We are in the initial planning stages of a trip to Disneyland (CA) with our two girls during the first few months of the year. We would appreciate any suggestions on the least crowded time, which day of the week is best, best time for weather, etc. We know we can't get the perfect day on all accounts, but would like to plan the best we can. Thanks!!!

I live in Southern California ( San Diego ). I would recommend October as the best month for visiting. The weather is great and it will not be too crowded. I just noticed that you said the early part of the year so that eliminates October. Try to go as late in the winter/spring as possible. For example April is usually much better than February. Mid week will be the least crowded. There won't be too many crowds at that time of the year anyways. The weather is pretty unpredictable in the winter months. It could rain or be very warm.

I agree with above. We live 30 minutes from Disneyland. My kids and I like to spend Easter Sunday. The park is open, it's almost empty and the Disney Hotel has a grest easter egg hunt on their lawn. A couple of years ago we left about 4 and went home for a nap, be sure to get your hands stamped!, and came back after dinner about 7 and stayed till it closed at midnight. It was a great day! A call to operations will tell you in advance what rides willbe down for construction and you might check before planning your trip. Good luck, HAVR FUN&

Hi Mark, I have to say that I disagree a little with the recommendation for April. We have had Disneyland annual passports for five years running, and you have to be very careful in April, because many schools are out for Easter vacation, and so it can get very crowded. April is also a popular month for school promotions, like "Catholic School Days" where they give discounts and such to certain groups. I cannot comment on Easter Sunday, however, we have never gone on that day. Our favorite month in which to visit is either very early December, or January. February is not all that bad either. The weather tends to be very cool and nice. If I could pick one day out of the week that is the least crowded, it would definitely be Wednesday. You can also check everything out at disney.com, in the theme park section for Disneyland, it will tell you all about rides, construction, etc... Another tip is that in some of the travel guide books for Disneyland, there is a month by month breakdown of visitors and average temperature and rainfall.

You are really doing it right. When my daughter was younger we would go to Disneyland at least twice a year. Once in the spring and once in the fall always on a week day. By and large you have the place to yourself. Even when Indiana Jones opened a few years ago, we were able to ride it over and over again without encountering lines. I agree with Gina, if possible stay away before and after Easter. Schools around the country stager their Easter vacations, and you can see the difference between say February and the weeks near Easter.
You have to be a little careful when you go outside the peak periods. The park normally closes at about 6 pm. You miss the beautifully lighted park at night. However, even during off peak periods, the Park is usually open late on Friday and Saturday nights. You should make it a point to visit in the evening. Take a coat, it can get cool.
For an added benefit, if you stay at one of the Disney Hotels, you are allowed in an hour before the general crowd.

The least crowds are on weekdays, and when schoool is in session -- not during the summer.

Also, check the post: Disneyland Construcion. And, do a search on Disney (although a lot is for Disney World).