Disneyland Crowd Calendar: Super Simple Guide for Planning Your Trip

Planning a trip to Disneyland and California Adventure can be both exciting and daunting. One of the most important factors to consider is the crowd levels, which can significantly impact your experience.

To help you plan the best visit possible, we’ve created this super simple Disneyland crowd calendar. Use this guide to navigate the busy and quiet times at the happiest place on Earth!

Using a Disneyland crowd calendar helps you:

Avoid long lines: Enjoy more rides with shorter wait times.
Save money: Tickets and hotel prices can be lower during off-peak times.
Have a more enjoyable experience: Less crowded parks mean more space to enjoy parades, shows, and character meet-and-greets.

Looking for our Disney World Crowd Calendar? Check it out here!

Disneyland Crowd Calendar: Super Simple Guide for Planning Your Trip

family at California Adventure - disneyland crowd calendar

mom and baby on Dumbo ride at Disneyland

How We Determine Crowd Levels

Our crowd calendar is based on several factors, including:

Historical data: Past attendance records give us a good idea of when the parks are busiest.
Special events: Holidays, school vacations, and Disneyland-specific events (like Grad Nites) can affect crowd levels.
Weather: Southern California’s weather can influence attendance, with cooler months generally seeing lower crowds. We love to visit Disneyland on rainy days when we know the crowds will be at all-time lows!
Park hours: Extended park hours usually indicate higher expected attendance.

Monthly Breakdown of Disneyland Crowd Levels

January

Crowd Level: Low to Moderate

Early January: The first few days of January can still be busy due to holiday visitors. Expect crowds to taper off after the first week.
Mid to Late January: This is one of the best times to visit, with lower crowd levels. Weekdays are particularly quiet.

February

Crowd Level: Low to Moderate

Early February: Generally low crowds, making it a great time for a visit.
Presidents’ Day Weekend: Expect a spike in crowds due to the long weekend and local school breaks.

March

Crowd Level: Moderate to High

Spring Break: March sees an influx of visitors due to spring break, particularly in the second half of the month. Crowds are higher, especially on weekends.

April

Crowd Level: High

Spring Break Continues: Early April remains busy with spring break visitors.
Easter: The week leading up to and including Easter is particularly crowded.

view of walt statue and disneyland castle

May

Crowd Level: Moderate to High

Early May: Lower crowds can be expected in the first half of the month.
Memorial Day Weekend: The unofficial start of summer brings higher crowds.

June

Crowd Level: High

Early June: Crowds start to increase as schools let out for summer.
Grad Nites: These events bring large groups of high school seniors to the parks.

July

Crowd Level: Very High

Fourth of July: One of the busiest times of the year. Expect large crowds throughout the month.

August

Crowd Level: High to Moderate

Early August: Continues to be busy with summer vacationers.
Late August: Crowds start to decrease as schools begin to resume.

September

Crowd Level: Low to Moderate

Labor Day Weekend: The first weekend can be busy, but crowds drop significantly afterward.
Halloween Season Begins: Late September sees moderate crowds as Halloween decorations go up.

October

Crowd Level: Moderate to High

Halloween Season: Disneyland’s Halloween festivities draw in crowds, especially on weekends and during Mickey’s Halloween Party nights.

baby in front of Christmas tree at Disneyland

November

Crowd Level: Moderate to High

Early November: Generally low to moderate crowds.
Thanksgiving Week: Expect high crowds as families take advantage of the holiday break.

December

Crowd Level: High to Very High

Holiday Season: Disneyland is beautifully decorated for the holidays, drawing large crowds. The weeks leading up to Christmas and New Year’s Eve are particularly busy.

Events to Keep in Mind

Grad Nites: These events take place on select dates in May and June, bringing in large groups of high school students.
Halloween Time: From mid-September to October 31st, the parks are transformed with spooky decorations and special events.
Holiday Season: Beginning in mid-November, the parks are decked out in festive decor, with special parades and fireworks shows.

With 20+ years of incredible Disney trips under our belt, we started our own travel agency. If you need help planning your next trip, reach out to one of our amazing travel agents at Best Day Ever Vacations!

Tips for Navigating Crowds at Disneyland and California Adventure

Arrive Early: Getting to the park at opening can help you beat the crowds and enjoy popular attractions with shorter wait times.
Use Genie+ and Lightning Lane: Maximize your time by utilizing Genie+ to skip the lines on select attractions.
Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks: Crowds can be overwhelming, so make sure to stay hydrated and find quiet spots to rest.
Plan Your Meals: Eat at off-peak times to avoid long lines at restaurants and food carts.
Check the App: Use the Disneyland app to check wait times and plan your day efficiently.

Planning a trip to Disneyland and California Adventure can be a magical experience, especially when you know what to expect in terms of crowd levels. Use this Disneyland crowd calendar to choose the best time for your visit and make the most of your trip.

Whether you’re looking for a quiet getaway or don’t mind the hustle and bustle of peak season, there’s always something special waiting for you at Disneyland!

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Disneyland Crowd Calendar: Super Simple Guide for Planning Your Trip

May 31, 2024

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