Disneyland opened its gates on July 17, 1955. As the Happiest Place on Earth celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2025, I thought I would outline what a vacation to Disneyland would look like this year. This page is your one-stop-shop for all things Disneyland vacation planning for 2025, including a calendar of events, where to eat, sleep, and play, and more.

When to Visit: 2025 Disneyland Resort Event Calendar

JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH

The winter months are when you can expect some rain to be in your forecast when visiting Southern California. The region may seem like a place that doesn’t get any rain, but just Google how the winter of 2023 was for L.A. and Orange County! It can and does rain in California this time of year, so if you travel this time of year, be prepared with rain gear along with some extra layers – it can get chilly, too.

In terms of events, 2025 kicks off with the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend! The event takes place January 30 through February 2. Expect traffic disruptions if you’re driving in from off-property. January is also when the Lunar New Year Celebration begins. In 2025, Lunar New Year will take place January 17 through February 16. This festival, unique to California Adventure, is one of my favorites, and it typically lasts for a few weeks into February. It includes a New Year Processional, food booths featuring dishes celebrating Asian cuisine, merchandise, and more. 

Winter will also have some popular returning one- and two-day events. Anaheim Ducks Day will take place on January 24 in Disney California Adventure, and Anaheim Ducks Day Overtime will take place at Downtown Disney . Celebrate Gospel returns to Disneyland Park February 8 and 15, featuring performances by community choirs from across Southern California and award-winning artists.

The Lunar New Year Celebration is quickly followed up by the start of the California Adventure Food and Wine Festival. The park’s flagship festival begins on February 28 and runs through April 21. The festival includes the annual return of Soarin’ Over California.

Disneyland will also begin its lineup of Disneyland After Dark events at the start of the year. Sweetheart’s Nite returns January 21, 23, and 28, along with February 4, 6, 9, 11, and 13. A select number of pre-sale tickets for Sweethearts’ Nite will go on sale for Inspire Magic Key holders beginning Dec. 10, 2024, and all Magic Key holders beginning Dec. 11, 2024. Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning Dec. 12, 2024.

Last year’s Disney Channel Nite is replaced by 90’s Nite. It will feature a special “90s on Parade” with nods to past Disneyland parades, including “The Lion King Celebration” and “Mulan Parade.” A select number of pre-sale tickets for 90s Nite will go on sale for Inspire Magic Key holders beginning Dec. 10, 2024, and all Magic Key holders beginning Dec. 11, 2024. Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning Dec. 12, 2024

Sneaking in at the end of Q1 is the start of Season of the Force. This celebration of all things Star Wars will take place from March 28 through May 11. The season includes the return of Hyperspace Mountain as well as the “Fire of the Rising Moons” performance which happens in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge alongside Disneyland’s nightly fireworks.

Lineup of Major Q1 Events and Holidays at Disneyland Resort (selected):

• Lunar New Year Celebration: Jan 17 – Feb 16 
• Disneyland After Dark: Sweetheart’s Nite: Jan 21, 23, and 28; Feb 4, 6, 9, 11, an 13
• Anaheim Ducks Day: Jan 24
• Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend: Jan 30-Feb 2
• Celebrate Gospel: Feb 8 and Feb 15
• Valentine’s Day: February 14 (specialty food and drink items available around this time)
• Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival: Feb 28 – Apr 21
• Disneyland After Dark: 90s Nite: March 4 and 6
• St. Patrick’s Day: March 17 (specialty food and drink items available around this time)
• Season of the Force: March 28 – May 11

APRIL, MAY, JUNE

Spring is one of the best times of year to visit California in terms of its weather. You have the greatest chances of getting that quintessential Southern California weather, especially from April into May. May and June can be overcast (that good old “June gloom,” as it’s known), but the clouds typically burn off later in the day.

If you visit around the Easter holiday, you can participate in Disneyland’s Eggstravaganza scavenger hunt. The park is in full bloom this time of year, giving you all the spring vibes. April is also a great month because you can still check out the DCA Food and Wine Festival before it wraps up.

Disneyland After Dark continues in the spring with its remaining two parties: Star Wars Nite and Pride Nite. Star Wars Nite will take place April 8, 10, 22, 24, and 29; and May 1, 4, and 6. Ticket on-sale dates will be announced at a later time.

Pride Nite takes place June 16 and June 18. Per Disney, “This celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community brings allies and community members together to enjoy rainbow projections, colorful décor, fabulous entertainment and more.” Ticket on-sale dates will be announced at a later time.

