2026 Dates: Lunar New Year or Pride?

[carouselDL]

I'm planning to return to DL sometime in 2026, but I'm torn between Lunar New Year in late January/early February or Pride night in June (sadly, I don't think both are in the budget). Both would be very meaningful to me personally. I've put what I think are the pros and cons below, but I'd love to hear other people's opinions!

Lunar New Year
Pros

• Food festival!
• Probably better weather (I realize it might rain)
• Sooner than June lol

Cons

• Haunted Mansion or Small World will be down to remove holiday overlays (I think?)
• Nighttime entertainment may not run on weeknights
• Have to schedule around Sweetheart Nights (not interested in attending)

Pride Night
Pros

• I've never done an after hours event!
• Nighttime entertainment should be every day (I think?)
• Flights are less likely to have weather delays

Cons

• What if I can't get an after hours ticket??? (Idk how fast they sell out)
• Hot (meds have really diminished my heat tolerance)
• More expensive

 

[Pluto468]

I'd go with Lunar New Year strictly because of the June heat issue. You just never know how hot it will be and you want to go at a time when you can enjoy yourself the most. I do think Lunar New Year looks great. We were supposed to go for that this year but had to postpone.

You might like sweethearts nite if you've never been to an after dark event. They seem fun even if you aren't totally invested in the theme.

 

[carouselDL]

I'd go with Lunar New Year strictly because of the June heat issue. You just never know how hot it will be and you want to go at a time when you can enjoy yourself the most. I do think Lunar New Year looks great. We were supposed to go for that this year but had to postpone.

You might like sweethearts nite if you've never been to an after dark event. They seem fun even if you aren't totally invested in the theme.

Yeah, you're probably right! And good point about sweethearts nite, I guess if nothing else there should be shorter lines for rides

 

[cruisehopeful]

June isn't always hot. Our hottest months are July, Aug and September. I would pick June because it's daylight longer and everything will be open in the parks+ more entertaining.

 

[LKing]

I agree. I think you are more likely to get rain in Jan/Feb than heat in June.

 

[LAS2AMS]

The weather has become unpredictable, but it’s almost a certainty you’ll need a jacket most evenings in June (after the sun goes does). Most days will be comfortably warm when the sun is up.

Jan/Feb can be very chilly, especially when it rains.

 

[Jawwdoc]

As stated above, rain and refurbs much more likely in Jan/ Feb. The June gloom (marine layer) is for real, but makes for less heat in June as a general rule. I don’t think pride night tickets sell out quickly, the tickets for June 2025 have been for sale for a few weeks now and are still available.

 

[LKing]

Many After Dark events (Sweetheart's Nite, 90s Nite, Disney Channel, etc) attract locals. However, there are people who plan their annual vacations around Pride Nites. I don't know how many do both nights or if there are other Pride events outside of the parks, but I've noticed that the day in between the two events is more crowded than usual.

 

[kirstie101]

Disneyland Half Marathon weekend is Jan 29-Feb 1 so might want to keep that in mind if you do pick Jan/Feb. I enjoyed the food at the festival this year but don’t know that I would plan a trip around it. If you pick June expect clouds that burn off by afternoon. It can be warm but usually not hot.

 

[LKing]

May 3 is closer to June than January and it was raining today.

 

[carouselDL]

Thanks for so many opinions I grew up in LA so yeah, I agree with everyone that January and June are both gambles with the weather...usually I go in May or November, but I thought it would be fun to try a special event next year, albeit with a side of decision paralysis lol

 

[yourfriend2]

I would do Jan/Feb due to less crowds. Plus Lunar New Year event seems like fun!

 

[xApril]

LNY is the only event I haven’t done. I went in January last year and froooooze. They also decided to down like all entertainment during our trip so we only had world of color and mickeys mix magic, no daytime parade. I don’t do cold and hate layering personally. June was great last year for us and we loved pride. I’m going back this year for pride. I would vote for pride. It does sell out, but it went on sale weeks ago and isn’t sold out yet. It’s usually closer to the event as it was sold out when we were there.

 

[carouselDL]

I would vote for pride. It does sell out, but it went on sale weeks ago and isn’t sold out yet. It’s usually closer to the event as it was sold out when we were there.

Aah sweet, I should have checked this year! I hadn't thought about it selling out at all but was suddenly worried it was like the Oogie Boogie madness. Sounds like I should be fine then

 

[bakofarmgirl]

Disneyland Half Marathon weekend is Jan 29-Feb 1 so might want to keep that in mind if you do pick Jan/Feb.

FYI i saw on rundisney this will be the last weekend for disneyland races for a little bit

Please note that due to upcoming construction impacts, runDisney races at the Disneyland® Resort will be placed on hiatus in 2026 after the conclusion of the 2026 Disneyland® Half Marathon Weekend presented by HONDA. We will continue to offer races at Walt Disney World® Resort, as well as virtual offerings.