Disneyland Crowd Calendar – Best Times to Visit Disneyland in 2019

Originally posted on https://mickeyvisit.com/disneyland-busy-times-when-to-visit/

Let’s dive into when to visit Disneyland 2019 and how to avoid the Disneyland crowds.

Below see the complete Disneyland 2019 calendar with crowds and new attraction offerings to help you decide when to visit Disneyland.

Disneyland has over 18 million visitors per year and you will have the most pleasant vacation if you avoid as many of the crowds those visitors create as possible.

Lea esta guía de mejor momento para visitar Disneyland en español.

Disneyland Crowd Tracker

Two things affecting Disneyland crowd levels are the events happening throughout the resort and school holidays. These are the two most important Disneyland crowd indicators. So, let’s dive into the question: “when will it be crowded at Disneyland?”

Most weekends will be busy no matter when you visit the resort. Disneyland has over 1 million annual pass holders who frequent the resort after school or work.

Take a look at our discount Disneyland tickets page for information on how to save money and info on how long you should visit.

Because Disneyland is both a vacation destination and a local hangout, it can be difficult to judge when there will be the most crowds. In the sections below we have taken into consideration the schedule from the nearby convention center and the previous year’s crowd trends to create a calendar that will help you to avoid the crowds at Disneyland.

See my overview video of when to visit Disneyland in this guide to Disneyland video.

When to Visit Disneyland in 2019

Most Crowded

The opening weeks after the Summer opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (no date has been announced yet)
The weeks before and after Easter: mid-March through mid-April, or Spring Break Season
The week before Christmas through the first couple of weeks of January, Christmas Day and New Years Eve bring in some of the largest crowds the park sees all year long.
July through early August, during the time that schools have summer break
During June, most annual passholders are not blocked out yet (they are blocked for many peak summer days)
If July 4th falls close to a weekend, then it will be extremely busy
Check the Anaheim Convention Center website for large conferences. Busy in the late afternoon during these time periods.

Busy, But Not Overrun

End of August through Labor Day
The month of December, leading up to Christmas week
Weekends throughout October and beginning of November while the theme parks are decorated for Halloween

Not Crowded

Labor Day through Thanksgiving, except avoid weekends
Late January through February
Late April unless Easter falls at that time

January through the beginning of May is what many call the “off season.” These weeks have the least amount of crowds, but a lot of the shows will not be running like the fireworks. This is important to consider in the debate of when to visit Disneyland.

If you are considering visiting Walt Disney World in Florida, be sure to look at our guide to when to visit Disney World 2019.

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If your Disneyland hotel prices are coming up high during a time period that we list as not crowded, be sure to check out the Anaheim Convention Center schedule. During large conventions, the prices for hotels can skyrocket.

This time of year is a blessing and a curse. Many Disneyland rides are closed for refurbishment during the first two months of the year. Check the refurbishment calendar on the official Disneyland website, released 60 days in advance, for closures.

I spent some time putting together a Disneyland attendance calendar detailing all of the different pros and cons of the different months of the year when visiting. The information included in our best time to go to Disneyland calendar is basic Disneyland crowd levels, park hours, and weather.

Be sure to check the Disneyland calendar on the official Disneyland website for more info on closures, entertainment schedules, and other info. This will help you to decide when to visit Disneyland.

Disneyland Crowd Calendar and Special Events in 2019

Below I have compiled a listing of Disneyland events and special calendar items to be aware of when deciding the best time to go to Disneyland during 2019. All of these openings and special events will greatly affect the 2019 Disneyland crowd index.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will open May 31st with an advanced reservation period and opening to all guests on June 24th with a digital queue system. This summer is projected to be busier than past summers with the new addition of this highly anticipated land.
Get Your Ears On — A Mickey and Minnie Celebration will debut in January 2019 with all new food, entertainment, and merchandise. Part of the new entertainment will begin on January 18, “Mickey’s Mix Magic” will light up the night at Disneyland park with all-new music, projections and lasers that set the scene for an epic dance party that takes over almost the entire park.
Mickey’s Soundsational Parade will return to the Disneyland Resort in January of 2019 featuring a new float with Mickey to celebrate the new ‘Get Your Ears On’ celebration.
2019 Disneyland After Dark Events: These popular events continue with Sweethearts’ Nite taking place on February 7th, 90s Nite taking place on March 7th, Heroes Assemble on April 30th and May 1st.
Disneyland’s new hotel project was officially canceled due to conflicts with the city. We expect to see many renovations and changes happening to Downtown Disney in 2019.