The big happening in spring 2025 is the start of Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration. We’ll dive deeper into what the celebration entails in just a little bit, but for now, what you need to know is that the festivities officially begin on May 16. The celebration runs all the way though summer 2026, so you have plenty of time to take part in the fun!

May 16 is also when “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” premieres at Main Street Opera House in Disneyland Park. This is the brand-new show that will feature the highly anticipated Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic.

Lineup of Q2 Events and Holidays at Disneyland Resort (selected):

• Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival (con’t): through April 21
• Season of the Force (con’t): through May 11
• Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite: April 8, 10, 22, 24, and 29; May 1, 4, and 6
• Easter: April 20 (specialty food and drink items available around this time)
• Disneyland 70th Anniversary Celebration: May 16 through summer 2026
• “Walt Disney — A Magical Life” opening: May 16
• Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite: June 16 and June 18

JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER

Summer is a popular time of year for family travel, and crowds at Disneyland can grow considerably during July and August. Because it’s already pretty busy this time of year, there are usually few limited-time offerings at Disneyland in the summer. Disneyland Park does, however, host a special 4th of July fireworks spectacular that’s fun to catch if you happen to be visiting that day.

August marks the beginning of Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort, a popular time for guests. Oogie Boogie Bash, the fan-favorite after-hours event at Disney California Adventure, starts this time of year as well. 2025 will offer more Oogie Boogie dates than ever before with a frightfully appropriate 31 evenings to enjoy the festivities. The 2025 dates for Oogie Boogie Bash are as follows:

• Aug. 17, 19, 21, 24, 26, 28, 31
• Sept. 2, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30
• Oct. 2, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26, 28, 31

But there are plenty of Halloween festivities at both parks, even without tickets to Oogie Boogie Bash. Other seasonal offerings that start in August include the popular Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay. The official Halloween season begins at Disneyland Resort August 22 and lasts through October 31. Expect crowds, especially on the weekends, from mid- to late August through the fall.

Plaza de la Familia takes place in late summer through fall at Disney California Adventure Park. In 2025, the festivities celebrating Día de Los Muertos will take place starting August 22 and run through November 2.

Remember that the summer weather does not show any signs of slowing down come September; it can often be one of the hottest months of the year.

Lineup of Q3 Events and Holidays at Disneyland Resort (selected):

• Disneyland 70th Anniversary Celebration (con’t): through summer 2026
• Independence Day: July 4 (specialty food and drink items available around this time)
• Disneyland’s actual 70th Anniversary: July 17
• Oogie Boogie Bash: Aug 17 – Oct 31 (select dates; see above for full list of dates)
• Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort: Aug 22 – Oct 31
• Haunted Mansion Holiday: Available starting August 22 
• Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend: Sep 4 – 7, 2025

OCTOBER, NOVEMBER, DECEMBER

October is a continuation of September in every way. The weather typically remains hot, and it’s all things Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort. Oogie Boogie Bash continues through the end of the month, and those limited-time treats and merchandise are still available. Plaza de la Familia continues daily through November 2 at California Adventure as well. However, if you keep your eyes peeled, you may notice the first signs of the holidays being set up in October.

Once Halloween is over, Disneyland quickly moves 100% into the holiday season. Christmas trees are erected in Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, hand-pulled candy canes are sold in the candy shops, and “it’s a small world” Holiday returns. Be sure to check out A Christmas Fantasy Parade and Believe…In Holiday Magic Fireworks in Disneyland and World of Color – Season of Light in California Adventure. California Adventure also hosts its Festival of the Holidays starting around mid-November, featuring food booths, live entertainment, and more.

The holiday season at Disneyland Resort continues through early January.

Lineup of Q4 Events and Holidays at Disneyland Resort (selected):

• Disneyland 70th Anniversary Celebration (con’t): through summer 2026
• Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort (con’t): through October 31
• Plaza de la Familia (con’t): through Nov 2
• Halloween: October 31
• The Holiday Season at Disneyland Resort: November 14 – January 7
• Disney California Adventure Festival of the Holidays: November 14 – January 7 
• Thanksgiving: November 27
• Candlelight Processional: December 6 – 7 (estimated; check back for exact dates)
• Hanukkah: December 14 – December 22
• Christmas Day: December 25

Disneyland Resort’s 70th Anniversary Celebration

The big event at Disneyland Resort in 2025 is the 70th Anniversary Celebration.  I mentioned it briefly above so you knew the dates, but now we’re going to dive into great detail to break down exactly what the celebration entails and what you need to know if you’re planning on visiting Disneyland in the latter half of 2025.

