Big changes are coming to the Disneyland Resort in 2019 which will impact crowds, Disneyland hotel availability and park ticket prices. An unexpected hiccup in any of these can make or break a family vacation. Here are some helpful hints that can help you decide when the best time to visit Disneyland is for your family.
Personally, anytime I can escape to Disney is a good time to go, but that’s the advantage of being a frequent visitor. I know that doesn’t work for everyone. I will say that 2019 is going to be a game changer in when it comes to Disneyland crowd predictions which are usually based off of previous years. With some major events coming in 2019 it will take some strategic planning to avoid capacity crowds.
January and February – Best times to Go to Disneyland
January and February are historically some of the best times to visit Mickey and the gang. Prices at the good neighbor hotels are awesome, ticket prices are lower and the holiday crowds have gone home.
The only exceptions to the rule are Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Presidents’ Day holiday weekends. Those 3-day weekends will be busier than the rest of the month.
With the lower than normal crowd levels, keep in mind that many rides go down for refurbishment during these months. In 2019, this includes an extended closure of Sleeping Beauty Castle, Fantasmic! and Space Mountain. Check the refurbishment schedule to make sure your must-dos will be open during your visit.
March and April – Avoid Disneyland, if Possible
Spring Break season kicks off early March and continues until just after Easter. With Easter being late (April 21st, 2019) in 2019, the Spring Break crowds will last until the 3rd week of April!
While Disneyland Resort doesn’t usually reach sold out capacity during these times it is very busy. But not as busy as summer or the holidays, so if you have to go during school breaks Spring Break is the lesser of two evils.
Late April and May – Decent time to go to the Parks
During the last week of April and beginning May, there is a short window when the crowd dissipates before the Summer rush. Ticket prices and hotels are a little more expensive, but overall it’s not a bad time to go.
If I was planning a trip to Disneyland and couldn’t go at the beginning of the year, I’d choose May. Nicer weather, moderate crowds and hardly any rides down for refurbishment. My advice is to go at park opening to ride the popular attractions with minimal wait and take a break in the afternoon, if needed.
June and July – Just Stay Home
Under normal conditions, I wouldn’t recommend planning a trip to Disney during the summer months, but in 2019 most will want to avoid it at all costs! The highly anticipated Star Wars Land – Galaxy’s Edge is rumored to be opening at the end of June. Most think based on tickets prices and blackout dates that it will be June 21st, 2019.
Unless you are a die-hard Star Wars fan – I’d avoid going anywhere near Anaheim during the last week of June. And I say Anaheim because the lines will be everywhere. Wait times of 8+ hours to get into Disneyland Galaxy’s Edge and park cosures due to reaching capacity would not surprise me. We saw upwards of 5 hours to get into toy Story Land at Disney World this past June and they didn’t have the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.
But let’s be honest, I’d wait long hours to pilot the Millennium Falcon or to walk the streets of
Now, of course, there’s always Disney’s California Adventure, but once Disneyland Park closes guess where everyone will head. Seriously, folks
August – Probably Good to Stay Home
Out of town guests start slowly fading in August, but again 2019 is a different year. It’ll be busier than normal with Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opening, but crowds will grow on August 23 -25th, 2019 due to the 2019 D23 Expo.
The D23 Expo is a Disney convention that only happens every other year and it brings in fans from all over the world. While, most of
Here I am telling you not to go to Disneyland during August, but guess where I’ll be? That’s right, I’ll be one of those crazies go to the D23 Expo and you know I’m not going to miss a chance to see Galaxy’s Edge while I’m there! So, if you’re like me – you just may want to plan a trip to Disneyland Resort at the end of August.
Check out Patty’s post “23 Things to Know Before the Next D23 Expo” on NoGuiltLife.com
September and October – Proceed with Caution
Kids are back in school, the weather is cooling down – so why not go to Disney! That’s normally what I’d say to everyone, but again it’s a weird year. If your ultimate goal is to avoid the Disneyland crowds I don’t think September or October in 2019 is a good time to go.
Again I think, Disneyland Star Wars Land is going to play a major roll in crowd levels. While I do think they may be lighter than say July, I don’t think fall 2019 will be as calm as many have come to count on.
But if seeing “Haunted Mansion Holiday” and experiencing Mickey’s Halloween Party are at the top of your list – go during late September to avoid crowds.
November and December – Don’t Go
If saving money and avoiding crowds are your goal going to Disneyland in November or December is not the best option. It’s historically expensive and there are times when the park has closed to reaching capacity. Add in Galaxy’s Edge, I expect to see many days when the Disneyland Park reaches capacity. And those folks turned away will trickle into Disney California Adventure, if it isn’t at capacity.
But if you are wanting to experience the ultimate in Disney magic – the holidays are unlike any other time at Disneyland Resort. I adore Disney at holiday time. That may have something to do with my love for Christmas and that Haunted Mansion Holiday is my favorite Disneyland ride.
Best Day of the Week to Go to Disneyland
Sometimes visiting Disneyland Resort during busy times is unavoidable. But that doesn’t mean you have to just deal with it. Many will fly in on Friday or stay through Monday to make the most of a weekend visit. So plan your visit during the middle of the week and skip out on some of the crowds. Tuesdays and Thursdays are good, but Wednesday the best day of the week to go to
As an avid Disney fan, I would go any day of the year, if I had the opportunity. But I know that doesn’t work for everyone. Planning Disneyland trips can be nerve-wracking, but hopefully, this guide to the best time
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