Updated April 25, 2024
Here we go!!
Before we browse calendars, please know that the park is truly crowded year round now. “Off season” is really a thing of the past, as Disney implemented tiered pricing and theme park reservations to balance out crowds. And, it’s working. Rather than banking on going during a “slow” time, I encourage you to do a little research so that you can enjoy your visit, regardless of the crowds.
Start with this post for a basic overview of the parks with many links that will educate you on so many important parts of planning a Disneyland trip. Having some essential tools in place will make your visit a successful one, regardless of the crowds you encounter.
Use this post to know how to start each day at each park, regardless of which days you visit. These strategies will help you get on every attraction in 20 minutes or less. It’s entirely possible! I test my plans once a month and edit them as needed to ensure you have the best strategy to avoid the crowds.
In this article
2024 Dates to Avoid if Possible
- January: 1-7 (Holidays at Disneyland wrap up); 11-15 (Disneyland Half Marathon/MLK Day weekend); 23, 25, and 30 (Sweethearts’ Nites)
- February: 1, 6, 8, 12, and 14 (Sweethearts’ Nites); 16-19 (Presidents Day)
- March: 5 and 7 (Disney Channel Nites)
- April: 1-5 (SoCal Spring Break), 6 and 7 (Dapper Day), 16, 18, 23, 25 and 30 (Star Wars Nites)
- May: 2, 7, and 9 (Star Wars Nites); 10, 14, 15, 17, 19, 22, 23, 28, and 31 (Grad Nites) 25-27 (Memorial Day)
- June: 2, 5, 7, 19, 12 and 14 (Grad Nites); 18 and 20 (Pride Nites)
- July: 4-7 (4th of July weekend)
- August: 9, 10, and 11 (D23 Expo); 30-31 (Labor Day weekend)
- September: 1-2 (Labor Day weekend) 5-8 (runDisney Halloween Half Marathon)
- October: 11-14 (Columbus Day weekend); 31 (Halloween)
- November: 8-11 (Veterans Day weekend); 22-30 (Thanksgiving)
- December: 7-8 (Candlelight); 20-31 (Christmas and New Years)
Seasons
Season of the Force – 4.5.2024 – 6.2.2024
Pixar Fest – 4.26.2024 – 8.4.2024
Halloween Time – 8.23.2024 – 10.31.2024
Holidays at the Disneyland Resort – 11.15.2024 – TBD
How Do I Predict Crowds?
I visit the Disneyland Resort once a week on average – sometimes more. I make notes from each visit regarding crowds and then compile that info when I create my calendars.
I also use local school info, Disneyland’s Magic Key calendars, and previous years’ info. My experience in the parks is my most effective tool, of course.
Tips on Choosing a Date
- Weekdays are typically less crowded. If you have to schedule during the peak months, go during the week.
- Holidays, California Spring Break (the most frequently scheduled of the SoCal spring breaks), Summer Break, Halloween and Christmas through New Years are most crowded.
- If sunny days are important to you, know that May and June can often be gloomy. September is usually our warmest month.
- With park reservations in place, the crowds are pretty even these days. But, there are no guarantees. Go prepared.
My Best Advice
Park reservations, crowd calendars, dining reservations, MagicBand+, changes since Covid, Disney Genie, etc etc all require a decent amount of familiarity to get it right.
I can help you with many parts of planning, but I recommend booking your trip with an experienced agent who can handle some of these things for you and advise on all of them. Commission is built into every Disney package purchased, regardless of who you book with. So, you do not pay more than if you book with Disney directly. A good agency will also walk you through crowd predictors along with resort options to find the best price for you, too, as rates vary throughout the year.
I recommend booking with award-winning and fan favorite Love of the Magic Vacations for many, many reasons. I share all about this agency in this post. And, you can get a free quote from them at this link.