Disneyland Resort 2027: The Complete Guide to What’s New, When to Go, and How to Plan
If you’re planning a Disneyland Resort 2027 trip, you picked a fascinating… and frankly complicated year to visit. I’ve been following Disneyland crowd patterns, park updates, and seasonal events since my first visit to the park as a young teen, and I can tell you that 2027 is going to look and feel different from any recent year at the resort. Major construction is ramping up, exciting new attractions are on the horizon, and the seasonal events that have made Disneyland a year-round destination are as strong as ever.
But 2027 is also a year that requires some careful planning. Construction walls are going up. Popular attractions are on borrowed time. And certain times of year will be significantly more crowded than others, especially with the holidays falling on particularly inconvenient days.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know to plan a smart, magical Disneyland 2027 trip… what’s new, what’s closing, when to go, when to avoid, and how to make the most of every single day.
Is Disneyland Resort 2027 Worth It?
Short answer: Yes, but your experience will depend enormously on when you go and how well you plan.
The big-picture pros are real. Disneyland is in the middle of the most ambitious expansion in its modern history. The DisneylandForward initiative, approved by the Anaheim City Council in 2024, has unlocked decades of future growth, and 2027 is when that investment starts showing up in visible, tangible ways. New attractions are taking shape. The resort feels energized in a way it hasn’t in years.
The cons? All that construction comes with a cost. You’ll see walls. Some beloved attractions will close or be winding down. And with Christmas falling on a Saturday and Independence Day on a Sunday in 2027, the peak crowd windows are going to be especially intense.
2027 is perfect for you if: You’re excited about being at the resort during a pivotal moment of transformation, you’re willing to plan around the construction realities, or you have the flexibility to visit during “off” times.
You may want to reconsider if: Your dates fall during Christmas week, Thanksgiving, or Easter, and crowds are a dealbreaker. Those windows are going to be genuinely overwhelming regardless of what’s open or under construction.
What’s New at Disneyland Resort in 2027
This is where 2027 gets interesting.
Avengers Campus Expansion: Two New Attractions Coming
The biggest buzz at Disney California Adventure right now is the expansion of Avengers Campus, which is set to roughly double the size of the existing land. Two new attractions are being added:
- Avengers Infinity Defense is the headliner… a dynamic, screen-based attraction where guests join a lineup of heroes from across the Marvel multiverse to battle King Thanos. Construction has been progressing quickly, and current predictions from park insiders point to a late 2027 opening, possibly stretching into early 2028. Disney hasn’t confirmed a firm date, but this is genuinely one to watch closely as your trip approaches.
- Stark Flight Lab is the companion attraction… a flat ride where a robotic arm lifts guests skyward as test subjects for Tony Stark’s latest technology. Think of it as the more family-friendly counterpart to Infinity Defense. Most predictions have both attractions opening together rather than separately, likely in that same late 2027 to early 2028 window.
If either of these opens while you’re visiting in 2027, it will be a significant crowd magnet. Lightning Lane will be essential!
Avatar Land: Coming to Hollywood Land (Construction Underway)
Disney California Adventure is developing a new Avatar-themed land inspired by Avatar: The Way of Water and the franchise’s later films, replacing the Hollywood Land backlot area. Disney has confirmed the centerpiece will be a multifaceted boat ride with both thrilling and gentle moments, featuring luminescent, ocean-inspired environments drawn from Pandora’s underwater world. This will be a genuinely different experience from Pandora: World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Florida, which was based on the original film. No opening date has been announced, but most estimates land somewhere around 2028 to 2029, since the Avatar project is expected to follow both the Avengers Campus expansion and the Coco ride in the construction queue.
The Coco Ride: Construction Underway
Disney has confirmed the first-ever ride based on Pixar’s beloved Coco, currently under construction near Pixar Pier behind Incredicoaster. Imagineers have compared the scale and ambition of this attraction to Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion, which sets a genuinely high bar. Construction has been moving steadily since ground-clearing began in early 2026, and most current predictions point to a 2028 opening, possibly timed around a rumored Coco sequel. Don’t expect this one in 2027, but construction will be visibly progressing throughout the year.
What’s Carrying Over From 2026 That You’ll Enjoy in 2027
Several additions from 2026 will be fully up and running:
- Bluey’s Best Day Ever! (Disneyland Park, Fantasyland Theatre) – Live entertainment featuring Bluey and Bingo, opened March 2026. A genuinely charming experience for families with younger kids.
