Introduction
Table of Contents
Are you ready to plan your Disneyland trip for 2025? This year is shaping up to be unforgettable. Enchanting experiences, seasonal events, and can’t miss celebrations are waiting around every corner. Whether it will be your first time or your 70th, timing your visit is everything.
From Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration and the return of the Paint the Night Parade to the newest additions like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, 2025 is stacked. Add in fan favorites like Oogie Boogie Bash and the Food & Wine Festival, there’s no shortage of magic. This isn’t just about avoiding the crowds, it’s about making the memories that mean the most to you. Want to see Sleeping Beauty Castle sparkle for the holidays or experience Disney’s California Adventure at its spookiest? Let’s make it happen. We’ve got it all broken down: the best times to go, what to expect from the weather, and how to plan for those seasonal highlights. Plus, don’t forget to snag your park reservations early, the events fill up fast!
What’s New and Upcoming in 2025
The 70th Anniversary Celebration
Beginning May 16, Disneyland Resort will commemorate seven decades of magic with its 70th Anniversary Celebration. This event will bring a festive atmosphere to the parks. From Sleeping Beauty Castle being adorned with a medallion, to Mickey, Minnie, and friends in special anniversary outfits, it is sure to bring an extra dose of pixie dust. With the return of the Paint the Night Parade (with more than a MILLION LED lights) and Wondrous Journeys, a nighttime spectacular, there will be no shortage of entertainment or activities. There will also be a new cavalcade and a projection show on “its a small world.” Running with the theme of “celebrate happy,” there will be a new debut of World of Color Happiness inspired by Walt’s opening day dedication – “To all who come to this happy place… welcome!”
There will also be a new attraction, Walt Disney – A Magical Life, opening to help kick off the celebration, where you’ll meet with an audio-animatronic Walt Disney in his office and listen to his journey. Make note that many anniversary shows tend to pause during the Halloween and Holiday seasons, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly to catch all that is important to you!
New Attractions and Updates
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Fantasmic! are both up and running as of the end of 2024 and will surely be a highlight for many guests throughout 2025. Construction will begin this year on an Avengers Campus expansion, adding more Marvel-themed experiences at Disney’s California Adventure. The Red Car Trolley will be closing to make way for the expansion on February 8. Downtown Disney is expanding as well, expecting both Parkside Market Dining Hall and Disney Wonderful World of Sweets Shop to open in early 2025. From the 70th Anniversary, to new magical nighttime entertainment, to fresh dining options and beyond, Disneyland in 2025 will be nothing short of the happiest place on Earth.
Seasonal Events and Festivals
Disneyland Resort in 2025 is bursting with vibrant events that will make each visit feel unique. Cultural celebrations, parades, and new attractions leave something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re visiting with little ones, celebrating a milestone, or just looking for something magical and new. Here’s what you can look forward to:
Lunar New Year Celebration (January 17 – February 16)
Start off the Year of the Snake with a celebration as colorful as it is meaningful. The Lunar New Year Event brings Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean traditions to life. Imagine Mickey and Minnie in gorgeous Korean-inspired outfits, sampling snacks from six themed marketplaces, and watching the enchanting Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession.
Celebrate Gospel (February 8 and 15)
Feel the soul-stirring power of gospel music during two special Saturdays in February. Local choirs and soloists take the stage at Disney’s California Adventure to fill the park with rhythm, joy, and aspiration.
California Adventure Food & Wine Festival (February 28 – April 21)
The Food & Wine Festival is a celebration of California-inspired cuisine with something for everyone. Enjoy small plates, cocktails, and craft brews using your Sip and Savor Pass, or catch culinary demonstrations, live music, and family-friendly activities like cupcake decorating. Don’t miss character experiences like Chef Goofy and expanded menu offerings at Sonoma Terrace. It’s the perfect blend of flavors and fun for the whole family!
Star Wars: Season of the Force (March 28 – May 11)
Immerse yourself into a galaxy far, far away with themed attractions, exclusive merch, and character meet and greets. If your perfect Disney day itinerary includes lightsabers and Stormtroopers, this one’s for you.
Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration (Begins May 16)
Get ready for a year long party as Disneyland Resort celebrates its platinum anniversary. “Celebrate Happy” with revamped shows like World of Color and returning parades like Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration, plenty of exclusive food, entertainment, and merchandise.
Halloween at Disneyland Resort (August 22 – October 31)
Disneyland goes all out for spooky season with festive decorations, seasonal treats, and overlays like Haunted Mansion Holiday. Make sure to keep an eye out for the release of Oogie Boogie Bash tickets, that is the highlight of the fall on the West Coast.
