When to Visit Disneyland in 2022
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Hi, Disney friends! If you’re planning a trip to the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, in 2022, you’re in the right place because today I’m sharing with you the ultimate list of when to visit Disneyland in 2022. I’ve been visiting Disneyland from Hawaii almost every year since 2015, so I know a thing or two about maximizing your time in “the parks,” especially if you’re far from home. I'll be updating this blog post throughout the year as key dates become available, so bookmark this page so you can come back to it over and over.
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When to Visit Disneyland in 2022!
This travel guide style is the first of its kind on Livin’ La Vida Orozco. It’s a labor of love, and honestly, I wish I had something like this when I planned our first Disneyland vacation in 2015. Click on a month to jump to view a specific section: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.
Disney's Lunar New Year celebration in Disney California Adventure will begin on January 21 and run until February 13. Lunar New Year, or Chinese New Year, is an important holiday in China and other countries in East Asia, like North Korea, South Korea, and Vietnam.
The holiday is based on the lunar calendar and the new year marks the beginning of spring, which is synonymous with planting, new beginnings, and fresh starts. It’s also most commonly known for its transition from one Chinese zodiac to another. If you’re unfamiliar with the Chinese zodiac, it’s a repeating 12-year cycle of animal signs and their attributes. For example, I was born in the year of the goat / sheep, and depending on the year I was born in, my characteristics are “ambitious and kind-hearted with a strong sense of responsibility in work; sometimes too stubborn.”
Last year was the year of the ox, and this year is the year of the tiger. I can only imagine Tigger from Winnie the Pooh will play a big part in Disney's Lunar New Year interpretation.
As far as crowds go, I heard January through mid-March is the best time to visit Disneyland because the crowds are typically smaller after the holidays.
Know before you go:
January 21 – Haunted Mansion in Disneyland reopens.
January 21 - February 13 – Lunar New Year in Disney California Adventure begins!
Heads up! The following closures might affect your travel plans:
January 10 – Splash Mountain will close for refurbishment and it’s expected to reopen in the spring.
January 24 – Grizzly River Run will close for refurbishment and it’s expected to reopen in the spring.
January 24 – It's a Small World will close for refurbishment and it’s expected to reopen on February 3.
January 27 – Earl Sandwich in the Downtown Disney District will close for good. I highly recommend trying their Holiday Turkey sandwich before they’re gone.
Love is in the air again with the return of Disneyland After Dark: Sweetheart's Nite at Disneyland! Also returning in February is Celebrate Gospel at the Fantasyland Theater in Disneyland on February 19 and 26, and the Disneyland Parking Tram on February 23!
Know before you go:
February 1 – Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts' Nite.
February 3 – Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts' Nite.
February 3 – Special ESPN Super Bowl Festivities.
February 3 – It’s a Small World reopens.
February 4 – Special ESPN Super Bowl Festivities.
February 5 – Special ESPN Super Bowl Festivities.
February 6 – Special ESPN Super Bowl Festivities.
February 7 – Special ESPN Super Bowl Festivities.
February 8 – Special ESPN Super Bowl Festivities.
February 8 – Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts' Nite.
February 9 – Special ESPN Super Bowl Festivities.
February 10 – Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts' Nite.
February 10 – Special ESPN Super Bowl Festivities.
February 11 – Special ESPN Super Bowl Festivities.
February 12 – Special ESPN Super Bowl Festivities.
February 13 – Special ESPN Super Bowl Festivities.
February 14 – Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts' Nite.
February 19 – Celebrate Gospel featuring Kierra Sheard and Sacred Grove
February 23 – Disneyland Parking Tram returns.
February 26 – Celebrate Gospel featuring Jonathon McReynolds, Mali Music, and The Singers of Soul.
Heads up! Non-party (Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite) park guests will need to exit the park early on those days, so plan accordingly. Also, the following closures might affect your Disneyland travel plans:
February 14 – The Disneyland Monorail will close for refurbishment and it’s expected to reopen on March 6.
February 28 – Little Mermaid — Ariel's Under the Sea Adventure will close for refurbishment and it’s expected to reopen on March 3.
February 28 – The Matterhorn Bobsleds will close for refurbishment and it’s expected to reopen on March 4.
Foodies rejoice! The Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival makes its way back to the Disneyland Resort beginning March 4 and running until April 26. Enjoy California's delicious cuisine, entertainment, and more at this wildly popular event. Also returning is Disneyland After Dark: Villains Nite on March 8 and 10. Hang out and take photos with Disney's most mischievous villains and enjoy delicious food and beverages.
Know before you go:
March 3 – Little Mermaid — Ariel’s Under the Sea Adventure in Disney California reopens.
March 4 – Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival kicks off!
March 4 – The Matterhorn Bobsleds reopens.
March 6 – The Disneyland Monorail reopens.
