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 news at Disney California Adventure right now is the expansion of Avengers Campus, which is set to roughly double the size of the existing land and, once complete, will reconnect with Cars Land. Two new attractions are being added, and both were confirmed at D23 2026 to open in 2028:
- Avengers Infinity Defense is the headliner… a dynamic, screen-based attraction where guests are welcomed as new recruits with a pre-mission briefing from Ms. Marvel (voiced by Iman Vellani), then join a lineup of heroes from across the Marvel multiverse on a mission to reassemble the Avengers and battle King Thanos. Robert Downey Jr., Anthony Mackie, and Chris Hemsworth are all confirmed to reprise their roles.
- Stark Flight Lab is the companion attraction… a flat ride using two-person gyro-kinetic pods attached to robotic arms that simulate the sensation of being launched and thrown through the air as test subjects for Tony Stark’s latest technology, with appearances from Robert Downey Jr., Anthony Mackie, and Brie Larson. Think of it as the more family-friendly counterpart to Infinity Defense.
With both attractions now officially confirmed for a 2028 opening, don’t expect to ride either one during your 2027 trip, but construction will be visibly progressing throughout Disney California Adventure, and it’s a fun preview if you’re already planning a return visit.
Avatar Destination: Coming to Hollywood Land (Timeline Pushed Back)
Disney California Adventure is still developing a new Avatar-themed land (now officially referred to as the “Avatar Destination”) inspired by Avatar: The Way of Water and the franchise’s later films, replacing the Hollywood Land backlot area. Disney has previously described the centerpiece as a multifaceted boat ride with both thrilling and gentle moments, featuring luminescent, ocean-inspired environments drawn from Pandora’s underwater world; this would be a genuinely different experience from Pandora: World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Florida, which was based on the original film.
At D23 2026, Disney showed an updated construction model confirming the project is still alive, but also revealed that a reimagining of Tomorrowland at Disneyland Park will be tackled first, ahead of Avatar. Since the Avatar land also depends on the new Eastern Gateway transportation hub (expected online around 2028) to free up space behind Hollywood Land, most estimates now put Avatar construction starting no earlier than 2029 or 2030, with an opening more realistically in the early 2030s. In other words, this is not one to plan around for years to come.
The Coco Ride: Construction Underway
Disney has confirmed the first-ever ride based on Pixar’s beloved Coco, currently under construction in a backstage area between Pixar Pier and Paradise Gardens Park. At D23 2026, Disney revealed new story details: the attraction takes guests by boat into Miguel’s memories of the Land of the Dead, set about a year after the events of the original film, with references to both that movie and the upcoming Coco 2. The queue winds through a “casa museo” honoring Héctor Rivera, Miguel’s great-great-grandfather.
Imagineers have compared the scale and ambition of this attraction to Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion, which sets a genuinely high bar. Disney still hasn’t announced an opening date, but with Avengers Campus now confirmed for 2028, most current predictions have shifted Coco to around 2029. 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, as of now, remains open with no specific closure date set. Earlier in 2026, Disney indicated the ride would likely close sometime in 2027 to eventually make way for Avatar land construction. But with D23 2026 confirming that Disneyland is prioritizing a Tomorrowland reimagining ahead of the Avatar destination, and that the necessary Eastern Gateway transportation hub isn’t expected online until around 2028, most Disney watchers now believe this ride is likely to stay open well beyond 2027, possibly into 2028 or later.
Nothing is guaranteed, though, so if this classic dark ride is on your must-do list, it’s worth checking the current status before you book, just in case plans shift again.
A reimagined Tomorrowland (Disneyland Park) was newly announced at D23 2026 as the next major project at the resort, slotted in ahead of the Avatar destination. Details are still very early, and Disney has not shared a timeline, so don’t expect visible changes in 2027 beyond, at most, some early planning-stage announcements.
Avatar Destination construction will mean visible construction walls in the Hollywood Land area of Disney California Adventure throughout 2027, though with the project now pushed behind Tomorrowland, the pace of visible change should be slower than previously expected.
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, with Disney indicating it should come online sometime around 2028. 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 and Worst Times to Visit Disneyland Resort in 2027
Wondering when to actually book your trip? Here’s the quick version, broken down by what matters most.
Best for low crowds: Mid-to-late January, early-to-mid February (before Presidents’ Day), and post-Labor Day September.
Best for weather: February, late April, May, September, and October.
Best for saving money: Weekdays in January and September, when Disneyland’s lowest ticket pricing tier is most common.
Best overall balance: Early-to-mid February and late April tend to hit the sweet spot of manageable crowds, comfortable weather, and reasonable pricing all at once.
Worst times to visit: The weeks around Christmas and New Year’s, Thanksgiving week, and the Easter window (Easter falls on March 28 in 2027) are the ones to avoid if crowds are a dealbreaker for you.
Since the right time to visit really depends on which factors matter most to your family (crowds, weather, price, or events), I broke it all down factor by factor in Best and Worst Times to Visit Disneyland in 2027. Head there for the full breakdown before you lock in your dates.
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. The Avengers Campus expansion and Coco construction mean visible walls in parts of Disney California Adventure throughout 2027. Avatar Destination construction has been pushed back significantly, since Disney is prioritizing a Tomorrowland reimagining first, so Hollywood Land itself should stay largely intact for now. Disneyland Park is mostly construction-free in 2027, though don’t be surprised to see early groundwork or planning-stage news as the newly announced Tomorrowland project gets underway.
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.
Don’t stress about missing Monsters, Inc. With the Avatar Destination now pushed well beyond 2027 (Disneyland is tackling a Tomorrowland reimagining first), Mike & Sulley to the Rescue is looking likely to stick around for your 2027 trip and quite possibly beyond. Still, ride it if you love it, since Disney’s plans can shift again.
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, with Avengers Campus’s two new attractions now confirmed for 2028, a first-ever Coco ride under construction, and a newly announced Tomorrowland reimagining on the horizon. 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.
