14 Worst Times to Visit Disneyland and How to Beat the Crowds

Disneyland is a place where dreams do come true, but the crowds can turn those dreams into a mini-nightmare. When it comes to planning your trip to the Happiest Place on Earth, timing really is everything. Some dates are just so packed that you spend more time waiting in lines than enjoying the magic. Don’t worry, we’ve got some tips and tricks to help you ditch the crowds and maximize your visit.

Here’s a look at some of the worst times to visit Disneyland and how to steer clear of the mayhem — from holiday chaos to school break stampedes.

Grad Nites Chaos

With an influx of high school seniors celebrating their graduation (a fun graduation tradition), the park can feel overwhelming. Usually, these events occur in May and June. If you’re heading out on a spring trip, check the calendar and avoid these dates to sidestep the teenage takeover.

D23 Expo Weekend

Each biennial D23 Expo pulls thousands of diehard fans to celebrate all things Disney. The Anaheim Convention Center is where the expo takes place, but the spillover into Disneyland makes the park very crowded. If you’re not going to the expo, visit on a less busy weekend.

Labor Day Weekend Rush

As Labor Day marks the end of the summer, many families take advantage of a final hurrah at Disneyland. The result? Park packed, line lengthy. The better choice is to visit the week after Labor Day when the summer crowds have gone and school is back in session.

Fourth of July Fireworks Frenzy

The crowds aside, Disneyland’s Fourth of July fireworks are spectacular. It’s no secret that the park gets busy, soon bustling with guests arriving early to secure their spots for the best view. If you’re determined to see the fireworks, visit on July 3 when the park puts on a similar show, but with fewer people.

Opening Day of New Attractions

Disneyland loves to debut new rides and fans love to flock to them. The first days are always packed with fans queuing for hours to be among the first to see the newest release. Unless you’re a die-hard fan, wait a few weeks until the enthusiasm dies down.

Rainy Days Misjudgment

One might think rain will drive crowds away, but Southern Californians know better. Despite the drizzle, it’s surprisingly busy in the parks – many visitors come prepared with ponchos and umbrellas. If rain’s predicted, bring your gear, but don’t get your hopes up.

Local School Holidays

Southern California school breaks don’t always come at the same time as national ones, and Disneyland sometimes feels the aftermath. Cesar Chavez Day, even other slightly smaller holidays can add another flow of crowds. When planning your trip, check local school calendars in order to avoid these spikes.

Disneyland’s Anniversary Celebration

Milestone anniversaries at Disneyland are magical but crowded affairs. It is one of the busiest times in the park’s history, and fans from around the globe come to celebrate. Want in on the fun? Get ready for the crowds or watch online from home with your friends.

Spring Break Frenzy

It seems like everyone has a family Disneyland adventure in mind for spring break, and so do you. Vacationers troop into the park, forming wall-to-wall crowds and long lines. If spring is all you’ve got, head there in late April after most schools have reconvened (and check out the park’s calendar for less-crowded weekdays).

Summer Vacation Commotion

Stepping into an oven full of Mickey-shaped cookies – and lots of people – is what summer at Disneyland is like. Families on vacation show up from June through August and the park becomes a sea of sun hats and sunscreen. If you can’t stand the summer rush, think about visiting during the first two weeks in June, or after Labor Day when the crowds are thinner and the weather is a bit more bearable.

Christmas Week Crush

Christmas at Disneyland is as magical as it comes, but the week leading up to Christmas? Absolute chaos. With festive décor and holiday vacationers in place, expect to stand in line longer than you’ll be on the attractions. Love the holiday spirit? Plan for early December, when the decorations are out but the crowds haven’t quite yet hit their peak.

Thanksgiving Weekend Mayhem

While Thanksgiving may appear to be a quieter time to visit, it’s also one of the busiest weekends of the year. With families capitalizing on their extended holiday, parks are packed and the crowds shoulder to shoulder. Your best bet? For a more laid-back experience, go the week before Thanksgiving.

MLK and Presidents’ Day Weekends

Families especially take advantage of long weekends like Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Presidents’ Day to make a quick Disneyland trip. The bad news is packed parks and long lines for everything, from churros to Space Mountain. Visit midweek in January or February if you’re after a winter getaway.

Mid-October Frenzy

October is also when Halloween Time at Disneyland is super popular. Lots of people flock to experience the spooky decorations and such themed events right before Halloween, and those weekends are usually jam-packed with visitors. In order to escape the large crowd, visit in September when the Halloween celebrations are just starting up.