Hi there, Alyssa, and thanks for bringing your question to
planDisney!
To help you
start planning your visit to the
Happiest Place on Earth, there are a few things you’ll want to take into consideration, including crowds. 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.
However, you’ll want to keep in mind that both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park typically reduce their operating hours during these months, and attractions close more frequently for refurbishment, too. Personally, 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 park days thanks to the shorter wait times.
Another factor to consider is 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 – a sign that spring is in the air! During these months, 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 you figure out the best time to visit the Disneyland Resort, Alyssa! If you have any other planning questions, please stop by… we’re all EARs!
Happy planning,
Kristin