Disneyland in November: Crowds, Weather, Events
Considering a vacation to Disneyland in November?
November can be a great time to visit Disneyland, especially if you’re looking to head somewhere warmer during this time (that’s assuming California is actually warmer for you). It’s not officially winter in November yet, but the Christmas decor is out on display.
In this blog post, we’re digging into Disneyland in November. Here’s everything you NEED to know about the weather, crowds and events.
Disneyland Weather in November
November brings a shift in the weather at Disneyland. The climate cools, offering a crisp ambiance that’s perfect for enjoying the park’s festive decorations and attractions.
Daytime temperatures typically hover between the upper 60s to mid-70s°F (around 20°C to 24°C), while the evenings can cool down to the low 50s°F (about 10°C to 12°C).
This makes November an excellent time to explore Disneyland without the summer crowds and heat. But it’ll be wise to pack layers for comfort throughout the day and night.
What to Wear in November
November at Disneyland calls for smart packing to accommodate the cool and variable weather. Given the cooler temperatures, layering will be key to ensure comfort throughout your visit.
Here’s what I recommend packing for a day at Disneyland in November:
- A medium-weight jacket or sweater: Essential for the cooler mornings and evenings.
- Comfortable, breathable pants: Consider jeans or other casual, warmer options that offer comfort and mobility.
- Layered tops: Include both long-sleeved and short-sleeved T-shirts to adjust easily as the temperature changes from morning to afternoon.
- Comfortable walking shoes: You’ll be on your feet most of the day, so wear well-cushioned, supportive footwear.
- Sun protection: Despite the cooler weather, the sun can still be strong. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to shield yourself during the sunnier parts of the day.
This attire can help keep you comfortable whether you’re exploring the park early in the day or enjoying the nighttime festivities.
Disneyland Crowds in November
November can be a strategic time to visit Disneyland, especially if you are mindful of your travel dates.
Situated between the Halloween celebrations and the bustling holiday season in December, November often experiences moderate crowd levels, particularly on weekdays. With most schools in session until Thanksgiving, visiting from Monday through Thursday offers a chance to enjoy shorter lines and fewer crowds, enhancing your overall experience.
It’s difficult to predict crowd sizes with complete accuracy, utilizing real-time crowd tracking apps and checking recent visitor experiences can provide valuable insights and help optimize your visit.
Disneyland Events in November
Thanksgiving at Disneyland
Disneyland offers special Thanksgiving meals at selected resort dining venues. Visitors can enjoy traditional holiday fare in a festive Disney setting.
Disneyland Veterans Day Flag Retreat
The Veterans Day flag retreat at Disneyland is an enhanced version of the daily ceremony, featuring the Dapper Dans and Disneyland Band. This event pays special tribute to service members with additional festivities on Veterans Day.
Dapper Day at Disneyland
Dapper Day celebrates vintage clothing styles that were originally worn to Disneyland. Scheduled for November 3, 2024, this event encourages guests to dress in classic attire and enjoy the park in vintage fashion.
Tips for Visiting Disneyland in November
Opt for Weekdays
Plan your Disneyland visit from Monday to Thursday to take advantage of significantly lower crowd levels. During November, many local schools are still in session, which means fewer local visitors and shorter queues.
Plan for Weather
November in Southern California can be unpredictable with cooler mornings and chilly evenings. Dressing in layers—such as a light jacket or sweater over comfortable shirts—will keep you prepared for the day’s varying temperatures.
Experience Seasonal Attractions
Take the opportunity to experience attractions that receive a seasonal makeover. For example, It’s a Small World transforms into a Holiday version, and Haunted Mansion features a Nightmare Before Christmas theme. These attractions are particularly popular during their limited-time runs and offer a unique twist on the classic experiences.
Reserve Dining in Advance
As the holiday season approaches, dining venues within Disneyland can become quite crowded, especially around Thanksgiving. To ensure you have a meal at your preferred time and place, make dining reservations well in advance. This is particularly important if you’re looking to enjoy a special holiday meal or dine at popular restaurants like Blue Bayou or Oga’s Cantina.
