When is the best time to go to Disneyland in 2020? Including tips for planning the perfect date for your vacation! Updated to include 2021. Below is the crowd calendar for 2020. I must preface this with, this is purely my opinion. Based on my experience over the years going to the parks. There are many factors I consider including history, school calendars, holidays and special events. Down below in this post you will see each month color coded. This post contains affiliate links which means I make a little something when you purchase through the link with no extra cost to you.
UPDATE: 7/5/2021 Due to the parks closing for over 400 days I never created a crowd calendar for 2021. And with the parks unknown capacity I don’t plan to do one this year. But you can use this 2020 calendar below to see at least when the parks are normally crowded or not. Then use these dates to plan your trip. I also mention some known 2021 dates that will affect crowds further below in the post. I will create a 2022 crowd calendar before next year!
When is the best time to go to Disneyland?
I am asked this question often! Sadly, gone are the days when you could walk onto rides. There are times when it’s less busy, but Disneyland is a popular vacation destination! Keeping that in mind there are some things that you can do to plan your visit around the crowds if you’re flexible. But if you can’t then I have lots of tips to help you navigate a busy day!
Disney has so many events and holidays they celebrate these days. It’s important to know these time periods when planning your trip. Be sure to check out the details about scheduled events.
Here are some tips for planning dates for your vacation.
You will notice every weekend on the calendar below is red. Weekends tend to be crowded all the time with locals and annual passholders. UPDATE: The new Magic Key program for passholders starts August 25th and will affect crowds again. So if you can avoid the red dates, weekends and holidays that would be my suggestion. When kids are out of school you can expect the parks to be crowded! But not everyone can go during the week I realize this. And that’s why I created tips for navigating the crowds.
Tuesday and Wednesday are the best days to go.
Keep in mind during the less crowded times you often run into shorter park hours, ride closures and less entertainment.
But really anytime you go if you have a good touring plan you will have a wonderful time, there is so much to see and do at the parks. Start your day early and be there for rope drop! Touring plans for Disneyland or Disney California Adventure. If you would like a custom touring plan see this post.
Take a look at the Anaheim Convention Center calendar to see when conventions are in town. They cause crowds at the parks as well!
Dates for 2021 and 2022 to keep in mind
In September 2021 opening weekend of Halloween starts September 3rd plus it’s Labor Day weekend. Kids are out of school plus the start of a big event expect crowds. Another event to mention is the unofficial Gay Days Anaheim mix-in event this year is September 17-19 which will bring crowds. Also note that in October many schools have 1-2 week fall breaks the first two full weeks in October. Plus on certain dates in Sept and Oct the Oogie Boogie Bash takes place. On those nights if you don’t have a ticket for the party you will have to leave Disney California Adventure at 6 p.m. Check those dates on this post.
Also look at when Magic Key holders are blocked from the park, that indicates the parks will be busy! Try to avoid those dates if you can.
If you’re planning a Disneyland trip in May or June of 2022 you should try and avoid these days. The following dates are grad nites … 2022 Disneyland Resort Grad Nite Dates. I will share more about this event in a few months, just know these days are busy in both parks!
- May 13, 14, 18, 20, 21, 25, 26, 31
- June 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 17
If you anticipate going at all in 2021 or 2022 I would suggest you purchase discounted tickets from Get Away Today. Tickets through them are good until 12/31/2022, no black out dates and are emailed immediately after purchase. This is why I use Get Away Today! Plus, you can get an additional $10 off your vacation package (tickets + hotel) when you use promo code TOURGUIDE. For hotel reviews check out this post.
Crowd Calendar for 2020
Below you will find each month color coded. Here is what each color means.
- Green is GO!
- Blue is expect some crowds but not terrible
- Red is very crowded
I hope you find this information useful. And happy planning your trip in 2020! I also share when new or special events are coming up in my newsletter. So make sure you’re signed up so you don’t miss out on important information for planning your trip! Sign up for the newsletter on the home page. I only send emails when I need to share news or updates about Disneyland.
Be sure to PIN it for later to help plan your Disneyland vacation.
