in September – another weekend that is typically slow.

As a Disney runner myself there are so many reasons to participate in a runDisney race, however these weekends are a lot more packed than you would expect although they take place during conventionally slower times of the year.

Unfortunately, I've heard first-hand stories from guests who were not aware of these and other special events during their Disney weekends. Although it's definitely not enough to stay away from the Disney parks during these weekends (in fact, it can actually be very fun and enjoyable), it's helpful to know what you're getting into before you arrive.

When is the Best Time to Visit Disneyland to Avoid Crowds?

As you can see, Disney has recently been taking extra measures to maintain a consistent and predictable flow of guests year round. Although the holidays and major school breaks will always draw the largest crowds, Disneyland still seems to be busier even during off seasons.

When planning your next Disneyland trip, it's important to research not only when school breaks are happening, but also when Disneyland has their own special events. Although these events can be extremely enjoyable to experience, there's nothing worse than walking into large crowds with no plan. To make your research easier, be sure to check out our Disneyland crowd calendar that's updated every month to see which weeks and specific dates will be busiest. I also recommend reading our full guide to when to visit Disneyland in 2025 for a breakdown of each month in this upcoming year. This guide and crowd calendars will include when Disneyland's special events and holiday weekends are taking place, which can help make your decisions on when to visit Disneyland this year.

Typically, the slowest months at Disneyland are January, February, April (not including Spring Break or Easter), August, September, and early November before Thanksgiving break. Keep in mind we usually never recommend visiting Disneyland during holiday weekends, such as Martin Luther King Jr. or President's Day, however even these weekends can still be better than Christmas and peak summer break.

Although Disneyland can still be a magical trip with larger crowds, I usually recommend booking trips during these “off” seasons if possible. Booking trips during these times will allow you to get the most out of your trip, especially if your focus is riding popular attractions, or if larger crowds create more stress for yourself and your family. Additionally, for those families on a budget, slow seasons are the cheapest times to go to Disneyland and you can save money on hotels and park tickets.

Another way to save money on Disneyland tickets, no matter when you are visiting, is to check out our favorite Disney-approved ticket re-seller, Get Away Today. They offer Mickey Visit readers exclusive discounts on Disneyland tickets, and now you can add Lightning Lane Multi Pass to your tickets when you book through their company! By booking your Disneyland Lightning Lane Multi Pass tickets in advance you will lock in the lowest possible price, even during peak seasons. Get Away Today's customer service and support teams are incredible and also offer concierge services to help remove stress of planning your Disneyland vacation.

Tips on Maximizing Disneyland Trips with Larger Crowds

Maximizing your Disneyland trip during peak crowd times requires a bit of strategy, but with some planning, you can still have a magical experience. Here are some tips to make the most of your visit, even when the park is busy:

• Rope drop or stay late. Getting to the park at rope drop (opening time) is one of the best ways to beat the crowds. The first few hours of the day often have lighter lines, allowing you to knock out several popular attractions before the park gets busier. Likewise, staying until closing time can offer a similar opportunity. Crowds tend to thin out later in the evening, especially after nighttime shows like the fireworks, allowing for shorter waits on some attractions before the park shuts down.
• Purchase Lightning Lane Multi Pass and/or Single Pass. Take advantage of Lightning Lane, Disneyland's paid service which helps you skip the main standby lines for popular rides. The system replaces the old FastPass system but operates similarly. Plan ahead by securing reservations for your must-do rides as soon as they become available, starting with the most popular attractions, such as Space Mountain, Indiana Jones Adventure, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. You can also use individual Lightning Lane Single Pass for certain attractions not covered by the Multi Pass, including Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Radiator Springs Racers, which can save you a significant amount of time.
• Mobile order quick-service meals and snacks. Save time waiting in line for food, especially when there's large crowds, by using Disneyland's mobile ordering system through the Disneyland app. You can pre-order meals and snacks from many of the park's quick-service restaurants and pick them up at your designated time. This not only minimizes wait times but also allows you to dine during busier times when the lines are even longer.
• Plan around parades and shows. Large crowds tend to gather for parades, fireworks, and other shows, which can be an opportunity for shorter ride lines elsewhere in the park. If you’ve already seen the entertainment or are willing to skip it, take advantage of these times to head to popular rides that might have reduced wait times. Additionally, if parades and shows are a must-do for your group, scope out viewing spots early, as these areas fill up quickly during peak times.
• Set realistic expectations. When visiting Disneyland on a busy day, it's essential to set realistic expectations for how many rides and experiences you can fit into your day. Prioritize the must-do attractions and plan a flexible schedule to account for longer wait times. Be prepared for downtime, and don’t forget to enjoy the ambiance, entertainment, and details throughout the park that make Disneyland magical even when it’s crowded. With these strategies, you’ll be better equipped to make the most of your Disneyland trip, even during peak crowd periods!

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