March 8 – Disneyland After Dark: Villains Nite.
March 8 – Indiana Jones will close for refurbishment.
March 10 – Disneyland After Dark: Villains Nite.
March 11 – Indiana Jones reopens.
March 30 – Grizzly River Run reopens.
March 31 – Eggstravaganza, a special event in multiple Disneyland Resort locations, begins.
Heads up! Non-party (Disneyland After Dark: Villains Nite) park guests will need to exit the park early on those days, so plan accordingly. Also, the following closures might affect your Disney travel plans:
March 8 – Indiana Jones will close for refurbishment and it’s expected to reopen on March 11.
March 14 – Pirates of the Caribbean will close for refurbishment and it’s expected to reopen in the early summer.
It’s the news we’ve all been waiting for — nighttime entertainment at the Disneyland Resort is back! That’s right, all our favorite nighttime shows — Disneyland Forever, Fantasmic! (May 28), the Main Street Electrical Parade, World of Color — and character hugs are returning this spring! Plus, the Main Street Electrical Parade is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a special grand finale float, and I can’t wait to see it! I also can’t wait to watch World of Color and Fantasmic! again. I think I might just cry the first time I do.
Disney also announced its Halloween food, events, and characters this month. If you can’t wait for the spooky season to arrive at the Disney Parks, you can enjoy ghoulish foods and merch for a limited time beginning April 28.
Know before you go:
April 22 – Disneyland Forever fireworks show returns.
April 22 – The Main Street Electrical Parade returns.
April 22 – World of Color returns.
April 28 – Enjoy a Cheddar Pickle Dog at Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs in Downtown Disney District until May 1.
April 28 – Enjoy a Spooky churro at California Churro in Downtown Disney District until May 4.
Star Wars fans rejoice! Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite returns on May 3, 4, and 27 (#vroosh!). Experience the ultimate galactic experience at Disneyland’s Star Wars Nite with an amazing Star Wars-themed fireworks show, attractions, food and beverages, sightings of various Star Wars characters throughout the night, and more!
Also returning to the Disneyland Resort this year is Grad Nite. Grad Nite is a separately ticketed event for high school seniors graduating in 2022. Attendees will get to experience an after-hours type of party, and they’ll get to take pictures with Disney characters dressed in graduation gear on select nights from May 13 to June 17.
And finally, the best news to emerge from Disney in two years, in my opinion, is my favorite nighttime extravaganza Fantasmic! is returning on May 28! Unlike World of Color, Fantasmic! will not have a virtual queue option, but you can still enjoy the show as a stand-by guest or by purchasing a dining package. I’m sure you could also find a place to stand outside of the roped-off viewing area, but that option is not always guaranteed because you’ll be at the mercy of cast members who are directing traffic.
Know before you go:
May 3 – Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite.
May 4 – Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite.
May 13 – Grad Nite.
May 14 – Grad Nite.
May 18 – Grad Nite.
May 20 – Grad Nite.
May 21 – Grad Nite.
May 25 – Grad Nite.
May 26 – Grad Nite.
May 27 – Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite
May 28 – Fantasmic! returns
May 28 – “Tale of the Lion King” debuts at Fantasyland Theater.
Heads up! Non-Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite and Grad Nite party guests will need to exit Disneyland and Disney California Adventure early on party days, so plan accordingly.
There were so many great Disneyland announcements this month! New this summer is the Disneyland After Dark: Grad Nite Reunion on June 23. Relive your high school grad nite in this reunion-style party on select nights in June. This separately ticketed event celebrates the last six decades and invites you to reunite with friends and remember the fun in this nostalgic after-party.
Disney also announced more info about Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort, including when to purchase tickets for the spooky-popular Oogie Boogie Bash. A limited amount of Oogie Boogie Bash tickets will go on pre-sale for Magic Key Holders on June 28 at 9 a.m. PST. D23 Members will also get to purchase pre-sale tickets for their own exclusive Oogie Boogie Bash night on September 10, which coincides with the D23 Expo.
Lastly, Disney shared a first look at the tasty treats that will be offered for Halfway to the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort from June 23 – 30. It looks like most of the holiday fun will be offered at Walt Disney World, but Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs will offer a Christmas Dinner Corn Dog and California Churro will offer a mouth-watering Peppermint Churro. Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs and California Churro are both located in the Downtown Disney District.
If you’re planning a Disneyland vacation during the summer, be prepared for larger crowds (especially on Grad Nite days), hotter days, and longer-than-normal ride lines. Consider purchasing Disney's Genie+ to skip the long ride lines and maximize your time in the park.