January Disneyland Crowd Calendar and Events in 2019

Three Kings Day is celebrate in Disney California Adventure each year immediately following the ending of the Disneyland Christmas celebration.
Disney California Adventure celebrates Lunar New Year from January 16th 2019-February 18, 2019. This is a large cultural festival that will include special entertainment and dining options.
The Get Your Ears On- Mickey and Minnie Mousecelebrations kicks off January 18th. Mickey’s Soundsational Parade returns along with the celebration with a new parade float featuring Mickey and Minnie.
Valentine’s Month kicks off Jan. 22nd- a celebration of the love of Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Disneyland park will feature lovely, festive Valentine’s décor, including a new Mickey Mouse flower “portrait” on Main Street, U.S.A. Guests may also choose to partake in Minnie’s Valentine Surprise, a special scavenger hunt experience in Disneyland park. Once guests have purchased a commemorative map and stickers at select merchandise locations, they may search for the hidden valentines that Minnie has left for Mickey around the park. Valentine’s Month at Disneyland park kicks off Jan. 22 through Feb. 18.

February Disneyland Crowd Calendar and Events in 2019

Disneyland Lunar New Year Celebration 2019 continues until February 18, 2019.
Valentine’s Month continues until Feb. 18th- a celebration of the love of Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Disneyland park will feature lovely, festive Valentine’s décor, including a new Mickey Mouse flower “portrait” on Main Street, U.S.A. Guests may also choose to partake in Minnie’s Valentine Surprise, a special scavenger hunt experience in Disneyland park. Once guests have purchased a commemorative map and stickers at select merchandise locations, they may search for the hidden valentines that Minnie has left for Mickey around the park.
There are special menus at some of the table service restaurants for Valentine’s Day. You will also find lots of holiday-specific desserts and special treats all throughout the resort.
Disneyland After Dark Event: Sweethearts’ Nite takes place on February 7th.

March Disneyland Crowd Calendar and Events in 2019

March marks the beginning of the more crowded Spring Break season and the end of the renovation season where more of Disneyland’s attractions are schedule for maintenance.
The Disneyland Food and Wine Festival will return this month. The Food and Wine Festival features special festival food booths, cooking demonstrations, and lifestyle presentations. This festival takes place in Disney California Adventure park.
Disneyland After Dark Events: 90s Nite takes place on March 7th.

April Disneyland Crowd Calendar and Events in 2019

Spring Break season continues in Disneyland with lots of crowds expected every day. Follow our Disneyland crowd calendar tips seen below for help avoiding the crowds.
The Disneyland Food and Wine Festival runs into April in Disney California Adventure park. This event includes special cooking demonstrations, unique food booths, and special menu items throughout the resort. There are also special ticketed events with celebrity chefs.
Disney has an Easter egg hunt throughout both theme parks. You can purchase a scavenger hunt packet from participating shops throughout the resort, find all the eggs, turn in your packet, and then receive a prize. Disneyland’s Easter Eggstravaganza will return from April 5-21st.
Dapper Day at Disneyland is on April 21st and 22nd. This is a celebration of the vintage style clothing that used to be worn to Disneyland and that was featured heavily in early concept artwork. About 1/10 of the park usually participates. It is lots of fun to be in the parks during the events. The Disneyland crowds in attendance are usually bearable as those who come out for the event are typically in the parks to take photos more than they are to experience attractions.
Disneyland After Dark: Heroes Assemble at Disney California Adventure park takes place on April 30th from 9PM-1AM.
Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration opens April 26th in Downtown Disney.
Jessie’s Critter Carousel will open this month on Pixar Pier in California Adventure.
Mickey’s PhilharMagic will debut this month at Sunset Showcase Theater in California Adventure.

May Disneyland Crowd Calendar and Events in 2019

Be sure to read our guide Visiting Disneyland in May to get a detailed description of what to expect, what to pack, what to wear, and what current events are planned.
Grad Nites at Disneyland are scheduled for May 10, 11, 17, 17, 21, 22, 28, 29, 31 and nights in June. These evenings will have certain sections of the theme parks shut down specifically for recent high school graduates. The students visiting the parks will also have access to Disneyland throughout the day. Expect big Disney California Adventure crowds especially later in the evening.
Enjoy Star Wars celebrations on May 4th in Tomorrowland like the transformation of Space Mountain into Hyperspace Mountain, Captain Phasma and her storm troopers along with Star Wars themed souvenirs and food options.
Disneyland After Dark: Heroes Assemble at Disney California Adventure park takes place on May 1st from 9PM-1AM.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens on May 31 with a reservation only period that will run to June 23rd. On-site hotel guests automatically get a reservation during this time period.