- Soarin’ Across America (Disney California Adventure) – The limited-time Soarin’ overlay tied to America’s 250th anniversary debuted July 2, 2026. Depending on how long its run lasts, it’s worth checking whether it’s still showing during your 2027 visit, since these anniversary tie-ins are typically temporary.
- Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Timeline Expansion (Disneyland Park, opened April 29, 2026) — Batuu now spans multiple eras of the Star Wars saga, with Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Leia Organa joining Rey and the Resistance on Batuu.
- Downtown Disney expansion – Multiple new dining and retail options continued opening through 2026 and into 2027, making the free-admission shopping district a stronger destination than ever.
Disneyland Closures & Refurbishments in 2027
This is the section you absolutely need to read before you plan.
Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! has been given a reprieve from its originally planned early-2026 closure and will remain open through 2027… but its permanent closure is now firmly confirmed for sometime within the year to make way for Avatar land construction. Disney has already filed demolition permits for the ride’s show building, so this isn’t speculative anymore, it’s actively moving forward. Disneyland Resort President Thomas Mazloum has stated the extended timeline reflects a shift in construction sequencing rather than a change in plans. If this classic dark ride is on your must-do list, don’t assume it will be there for your trip, especially if you’re visiting later in the year. Check the current status before you book.
Avatar Land construction will mean visible construction walls in the Hollywood Land area of Disney California Adventure throughout 2027, especially once demolition of the Monsters, Inc. building and the Hollywood Lounge quick-service location gets underway.
Avengers Campus expansion construction is also ongoing, with the Red Car Trolley having already stopped operation to accommodate the work. Construction has progressed quickly, so expect to see the new show buildings taking real shape as the year goes on.
The Eastern Gateway parking and transportation hub, a new facility with approximately 6,000 parking spaces, dedicated shuttle and rideshare areas, and improved traffic flow, is also in development. This is infrastructure work that will improve future visits dramatically, but it may cause some traffic and logistical friction in the meantime.
How to plan around it: Always check Disneyland’s current refurbishment calendar within 30 days of your trip. For specific must-do attractions, verify their status close to your travel date. Construction at Disneyland in 2027 is real, but the parks remain fully operational, and the core Disneyland experience (Main Street, Fantasyland, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Cars Land, and more) is largely unaffected.
Disneyland Resort Events & Festivals in 2027
The events calendar is one of the strongest reasons to visit Disneyland Resort, and 2027 is no exception.
Lunar New Year Celebration (Disney California Adventure)
Disneyland’s Lunar New Year celebration returns to Disney California Adventure in late January through mid-to-late February. The event celebrates Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese cultures with themed food marketplaces, special character appearances (Mickey and Minnie in traditional cultural attire), the Hurry Home Lunar New Year pre-show before World of Color, lantern displays, and specialty merchandise. 2027 exact dates haven’t been announced, but based on past years, expect the event to run from approximately late January through mid-to-late February.
Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival
Running approximately early March through late April, the DCA Food & Wine Festival is Disneyland’s answer to Epcot’s flagship event, and it’s genuinely excellent in its own right. The park fills with culinary marketplaces themed around California flavors, local beer and wine, and specialty dishes you can’t get anywhere else on the property. Sip and Savor Passes, Winemaker Receptions at Carthay Circle, mixology seminars, and culinary demonstrations round out the experience.
Halloween Time & Oogie Boogie Bash
Halloween at Disneyland Resort is a multi-month affair, and it’s one of the best times of year to visit the resort. Starting in mid-August and running through October 31, Halloween Time transforms both parks with seasonal décor, the beloved Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay (themed to The Nightmare Before Christmas), Guardians of the Galaxy — Monsters After Dark, and festive food and merchandise throughout.
The centerpiece of Halloween season is Oogie Boogie Bash — A Disney Halloween Party, a separately ticketed after-hours event at Disney California Adventure running on select nights from mid-August through October 31. In its most recent iteration, the event expanded to more nights than ever before, so expect the 2027 run to be similarly extensive. Party tickets sell out quickly once they go on sale, typically in late spring or early summer, so don’t wait to book once dates are released.
Holidays at the Disneyland Resort
The holiday season at Disneyland is genuinely magical, and it’s included with regular park admission. From mid-November through early January, both parks go all-out with décor, entertainment, and seasonal overlays. Highlights include the Haunted Mansion Holiday (which continues from Halloween through the holidays), it’s a small world Holiday, A Christmas Fantasy Parade, and holiday-themed food throughout the parks. This is honestly one of my favorite times to visit Disneyland!
