Are holiday hours longer than usual?

Yes! On big holidays like Christmas (December 25), New Year’s Eve (December 31), and Independence Day (July 4), Disneyland often extends hours late into the night and adds special entertainment.

Do weekdays have shorter hours than weekends?

Not always, but it’s common. Weekends and holiday periods usually come with later closing times, while weekdays might wrap up earlier.

What’s the best time of day to arrive at Disneyland?

Get there right at opening (usually 8am). Early mornings mean cooler weather, lighter crowds, and shorter lines for the big rides.

Is it worth staying until closing time?

Definitely. The last hour before closing is usually quieter, and many guests leave after the fireworks, making late-night rides easier to enjoy.

When do the fireworks usually start?

Fireworks shows typically begin around 9pm, though this can shift depending on the season and daylight hours.

Are show times different on weekdays vs weekends?

Yes, entertainment like parades or nighttime spectaculars are more frequent on weekends, while weekdays may have fewer showtimes.

Do ride wait times change throughout the day?

They do. Expect the longest waits late morning through mid-afternoon. Early mornings and late evenings are best for shorter lines. The <link linkType="custom" newTab="true" url="https://disneyland.disney.go.com/guest-services/download-disneyland-mobile-app/" id="kgWgjHV6" shortCodeType="link" text="Disneyland app" /> is the best way to keep track of this in real time.

At what time are parades held?

Parades often run in the afternoon and early evening, usually between 3pm and 6pm, with a second showing later on busy days.

How long does it take to get through security?

Plan on 15–30 minutes during peak times. On busy mornings, arriving extra early makes the process much smoother.

Disneyland California Hours | Timings & Best Time to Visit

Disneyland Resort California

Disneyland Resort California operates year-round, with daily opening and closing times that may vary by park and season.

Jan 1 TO Dec 31 Timings Days (Jan 1 TO Dec 31)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	08:00–23:59	22:59
Tuesday	08:00–23:59	22:59
Wednesday	08:00–23:59	22:59
Thursday	08:00–23:59	22:59
Friday (Today)	08:00–23:59	22:59
Saturday	08:00–23:59	22:59
Sunday	08:00–23:59	22:59

The parks may close early or have adjusted hours for private events, Grad Nite, or seasonal celebrations.
Both parks are open year-round, but select attractions may be temporarily closed for refurbishment.
Major holidays such as Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and July 4th feature extended hours and special entertainment.

Best time to visit the Disneyland Resort California

Weekday vs Weekend

For the most enjoyable experience, plan your visit on weekdays, especially Tuesday through Thursday, when crowd levels are typically lower.
Weekends, public holidays, and school vacation periods tend to be much busier, with longer wait times for popular rides and shows.

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Pleasant

Crowded

Very Crowded

Closed

Peak season vs low season

Peak season at Disneyland Resort California runs from mid-March through August, as well as during major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. During these times, expect higher ticket prices, larger crowds, and longer wait times.
For a more relaxed visit, consider coming during the low season (mid-January to early March or mid-September to mid-November) when the parks are quieter and the weather is mild.
Early spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and manageable crowds, making them ideal for families and first-time visitors.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Off Season

Moderate Season

Peak Season

Book Disney California tickets

Disneyland California 1-Day Tickets

Free cancellation

Flexible duration

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Check availability

Disneyland California 1-Day Multi-Park Tickets (Hopper)

Free cancellation

Flexible duration

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Disneyland California Lightning Pass (1-3 Days)

Free cancellation

Flexible duration

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Disneyland California 2-Day Tickets

Free cancellation

Flexible duration

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Timings of Disneyland California parks

Disneyland Park

Opens: generally 8am (sometimes earlier in peak season)
Early park admission: from 7:30am (select hotel guests and tickets only)
Closes: between 10pm and midnight, depending on the season and events
Last entry: 1 hour before closing

(Hours will vary seasonally. Find the seasonal opening hours here.)

Disney California Adventure Park

Opens: between 8am and 9am daily
Early park admission: from 7:30am (select hotel guests and tickets only)
Closes: between 9pm and 10pm, with extended hours on holidays or event nights
Last entry: 1 hour before closing

(Hours will vary seasonally. Find the seasonal opening hours here.)

Downtown Disney District

Opens: 7am daily
Closes: between midnight and 2am, depending on the day and season

(Hours will vary seasonally. Find the seasonal opening hours here.)

How long should I spend at Disneyland California

Disneyland Park: Plan for at least one full day here. With classics like Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, and must-dos like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, you’ll need plenty of time to soak in the nostalgia and enjoy nighttime fireworks.
Disney California Adventure Park: Another full day is recommended at this park, especially if you want to ride the Incredicoaster, explore Avengers Campus, and take in Cars Land at night. Seasonal festivals like Lunar New Year or the Food & Wine Festival also deserve extra time.
Both Parks in One Day (Park Hopper): It’s possible to see highlights with a Park Hopper ticket, but you’ll be moving quickly and may have to concentrate on must-visit attractions. For the best experience, allow two full days, one for each park.
Downtown Disney District: A half-day is enough to browse shops, enjoy dining, and catch live entertainment. It’s perfect for a relaxed evening after a park day or a casual outing.