These Are the Best (and Worst) Times to Visit Disneyland, According to Insiders

Disneyland is the Happiest Place on Earth, but did you know there are happier times to visit? Tom Bricker, who runs the Disney Tourist Blog, created a 2025 crowd calendar and recommended specific dates to plan a trip to the parks in Anaheim. He factored in special events, weather, and his personal experience as a self-described “Disneyland local.”

The overarching expectation: The number of visitors will increase significantly by May 16, when the 70th anniversary celebrations officially begin. Bricker’s scale ranges from “insanely crowded” to “least crowded.” However, even Bricker warned that crowd calendars (including his own) aren’t 100 percent accurate predictions. To round out my research, I also cross-referenced Bricker’s notes with Disneyland’s own advice from their FAQ pages, and found that the least and most crowded times are as follows:

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The Best Times to Visit Disneyland

Mid-January to mid-March: Both Disneyland and Bricker shared that the beginning of the year is the most wonderful time for strolling down Main Street U.S.A. The one caveat Bricker flagged? Steer clear from scheduling your trip during a holiday or school breaks.

Late April: While many kids have spring break during this time, Bricker argued that the end of April is typically best for avoiding big crowds.

Early to mid-May: Bricker blamed the entertainment calendar for lower numbers, potentially, since it’s leading up to the 70th Anniversary festivities.

Mid-September to mid-November: Disneyland labels the fall months as a less-crowded season for visitors. P.S. By “mid-November,” Disneyland clarified that this period falls before Thanksgiving break. Please note, however, that the popular Oogie Boogie Bash—California Adventure’s special Halloween-themed event—is known to draw massive crowds.

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The Worst Times to Visit Disneyland

Mid- to late February: This is a popular time for “ski week,” when many California schools are off. During this time, locals and visitors alike plan trips to enjoy the break with Mickey and his pals. 

Late March to mid-April: Orange County and Los Angeles schools often have spring break during this timeframe. Similar to “ski week,” it’s yet another window when more locals are visiting the parks.

On or around major holidays: Bricker also marks the week of Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s as “insanely crowded.” Plus, the holidays give people the opportunity to leave freezing temperatures to soak up the sun in California.