Month-by-Month Guide to Disneyland Resort in 2027
January
Crowds: High early, dropping significantly by mid-month. New Year’s Day (January 1, Friday) keeps the resort packed through the first weekend. After January 10 or so, crowds ease noticeably, and mid-to-late January is one of the quietest stretches of the year.
Weather: Mild and pleasant for Southern California. Highs in the low-to-mid 60s°F, with cooler evenings.
Events: Lunar New Year Celebration begins in late January at Disney California Adventure.
February
Crowds: Generally low, with Presidents’ Day week (around February 15) being the notable exception.
Weather: Similar to January… mild, dry, comfortable. Highs in the mid-60s.
Events: Lunar New Year Celebration continues through mid-to-late February. DCA Food & Wine Festival begins in early March.
March
Crowds: March 2027 is one of the most complex months of the year. Spring break season is already building when Easter falls on March 28, meaning the entire final week of March is peak holiday crowds. Add in the DCA Food & Wine Festival, and crowds build steadily from mid-month through month’s end.
Weather: Warming up nicely. Highs in the upper 60s to low 70s°F.
Events: DCA Food & Wine Festival runs approximately from early March through late April.
April
Crowds: Here’s the good news… because Easter falls on March 28, the post-Easter crowd drop happens early. Schools return in most regions during the first week of April, and by approximately April 5–7, crowds ease considerably. Late April is one of the most underrated windows of the entire year.
Weather: Beautiful. Highs in the low-to-mid 70s, low humidity, sunny.
Events: DCA Food & Wine Festival continues through late April.
May
Crowds: Low to moderate on weekdays. One of the most underrated months. Memorial Day weekend (May 31) is the one exception.
Weather: Warm and bright. Highs in the mid-to-upper 70s. May Gray (coastal overcast mornings) typically burns off by midday.
Events: No major ticketed events. Parks in their standard daily mode.
June
Crowds: Summer season begins. Crowds build, particularly on weekends. School lets out in most states by mid-June, and the resort gets noticeably busier.
Weather: Warm and sunny. Highs in the upper 70s to low 80s°F. June Gloom is common early in the month but burns off.
Events: No major ticketed events confirmed yet, though Disneyland After Dark events occasionally fall in this window.
July
Crowds: High. Peak summer season. Independence Day (July 4, Sunday in 2027) is one of the biggest single-day crowd events of the year. Worth knowing: Disney World and Disneyland have both trended toward lighter-than-expected summer crowds in recent years, so don’t assume the absolute worst, but the week surrounding the holiday itself is still reliably busy.
Weather: Hot and sunny. Highs in the low-to-mid 80s°F in Anaheim, though significantly hotter during heat waves.
Events: No major ticketed events beyond standard summer programming confirmed yet.
August
Crowds: High early in the month, beginning to ease in the second half as schools return in many states.
Weather: The hottest month of the year in Anaheim. Highs regularly in the mid-to-upper 80s, with heat waves occasionally pushing into the 90s.
Events: Halloween Time begins mid-August at both parks (included with admission). Oogie Boogie Bash begins on select nights, approximately mid-August.
September
Crowds: Low to moderate. After Labor Day (September 6), crowds drop sharply.
Weather: Warm and dry. Highs in the low-to-mid 80s early in the month, cooling into the upper 70s by late September.
Events: Halloween Time is in full swing at both parks. Oogie Boogie Bash ongoing on select nights.
October
Crowds: Elevated, particularly on weekends. Indigenous Peoples’ Day (October 11) creates a long-weekend bump. The final weeks of Oogie Boogie Bash in late October are especially popular.
Weather: Excellent. Highs in the mid-to-upper 70s, dropping toward the low 70s by late October.
Events: Halloween Time and Oogie Boogie Bash both run through October 31.
November
Crowds: Complicated. Early November is quiet and excellent. Veterans Day (November 11, Thursday) creates an extended long weekend. Thanksgiving week (approximately November 20–29) is among the busiest stretches of the entire year.
Weather: Beautiful. Highs in the low-to-mid 70s dropping toward the upper 60s by month’s end.
Events: Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort begins mid-November.