June Disneyland Crowd Calendar and Events in 2019

Get Your Ears On: A Mickey and Minnie Celebration will conclude on June 6th.
Disneyland Forever, the popular fireworks show, will return on June 7th.
Soarin’ Over California returns to Disney California Adventure park from June 1st to 30th.
Disney has announced a Lion King “traveling troupe of storytellers” called “Tale of the Lion King” in Disney California Adventure on the Palisades Stage starting June 7.
Disneyland Grad Nites are scheduled for nights in May and June 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14. These events are extremely popular for recently graduated high school seniors and includes special private access to certain areas of Disneyland later in the evening. These dates mean that you’ll want to avoid Disney California Adventure at night where a majority of the event takes place.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge reservation period ends June 23th, allowing all guests to access the land with a digital queue system starting on June 24th.

July Disneyland Crowd Calendar and Events in 2019

Disneyland is a fantastic place to celebrate the 4th of July. The fireworks show is massive and actually consists of all of the fireworks from the preceding six months that were not fired off due to wind cancellations.
Disneyland 4th of July can be very crowded due to the popularity of the fireworks show.
Disneyland opened on July 17th in 1955. On smaller birthday years–like this year’s 63rd anniversary–the park celebrates with a small ceremony on Main Street with characters and a replay of the original Walt Disney opening day Disneyland dedication speech.
Tickets for the popular Mickey’s Halloween Party usually go on sale in July. If you have a preference for which date you attend the party you should be ready to book.
Pixar Pals Parking Structure is scheduled to open this month.

August Disneyland Crowd Calendar and Events in 2019

This month will not likely introduce anything new to the parks. The crowds will be big especially towards the end of the month when many of the Disneyland Annual Passports are unblocked. This will be a peak crowd season for buying one day Disneyland tickets.
The Haunted Mansion: Celebrating 50 Years of Retirement Unliving special ticketed after hours event takes place August 7, 8, 9. Buy tickets here.

September Disneyland Crowd Calendar and Events in 2019

Disneyland Halloween will begin about halfway through September and runs through the end of October.
The first nights of Disneyland Mickey’s Halloween Partyafter hours event occur during this month. The event consists of a special Halloween entertainment, an opportunity to wear costumes in the parks, and lots of meet and greets.
Universal Studios Hollywood, another extremely popular theme park featuring the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter kicks off their Halloween Horror Nights mid September. You can read more in our Universal Studios Hollywood guide.

October Disneyland Crowd Calendar and Events in 2019

Disneyland Halloween time continues with special attraction overlays and decorations throughout both theme parks.
The popular Mickey’s Halloween Party continues on select nights throughout October in Disneyland.
Every October, the fan-created Disneyland Gay Days are held. You can expect quite a few people in the parks
wearing red to demonstrate they are members of the event. Disneyland offers rainbow merchandise and food offerings throughout the park in recognition of the celebration. The event usually takes place the first weekend of October.
In October, the state of Utah has holiday breaks for their schools. The Utah Education Association has a large convention in Anaheim and it can sometimes feel like the entire state of Utah is in Anaheim. Be aware of this seemingly innocent Thursday and Friday in October as they can be some of the busiest days of the year in Disneyland.
Universal Studios Hollywood continues their Halloween Horror Nights through the first week of November.

November Disneyland Crowd Calendar and Events in 2019

There is another Dapper Day event each year in early November. This day is a celebration of the classic clothing that used to be worn to Disneyland.
The Disneyland Christmas celebration begins and runs until the first week of January (you can see my top
favorite Disneyland Christmas offerings here).
Beginning Thanksgiving weekend, the parks are quite crowded all the way through the Christmas season.
There are a wide variety of food offerings for Thanksgiving throughout the resort. The Disneyland Hotel has a large Thanksgiving buffet with characters and all of the classic Thanksgiving fixings. See our Disneyland restaurant review article for information on booking dining.
Universal Studios Hollywood celebrates Christmas with a fantastic Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter featuring beautiful decorations, live entertainment, and a breathtaking new nighttime spectacular. They also have their Grinchmas celebration featuring characters from the Dr. Suess classic.

