Finding the right time to visit Disneyland can be tricky. With limited openings throughout the year, it’s easy to feel like you missed out when a certain date comes around. But what if there was a way to plan your trip around the same few dates? That would make it a lot easier to commit, don’t you think? Well, that is exactly what we have for you today. From specific park hours and operating days to all of the exciting new details about how Disneyland works—and doesn’t—at night. Keep reading for answers to every question you might have about visiting Disneyland at night.

When is the best time to visit Disneyland?

The best time to visit Disneyland is early summer or late spring. With hot summer months running from May to September, crowds can get very bad in the afternoons, even at the smallest of parks like Disneyland. September, October, and November are also very cold months, when the parks are closed.

The best months to visit Disneyland are from May to September, and from October to November. There are also certain weeks that are better than others. The best time to visit Disneyland is from Tuesday to Thursday, and either Friday or Monday. The crowd levels are lower, and the weather is nice during these weeks.

How do you get to Disneyland?

You can fly directly to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and stay overnight in a hotel. Alternatively, you can drive to L.A. from anywhere in California. The easiest way to drive to L.A. from San Francisco is to take I-5 South and take the I-10 West exit in Orange County. Keep going straight and take the I-405 South exit towards Downtown Los Angeles.

Alternatively, you can fly into LAX and stay overnight in a hotel. Alternatively, you can drive to L.A. from anywhere in California. The easiest way to drive to L.A. from San Francisco is to take I-5 South and take the I-10 West exit in Orange County. Keep going straight and take the I-405 South exit towards Downtown Los Angeles.

What’s the difference between a day and night visit to Disneyland?

The main difference between a day and night visit to Disneyland is the time of day when you visit the park. You can visit Disneyland during the day from 9am to 6pm, and from 8pm until closing during the week. You can also visit Disneyland at night from 10pm to midnight.

Night visits are mostly for photographers and those who are more interested in seeing special nighttime events. There are also a few different park hours, depending on the time of year. During the summer, both parks are open from 9am until 9pm, and from 9pm until midnight on Sundays. In the winter, the parks are open from 9am to 8pm, and from 8pm until 9pm on Sundays.

Where can you eat at Disneyland?

Disneyland has several restaurants within the parks, as well as one at Disney California Adventure. Within Disneyland you can find a quick-service restaurant, a sit-down restaurant, a counter service restaurant, and several snack locations. Within California Adventure, you can find an outdoor cafés and a few indoor restaurants as well. California Adventure also has a few specialty restaurants, including a steakhouse and a seafood restaurant, that are only open at night.

Which rides are open at night at Disney California Adventure?

Disney California Adventure is open from 10am to 11pm throughout the year. Most of the rides are open until midnight. California Screamin’ and Soarin’ Over California are two major attractions that are open until midnight. Other rides and attractions usually close an hour earlier than the closing time.

The following attractions are usually open until midnight: Grizzly River Run, Ariel’s Grotto, Matterhorn Bobsleds, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, Guardians of the Galaxy, World of Color, and the Disney Animation building. Over at Disneyland, the park is open from 9am to 11pm throughout the year.

The following attractions are usually open until midnight: Space Mountain, Matterhorn Bobsleds, Big Thunder Mountain, and Pirates of the Caribbean. Most of the other rides and attractions are usually closed an hour earlier than the closing time.

The following attractions are usually open until midnight: It’s a Small World, Fantasyland Theater, Tomorrowland Theater, Sleeping Beauty Castle, and Mickey and Minnie’s House.

Tips for visiting Disneyland after dark

Wear comfortable shoes. If you plan on visiting the parks at night, you’ll want shoes that are easy to slip on and off. Having one pair of shoes for day and one pair for night will save you from having to run around with your shoes on.

Take snacks for your visit. It’s tempting to buy a souvenir at Disneyland or California Adventure, but it’s better to bring your own food. You can’t buy food in the park, but you can easily buy a snack before you go. 

Visit an indoor theme park. Both parks have numerous indoor attractions, like the Paradise Gardens and the House of Fun. These attractions are usually a lot less crowded than the outdoor parks, and they’re also a lot quieter. 

Visit during off-season. September is usually the least busy month to visit Disneyland. You can also visit during the week if you’re trying to avoid weekends. 

Visit during a parade or show. The parks often host special events, like Disney California Adventure’s Pixar Fireworks or Disneyland’s Main Street Electrical Parade. These events are usually less crowded than the rest of the park. 