Stay Hydrated
Even in cooler November weather, it’s important to stay hydrated throughout your day at Disneyland. Carry a refillable water bottle, which you can refill at various water stations around the park. Staying hydrated helps maintain your energy levels and overall comfort during long days of exploring.
Arrive Early
To maximize your time at Disneyland, especially on days without Magic Morning or Extra Magic Hour benefits, aim to arrive at the park gates before opening. Early mornings often provide a magical, less crowded experience of the park.
Pack Essentials
Prepare a day pack with all the essentials you might need. Include items like a portable phone charger to keep your devices powered up for photos and app usage, hand sanitizer for maintaining cleanliness, and any necessary medications. Having these items on hand will ensure a more comfortable and uninterrupted day at the park.
Should I Visit Disneyland in November?
Overall, November is a favorable month to visit Disneyland.
The weather is generally mild, which makes walking around the park comfortable, and the early part of the month typically sees fewer crowds since local schools are still in session. These factors combine to create a pleasant environment for exploring all that Disneyland has to offer.
Not to mention, the park is decked out in festive decorations and special events like the start of the Christmas season and Veterans Day celebrations add unique touches to the experience.
Pros
- Lower Crowds: November is a transitional month, positioned between the Halloween season and the busy holiday season starting in December. This often results in lower crowd levels, particularly on weekdays, as most schools are still in session.
- Mild Weather: The weather in November in Southern California is generally mild, making it comfortable for spending the day outdoors. The cooler temperatures are ideal for exploring the park without the intense heat of summer or the occasional chill of winter.
- Seasonal Decorations and Events: November marks the beginning of the holiday season at Disneyland, featuring spectacular decorations and special events like the start of the Christmas festivities.
- Enhanced Atmosphere: The holiday spirit starts to sparkle in November, with the park beautifully adorned in festive decor. This enhanced atmosphere, coupled with themed music and entertainment, makes Disneyland feel even more magical and can enhance the overall experience.
- Lower Hotel Rates: Early November typically sees lower hotel rates compared to peak holiday times. This can be a cost-effective time for visitors to stay at Disneyland resorts or nearby hotels before the rates increase for the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons.
Cons
- Cooler Evenings: While the mild daytime temperatures in November are pleasant, the evenings can become quite cool. This might require packing heavier clothing and can be uncomfortable for visitors who are sensitive to colder weather.
- Occasional Rain: November is part of the rainy season in the area, which could lead to occasional showers during your visit. Rain can disrupt plans, especially for outdoor shows and parades, and might require carrying rain gear.
- Shorter Daylight Hours: Unlike the extended daylight of the summer months, November days are shorter. This means less daylight to enjoy outdoor attractions and potentially more crowded indoor attractions during the early evening hours.
- Holiday Crowds: While overall crowd levels might be lower in early November, the weeks around Thanksgiving see a significant increase in visitors. This surge can result in longer wait times for attractions and more crowded conditions in dining and shopping areas.
- Early Closure for Special Events: Disneyland often hosts special ticketed events in November, such as holiday parties, which can lead to early park closures for regular guests. This reduces the amount of time you have to enjoy the park unless you purchase additional tickets for these events.
- Limited Pool Use: For visitors staying at Disneyland resorts, the cooler weather in November may limit the enjoyment of outdoor pool facilities, which are more inviting during warmer months.
- Pre-Holiday Rush: As people begin their holiday shopping and festivities, the parks can experience a pre-holiday rush, particularly on weekends. This can lead to unexpectedly high crowd levels and a more hectic atmosphere.
Final Thoughts: Disneyland in November
November can be a great time to visit Disneyland.
Especially if you can visit during the quieter early November weeks and don’t mind packing a few extra layers, the month provides a great opportunity to enjoy the magic of Disneyland with a festive holiday atmosphere and without the peak season crowds.