December Disneyland Crowd Calendar and Events 2019

The Disneyland Christmas celebration continues and runs through the first week of January.
Universal Studios Hollywood also has fantastic Christmas offerings with their Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Dr. Seuss Grinchmas. Both of these are fantastic additions to any vacation and warrant a drive up to Universal Studios. (You can see information on discount Universal Studios Hollywood tickets here).
The crowds are typically very heavy during this month, but there is lots of entertainment and special offerings that makes visiting totally worth it!
Disneyland Candlelight Ceremony on Main Street in Disneyland during the first weekend of December. This is the retelling of the birth of Jesus with hundreds of choir singers and a celebrity narrator. You can see video from last year here.
The two college football teams competing in the Rose Bowl visit Disneyland in the couple of days before the Rose Bowl Game in Pasadena, California. The bands from both schools usually also play either marching in the parade or in Town Square in front of the Train Station.
Disneyland is always crowded on New Year’s Eve, but there are lots of special entertainment offerings including bands and the largest Disneyland fireworks celebration of the year. This fireworks show is made up of all of the fireworks shells that were not shot off during the preceding six months due to wind cancellation.

Disneyland 2019 Through the Seasons

Throughout the year there are a few huge special events that make the parks extra magical.

Christmas in Disneyland 2019

At Christmas time you will find Sleeping Beauty Castle lit up with icicles, Main Street laden with decorations, and the rest of the parks beautifully decorated to celebrate the season. Regular shows and experiences are altered to match the holiday theme.

The Haunted Mansion and it’s a Small World each receive holiday overlays that transform both attractions. The Haunted Mansion becomes the Haunted Mansion Holiday, which is themed to the “Nightmare Before Christmas.”

I highly recommend visiting during Christmas, but expect to be joined by lots of crowds if you are there the week of Christmas through the first week of January. The best time to visit and see the Christmas decorations is the first three weeks of December or the second week of January.

For more information on visiting Disneyland during Christmastime, visit our sister site Disney Dose and read my top Disneyland Christmas must-sees.

Halloween at Disneyland 2019

During Halloween time, the parks are decorated with jack-o-lanterns and the feeling of fall and Halloween is in the air. See all of the information on Disneyland Halloweenin our huge guide.

Disney turns Space Mountain into Space Mountain: Ghost Galaxy. Space ghosts are added throughout this classic indoor roller coaster and also the soundtrack is switched to one a bit spookier. The Haunted Mansion is also transformed to be themed to Nightmare Before Christmas. This Haunted Mansion conversion runs from the end of September until the beginning of January.

Mickey’s Halloween Party

Disneyland hosts a separately ticketed party on select nights throughout September and October that features a special Halloween theme with extra entertainment, costumes, and Halloween decorations.

During Mickey’s Halloween Party, Disney characters are out in full force with the classic characters like Mickey Mouse and the gang donning their own Halloween costumes and rarely seen villains creeping out. During the event you can find characters in meet and greets scattered throughout the park and in a special character cavalcade parade twice a night. Regular park guests get to join in the fun by wearing their own costumes to the event. This is the only time that adults are allowed to wear costumes of any sort to Disneyland. In almost every land of the park, kids and adults alike can receive candy on the trick or treat trails. To finish off the night, the spookiest fireworks show of the year brings the castle to life.

Check out our full guide to Mickey’s Halloween party at Disneyland>

Disneyland in Summertime

In Summertime, Disney often opens new experiences and attractions. This is the best time to “get em while they are hot,” but be careful because that is the same mindset of every visitor and new attractions often have long lines.

The rest of the year Disney has shorter weekend events going on that celebrate certain cultures or smaller holidays like the Lunar New Year, high school graduation, or the 4th of July. In the past they have also held 24 hour days where the parks operate around the clock.

Check out our full guide to summer here.

Recommended Length of Stay

The recommended length for a trip is anything between one and a half days and three full days. Anything more than three days isn’t quite necessary. When we do a trip to Disneyland, it is usually about 2 and a half days over a weekend.

Now that you know when you want to visit Disneyland, it is time to figure out the logistics of where and how you will book your trip. The benefit of staying longer is being able to see and do everything you want at a more leisurely pace. You would also have time to return to your favorite experiences.

Disneyland Crowds Specialists

Now that you have decided when you want to visit Disneyland, it is time to book your trip. We highly recommend a Disneyland package to have the best experience and save the most money while planning your Disneyland vacation. More info here>

More Disneyland 2019 Planning Tips

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