It’s a small world after all, Jennifer, and I’m so glad you found your way back to
planDisney!
It looks like you’re a Walt Disney World Resort regular, but I’m so excited for you and your family to experience the
Disneyland Resort for the first time! There’s something so special about the original park envisioned by Walt Disney. Now, to help you figure out
when to visit the Happiest Place on Earth!
It sounds like you’re thinking about September as a possible month to visit, and I think you’re on to something! Typically, you can expect lower crowds from about mid-September through mid-November, which is always a perk! 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 other favorite time of year to visit the Disneyland Resort is from mid-January to mid-March. The weather is usually cooler, and the crowds are lighter as well. 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.
Once you’ve settled on the time of year you’d like to visit, you’ll want to start thinking about where you’ll stay. Depending on your budget and the size of your family, you can choose to stay at a
Disneyland Resort Hotel, or a
Good Neighbor Hotel. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is the closest hotel to the theme parks, and even has an exclusive entrance into Disney California Adventure Park, which makes it the perfect spot for taking a midday pool or nap break! The Disneyland Hotel, which is my family’s favorite place to stay, is just a short walk from the theme parks, and is adjacent to the Disneyland Monorail for a speedy ride into
Disneyland Park. Last but not least, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel is just past the Disneyland Hotel, and offers great views of Disney California Adventure Park, too. The Good Neighbor Hotels are another Disney-approved option, and many are located within walking distance of the Disneyland Resort.
I know the planning process can be overwhelming, Jennifer, so please feel free to stop by with more questions… we’re all EARs!
Kristin