2026 has officially started and everything begins with a great plan. After hitting your office and school desks, nothing's better than a fun and relaxing break. When it comes to vacation and exciting getaways, Disneyland® Resort is undeniably one of the most beloved theme parks on the planet. If you are planning a trip to Disneyland® this year, planning ahead saves you time and money.
Just like other popular theme parks, your overall experience in Disneyland® depends on timing. Sure, budget comes close. But keep in mind that operations, ticket prices, and crowd levels are heavily influenced by time and season. So, to help you plan your trip to the Happiest Place on Earth, this 2026 guide to Disneyland® is for you. See how you can make your visit to Disneyland® extra fun and magical with tips and tricks you should not miss. Keep reading.
Disneyland® at a glance
Located in Anaheim, California, Disneyland® Resort is a world-renowned destination that features two theme parks: Disneyland® Park and Disney California Adventure® Park. Along with Walt Disney World® in Orlando, it is one of the most popular Disney parks in the US. The sprawling resort also houses Downtown Disney, three Disneyland® Resort Hotels, and nine colorful themed lands. The most popular Disneyland® rides include Space Mountain, Mountain Railroad, and Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!.
Disneyland® or Disney California Adventure®: Which park should you visit?
Disneyland® Park evokes a sense of nostalgic wonder, while Disney California Adventure® offers an exhilarating, contemporary adventure. Disneyland® provides a magical experience for families, whereas Disney California Adventure® attracts teens and adults with its exciting roller coasters and richly themed environments. Disneyland® is bigger and traditional, but DCA's quicker to navigate with better food and unique rides.
No trip to Southern California is complete without spending at least one day at Disneyland®. Foodies also love all the unique dining and snacking options around Disneyland® and Disney California Adventure® Park. In 2025, the Happiest Place on Earth celebrated its 70th Anniversary, with lots of special events, themed food, shows, and parades. The anniversary festivities continue until August 2026. There are plenty of best Disneyland® spots that make the resort stand out. But the most iconic is the Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Best time to visit Disneyland®
Want to make the most of your Disneyland® vacation? Let's start this trip planning guide with the best time to visit the Happiest Place on Earth.
Visiting Disneyland® by season
Winter (January–March)
Disneyland® from January to March has fewer crowds and cheaper tickets, especially on weekdays, but be prepared for shorter hours, ride closures, and limited shows. Busy times include holidays like Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, and Lunar New Year. Prices vary daily; weekdays are cheaper while weekends and holidays are pricier. Discounts are available for kids and SoCal residents.
Spring (April–June)
Expect higher prices and larger crowds at Disneyland® from April to June, especially during Spring Break and summer vacation. June has the most visitors and longest lines, though early mornings may be more manageable. Ticket prices will vary, with cheaper options (Tier 1) and pricier ones (Tier 7). For best value and fewer crowds, choose weekdays in early-to-mid April or May (before Memorial Day).
Summer (July–September)
Disneyland® offers varied experiences from July to September. July is peak season, with high prices and crowds, especially around July 4th and the park's anniversary on July 17th. In August, while crowds remain, they start to decline toward the end of the month. September has fewer visitors and lower prices, making midweek the best time to visit. Please note that certain dates may have early closures for Oogie Boogie Bash, which could affect your trip planning.
Fall (October–November)
October and November see fewer crowds early (mid-Sept to mid-Nov) before the holiday rush. October features Halloween events that may increase prices, while early November sees moderate crowds with Christmas decorations appearing mid-month. Thanksgiving week is very busy with changing prices. Expect fewer people at first, but more will come for Halloween (Oogie Boogie Bash) and Thanksgiving. Tickets will be cheaper on weekdays and less busy days.
Disneyland® Ticket Prices & How to Save
So, have you gotten your trip dates yet? If yes, then let's move on to your key to a special and magical Disney vacation: your Disneyland® tickets! Here are some important things to keep in mind before securing theme park tickets for your 2026 Disneyland® getaway.
Disneyland® ticket prices vary.
Prices vary based on a tiered pricing system that considers the day of the week, seasonal changes, holidays, and expected crowd sizes. This system results in higher prices for visits during peak times compared to off-peak days. Ticket costs vary depending on ticket type, guest age, and duration of the visit, with multi-day tickets usually being cheaper per day than single-day ones.