A Celebration of Coco: Plaza de la Familia (August 22 – November 2)
Celebrate family and tradition during this heartfelt event inspired by Disney’s Coco. Enjoy live music, vibrant decor, and cultural activities that honor Dia de los Muertos.
The Holidays and Festival of the Holidays (November 14 – January 7, 2026)
The parks transform into a winter wonderland (sans snow) with sparkling lights, themed parades, and festive overlays like “its a small world” Holiday. Over at Disney’s California Adventure Park, the Festival of the Holidays brings global traditions to life through food, music, and dance.
Separately Ticketed Events
If you’re looking for a more intimate experience or a unique twist on your traditional Disney magic, Disneyland’s separately ticketed events are worth the splurge. These after hours experiences offer smaller crowds, themed entertainment, and exclusive perks. Here’s the lowdown:
Sweethearts’ Nite
January 21, 23, 28, February 4, 6, 9, 11, 13
Perfect for a date night or a Galentine’s outing. Sweethearts’ Nite brings romantic vibes to the parks. Take advantage of themed photo ops, live music and dreamy decor that is straight out of a fairytale.
90s Nite
March 4, 6
Ready to relive the glory days of butterfly clips and boy bands? This throwback party is packed with nods to parades from the past, retro character appearances, themed snacks, and all of the nostalgia your 90s lovin’ heart can handle.
Star Wars Nite
April 8, 10, 22, 24, 29, and May 1, 4, 6
Light or Dark side? Celebrate your love for all things Star Wars during this galactic after hours event. Meet Darth Vader, catch Star Wars themed fireworks, and enjoy shorter ride lines. May the Force be with you.
Pride Nite
June 16 and 18
Join the celebration of love and inclusion at Pride Nite. Rainbow projections, colorful decor, lively entertainment, and more – it’s a party full of joy and acceptance.
Oogie Boogie Bash
Select night August 17 – October 31
This Halloween party at Disney’s California Adventure Park is a fan favorite. Wander immersive treat trails, watch the spooky parade, and spot rare characters. The limited capacity allows for a more relaxed vibe, so snag your tickets early!
Choosing the Best Time to Visit
Disneyland is magical year-round and you really can’t pick a bad time to visit. That said, crowd levels, weather, and pricing fluctuate throughout the year and it is important to manage your expectations when planning the time of your time.
Crowds – Expect Ebbs and Flows
Disneyland’s attendance is heavily influenced by locals, school breaks, holidays and special events. For the smallest crowds, visit mid-January to early February or mid-September when lines are shorter, and the atmosphere is more relaxed. Peak times like spring break, summer, and holiday weekends bring bustling crowds and longer waits, especially during milestone celebrations like the 70th Anniversary and seasonal events like Oogie Boogie Bash. Pro Tip: Maximize your day with the Disneyland app and Lightning Lane Multi Pass to navigate wait times and plan attractions efficiently. Check our our guides on how to plan your Disneyland day here or your California Adventure day here.
Weather Considerations for Each Season
Southern California’s mild weather makes Disneyland a year-round destination, but each season has its quirks. Winter and early spring bring cooler temps and occasional rain, perfect for comfortable park days with a jacket for the evenings. Summer heats up with sunny skies and temperatures in the 70s–90s, so staying hydrated is key. If you’ve ever battled through a Disney World trip in the summer, the west coast will be easy! Fall offers crisp, dry weather and festive Halloween celebrations, while the winter holidays pair chilly evenings with magical decorations for a cozy, festive vibe.
Travel Budgets and Timing
Timing your Disneyland visit can make a big difference in your budget. Value seasons like mid-January, early February, and mid-September often feature lower ticket prices and discounted hotel rates. Conversely, peak times such as summer, spring break, and holidays come with higher costs for both tickets and accommodations. For special events like Oogie Boogie Bash, midweek dates are typically more affordable than weekends, with holiday events increasing in price closer to the actual holiday. Watch for promotions like Kids Tickets or Southern California Resident offers to save even more during value seasons. You can always check out Disneyland’s current promotions here.
Your Perfect Time to Visit
Ultimately, the best time to visit Disneyland depends on your priorities. If you prefer to avoid crowds as much as possible, plan a trip for a lower crowd time like January or mid-September. If you want to soak in all the excitement of the special events and celebrations, consider visiting for the 70th Anniversary or for Halloween or the Holidays.
Whether you’re chasing shorter lines, sunny skies, or rare character appearances, Disneyland Resort offers something for everyone all year long. With thoughtful planning and some help from your favorite travel advisor at Love of the Magic, you can make the most of your visit at any point in the year.
