Planning a Disneyland visit in 2026? Here are the best — and worst — times to go

When should you visit Disneyland in 2026? The question’s not as simple as it seems.

Picking the best time to visit Disneyland depends on your priorities.

Are you looking for the lowest ticket prices, fewest crowds or most entertainment options? Holiday, vacation and school schedules also may restrict your choices.

The resort, which features Disneyland, Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney in Anaheim, attracts about 28 million visitors per year, Road Genius reported.

With that many people, crowding can be a big problem at some times of year.

As a result, many visitors prefer to go when the park is less crowded — but more rides, parades and shows are typically available when it’s busier.

Here’s what to know about when to visit Disneyland, ticket prices and ride closures.

When’s the best time to visit Disneyland in 2026?

Many Disneyland Resort blogs and fans say it’s best to visit the park when it’s less crowded.

The park is usually less busy from mid-January through mid-March, the resort advised.

Disney also says mid-September through mid-November tends to be less busy, but the expanded Halloween celebration at the park boosts crowds during part of that time.

If you’re really serious about avoiding crowds, check the blackout dates for Magic Key passes, formerly known as annual passes. Note that different passes have different blackout dates.

But there can be drawbacks to visiting when the park’s less busy.

Disneyland typically schedules major ride refurbishments during the winter months, so some of your favorite rides may not be available. Also, parades, fireworks and shows may be on reduced schedules when the park’s less busy.

And Disneyland and Disney California Adventure typically have shorter operating hours during the off-peak season.

You also have an increased chance of rain or cooler temperatures, though Southern California weather is mostly pretty mild.

When will Disneyland be the most crowded?

Most Disneyland visitors don’t prefer to go when the park’s at its busiest, but there are some advantages. And, of course, those are the only times when some people can make it to the resort with school and work schedules.

The parks are normally busiest during winter and spring breaks from school, and from June through August, Disney said.

The resort’s also busier in September and October leading up to Halloween.

You’ll have a better chance of experiencing all your favorite rides, parades, shows and other entertainment when the park is full, though nothing’s guaranteed. And the parks often have extended hours at peak times, extending to midnight on some nights.

At Halloween, you’ll get the chance to see Disney villains who are not normally in the parks. Plus, classic Disney characters like Mickey and Minnie often wear seasonal costumes for Halloween and Christmas.

But you’ll pay for it with longer lines, worse stroller parking and a more difficult time getting around. You also may have to settle for going on fewer rides each day since each one will frequently take more of your time standing in line.

Claiming a good spot to watch a parade or fireworks show can be more difficult and time-consuming.

Disneyland also sometimes closes to new entries when the park fills up, at least until some people leave to make room for newer arrivals.

Do Disneyland ticket prices change throughout the year?

When will it be less expensive to visit Disneyland Resort?

Disneyland Resort has tiered ticket prices depending on when you visit, starting at $104 per day and rising to up to $224 per day, with higher prices on weekends and holidays.

The park also offers periodic discounts good for a given length of time, sometimes with special conditions or restrictions.

The resort currently offers a 3-day park hopper pass good from Jan. 1 to May 22 for $83 per day, a 50% savings, to California residents only.

Half-price tickets also will be available for children ages 3 to 9 starting Jan. 21. The tickets will be good from May 22 through Sept. 7.

It’s not known if or when Disney will offer other ticket discounts in 2026.

When are rides scheduled to close for refurbishing?

Disneyland is typically tight-lipped about upcoming refurbishments, plus sometimes rides experience lengthy but unexpected downtime for repairs.

But here’s what we know about the refurbishment schedule at Disneyland for 2026 right now.

The Haunted Mansion will be closed from Jan. 12 to Jan. 22 and It’s a Small World starting Jan. 26 to remove holiday overlays.

The Mark Twain Riverboat will be shut down from Jan. 12 to Jan. 15 for maintenance. The Sailing Ship Columbia will likewise be offline from Jan. 26 to Jan. 29.

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance will close starting Jan. 20 for refurbishing, with no reopening date set.

And Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln will remain closed indefinitely while the new Walt Disney — A Magical Life show occupies its space at the Main Street Opera House.

Over at Disney California Adventure, scheduled closures include Grizzly River Run beginning Jan. 5. No reopening date has been scheduled.

The Incredicoaster will be closed from Jan. 5 through at least Feb. 5.

Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind will shut down from Jan. 5 through Jan. 22.

And Monsters Inc. Mike and Sully to the Rescue will permanently close in early 2026 to make way for the new “Avatar” themed land planned for the park.

What’s new for 2026?

Bluey, star of a popular animated series, will star in a new show at the resort opening March 22.

The live show will be held at the Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland.

“Throughout the day, Bluey and her sister Bingo will appear live on stage, joining a troupe of comedic actors and musicians,” park officials said.

In addition, Disneyland After Dark will host five themed after-hour events at Disneyland park in 2026, including one new event with the “70 Years of Favorites” theme.

A new mission based on The Mandalorian series on Disney Plus will debut May 22 on the Smuggler’s Run ride at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland.

At Disney California Adventure, Soarin’ Across America will debut July 2.

This story was originally published January 1, 2026 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Planning a Disneyland visit in 2026? Here are the best — and worst — times to go."