Hello, Michelle, and a very warm welcome to planDisney!
I'm so excited you have a visit to the Happiest Place on Earth in the works, and end of May is a great time! Beginning May 16, 2025, and running all the way through summer 2026, will be
Disneyland's 70th Celebration! This will surely be an amazing time in history with limited-time entertainment, including
World of Color Happiness! an all-new nighttime extravaganza on the waters of Paradise Bay inspired by Walt Disney’s words from the opening day of Disneyland Park seven decades ago: “To all who come to this happy place… welcome!” and the return of fan-favorite
Paint the Night Parade to be coming down Main Street very soon! It's all going to be so magical.
But let's get to your question! Thank you for asking about
Grad Nites at Disneyland Resort, which have been occurring annually to celebrate local Southern California high school seniors for many, many years. These special young people are invited in the parks for their own private, after-hours event from 9pm to 2am in California Adventure on
select nights in May and June.
Typically, California Adventure closes at 10pm on regular park days, but on Grad Nites the park will close one hour earlier for Guests without a Grad Nite ticket. All non-Grad Nite Guests will be ushered out of California Adventure after the conclusion of the 9pm World of Color showing, so the grads can get going on their big party!
Be aware that there will be lots of enthusiastic young people in the parks Grad Nite dates, especially in California Adventure and especially in the evening. It's a very fun vibe! But, Michelle, if you plan to be at the Happiest Place on Earth on a Grad Nite date, I have a tip to help make the day go a bit smoother: Begin bright and early! Groups will, likely, not start showing up until later in the day, so take advantage of lower crowds in the mornings. This is true for any park day in Disneyland, but especially on Grad Nite dates.
I hope I was able to provide some helpful information for you, Michelle! As you continue to prepare for your upcoming visit, please don't hesitate to come back and
ask me another question! My son and I visited Disneyland Resort last May, and I'd love to share more of my tips and recommendations for a truly magical time, like maybe where to find the best seasonal treats or some strategies to make sure you hit all your top priorities.
See you real soon!
Warmest wishes,
McCayla