Guide to Disneyland 2018: When to go: The Crafting Chicks

Hi there, it’s Kimberly with Get Away Today here to talk about The Happiest Place on Earth. It’s the start of a new year, which means it’s time to start making this the best year yet. Start the year off right by planning your Disneyland vacation for 2018. Luckily, the Disneyland Resort will be more magical than ever before. With exciting additions, returning favorites and classic fun, you won’t want to miss out on everything Disneyland has to offer this year. This is why I’ve created a Guide to Disneyland 2018 for you to use when planning your vacation:

When to travel:

Deciding when to go to Disneyland is one of the hardest parts of planning a vacation. Although Disneyland is popular all year round, there are still some dates that can be less-crowded than others. If you don’t love large crowds, I would try to avoid major holidays, conventions and weekends if you can. I’ve found that if you plan your vacation during the week, the park will be less populated. If you like to be in the center of everything, I would recommend going during the summer and holiday seasons. This will give you the opportunity to experience exclusive entertainment and longer hours at the park. However, you should always do what’s best for you and your family.

No matter what time of year you travel, I would highly recommend taking advantage of Disney’s MaxPass. For just $10 per person, per day, you can reserve FastPasses right from your phone. Plus, it includes PhotoPass for the entire day too. MaxPass will help make your Disney vacation seem seamless, no matter what time of year you go.

What’s happening in Disneyland 2018:

2018 is going to be one of the most eventful years at Disneyland in recent history. Below I have a list of what’s going to be happening and when. This way, you can plan your vacation around these exciting dates.

January 18^th – Disneyland After Dark:

To start the year off right, Disneyland will be premiering its first ever After Dark event on January 18^th. This a separate ticketed celebration that allows you to experience Disneyland after hours. During this event, you’ll be able to experience Disneyland in the 50s and 60s eras. Enjoy vintage décor, exclusive souvenirs and live entertainment. If you want to ‘Rock Around the Clock’ at Disneyland, you’ll want to be sure to check out this event.

January 26^th to February 18^th– Lunar New Year Celebration:

The Lunar New Celebration at Disney California Adventure Park is one unlike any other. Here, you can celebrate the new year with culturally inspired food, décor and entertainment for the entire family. Plus, you can meet Mulan and Mushu dressed in traditional attire. Be sure to watch “Hurry Home” a new nighttime water spectacular that plays right before World of Color on Paradise Bay. The ‘Year of the Dog’ is sure to be a great one, so don’t miss this limited-time event.

March 2^nd to April 12^th – Food and Wine Festival:

If you’re a foodie, then spring is the time to visit Disneyland. The beloved Food and Wine Festival is back and longer than ever from March 2 – April 12, 2018. In Disney California Adventure Park, you’ll be able to purchase savory and sweet food and beverages items that showcase California culture. While you’re there, be sure to check out demonstrations and seminars from world-renowned chefs. This festival is a unique (and delicious) opportunity for those that love to satisfy their taste buds. Keep in mind, this will also be taking place during many Spring Breaks. Just one more yummy reason to book your Disneyland 2018 during spring!

April 13^th – Pixar Fest:

One of the biggest events of the year will be Pixar Fest, debuting on April 13^th. This festival is a celebration of all of your favorite Disney-Pixar characters, combined with a theme of love and friendship. You’ll be able to experience new décor, food options and exclusive souvenirs during this event. Plus, enjoy entertainment such as the new, “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” fireworks show and an updated version of the Pixar Play Parade at Disneyland. I am most excited about the return of the Paint The Night Parade – but this time it’s going to be in Disney California Adventure Park.

June 23rd – Pixar Pier:

The most anticipated event of 2018 will be the premier of Pixar Pier. As you may have heard, Paradise Pier is getting a makeover that started on January 8, 2018. As of February 12, the official opening date was released as June 23, 2018. Pixar Pier will showcase new character experiences in four different neighborhoods – each with an attraction. Toy Story will feature Toy Story Mania! – don’t worry, that ride will remain open during the Pixar Pier closure. The new Inside Out neighborhood will feature a new attraction, but we don’t know what is is or when it will open. So for summer, expect Inside Out character interactions there. The Incredibles neighborhood will feature the Incredicoaster, formerly known as California Screamin’. The fourth land is a combination of all of Pixar and will feature a re-imagining of Mickey’s Fun Wheel.

Mid-September to October – Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort:

If you want to visit the Disneyland Resort at its spookiest, plan your trip during mid-September through October. The Halloween Time celebration will be in full-swing. Experience boo-tiful décor, frightfully fun ride overlays, exclusive treats and more in both parks. If you want fewer crowds, go in September. If you want to go while your kids are out on fall break, October is a great time to be at Disneyland. Mickey’s Halloween Party typically is held two or three nights per week and is a private ticketed event. In the past it has been held inside Disneyland Park, but it is rumored that there could be some changes for 2018. Details, dates and tickets aren’t likely to be released until July, so be sure to check the calendar to make plans if you’re going during Halloween Time.

November to December – Holidays at the Disneyland Resort:

Celebrate the holidays at the Disneyland Resort when you visit during November and December. Experience jolly décor, dazzling entertainment and joyful fun around every corner. We aren’t sure of exact details on what’s new or returning for the most wonderful time of the year in 2018… But we have some guesses and know it’s going to be magical. I would expect a return of Festival of Holidays and World of Color Season of Light at Disney California Adventure. Also, Sleeping Beauty Winter Castle, Haunted Mansion Holiday and “it’s a small world” Holiday are my top guesses for returns at Disneyland. I’ll of course keep you posted as the Holidays at Disneyland 2018 get closer!

As you can see, Disneyland 2018 will be packed with more magic than ever before. Since it’s the start of a new year, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of our Layaway Plan. When you book with Get Away Today, all you need to do is put $125 down to make your Disneyland vacation dreams come true. Since we have dates available until December 2018, you’re able to lock in 2017 pricing. Right now is the perfect time to plan your spring, summer or holiday Disneyland 2018 vacation!

To book, give one of our travel experts a call at 855-GET-AWAY or visit getawaytoday.com. As an exclusive offer, be sure to mention promo code CraftingChicks to get an additional $10 off your vacation package. Make sure to mention that the Crafting Chicks sent you!