Planning visit for Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary

[CarolynFH]

DH and I started talking about replacing our January 2026 cruise with a visit to DLR during its 70th Anniversary celebrations (5/16/25 until sometime in summer 2026). We’re thinking about January or February 2026 for low points cost, hoping for a 1BR at VGC for 5 weeknights and getting 4-day hopper tickets. We’ve been to DLR 3 times together (2003, 2016, and 2019, and I visited twice as a kid in the 1960s, rode the flying saucers!), so we’re relatively familiar with both parks. But I’d love to hear from y’all who can tell me about that time of year - weather, any particular dates in January or February that would be worse or better in terms of crowds, etc. AND any guesses as to how much 7-month availability might be affected by the Anniversary celebrations?

ETA - aargh, I forgot about the refurb - hopefully will start on time and finish way earlier than next January!

 

[juliebee]

I'm also considering a visit to Disneyland around the same time. I don't want to go during a holiday season as I am hoping they have great 70th decorations up when it's not the holidays. Or perhaps before they decorate for Halloween 2025, but I'm unsure when that is. When I was there the end of August, the decorations were already up, so that leaves until mid-August at the latest, so probably best for me to plan post-Christmas. Anyway, the 70th should be fun

 

[irlandaise]

I'm also considering a visit to Disneyland around the same time. I don't want to go during a holiday season as I am hoping they have great 70th decorations up when it's not the holidays. Or perhaps before they decorate for Halloween 2025, but I'm unsure when that is. When I was there the end of August, the decorations were already up, so that leaves until mid-August at the latest, so probably best for me to plan post-Christmas. Anyway, the 70th should be fun

https://disneyland.disney.go.com/events-tours/halloween-time-at-the-disneyland-resort/

 

[Meriweather]

We're going the week before it officially starts. but then also planning for our usual Dec. trip. I'll be booking that soon

 

[Fangorn]

Be aware that Jan and Feb are the height of the rainy season in LA. And that typically means real rain, not just a quick shower or two. In addition, overcast skies will be the norm, even if it doesn't rain. Typical temps will be in the mid-low 60s for highs, and 40s for less. It can get very chilly in the evenings. Plan accordingly.

Steve

 

[CarolynFH]

Be aware that Jan and Feb are the height of the rainy season in LA. And that typically means real rain, not just a quick shower or two. In addition, overcast skies will be the norm, even if it doesn't rain. Typical temps will be in the mid-low 60s for highs, and 40s for less. It can get very chilly in the evenings. Plan accordingly.

Steve

Thanks. That may be why it’s the lowest point cost season, too! We’ll think about alternative dates but that may need to take our chances with cold rain.

 

[maurobecerra]

Hello CarolynFH,

I have been a dedicated Disneyland annual pass holder for over 18 years and can say with confidence that the second and third weeks of January typically have low attendance at both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. I read someone mention the rainy season, but honestly, Southern California is unpredictable with rain. We haven’t had rain in two years.

Additionally, Disneyland is mostly visited by locals or pass holders like me. Most annual passes expire in November or December, so those who don’t renew reduce the overall number of pass holders freeing up the parks. Disneyland usually doesn’t open new annual pass options until the beginning of February, before the President’s holiday,

If you’re planning to get the VGC, it’s also a low season for owners, who typically book the majority of the villas. Make sure to book your villa on the first day of the beginning of the seven-month period, as they go fast. If you’re considering the Disneyland Hotel villas, the local Anaheim tax (average $90 per day) is also lower during those weeks. Just avoid the MLK weekend.

The only downside might be that Disneyland uses these weeks to close some rides or areas for renovation. However, with the 70th anniversary, I doubt there will be significant closures.

 

[MinnieGirl33]

Please dont get your heart set on VGC. Their inventory is very small & getting more than 1-2 nights is insanely difficult, especially at 7 mos. regardless of time of year. I would expect to need to book VDL (?) & waitlist VGC.

We moved to LA about 8 years ago & are driving distance/visit about every other month & I am constantly looking at availability for even just 1 night (weekday or weekend) any time of year. Over the last 8 years I've only been able to grab VGC twice & only 1 night.

VDL is still a great option & I hope you get lucky, just dont get your heart set on VGC.

