Disneyland is known as the “Happiest Place on Earth,” but it can also be one of the busiest, especially during certain times of the year. One such time is April, a month that sees a surge in visitors due to Spring Break and, in some years, Easter. This article will provide an in-depth look at how busy Disneyland is in April, including crowd levels, wait times for popular rides, special events, and strategies to navigate the park during this busy month.
Disneyland tends to be quite busy in April due to Spring Break and sometimes Easter. Crowd levels can range from 7/10 to 8/10, with the busiest times typically earlier in the month. Average wait times for popular rides can vary, with some exceeding an hour. However, with strategic planning and use of resources like the Disneyland app and Disney Genie+ service, visitors can navigate the crowds and maximize their enjoyment.
Crowd Levels in April
In April, Disneyland typically experiences higher crowd levels due to Spring Break. Crowd levels can range from 7/10 to 8/10, with the worst crowds occurring earlier in the month and gradually improving as the month progresses. However, there are some days in April that are more manageable in terms of crowds. For example, Easter Sunday has historically been a more manageable day to visit, as well as Tuesdays, except for the week before or during Easter. Keep in mind that weekends are generally busier, and various events and school holidays can also impact crowd levels.
To get real-time updates on crowd levels and conditions at the park, you can check out the Disneyland Live Crowd Tracker. Additionally, you can use resources like the Disneyland Crowd Calendar and Touring Plans to help plan your visit and avoid peak crowd times.
Wait Times for Popular Rides
During April, the average wait times for popular rides at Disneyland vary. Based on the available data, here are some average wait times for popular attractions:
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance: 86 minutes
- Space Mountain: 70 minutes
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run: 53 minutes
- Matterhorn Bobsleds: 40 minutes
- Peter Pan’s Flight: 36 minutes
These wait times are subject to change and may not be representative of the exact wait times you will experience during your visit. Factors such as crowd levels, weather, and special events can impact wait times.
Special Events in April
Special events like spring break and Easter can significantly impact crowd levels in April. Spring break crowds usually start in early March and continue through April, with peak weeks in March and April. Easter, which sometimes occurs in April, also brings some of the year’s highest wait times and crowd levels in theme parks.
Navigating Disneyland in April
Navigating Disneyland in April can be challenging due to its busyness, but there are certain strategies you can follow to make the most of your visit:
- Arrive early: Plan to arrive at the park at least an hour before the official opening time to be at the front of the line when guests start going in.
- Use the Disneyland app: This app allows you to check wait times, make dining reservations, and even order food from some locations.
- Use the Disney Genie+ service: This paid service replaces MaxPass and FASTPASS, helping you plan your day and reserve access to attractions.
- Visit on less crowded days: Tuesdays (except the week before/of Easter) and Easter Sunday are historically more manageable in terms of crowds.
By following these strategies, you can maximize your time and enjoyment at Disneyland during the busy month of April.
Conclusion
While Disneyland can be quite busy in April, it remains a magical experience for visitors. With the right planning and strategies, you can navigate the crowds and make the most of your visit. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney veteran, understanding the crowd levels, wait times, and special events in April can help you plan a memorable trip to the Happiest Place on Earth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Disneyland Live Crowd Tracker and where can I find it?
The Disneyland Live Crowd Tracker is an online tool that provides real-time updates on crowd levels at Disneyland. You can find it on various websites that specialize in theme park information, like IsItPacked.com.
How can I get the Disneyland app?
The Disneyland app is available for free download on both the Apple App Store for iOS devices and the Google Play Store for Android devices.
What is Disney Genie+ service and how much does it cost?
Disney Genie+ is a paid service that replaces MaxPass and FASTPASS at Disneyland. It allows you to reserve access to attractions and helps in planning your day. As of this writing, the cost is $20 per ticket per day.
Can I still enjoy Disneyland even if it’s crowded?
Absolutely! While crowds can make the park busier, they don’t take away from the magic of Disneyland. With the right planning, you can still enjoy all the attractions and events that the park has to offer.
How accurate are the average wait times for popular rides?
The average wait times provided are based on historical data and can vary depending on several factors like crowd levels, weather, and special events. Always check the Disneyland app for real-time wait times during your visit.