Single-day vs Multi-day tickets
Multi-day tickets at Disneyland® are generally more affordable per day compared to single-day tickets, so they are great for extended stays and park hopping. Yet, if you visit on lower-priced days or want to go to just one park, multi-day tickets might save you money. Always check your dates and park options for the best pricing.
Park hopper tickets to maximize your experience
With Disneyland® Park Hopper tickets, multi-day ticket holders can access both Disneyland® Park and Disney California Adventure® Park (DCA) on the same day. You can switch between parks at a specific time (typically 11 AM), unlike regular tickets that only let you stay in one park each day. Make a reservation for your first park and then "hop" to another park later for more attractions, shows, dining, and nighttime fun, maximizing your visit for extended stays or essential experiences.
Online vs gate purchasing
Buying tickets online on our website is recommended over purchasing at the gate since prices are usually higher at the gate. When buying online or through the app, a theme park reservation is necessary to guarantee your spot, as gate entry may be sold out. Online purchases offer convenience, avoiding long lines and providing instant digital tickets. Buying at the gate can result in delays and no reservation guarantee, even if tickets are available.
Disneyland® Crowd Levels & What to Expect
We're getting to the end of our Disneyland® trip planning. And now, let's tackle one of the most important things to consider when going to Disneyland®. Crowd levels could easily influence your overall experience, so make sure to keep these things in mind:
Crowds change per season and holiday.
Disneyland® attracts the highest number of guests during festive seasons such as Christmas, Easter, and the October Fall Break. In late January, February (not including Presidents' Day), late August, and September, crowds decrease, which leads to cheaper tickets and reduced operating hours. Always consult crowd calendars for specific dates.
Weekday visits are not always "relaxed".
Weekdays, particularly Tuesdays and Wednesdays, are usually less crowded at Disneyland®, leading to shorter lines and a more relaxed experience. Magic Key blockouts and dynamic pricing make Mondays and Sundays busier, while Thursdays and Fridays are perfect for mid-week visits. Saturdays are usually the busiest days because of local visitors, but some holidays can make weekdays just as crowded.
Planning how many days to visit Disneyland®?
Your 2026 Disneyland® planning is almost done! But how long are you planning to stay at the Happiest Place on Earth? Most visitors allot at least two days to explore Disneyland® and DCA. Others can do it in one day, while some prefer to go up to three days. Which length of visit is for you?
1-day visit
Maximize your one-day Disneyland® visit by enjoying classic rides like Pirates, Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, and Space Mountain. Don't miss areas like Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, parades, and fireworks. Save time in Disneyland® by using the app for wait times and Genie+. Aim to arrive at the park's opening and stay until closing for a complete Disneyland® experience.
2-day visit
A 2-day Disneyland® visit lets you enjoy both parks with a Park Hopper ticket. To avoid crowds, arrive early, use Genie+/Lightning Lane for rides such as Radiator Springs Racers and Rise of the Resistance, and take breaks. Prioritize your must-see attractions since you can't do it all.
3 days or more
Spending 3 days at Disneyland® Resort allows you to explore both Disneyland® Park and Disney California Adventure®. Enjoy major attractions and shows leisurely, and consider getting a park hopper ticket for added flexibility. Visiting Disneyland® Resort for 4-5 days is ideal for the best experience, with both parks being easily walkable. For a 3-day trip, you can either focus on one park each day or visit two parks to enjoy the highlights without feeling rushed.
Disneyland® Tips for First-Time & Repeat Visitors
Now, planning a Disneyland® vacation is different for first-time and repeat visitors. But when it comes to exploring the resort, there are planning tips that work best for both. Whether you're a first-timer or a Disneyland® pro, take note of these surefire tips:
Plan your Disneyland® trip dates very carefully.
Choosing the best dates for your visit plays a crucial role in your overall theme park experience. Thus, visiting during off-peak season or shoulder season allows you to enjoy all the attractions with fewer crowds. The best dates also mean the best deals for plane tickets, park admission, and other necessary expenses.
