Spring break is one of the most popular times to visit Disneyland®, right up there with Halloween and the Christmas season. With most schools taking time off throughout March and April, the parks stay continuously busy, but since spring break dates are staggered, crowds aren’t quite as concentrated. Still, Easter and exciting limited-time spring events like the Disney® California Adventure Food & Wine Festival make this an even more magical—and busy—time to visit. Here are some essential tips to help you make the most of your Disneyland® spring break adventure.

Park Tickets & Reservations

You probably already know that you need to buy tickets to get into Disneyland®, but that’s not the only step you must take to guarantee park entry—you also need a separate theme park reservation. With spring break being one of the busiest seasons, reservations can (and do) sell out fast, especially during the Food & Wine Festival. Be sure to book both your tickets and reservations as early as possible. Also, keep in mind that if single-day tickets are sold out, a Park Hopper ticket still allows entry to the other park after 11:00 am.

Disneyland® Spring Break Weather

Springtime in Orange County means abundant sunshine, warm days and cool mornings and evenings. Daytime highs typically reach the 70s, but temperatures can dip in the evenings, so a light jacket is a good idea. Rain is uncommon but not impossible, so check the forecast before your trip, but otherwise, pack casual, comfortable clothing for Disneyland® in spring break. And don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses—even in spring, the Southern California sun is strong!

Arrival Times

To get the most out of your visit, plan to arrive at Disneyland® extra early. Arriving at least 30 minutes before the park opens (affectionately known as “rope drop”) gives you a head start on popular rides before the crowds build. 

Lightning Lane Passes

With crowds at their peak during spring break in Disneyland®, investing in a Lightning Lane pass can save you hours of wait time, allowing you to skip the line for popular rides and attractions. There are several options:

  • Lightning Lane Multi Pass: About 20 rides are part of the Multi Pass, and you can buy park tickets pre-loaded with the Lightning Lane Multi Pass.
  • Lightning Lane Single Pass: Skip the line for select high-demand attractions that aren’t on the Multi Pass, including Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Radiator Springs Racers.
  • Pre-purchase or buying day-of: You can either buy tickets that come with Lightning Lane Multi Pass or purchase it in the Disneyland® app after entering the park. Keep in mind, however, that Lightning Lane passes can sell out on busy days and may not be available day-of.

Special Events During Spring Break in Disneyland®

Disney® California Adventure Food & Wine Festival

In 2025, the extremely popular DCA Food & Wine Festival coincides with just about all spring breaks nationwide, running from February 28-April 21. This festival is a foodie favorite, with a smorgasbord of delicious bites, cooking demonstrations, workshops and classes, special entertainment, and more. Highlights include:

  • Festival marketplaces: Dozens of themed pop-up food and drink booths featuring limited-time, exclusive California-inspired flavors
  • Live entertainment: Music performances and live culinary demonstrations by chefs, sommeliers, and other industry professionals
  • Sip and Savor Pass: A fantastic way to sample multiple festival dishes at a discount

Disney® After Dark

These special themed, separately ticketed after-hours events are a fun way to experience the park with far smaller crowds and unique entertainment. Consider adding one of the following After Dark parties to your Disneyland® spring break itinerary.

  • 90s Nite (March 4 and 6, 2025): A nostalgic throwback event featuring rad music, characters, and entertainment inspired by the ’90s
  • Star Wars Nite (April 8, 10, 22, 24, and 29, and May 1, 4, and 6, 2025): A galactic must for Star Wars fans, featuring themed fireworks, character encounters, lightsaber demonstrations, and more

Season of the Force

From March 28 to May 11, 2025, this limited-time Star Wars-themed event offers out-of-this-world experiences, including:

  • Hyperspace Mountain: A Star Wars overlay on the iconic Space Mountain ride
  • Specialty food & drinks: Themed out-of-this-world treats inspired by the Star Wars universe
  • Character encounters: Meet favorite Star Wars characters throughout the park (and be sure to don your own Star Wars garb!)

Where to Stay for a Stress-Free Spring Break

Your top priority after busy days during spring break in Disneyland® will be a comfy, convenient place to lay your head. Enter Tropicana Inn & Suites, just across the street from the park entrance. With spacious Mediterranean-themed rooms, a heated tropical pool, and grab-and-go market and cafe, all your bases are covered for early mornings, mid-day breaks, and a good night of shut-eye.

With a little planning, you’ll have an unforgettable spring break at Disneyland®. Call us at (714) 635-4082 or book your stay online.