The 70th Anniversary Celebration starts May 16, 2025, and runs through summer 2026, giving you over an entire year of festivities. This is typical for Disneyland’s major decade milestones. The last one, the 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration, ran from mid-May 2015 through early September 2016, so it wouldn’t be at all surprising if the 70th wrapped up around Labor Day Weekend in 2026.

A new song called “Celebrate Happy” has been penned just for this celebration! You’ll be able to hear it throughout the resort at the various entertainment offerings. And, of course, there is bound to be plenty of limited-time merchandise and snacks to enjoy as well.

70TH ANNIVERSARY FESTIVITIES AT DISNEYLAND PARK

The park that started it all, Disneyland Park, turns 70 on July 17, 2025. The heart of the 70th Anniversary Celebration will take place here day and night. Sleeping Beauty Castle will sport a special look for the 70th Anniversary. During the daytime hours, guests can also enjoy a new character cavalcade called “Mickey and Friends Celebrate Happy!”

Mickey and Minnie Mouse will make their usual appearances sporting new looks as well just for the 70th Anniversary Celebration!

At night, be sure to check out the new projection show on the facade of “it’s a small world.” Returning for the 70th Anniversary Celebration is the fan-favorite Paint the Night Parade and “Wondrous Journeys” fireworks spectacular.

70TH ANNIVERSARY FESTIVITIES AT DISNEY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE PARK

Disney California Adventure Park is also taking part in the celebration! During the day, guests can enjoy the return of the “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” parade.

A brand-new nighttime show is premiering at California Adventure for the 70th anniversary. Fans can enjoy a new version of World of Color called “World of Color Happiness!” Performances begin May 16. According to Disney, this new nighttime show will be hosted by Joy and Sadness from Pixar’s Inside Out films as they “explore ‘happy’ through a kaleidoscope of emotions.”

The party continues around Buena Vista Street. Per Disney, “In the evenings, the exterior of Carthay Circle Restaurant will invite everyone to “celebrate happy” during a special moment filled with lights, music and projection effects.”

Where To Stay: Disneyland Resort Hotel Options

You have two choices regarding overnight accommodations near Disneyland: Disney-owned on-property resort hotels or off-property resort hotels. I find that Airbnb and vacation homes are fewer and farther between in Southern California than Orlando, so you will probably have better luck sticking with hotels (especially if you want to be as close to Disneyland as possible). That said, if your vacation takes you across Southern California and you’re just adventuring into Anaheim for a day, then you could potentially have more options.

DISNEYLAND RESORT HOTELS

Unlike the over two dozen on-property options at Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resort is home to only three hotels: Disneyland Hotel, Disney Grand Californian Hotel and Spa, and Pixar Pier Hotel. A night at any of these three hotels is priced similarly to the Deluxe Resort rates at Walt Disney World. These will be on the pricier end of your budget, but you do get the convenience of being on-property. And, because everything at Disneyland is within walking distance, you don’t have to worry about driving or figuring out transportation to and from the parks.

Another benefit to staying on Disneyland property is that, similar to Disney World, you get to live in that Disney “bubble” throughout your stay. Disneyland Resort hotel guests also get Early Admission to the parks each morning. Specifically, “Guests checked in and staying at one of the Disneyland Resort hotels can enter Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park 30 minutes before regular park opening.”

OFF-PROPERTY RESORT HOTELS/GOOD NEIGHBOR HOTELS

While you have limited options if you want to stay on Disneyland property, you have many options once you start looking beyond the property limits. Disneyland has several “Good Neighbor Hotels” that are also within walking distance of the theme parks – it’ll just take 15-20 minutes versus the 5-10 minutes when you stay on property. You stand to save a ton of money by staying off-property, so unless you have that Deluxe-size budget, you may want to start your hotel search with those Good Neighbor Hotels.

Remember, Disneyland is very different from Disney World in that Disneyland Resort is smack in the middle of downtown Anaheim. You are going to see far more third-party hotel options that are practically just as close to the parks for a far better value. 

As I mentioned above, consider if you want to see other areas of Southern California during your visit (which I highly recommend you do). If your primary stop on your itinerary is Disneyland, you may be better off using Anaheim as a “home base” during your stay. But if you want to see more of Los Angeles, you may want to look into hotels closer to those destinations and drive down to Anaheim for the day (just be ready for traffic).

