With Disneyland’s 500-acre area, it is smaller than Disney World’s 43 square miles, but it still draws a massive crowds.
In terms of crowd size, there are times of the year that are better than others to visit Disneyland.
When are the least crowded days at Disneyland?
- September (except for Labor Day weekend)
- October (except for weekends and Columbus Day)
- November (except for Veterans Day weekend and Thanksgiving week)
In this article, we’ll share with you the busiest and least crowded days at Disneyland.
What are the least crowded days at Disneyland? (Explained)
In recent years, tracking crowd data has become more accessible, and this information is beneficial for those who want to plan their visit to the park.
Planning your trip to Disneyland based on crowd size data can help you save time and money.
How?
By comparing ticket prices at different times of the year, you can determine when the best time to visit Disneyland is. There is a better chance of fewer people crowding the park when the tickets are cheaper.
You can save time at Disneyland and money if you plan your trip just right.
The most crowded days at Disneyland
The most crowded days at Disneyland are:
- Spring break and Easter (March-April)
- Summer (June through mid-August)
- Week of Thanksgiving
- The Christmas and New Year’s holidays
Historically, the busiest days in Disneyland have been:
- Busiest days in 2021: Jan. 1-8, 13-16, 27-30, Feb. 2-6, 9-26, March 11 – April 30, Weekends and Grad Nites at Disneyland in May, plus Memorial Day, June 16 – July 5, Sept. 1-4; Sept. 22-25, Oct. 2-23, Nov. 17-26, and Dec. 17-31
- Busiest days in 2022: Jan. 1-7, Jan. 10-15, Feb. 16-19, March 9 – April 30, Weekends and Grad Nite dates in May, plus Memorial Day, June 14 – July 7, Aug. 30 – Sept. 2, Oct. 2-20, Nov. 22 – Dec. 1, and Dec. 21-31.
If you don’t like crowds, it’s best to avoid Disneyland on the busiest days noted above.
The most crowded days include Spring break and Easter (March-April), Summer (June through mid-August), the week of Thanksgiving, and the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.
However, if you are unable to visit during the slowest season, don’t let the busy days discourage you from planning your trip to Disneyland.
In addition to crowds, there are also special events and other factors to consider when planning your Disneyland trip. These factors can include park hours, ride closures, and weather.
One advantage of Disneyland in California is that it has more consistent weather than Disney World on the East Coast. This can make it easier to plan your trip and not have to worry about the weather impacting your visit.
Also note, the park blocks certain dates where it expects to have high volumes of Magic Key Holders.
Tips for attending the least crowded days at Disneyland.
1. Pay attention to Convention Center schedules
The Anaheim Convention Center is also nearby Disneyland, so you should keep that in mind when planning your Disneyland vacation.
Disneyland gets lots of extra visitors from the convention center, but it’s usually not crazy numbers that matter, so check the convention center’s calendar when you’re planning your trip just to double check.
2. Visit Disneyland in October
You might also be able to enjoy an early Halloween celebration at Disneyland in October, depending on the week you plan to visit. It is also likely to be least crowded days at Disneyland before some of the earlier Halloween events, which is another benefit.
3. Visit during the off-season
As mentioned earlier, the least crowded times at Disneyland are usually in September, October, and November (except for specific holidays). The crowds tend to be smaller during weekdays and on non-holiday weeks, too.
4. Use a crowd calendar
Check out a crowd calendar to see which days are the busiest at Disneyland. This can help you plan your trip and avoid the crowds as much as possible.
5. Arrive early or stay late
If you arrive at the park early in the morning or stay late at night, you can avoid some of the crowds during peak hours. This can also give you more time to enjoy the attractions.
6. Utilize Genie Plus
Genie Plus Disneyland allows you to reserve a spot on some of the most popular attractions in advance, reducing your wait time. Use Genie+ to your advantage to avoid long lines.
7. Take advantage of Extra Magic Hours
If you’re staying at a Disneyland resort hotel, you can take advantage of Extra Magic Hours, which allow you to enter the park before or after regular park hours. This can be a great way to avoid the crowds.
8. Avoid weekends and holidays
Weekends and holidays tend to be the busiest times at Disneyland, so if possible, try to avoid visiting on those days.
9. Plan ahead
Make sure to plan your trip ahead of time, including booking tickets, making reservations for dining and attractions, and deciding which days you’ll visit which parks. This can help you avoid the stress of last-minute planning and make the most of your time at Disneyland.
What month is Disneyland least crowded?
If you’re looking for a time when Disneyland is less crowded, the best months to go are September, October (excluding weekends and Columbus Day), and November (excluding Veterans Day weekend and Thanksgiving week). These are the months where you’ll find shorter wait times and less crowded walkways. Plus, the weather is usually pretty nice, so you can enjoy the park without feeling like you’re melting.
How do you avoid crowding at Disneyland?
There are a few things you can do to avoid the crowds at Disneyland. First, try to go during the least crowded times of the year, like the months we just mentioned. Second, arrive at the park early in the morning or late in the evening, when crowds are typically smaller. Third, use FastPasses and single rider lines to save time in line. And finally, make use of the Disneyland app to check wait times and plan your day accordingly.
What day of the week is Disney most crowded?
Generally speaking, weekends tend to be the most crowded days at Disneyland. If you can swing it, try to go on a weekday instead. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually the least crowded days, so those are good options if you’re able to take time off work or school.
How do I know if Disneyland will be crowded?
You can check the Disneyland website or app to see if there are any special events or holidays happening that might draw larger crowds. You can also check crowd calendars online for predictions on how crowded the park will be on certain days. And of course, you can always ask your friendly neighborhood Disney fan for advice!
What’s the best day to go to Disneyland?
The best day to go to Disneyland really depends on what you’re looking for. If you want to avoid crowds, go on a Tuesday or Wednesday during the least crowded months. If you want to experience special events, check the Disneyland calendar to see what’s happening during your preferred time frame. And if you want to enjoy the park without feeling rushed, plan to spend at least two days there so you can take your time and see everything.
