When visiting Disneyland, it’s not uncommon for guests to expect high admission costs or heavy crowds — often both. If you’re visiting the park to celebrate Disneyland’s 100 year anniversary or generally want to plan a day at "The Happiest Place On Earth," admission tickets vary depending on the season, month and day.

Here’s a quick guide on the cheapest time to go to Disneyland, as well as the most expensive times to visit throughout the year.

Cheapest time to go to Disneyland

Single-day Disneyland Resort tickets are based on varying pricing levels. Although Disneyland’s website states that the parks don’t have an official off-peak season, Disneyland prices its one-day admission tickets across seven tiers.

Pricing tiers start at Tier 0 (least expensive) and go up to Tier 6 (most expensive). Tiered pricing is set on a rolling schedule, with one-day admission prices available up to 120 days in advance. Typically, the busier the park is expected to be, the higher the tier.

Cheapest months to go to Disneyland

The cheapest time to visit Disneyland falls around non-holiday months and periods when school is in session. Specifically, this is after the holiday season, starting in the middle of January through the end of February — before California schools’ spring break months in March and April.

Another period that offers cheaper Disneyland ticket prices is just after summer, from September through mid-November, just before Thanksgiving break. However, during these months, the cheapest time to go to Disneyland varies depending on the week you visit.

Cheapest day to go to Disneyland

Like other travel-related reservations, such as flights and hotel, weekdays are the cheapest days to go to Disneyland. Purchasing a one-day ticket to Disneyland is much more affordable from Monday through Thursday when many students are in school.

For comparison, going to Disneyland on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023, costs $104 for an adult ticket. On the following Friday, Sept. 15, the price increases notably to $159 and then to $169 on Saturday, Sept. 16.

That’s a savings of $65 on admission alone per ticket, just by visiting the park midweek rather than on a busy Saturday.

Most expensive time to go to Disneyland

If you’re looking for ways to save money at Disneyland, avoid purchasing an admission ticket during peak periods. The most expensive months of the year tend to fall on the park’s busiest months, when it extends its operating hours.

For instance, Aug. 4, 2023, a summer Friday with extended park hours from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. costs $169 for a one-day, one-park ticket. This increased pricing includes spring break, summer months (June through August) and popular holiday periods.

From mid-November through early January, guests can enjoy “Holidays at the Disneyland Resort,” which offers special entertainment such as A Christmas Fantasy Parade, Sleeping Beauty’s snow-capped castle and other elaborate decor.

The bottom line

For some guests, a trip to Disneyland is still a considerable expense. The best way to keep your Disneyland visit on a budget is by keeping your schedule flexible. Consider visiting Disneyland during the cheapest time to go — specifically, between February through April and in the middle of the week.

Frequently asked questionsWhat is the cheapest time of year to go to Disneyland?

Although the cost of admission to Disneyland changes throughout the year, the cheapest time to go to Disneyland is during the off-peak season. This is generally between mid-January and February, or September through mid-November.

What is the slowest month at Disneyland?

Typically, Disneyland Park’s slowest month with fewer crowds is just after California’s summer season, mid-September through the weeks just before Thanksgiving weekend. Other optimal months to visit for fewer crowds are from mid-January through mid-March.

Is it cheaper to go to Disneyland on a weekday?

Yes. Generally, the cheapest days to go to Disneyland are from Mondays through Thursdays. Fridays and Sundays typically cost a bit more, while Saturdays are the most expensive days to visit Disneyland.

Is it better to go to Disneyland early or late?

If your goal is to reduce long waits in standby lines as much as possible, consider getting to the park early on your reservation date. Ideally, arriving as soon as the park opens can help you cross off popular attractions from your list, before the swarm of crowds settle into the park.

What is the cheapest time of year to go to Disneyland?

Although the cost of admission to Disneyland changes throughout the year, the cheapest time to go to Disneyland is during the off-peak season. This is generally between mid-January and February, or September through mid-November.

What is the slowest month at Disneyland?

Typically, Disneyland Park’s slowest month with fewer crowds is just after California’s summer season, mid-September through the weeks just before Thanksgiving weekend. Other optimal months to visit for fewer crowds are from mid-January through mid-March.

Is it cheaper to go to Disneyland on a weekday?

Yes. Generally, the cheapest days to go to Disneyland are from Mondays through Thursdays. Fridays and Sundays typically cost a bit more, while Saturdays are the most expensive days to visit Disneyland.

Is it better to go to Disneyland early or late?

If your goal is to reduce long waits in standby lines as much as possible, consider getting to the park early on your reservation date. Ideally, arriving as soon as the park opens can help you cross off popular attractions from your list, before the swarm of crowds settle into the park.

(Top photo courtesy of Disneyland)