Vote for the best time of the year to go to Disneyland!
If you're flirting with the idea of a Disney vacation, then you're probably already wondering about the best time of year for Disneyland. Maybe you've been eyeing all the fun Disney swag at shopDisney and wishing you could buy it in person. While the least busy times at Disneyland seem to be getting fewer and further between, rest assured that there do still remain a few times that are better to go than others. Whether you're looking for the least crowded weekends or to take part in some of Disney's coolest special events, you'll find some of the best options here.
It may come as no surprise that good times to go to Disney generally include weekdays that aren't within sight of the summer peak season or holidays of any sort. If, however, you're determined to find the best weekends, there are a few months when Disneyland tends to settle into a nice off-season that can help you save a lot of time standing around in lines. Hardcore Disneyland fans or those who have visited during an especially lucky chunk of time are highly encouraged to upvote the best options for good times to go to Disney. Lend a hand to fellow would-be travelers around the world who are on an epic quest to try to decide when to visit Disneyland without being stampeded by an overzealous crowd of tourists.
After the holidays wrap up, the crowds tend to die down a bit, especially during the weekdays. Your best bets are Tuesdays through Thursdays during the last three weeks of the month if you really want to dodge the crowds, though the park does close earlier on those days as well.
If you really want to go on a weekend, then January is one of the best months to do it. With kids just getting back to school from Christmas vacation, fewer parents are likely to take them out for a romp through the Magic Kingdom.
If you're looking to get a little fiendish this Halloween season, then check out Mickey's Halloween Party, a special event which only takes place on select nights during September and October. The event itself requires a separate ticket so it may or may not be worth it if you want to attend the park that day as well.
If, however, you're willing to wait until later to venture out, you'll be admitted to both parks 3 hours before the event itself begins for a cheaper price than an all-day pass. You'll then get to stay for a 5-hour party with its own fireworks spectacular, parade, Villain meet and greet and more. You can also wear a costume as long as you keep it family friendly.
The first week of May also tends to be pretty tame, most likely because kids are undergoing finals and parents aren't likely to pull them out of school. Starting on May 10th and on into June, Disneyland hosts a series of grad nights which tend to result in pretty steady crowds. Mid-May also usually kicks off Disney's peak summer season, so it's best to get in ahead of the rush if you're looking to avoid crowds.
If you're not really into the holidays and are purely looking for short lines, then the first week of November may be for you. Disneyland generally starts getting decked out for the holiday season about mid-November and a lot of folks will wait until then to visit the Magic Kingdom.
All that said, the trade-off is missing the cool holiday fun. But then again, it's Disneyland - there's always a ton of magic going on no matter what.
February tends to be a fairly tame month as far as Disneyland is concerned with the exception of one day. Contrary to what you might guess, Valentine's day is actually a pretty great day to go because it doesn't tend to be too crowded and the park usually offers fun celebrations for lovebirds.
The days you really want to avoid are those around President's Day, because there tend to be a lot of people who will want to take advantage of the three day weekend.
It may come as no surprise that your best bet is to hit up Disneyland when the least amount of children are likely to be present. That said, the back to school season is generally pretty safe. The only downside, of course, is that if you have children yourself, you'll be forced to explain to their teacher that they'll be starting school a week later than everyone cause they've got a date with Mickey.