Get your picture taken with a character. Characters are a lot less crowded than rides and attractions, and they’re also a lot quieter.

Where can you stay at Disneyland?

There are a few options for where to stay when visiting Disneyland. If you’re staying on-site, you can either stay at one of the Disneyland hotels, or you can stay at any of the nearby hotels like the DoubleTree by Hilton or the Grand Californian Hotel. You can also stay off-site and rent a room through Airbnb or Vacation Rentals by Owner.

There are also several options for where to stay when visiting Disney California Adventure. You can stay at one of the California Adventure hotels, or you can stay at any of the nearby hotels like the Holiday Inn Express, the Best Western Inn, or the Best Western Plus Paradise Inn & Suites. You can also stay off-site and rent a room through Airbnb or Vacation Rentals by Owner.

Conclusion

Planning a visit to Disneyland, especially for nighttime adventures, requires careful consideration of various factors such as crowd levels, park hours, and accommodations. The optimal time to experience the magic of Disneyland at night is during early summer or late spring, while Tuesdays through Thursdays offer lower crowd levels. Travelers can fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or drive from various locations in California. Nighttime visits provide unique opportunities for photography and special events, with many rides and attractions extending their operating hours until midnight. Additionally, wearing comfortable shoes, bringing snacks, and exploring indoor attractions can enhance the nighttime experience. Various lodging options, including on-site Disneyland hotels and nearby accommodations, cater to visitors’ needs for a convenient and memorable stay. By considering these tips and factors, visitors can maximize their enjoyment of Disneyland’s nighttime enchantment.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best times to visit Disneyland at night?

The best times to visit Disneyland at night are during the summer months, particularly May to September, and also during October to November. These periods generally have lower crowd levels and more favorable weather for enjoying the park after dark.

2. What are the differences between visiting Disneyland during the day versus at night?

Visiting Disneyland during the day allows you to experience the park’s attractions and ambiance in daylight hours, while night visits offer unique opportunities to enjoy special nighttime events, shows, and illuminated attractions. Additionally, night visits are popular among photographers for capturing stunning nightscapes of the park.

3. Which rides and attractions are open at night in Disney California Adventure?

Several major attractions in Disney California Adventure, such as California Screamin’, Soarin’ Over California, Grizzly River Run, and Guardians of the Galaxy, typically remain open until midnight. Additionally, nighttime entertainment offerings like World of Color are available for guests to enjoy.

4. What are some tips for visiting Disneyland after dark?

• Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the park.
• Bring your own snacks to save money and avoid long food lines.
• Explore indoor attractions to escape the crowds and enjoy quieter experiences.
• Consider visiting during off-peak times, such as September, to avoid heavy crowds.
• Take advantage of special events like parades and shows, which are often less crowded than rides.
• Meet characters for photo opportunities, as character meet-and-greets tend to have shorter lines compared to popular attractions.

5. How do I get to Disneyland?

Visitors can fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and either stay overnight in a hotel or drive to Disneyland from various locations in California. Driving from San Francisco typically involves taking I-5 South and then the I-10 West exit in Orange County, followed by the I-405 South exit towards Downtown Los Angeles.

6. Where can I eat at Disneyland?

Disneyland offers a variety of dining options within the parks, including quick-service restaurants, sit-down establishments, counter service spots, and snack locations. Disney California Adventure also has several dining options, including outdoor cafes and specialty restaurants like steakhouses and seafood establishments.

7. What are the park hours for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure?

Park hours vary depending on the time of year, with longer hours during peak seasons like summer. Generally, Disneyland is open from 9 am to 11 pm, while Disney California Adventure is open from 10 am to 11 pm, with some attractions remaining open until midnight.

8. What are the benefits of staying at a Disneyland hotel?

Staying at a Disneyland hotel offers convenient proximity to the parks, as well as perks like early park entry and access to exclusive experiences. Guests can choose from various on-site hotels or nearby accommodations, including options for different budgets and preferences.

9. When is the least busy time to visit Disneyland?

September is typically the least busy month to visit Disneyland, offering lower crowd levels and shorter wait times for attractions. Additionally, visiting during weekdays rather than weekends can further reduce crowds and enhance the overall experience.

10. Are there any nighttime events or shows to enjoy at Disneyland?

Yes, both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure host special nighttime events and shows. These may include fireworks displays, parades, and themed nighttime spectaculars like Pixar Fireworks at Disney California Adventure and the Main Street Electrical Parade at Disneyland. These events provide unique entertainment options for guests visiting the parks after dark.