Hey there, hi there, ho there, Julianna! You’re as welcome as can be to
planDisney, and I’m so excited to see you return with another question!
Deciding
when to visit the
Happiest Place on Earth depends on a few things, but crowd expectations are definitely at the top of my list, too. Though there isn’t necessarily an “off-peak” time to visit, you can generally expect lower crowds from mid-September through mid-November, and mid-January through mid-March. One thing to keep in mind is that
Disneyland Park and
Disney California Adventure Park typically reduce their operating hours during these times, and attractions close more frequently for refurbishment as well. Also, there may be fewer entertainment options and events during these periods. As a frequent visitor myself, I still find these months to be quite enjoyable since the crowd levels are more manageable. So even though the parks may not be open quite as late, I still feel like I’m able to make the most of my Disney days thanks to the shorter wait times.
In terms of weather, most of September is still quite warm, though temperatures start cooling down toward the end of the month heading into October. September also brings fun fall décor to the theme parks, along with
Halloween Time. By the end of the first week of the month, you can typically expect to see Halloween decorations, attraction overlays, and festive seasonal treats. In addition,
Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party at Disney California Adventure Park, usually begins around the same time on select Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings.
My favorite time of year to visit the Disneyland Resort is usually during the months of February and March. The weather is typically cooler, and the crowds are lighter. In early March, I love seeing the bright pink tabebuia trees blossom – they’re simply exquisite against the backdrop of Sleeping Beauty Castle!
Check out this video from the Disney Parks Blog to see them. Like I mentioned earlier, park hours tend to be a bit shorter during the weekdays, so if you prefer later nights in the parks, be sure to plan your visit around a weekend.
I hope this information helps as you continue planning your vacation, Julianna! Please stop by with any additional questions you may have… we’re all EARs!
Kristin