Genie+ is the replacement for Disney’s FastPass and MaxPass services. This fee-for-service costs $20 per person per park day and it’s connected to your Disneyland app. Paying for this service allows you to make ride reservations, purchase Lightning Lane reservations for select premium rides, like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, download PhotoPass photos, and listen to audio tales. Ready to purchase Genie+? Easily add Genie+ to your order when you book discount Disneyland tickets with my travel partner Get Away Today. Use code “OROZCO” to save an additional $10 at checkout when you book a Disneyland vacation package (tickets + hotel) with Get Away Today. Book a discount Disneyland vacation package with Genie+ Today >
Know before you go:
June 1 – Grad Nite.
June 3 – Grad Nite.
June 4 – Grad Nite.
June 7 – Grad Nite.
June 8 – Grad Nite.
June 10 – Grad Nite.
June 11 – Grad Nite.
June 17 – Grad Nite.
June 23 – Disneyland After Dark: Grad Nite Reunion.
June 23 – Halfway to the Holidays begins! Celebrate the holidays early and enjoy a Christmas Dinner Corn Dog from Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs or a Peppermint Churro from California Churro from June 23 – 30 in Downtown Disney.
June 28 – Oogie Boogie Bash tickets go on pre-sale for Magic Key Holders. D23 Members may also purchase tickets on this day for their exclusive Oogie Boogie Bash night on September 10.
June 28 – Disneyland After Dark: Grad Nite Reunion.
June 30 – General admission for Oogie Boogie Bash begins.
June 30 – Disneyland After Dark: Grad Nite Reunion.
Heads up! Non-Grad Nite and Disneyland After Dark: Grad Nite Reunion party guests will need to exit Disney California Adventure early on party days, so plan accordingly.
Splash into summer by booking a Disneyland vacation package at one of Disneyland’s three magical resorts: Disneyland Hotel, Grand California Hotel, or Paradise Pier! In addition to all the perks you get just for being a guest of the Disneyland Hotel, Grand California Hotel, or Pixar Pier, Disney announced more magical benefits for Disneyland Resort Hotel guests are coming soon!
From July 1 to August 31, Disneyland Resort Hotel guests can party with Mickey and friends at the all-new summer pool parties! The Disney poolside squad will be on deck to lead pool games and play high-energy music for dancing.
Beginning on August 8, Disneyland Resort Hotel guests will get Early Entry for 30 minutes before each park’s opening to enjoy select attractions, dining, and shopping, daily. Also available beginning August 8, the things you purchased in the parks can be delivered to your Disneyland Resort Hotel the next day (this perk will be a game-changer for me!). You’ll also be able to make select Disneyland Resort shopping and dining purchases right to your room through the Disneyland app.
Use code “OROZCO” to save $10 at checkout when you book your Disneyland Resort Hotel vacation package (tickets + hotel) with my travel partner, Get Away Today! Learn more about all the magical perks coming to the Disneyland Resort Hotels on the Disney Parks Blog.
Know before you go:
July 1 – Pirates of the Caribbean reopens.
July 1 – Disneyland Resort Hotel guests can party with Mickey Mouse and friends at the summer pool parties from July 1 to August 31.
July 25 – Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage reopens.
Heads up! The limited Disneyland Main Street Electrical Parade and Disneyland Forever fireworks show ends on September 1.
We try to visit Disneyland every August for my birthday. (That’s me at Pixar Pier on my 30th birthday last year!) Pros: August is also an ideal time to visit because school is back in session, making park days on the weekdays a little lighter in terms of foot traffic. Cons: The weather is uncomfortably hot, but it’s not as bad as the humidity during summers in Hawaii.
Beginning on August 8, Disneyland Resort Hotel guests will get Early Entry for 30 minutes prior to each park’s opening, to enjoy select attractions, dining, and shopping, daily. Also available beginning August 8, the things you purchased in the parks can be delivered to your Disneyland Resort Hotel the next day. You’ll also be able to make select Disneyland Resort shopping and dining purchases right to your room through the Disneyland app. Disney also announced the limited Disneyland Main Street Electrical Parade and the Disneyland Forever fireworks show will end on September 1.
Know before you go:
August 8 – Early Entry begins for Disneyland Resort Hotel guests.
August 8 – Package Delivery begins for Disneyland Resort Hotel guests.
August 8 – Matterhorn closes for refurbishment.
August 15 – Haunted Mansion closes for Halloween Time refurbishment.
August 15 – Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! closes for refurbishment.
August 25 – Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique reopens.
Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort will return from September 2 – October 31, 2022. The spooky-cute Halloween decor and special events, like Oogie Boogie Bash and Día de Los Muertos at the Plaza de la Familia (Paradise Gardens Park) in Disney California Adventure, are all set to return this year. Check out these other returning transformations this year:
Haunted Mansion Holiday in New Orleans Square.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Monsters After Dark in Avengers Campus.
Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween in Cars Land.
Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree transforms into Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree in Cars Land.
Radiator Screams in Cars Land.
Halloween Screams fireworks and projection show in front of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle.