 

[CarolynFH]

Please dont get your heart set on VGC. Their inventory is very small & getting more than 1-2 nights is insanely difficult, especially at 7 mos. regardless of time of year. I would expect to need to book VDL (?) & waitlist VGC.

We moved to LA about 8 years ago & are driving distance/visit about every other month & I am constantly looking at availability for even just 1 night (weekday or weekend) any time of year. Over the last 8 years I've only been able to grab VGC twice & only 1 night.

VDL is still a great option & I hope you get lucky, just dont get your heart set on VGC.

Thanks - I know it would be difficult even for a 1BR. For various reasons we decided to give up on DLR for 2026 and booked our home BWV. However, it’s possible I’ll check availability at 7 months, and if a miracle happens, I might change!

 

[eticketplease]

Thanks - I know it would be difficult even for a 1BR. For various reasons we decided to give up on DLR for 2026 and booked our home BWV. However, it’s possible I’ll check availability at 7 months, and if a miracle happens, I might change!

If something does open up remember you will not be able to modify your BWV or VDH or VGC. You would have to use any points you still have or drop your current reservation.

 

[CarolynFH]

If something does open up remember you will not be able to modify your BWV or VDH or VGC. You would have to use any points you still have or drop your current reservation.

Hopefully I’d have enough points to book it and then cancel my BWV. As I said, a miracle!

 

[Girlstar30]

This is the first month we have actually had rain which is odd. Normally the rain and snow in the mountains is most prevalent in February. Bring a jacket for night time and you'll be completely fine. I wear shorts during the day year round usually except February, but this year its been March that is the coldest for whatever reason. January is a great time to go imo (after new year) because the holidays are over and less people.

The downside is that there's less going on. February has the lunar new year celebration in DCA that has a nice little parade and Asian food offerings.

You probably already know this but don't even think about going on new year unless you are okay with insanely heavy crowds. I believe you can still catch some holiday stuff in the first week of January after new year, that would be a great time to go if you want to see the holiday stuff without the crowds. Small world holiday, haunted mansion holiday, and the Christmas fantasy parade are always delightful! I find Friday night to be the most miserable time to go. Most magic key passes are blocked out Saturday, but not Friday and there's a LOT of people. Going thru security is a nightmare. Sometimes after work on Friday night we would go, but not anymore, just not worth it.

 

[CarolynFH]

What pulled me back to considering DLR is the new Walt Disney animatronic that’s coming. I grew up watching his TV show, and that would be very special to me!

 

[VGCgroupie]

How many days were you going to want to book at VGC?

 

[CarolynFH]

How many days were you going to want to book at VGC?

Well, we wanted three full days there, so four nights. As I acknowledged above, yes, a miracle.

Now I’m looking at my BWV reservation, a 1BR resort view for a week including Marathon Weekend, and contemplating renting it out to apply the cash to a DLR visit.

 

[VGCgroupie]

Well, we wanted three full days there, so four nights. As I acknowledged above, yes, a miracle.

Now I’m looking at my BWV reservation, a 1BR resort view for a week including Marathon Weekend, and contemplating renting it out to apply the cash to a DLR visit.

Are you in the DVC Fan Cancelled Reservations FB group?

 

[CarolynFH]

Are you in the DVC Fan Cancelled Reservations FB group?

No, I let DH do the FB stuff, and I don’t think he’s in that one. I’ll have him look at it. Thanks.

 

[VGCgroupie]

Curious @Sandisw Im not sure if you are familiar with the FB group I posted above or not, but Im curious if are we allowed to share here when we are cancelling reservations? That would be a great feature to have, obliviously no exchanging of money just hey Im cancelling this if you want to try and snag it type thing.

 

[Sandisw]

Curious @Sandisw Im not sure if you are familiar with the FB group I posted above or not, but Im curious if are we allowed to share here when we are cancelling reservations? That would be a great feature to have, obliviously no exchanging of money just hey Im cancelling this if you want to try and snag it type thing.

No, it is not something that we allow people to do. It could end up being used as a way around the rules for confirmed reservations, posting availability, etc and to be honest, very time consuming to moderate.

 

[VGCgroupie]

No, it is not something that we allow people to do. It could end up being used as a way around the rules for confirmed reservations, posting availability, etc and to be honest, very time consuming to moderate.

Okay that makes sense.