Visiting the Disneyland Resort is always a fun and exciting time for all ages no matter what time of the year. However, a little planning in advance might make your trip a little more enjoyable during certain months of the year. Here are some tips for visiting the Disneyland Resort in January 2025.
Dress for the weather
People unfamiliar with Southern California may think it is always hot and sunny, but that is not always the case. And while it can be hot and sunny in January, Southern California weather in January is usually cool and mild. Pack jeans (or whatever your most comfortable pants are), t-shirts, and long-sleeved shirts for each day of your visit. Also plan to wear or carry around a sweatshirt, heavy jacket or hoodie for the morning and evening. Southern California mornings and evenings can be really cool but the days can be really warm. Highs are typically in the 60’s to low 70’s in January. And in the sun, it can get really warm during the day. But when the sun goes down in the evenings, the temperatures drop and it can get really cold. In January, wearing shorts are usually not a good idea unless you plan on leaving the parks early or going back to your room to change in the evenings.
Buy tickets in advance and make park reservations
Disneyland theme parks require reservations for each park visit so buying theme park tickets in advance give you the opportunity to make theme park reservations in advance. Theme park reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance. So, by purchasing your theme park tickets in advance, you can guarantee that the dates you plan to visit the park are available as well as are reserved for you and your party. Keep in mind that once park reservations allotted for a specific day are all reserved, those specific days become blocked out. Also, purchasing tickets in advance can save you money since admission prices can increase at any time.
Check the blockout date calendar
If you are a Disneyland Magic Key holder, theme park reservations are also required. Plus all Magic Key passes have blockout dates throughout the year. While the Inspire Key is only blocked out the two weeks around Christmas and New Years Day, other Magic Key passes have several blockout dates throughout the year.
Plan dates for your visit
Disneyland Resort theme parks no longer have an “off season”. Crowds tend to vary daily but weekdays tend to be busier. Mondays are typically a less expensive day for a one-day park ticket; however, Mondays are also one of the busiest days of the week because of the lower ticket price. Weekends and holidays are usually more expensive for one-day park tickets but can sometimes be less crowded. Also, the weekends sometimes include more entertainment. Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite begin in January and take place on the 21, 23, 28. On these nights, Disneyland Park will close early so plan in advance to avoid a few less available hours in the park.
Watch for special events
Starting January 17, 2025, you can celebrate Lunar New Year and the Year of the Snake with Asian-inspired food, festival decor, and Disney characters at Disney California Adventure Park. You can also attend Anaheim Ducks Day on January 24, which includes a cavalcade, games, and appearances by select Anaheim Ducks players. These special events can sometimes attract large crowds but also offer special experiences during your park visit. So while you might be able to experience limited time events and offerings, you may experience a crowded theme park with longer wait times and walkway congestion.
Check the refurbishment calendar
Check our weekly “Know Before You Go” blog post for the latest updates on refurbishments at the Disneyland Resort. While the refurbishment calendar can change at any time, make sure your favorite attractions, food & beverage locations and merchandise shops will be open during your visit. The refurbishment calendar is only available for just over 40 days out; however, knowing in advance if an attraction or other experience will be closed during your visit will help avoid disappointment after you have arrived at the park. Here are the current refurbishments on the calendar for January 2025:
- The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln – April 16, 2024 – May 15, 2025
- Meet Tinker Bell in Pixie Hollow – September 16, 2024 – TBD
- Disneyland Monorail – January 6, 2025 – TBD
- Mark Twain Riverboat – January 6, 2025 – January 10, 2025
- Haunted Mansion – January 7, 2025 – January 17, 2025
- Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe – January 7, 2025 – TBD
- Disneyland Railroad – January 13, 2025 – TBD
- “it’s a small world” – January 21, 2025 – TBD
- Grizzly River Run – January 6, 2025 – TBD
- Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind – January 6, 2025 – January 23, 2025
Watch for Special Offers & Discounts
The Disneyland Resort offers special offers and discounts throughout the year. In January, there is a SoCal Residents offer and a Kids’ Special Ticket Offer.
Disneyland Resort Hotel Offers
From January 7 through March 20, 2025, save up to 25% on select stays at a Disneyland Resort Hotel.
Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend
This runDisney event takes place from January 30–February 2, 2025. While the event is sold out, plan for crowd congestion in the mornings especially on the east side of the resort.
A little planning can help make your visit to the Disneyland Resort in January a happier and much more magical experience. For specific questions or tips, please feel free to contact me. I am happy to help with any advice or tips if I can.
More Disneyland Resort News
Looking for more Disneyland news? Check out these recent articles for the most up-to-date information at the Disneyland Resort:
- Tips for visiting Disneyland in January
- Bluey is coming to Disney Parks and Disney Cruise Line in 2025
- Know Before You Go!
- Madame Leota’s Somewhere Beyond Merchandise Shop Now Open
- Updated Shopping Guide to Downtown Disney District at Disneyland
- Disney Character 2025 Pins
And follow us on Instagram, Facebook and other social channels for even more up-to-date information.
As always, I’ll “see ya real soon” Mouseketeers!