Disneyland in January

Are you headed to the Disneyland in January? This post will give you all of the information on what to expect and all of the happenings at the Disneyland in January! Everything from attraction openings and closures, special events, weather, crowd calendars and more! 

January is a great time to visit the Disneyland Resort! The crowds are low and the parks are more quiet but the weather can be rainy and chilly. However, don’t let that deter you because rainy days at Disneyland usually means low crowds! Which I will take any day! And there is a lot of fun still happening at Disneyland during this time!

As always, there are some closures happening in Disneyland in January so be prepared for that, however, for being January, the closure list is really not bad!

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Here is everything that’s happening at Disneyland in January 2024!!

Closures

• Mark Twain Riverboat- Closed January 1 – February 2
• Astro Orbitor- Closed January 1-TBA
• Haunted Mansion- Closed January 22- TBA
• Grizzly River Run- Closed January 8-February 29
• Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind- Closed January 22- February 8

Openings

• Pixar Place Hotel- Opening January 30th

Shows, Fireworks and Parades

Here is a quick overview of all of the shows, fireworks and parades happening at the parks in January.  Check out this link to find out the days and times the shows are running on specific dates.

Disneyland

• Mickey’s Mix Magic with Fireworks: Runs every weekend night at 9:30pm.
• Mickey’s Mix Magic with Projections: Runs every weekday night at 9:30pm
• Storytelling at Royal Theatre: Runs multiple times per day, but does not run on Tuesday-Thrusday

California Adventure

• World of Color- One: Runs 2 times per day every day at 9pm and 10:15pm
• Hurry Home- A Lunar New Year Celebration:  Runs every night at 9pm
• Disney Jr. Dance Party: Runs multiple times per day.
• Mulans’ Lunar New Year Processions: Runs multiple times per day

Check out the schedule for more atmospheric entertainment and specific showtimes happening throughout both parks as well as Downtown Disney

Photo credit: Disneyland.com

Disneyland After Hours Events

Disneyland After Hours Events run on select nights and it might draw a little bit more of a crowd on those days. The park that it takes place in will close early for the event so I would choose a different park to visit that day or make sure you hop over to California Adventure before the party begins.

• Sweetheart Nite- Party in the name of love! This after hours even runs at Disneyland on select nights January 23-February 14 and is a sold out event. The party runs from 9pm to 1am and is $139 per person.

Sweetheart Nite dates are: January 23, 25 and 30. February 1, 6, 8, 12 and 14.

Lunar New Year at California Adventure

Lunar New Year at California Adventure runs January 23-February 18!

This is such a fun celebration of the Lunar New Year with fun festivities, food and characters! And it’s the Year of the Dragon!!

Fun things to expect at Disneyland during Lunar New Year Celebration:

• Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession- A bright and bold parade happening multiple times a day during the Lunar New Year Celebration!
• Special Character appearances- Look for Mickey and Minnie dressed in colorful attire!
• Special Menu items- Look for special menu items celebration delicious Asian cuisine.
• Festive Merchandise- Look for special Lunar New Year merch throughout the parks
• Hurry Home- A Lunar New Year Celebration- A 6 minute dazzling nighttime water show celebrating famiy and friendship.
• Lunar New Year Wishing Wall- Located in Paradise Gardens, add you own message for the upcoming year.
• Kid friendly crafts and activities around the park
• Festive Decor!

Photo credit: Disneyland.com

Weather

The weather in Southern California in January is typically anywhere from the 50’s-70’s but could get cooler so be sure to bring layers and some warmer clothes especially for the nights and mornings.  The lows are low 40’s.

And make sure to prepare for rain! Bring a poncho for every member of your family and some shoe covers and an umbrella. Always check the weather before you go so you know how to pack and what to expect! If it does get cold, dress well for the cold, take breaks, go for a lot of indoor rides and shows.

Crowd Calendar

Crowds will be lower during January and is typically one of the least busy times of the year. You may or may not need Genie+ at this time of year but if you decide to buy it, read this guide before you go!

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday will be the least busy day of the week so if you can go on those days you will see lower crowds.

*Keep in mind this is just a prediction.  Crowds may be higher or lower on any of these days

Reservations

You still need reservations to enter Disneyland and can make those when you buy your tickets through Get Away Today or Disneyland.  Make sure the dates you want are available before purchasing your tickets.  And if they aren’t, check back every day because sometimes new reservations will pop up. Also, Disneyland just changed how they do reservations and you can now modify a reservation in the app instead of having to cancel and rebook a reservation! YAY!  This will make life so much easier if you need to change days or starting parks!

You can begin park hopping at 11am!

Save with Get Away Today

Want to save a little money on your next trip to Disneyland?  Get Away Today has got you covered!  They are always running great deals such as free nights hotels or free park days!  You really can’t beat their prices or their customer service!

Get Away Today is an authorized Disneyland ticket seller and is cheaper than buying directly from Disneyland. Get an extra day free when you purchase a 4 day ticket! It works on both single day tickets and park hoppers!  Click here to book and use code MMSA10 on any vacation package for an additional discount!

AND right now through March 10th, Children ages 3-9 can visit Disneyland for as low as $50 per day! Child tickets are valid January 8 – March 10 on 2 day or more park tickets! Click here to purchase 

Disneyland Tips for January

• Crowds will be lower at this time of year! YAY! But there are a few more refurbishments. If it is busy, be sure to utilize rope drop and Genie+. Single riders lines are an awesome option too!
• Weather may be chilly and rainy so check the local weather and pack accordingly!
• Make dining reservations for restaurants or utilize mobile ordering! Check for dining reservations 60 days before your trip. If you can’t get dining reservations on your own, check out Mouse Dining! They will email you when the reservations you want pop up.  All you have to do is sign up for a FREE account at this link

January is a great time to visit the parks! There are some refurbishments happening, but honestly not many at all.  And even with refurbishments, there is still so much to do! The weather should be a little cooler so pack accordingly. The fireworks/projections are happening, as well as World of Color- One and you don’t want to miss those!  Check the dates of your vacation in the Disneyland app to make sure you don’t miss anything! Have an amazing time!

XOXO

Amanda

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