Disneyland Resort’s Theme Parks: Where To Visit & What To Do

Here are the basics of what you need to know:

• Disneyland Resort includes two theme parks: Disneyland and California Adventure. If you’ve never been before, plan on spending a full day in each park. If you have a Park Hopper, you’ll enjoy the ease of being able to walk from park to park in a matter of minutes.
• There is also the Downtown Disney District, adjacent to the two theme parks, for all your dining and shopping needs. There are some great restaurants in Downtown Disney, so consider checking those out as you plan your meals.
• Disneyland Resort is home to three Disney-owned hotels located on the property. All three are within a roughly ten-minute walk from the entrance to the theme parks. If you are staying off-property, Disneyland’s hotels are a fun place to visit if you’re looking for a nearby, quiet oasis from the theme parks.

HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED AT DISNEYLAND?

The age old question: how much time do you need to accomplish everything on your To Do list at Disneyland Resort? This will in part depend on the time of year you visit (and how busy the parks are) and how much is on your list.

Because everything at Disneyland Resort is within walking distance, it isn’t a stretch to say you can see at least bits and pieces of everything in just one day if you get a Park Hopper ticket. That said, you will have to make concessions on what you see and do if you only have one day. A one day visit is certainly do-able, but I would recommend you stick to just one park so you can maximize your time more efficiently.

If you want to see both theme parks, then two days should be plenty of time, especially if you aren’t visiting on a peak crowd day. At that point, it would be up to you on whether you want to get a Park Hopper. The convenience of the parks being feet away from one another makes adding the Park Hopper much more feasible on a tight schedule. Any trip beyond two days in length will give you more than enough time to see and do everything on your list.

Where to Eat

Disneyland Resort, in my humble opinion, gives Disney World a run for its money when it comes to food, especially snacks. I can’t give you a clear answer as to why, but in many ways, the food at Disneyland far exceeds anything you’ll find at Walt Disney World. That said, with so many great options, it can be hard to choose where to eat.

Disneyland’s Advance Dining Reservation window opens 60 days prior. Consider booking these table-service restaurants first, as they tend to fill up:

• Blue Bayou – Disneyland Park
• Carthay Circle – Disney California Adventure
• Lamplight Lounge – Disney California Adventure
• Napa Rose – Disney Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
• Goofy’s Kitchen – Disneyland Hotel

Downtown Disney has been in the process of being reimagined, with new restaurants as part of that reimagining. By the time the transformation is complete, Downtown will have nearly ten new eateries, including the following which could open at any point in 2025:

• Seoul Sister: featuring a Korean-forward menu based on bibimbap (Korean rice bowls) with a California twist.
• Sip & Sonder: a cafe coming straight from Los Angeles, known for its exceptional signature lattes, as well as fresh treats, frozen drinks and Caribbean-inspired bites.
• GG’s Chicken Shop: with its family-friendly menu of chicken sandwiches, salads, and classic dinner table sides.
• A second-story bar above GG’s Chicken Shop “offering great views to sip signature craft cocktails and mocktails.”
• Porto’s Bakery and Cafe: a popular Southern California bakery chain featuring everything from pastries to sandwiches (and my personal favorite, their mashed potato balls).

What’s New at Disneyland For 2025

DISNEYLAND’S 70TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Disney loves to celebrate anniversaries, and the theme park that started it all will be turning 70 on July 17, 2025. We dived into all of the details of what the 70th Anniversary Celebration will entail earlier in this roundup.

WALT DISNEY — A MAGICAL LIFE

The new attraction that has everyone a-buzz is Walt Disney — A Magical Life. This new show is expected to open in 2025 at the Main Street Opera House in Disneyland Park. Upon opening, Walt Disney — A Magical Life will be the only show operating, but after its initial opening period, it will play alongside Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln. What’s the big draw you might ask? It was announced at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event that this show will feature the first-ever Audio-Animatronic figure of Walt Disney himself. Walt Disney — A Magical Life opens on May 16, 2025.

DOWNTOWN DISNEY REIMAGINING CONTINUES

The complete reimagining of Downtown Disney began to take fuller shape in 2024, but the work continues into 2025. Several new eateries are set to open in 2025, including the ones I outlined above. 

CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON AVENGERS CAMPUS EXPANSION

Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro announced that Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure would see its first-ever expansion, including the opening of two new attractions: Avengers Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab. The first ride, Avengers Infinity Defense, is the name of the E-ticket attraction that has been teased for years as part of the full lineup of Avengers Campus offerings.

In order to make room for this expansion, the Red Car Trolley will permanently cease operations at California Adventure. The last day guests can ride the Red Car Trolley will be on California Adventure’s anniversary, February 8. Per theme park journalist Scott Gustin, Disneyland plans on having one trolley parked on Buena Vista Street after February 8 so guests can continue to take photos.

READ MORE: A TIMELINE OF THE MAJOR CHANGES COMING TO DISNEYLAND, DISNEY WORLD, AND MORE