Consider authorized third-party sellers.
Online purchases are a win, especially during peak seasons and seasonal events. When Disneyland® gets busy, authorized resellers like FunEx offer exceptional deals for park admission and event tickets. You can have an amazing Disneyland® vacation without the hefty price tag.
Get those ticket add-ons!
It doesn't matter whether you are visiting the resort for the first or tenth time. If you wish to maximize your adventure, get those add-ons. Ticket add-ons, specifically lightning lane and park hopper, let you enjoy the best value for your money by exploring Disneyland®'s best. You can take advantage of shorter queues and hop from one park to another. What a fantastic experience.
Staying at Disneyland® hotels is fun, but not necessary.
No vacation planning is complete without accommodation. Saving up for a Disney trip lets you experience all the great things that Disneyland® has to offer. And that includes staying at their hotels. Disneyland® Resort hotel guests enjoy several perks, including preferred dining reservations and complimentary Lighting Lane Entry or Early Entry at Disneyland®. While these perks can make your trip extra special, staying at these luxury hotels is not necessary.
If you are traveling on a budget, consider booking accommodation outside the property. There are plenty of hotels near Disneyland® offering good levels of comfort at affordable prices. On-site Disneyland® hotels can be very pricey, so this is a great alternative.
Have your packing list ready.
Planning Disney trips means packing your bags and getting ready for new adventures. So, when preparing for your Disneyland® vacation, a packing list is a must. Pack your things depending on the weather, your necessities, and your budget. While there are essentials available inside the resort, bringing your own saves you a lot of money.
Secure event tickets ahead of time.
Disneyland® is popular not just for its rides and attractions. The resort is also famous for its iconic events and seasonal festivals. To avoid expensive tickets and crazy crowds, secure your event tickets on dates prior to your preferred event.
Disneyland® in 2026: What's in store for visitors?
Ooh-la-la, a lot. 2026 is a banging year for the Happiest Place on Earth as it launches new attractions, shows, and experiences. Don't miss out on Disneyland® After Dark events, Soarin' Across America, improved Downtown Disney District, and incredible dining and shopping experiences. Seasonal events and festivals will also bring in new themed food at Disneyland® hotels and restaurants. For the little ones, Bluey and Bingo are coming to Fantasyland Theatre this spring, so make sure to check them out!
Of course, Disneyland® 70th Anniversary celebrations are still rolling around the resort. Catch Disneyland®'s seven decades of magic and fun until August for an unforgettable adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Disneyland®
1. What is the cheapest month to visit Disneyland®?
Disneyland®'s most affordable months are mid-late January, February, and September, avoiding holiday weekends. These times have lower demand, resulting in cheaper tickets (Tier 0) and hotel deals.
2. Are Disneyland® tickets cheaper online?
Yes. For Disneyland®, buying tickets online in advance is cheaper and preferred over more expensive gate purchases that require hard reservations.
3. Is January a good time to visit Disneyland®?
Yes. January is great for fewer crowds at Disneyland®, especially mid-month post-holidays, but expect cooler weather and potential ride downtime.
4. How far in advance should you plan?
Disney vacations should be planned 6-12 months prior for optimal hotel/flight prices. Some recommend booking 11-14 months ahead for busy periods. Stay alert for deals closer to your trip. Key tasks: book hotels/tickets early, make dining reservations 60 days in advance.
5. Are there hotels inside Disneyland®?
Yes! Disneyland® Resort in Anaheim has 3 official hotels: Grand Californian, Disneyland® Hotel, and Pixar Place Hotel.
Have a magical Disneyland® vacation with your loved ones.
And we're done, at last! We hope that this ultimate guide to planning for a Disneyland® trip can help you choose the best time to visit the resort. The Happiest Place on Earth is packed with exciting attractions, shows, and events you should not miss. Planning ahead of time can help you maximize your money's value and enjoy a fantastic experience.
Save up and make the most of lightning lanes at Disneyland® for a more stress-free adventure. Of course, don't forget to stay in the loop for more helpful guides and blogs about your favorite destinations. Treat yourself and your family to more magical moments in 2026. Get your discounted Disneyland® tickets now!