December
Crowds: Escalating throughout the month. The Christmas-to-New Year’s stretch (December 18–31) is the single most crowded period of the year, full stop. Christmas falls on a Saturday in 2027, meaning the holiday window extends through an entire weekend.
Weather: Mild and lovely through mid-December. Highs in the mid-60s, cool evenings.
Events: Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort is in full swing through early January.
Best Times to Visit Disneyland Resort in 2027
Best for low crowds: Mid-to-late January, early-to-mid February (before Presidents’ Day), post-Labor Day September, early November (before Veterans Day weekend).
Best for weather: February, late April, May, September, October, early November.
Best for events: Late January through February (Lunar New Year), March through late April (Food & Wine Festival), August through October (Halloween Time + Oogie Boogie Bash), mid-November through mid-December (Holiday Time).
Best overall months: Early February, late April, September after Labor Day, early October (weekdays), early November.
When to Avoid Disneyland Resort in 2027
- Christmas to New Year’s (December 18 – January 2): The single worst window for crowds. Both parks hit maximum capacity on multiple days.
- Thanksgiving week (approximately November 20–29): A very close second.
- Easter window (March 15 – April 7): Spring break crowds from across the western U.S. overlap.
- 4th of July weekend (July 3–6): Disneyland on Independence Day is a unique kind of crowded.
- July and August weekends: Peak summer combined with weekend visitors.
- Oogie Boogie Bash nights (if you don’t have party tickets): On bash nights, DCA closes early to regular guests. Spend those days at Disneyland Park instead.
Tips for Planning Your Disneyland Resort 2027 Trip
Book on-site hotels early. Disney’s three on-site hotels – the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, the Disneyland Hotel, and the Pixar Place Hotel – now provide one Lightning Lane Multi Pass entry during your stay, following the retirement of traditional Early Theme Park Entry in January 2026. The Grand Californian also offers direct park access to Disney California Adventure.
Understand the construction reality. Avatar land construction and the Avengers Campus expansion mean visible walls in parts of Disney California Adventure throughout 2027, and demolition of the Monsters, Inc. building is expected to ramp up as the year goes on. The core park experience is not affected, but go in with realistic expectations for the Hollywood Land area in particular. Disneyland Park itself is largely construction-free.
Lightning Lane is essential. With new and popular attractions drawing crowds, having a Lightning Lane Multi Pass strategy is more important than ever. Prioritize your top one or two must-do attractions with Lightning Lane Single Pass, particularly anything that’s newly opened.
Ticket prices continue to rise. Disneyland’s tiered pricing system means peak days (particularly summer weekends, holidays, and days surrounding new attraction openings) carry premium price tags. Multi-day tickets offer dramatically better per-day value, so if you’re visiting for more than one day, a 3- or 4-day ticket is almost always the smarter financial decision. You can also save by buying tickets from a reputable seller like Undercover Tourist or Get Away Today. We have purchased from both places at different times after comparing prices and saved a bit. (Every little bit of savings counts!)
Take advantage of the Food & Wine Festival if your dates align. March through late April is an underrated window — the DCA Food & Wine Festival is genuinely excellent, crowds are manageable on weekdays, and the weather is perfect.
For Oogie Boogie Bash, book immediately when dates open. Tickets go on sale in late spring or early summer, and some dates sell out quickly. If the Halloween party is a priority, set a reminder and buy them the moment they’re available.
Ride Monsters, Inc. while you still can. With demolition permits already filed for the Hollywood Land backlot, this ride’s closure is no longer a someday thing, it’s actively coming this year. If it’s on your family’s must-do list, don’t push your trip back and assume it will still be there.
Final Verdict: Should You Visit Disneyland Resort in 2027?
Yes, absolutely if… you’re willing to plan with your eyes open. The construction reality is real, but so is the energy and excitement of a resort in transformation. If either of the Avengers Campus expansion attractions opens in 2027, it will be a landmark moment for Disney California Adventure. And the seasonal events, from Lunar New Year to Oogie Boogie Bash to Holiday Time, remain some of the best theme park experiences anywhere in the world.
Maybe wait if… your dates are locked into Christmas week, Thanksgiving, or Easter, and you have any flexibility at all. Those windows at Disneyland are genuinely difficult, and no amount of planning fully rescues them.
The bottom line: A Disneyland Resort 2027 vacation is worth it. Plan smart, understand the construction landscape, visit during the right window, and you’ll have a trip your family talks about for years.