Oogie Boogie Bash: Also returning this year is Oogie Boogie Bash, a separately-ticketed Halloween event at Disney California Adventure. Magic Key Holders will get preferred access to a select amount of Oogie Boogie Bash pre-sale tickets ahead of the general public on June 18 at 9 a.m. PST. New this year, D23 Members can purchase tickets to their exclusive Oogie Boogie Bash night on September 10. General admission tickets start at $129 (ages 3+) and will go on sale on June 30.
Plaza de Familia: Once again, Paradise Gardens in Disney California Adventure will transform into Plaza de Familia from September 2 – November 2. The transformation is to celebrate Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead). In the Mexican culture, it’s believed that death is the natural next step in one’s life. To celebrate, families set up an ofrenda (altar) in their homes with photos of their deceased loved ones and share food, dance, and activities with them (just like in the Disney Pixar movie Coco). At Disney’s interpretation of Día de Los Muertos, park guests can enjoy delicious Mexican food and shows, like A Musical Celebration of Coco at Plaza de la Familia. Meet Miguel and Mirabel, listen to Mariachi Bands, and participate in Día de Los Muertos-inspired activities.
Know before you go:
September 1 – “Glowing away:” Mainstreet Electrical Parade.
September 1 – “Glowing away:” Disneyland Forever fireworks show.
September 2 – Halloween Time begins at the Disneyland Resort!
September 6 – Oogie Boogie Bash.
September 9 – Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit in Downtown Disney returns from September 9 to October 31.
September 10 – Oogie Boogie Bash, D23 Member-exlusive night.
September 13 – Oogie Boogie Bash.
September 15 – Oogie Boogie Bash.
September 18 – Oogie Boogie Bash.
September 20 – Oogie Boogie Bash.
September 22 – Oogie Boogie Bash.
September 25 – Oogie Boogie Bash.
September 27 – Oogie Boogie Bash.
September 29 – Oogie Boogie Bash.
Heads up! Non-Oogie Boogie Bash guests must exit Disney California Adventure early on party days, so plan accordingly.
Believe it or not, Halloween is my least favorite holiday because I don’t like horror movies, but I always end up at Disneyland during that time of year. Thankfully, Halloween at Disneyland is more cute and fun than scary. The Haunted Mansion transforms into Haunted Mansion Holiday and there are so many yummy Halloween snacks. 😋 See more information about Halloween at the Disneyland Resort in my post, Everything You Need to Know About Halloween Time at Disneyland.
Know before you go:
October 2 – Oogie Boogie Bash.
October 4 – Oogie Boogie Bash.
October 6 – Oogie Boogie Bash.
October 9 – Oogie Boogie Bash.
October 11 – Oogie Boogie Bash.
October 13 – Oogie Boogie Bash.
October 16 – Oogie Boogie Bash.
October 18 – Oogie Boogie Bash.
October 20 – Oogie Boogie Bash.
October 23 – Oogie Boogie Bash.
October 25– Oogie Boogie Bash.
October 27 – Oogie Boogie Bash.
October 29 – Oogie Boogie Bash.
October 31 – Oogie Boogie Bash.
Heads up! Non-Oogie Boogie Bash guests must exit Disney California Adventure early on party days, so plan accordingly.
It’s official! Disneyland will transform into The Merriest Place on Earth from November 11, 2022, to January 8, 2023. We’ll be there on December 8 & 9, right after our Very Merrytime Disney Cruise to Mexico. Out of all the trips we’ve taken to Disneyland, I have to admit the holidays were the busiest. It’s impossible to avoid the crowds at Disneyland this time of year, and it’s a “take one for the team” adventure. But it’s a fun adventure nonetheless! Check out my Disneyland holiday travel guide for more information.
Know before you go:
November 11 – Disneyland Holidays return!
Last year was the first time I visited the Disneyland Resort during the holidays. The crowds at Disney California Adventure weren't too bad, but the crowds at Disneyland were insane. Despite the holiday crowds, there were many fun entertainment options at Disneyland, like the "snoap" (snow soap) on Main Street U.S.A., and everyone's favorite, A Christmas Fantasy Parade. Check out my Disneyland holiday travel guide for more information.
Phew! That was a lot of information! If you made it to the end of this guide, congratulations! There’s a lot of information in this post, so if you have any questions about anything I shared today, feel free to comment below, email me, or DM me on Instagram at @disneywithdaorozcos, and I'll try my best to answer your questions.
Editor’s note: “When to Visit Disneyland in 2022” was first published on January 22, 2022, and it was updated on October 16 to include new information about attractions, nighttime entertainment shows, rides, and more at the Disneyland Resort. Please be mindful that the dates listed below are subject to change. All the information presented here is from Disneyland's website, Disneyland News, Disney Parks Blog, or Get Away Today.