AA Family at Disney's California Adventure; eating; coaster; Farris Wheel
  • On Jan 26, 2026
    Brent from CA Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    When is the least busy time to visit Disneyland between March and May?

    Hi there, Brent! Welcome back to planDisney. I see that you have an upcoming spring trip. There is something about a springtime visit to Disneyland when the flowers are blooming and the sun is shining that makes it extra magical. Of course, I understand the desire to visit during a less busy time, and I would love to help you take a look at the spring calendar to find the best week for your trip.

    There are many things to consider when planning a visit to the Happiest Place on Earth, and one of those is crowd levels. If you are looking to dodge the crowds, mid-September through mid-November (before the Thanksgiving rush) is a sweet spot. Another golden window is mid-January through mid-March. During these two stretches, the parks tend to be quieter, making it a practically perfect time to wander, explore, and soak it all in without the hustle and bustle. This puts you in an ideal time to visit if you are considering going in March.

    One thing to keep in mind as you get closer to Easter is the variety of weeks when schools are out for spring break. While it is not an exact science, in my experience as a teacher, spring break typically falls between mid-March and early April, which often brings a noticeable spike in crowds. It is also important to keep in mind that California Adventure hosts several Grad Nite events throughout the month of May, which can impact evening crowd levels at Disneyland Park on select nights. Because of all of this, early March would be my top recommendation for the least busy time.

    If early March does not work with your schedule, you may also want to consider a Special Event Ticket. Throughout the year, Disneyland hosts several Disneyland After Dark events, such as Disney Channel Nite, Star Wars Nite, and more. These special events allow you to enter Disneyland Park up to three hours before the party officially begins. Even as the event continues into the night, I have found attraction wait times to be much lower. Last October, my family and I attended Oogie Boogie Bash at California Adventure on Halloween night. While it might seem like it would be incredibly crowded, it was surprisingly manageable. My son was still learning the concept of trick-or-treating at the time, so we spent more time enjoying our favorite attractions, often walking right on or waiting just 10 to 15 minutes.

    Brent, thank you so much for visiting planDisney with your question. I hope this information helps you plan the perfect park day. Whether you are soaking up the springtime sunshine, enjoying lower wait times, or making magical memories at the parks, I hope your Disneyland trip is nothing short of unforgettable. If you have any questions along the way, planDisney is always here to help.

    With a Sprinkle of Pixie Dust,
    Bev
thumbnail image for Bev

Meet the Panelist: Bev, Nevada

Hi there! My name is Beverly, but you can call me Bev. I’m a wife, teacher, and mother to a sweet little boy. Disney has been woven into every season of my life; from childhood trips to Disneyland to splashing in the waters of Castaway Cay with my family as an adult. No matter what season you’re in, I’m happy to help you plan a Disney vacation that feels just right for you!
Learn More About Bev

Related Video

  • thumbnail image for Plan The Perfect Day at Disney California Adventure

Didn't find what you were looking for? Click the Ask a Question button to open the Ask a Question dialogue box. If you are not logged in a dialogue box will appear to signin in order to ask a question.

To submit your question, please log in now if you have not already done so.

Ask a QuestionOpens the Ask a Question dialog box.
x

Update Browser

For a better experience browsing this website, please download an updated version of Internet Explorer.


Or you can continue browsing without updating.