Summer vacation plans and wondering how busy is Disneyland in June? Let’s dive into the best and worst times to go to Disneyland in June, special events, how to maximize your time and minimize your wait time, and much more!
How Busy is Disneyland in June? Best and Worst Times to Go
Are you planning a trip to Disneyland in June? If so, you’re always in for a good time at the Happiest Place on Earth! Still, it’s wise to think about the crowd size during this busy month. We’ll look at how crowded Disneyland gets in June and when are the best and worst times to go.
By the end of this post you will know when to go, how to minimize your wait times and avoid long lines, what special events are happening and when, and what to pack. Let’s dive in!
Key Takeaways:
- June is a busy month at Disneyland, as it coincides with summer vacation and various events and celebrations.
- Crowd levels can vary throughout the month, with some days being busier than others.
- To avoid large crowds, consider visiting during certain weekends and early or late in the month.
- Be prepared for warm weather and gloomy mornings, particularly early in the month.
- Utilize Genie Plus and/or rope drop to minimize wait times and get free (included) photopass downloads.
- Plan your dining 60 days in advance if possible.
Is June a busy month at Disneyland?
June is a busy month at Disneyland. Summer vacation and special events draw in many families. The crowd level can change, with some days more packed than others.
Don’t let the fact that June is a “peak” month scare you off, though. Compared to fall breaks, spring break season, or the holidays, the best thing about summer is that the crowd levels are spread out over the summer months.
Though summer is one of the busiest times, I have lots of tips for you to make the most of your June trip to Disneyland!
Disneyland in June- best and worst days to go
Disneyland in June will be fairly crowded and stay consistently crowded for the rest of the summer. Summer break brings in lots of guests this time of year. Although summertime is technically peak season at Disneyland, please don’t let crowds scare you away. You can still have a good time, even if it’s crowded. I’ve got lots of info for dealing with high crowd levels here.
These stats could always change as they are based on last year’s crowds, so they should be true for June of 2024 in Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Read on to dive into the projected crowd levels each day and how to make the most of your time. And keep in mind the busiest and hottest times of the day are between 2-6 pm.
Going to Disneyland in June is amazing, as is really going to Disneyland any time, in my opinion. Disneyland is a charming and magical place, and it’s really hard not to have a good time there. But, it’s helpful to pick the right days for your visit.
Some days are better because there are fewer people and shorter wait times. Here are the best and worst days to go to Disneyland in June.
The Best Days:
- **Weekends:** Surprising weekends in June tend to be less crowded compared to weekends. If your schedule allows flexibility, consider visiting Disneyland between Friday and Monday. This is in stark contrast to the past, where Tuesday through Friday were the best days to go.
- **Very Early June and very Late June:** The first two days of the month generally see lower crowds. But June 3rd-6th were busy last year, so they might be busy again in 2024. See our Disneyland Crowd Calendar below for more details.
- **Before Major Holidays:** If you plan your visit before major holidays like the Fourth of July or Father’s Day (not as big of a deal as the Fourth of July), you can often find lower crowd levels. Also, read on to learn about some special events that might bring big crowds.
The Worst Days:
- **Weekdays:** Tuesday through Fridays tend to be the busiest days at Disneyland. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, try to avoid visiting midweek in June.
- **Early and mid- to Late June:** As school vacations and summer break kick in, the crowd levels at Disneyland tend to increase as the month progresses. The busiest dates projected for Disneyland in June 2024 are June 3rd, 10th, 11th, and 13th, followed by the 4th, 5th, 12th, 16th-20th, and 24th. These dates do include weekdays, so there is some variation in the crowds as far as weekdays vs weekends go.
- **Major Holidays:** Holidays close to June, like Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, draw large crowds to Disneyland. Disneyland also hosts Grad Nite in June, bringing in High School seniors from the surrounding areas. More info on these events is below.
Choosing the right days to visit Disneyland in June makes your trip better. You’ll have more fun and wait less in lines. Remember, crowd levels can change. So, it’s smart to check the Disneyland crowd calendar I have below to plan your trip accordingly if you can.
What to bring to Disneyland in June?
Planning a trip to Disneyland in June requires some essential items. Here’s what you should pack:
- Sunscreen: The California sun shines bright in summer. I like clean sunscreens like Sun Bum or even generic brands from Whole Foods like 365. I also recommend packing lip balm with sunscreen in it.
- Comfortable shoes: Expect a lot of walking at Disneyland. Choose shoes that offer support and comfort (check out my blog on the best shoes for Disney for some great ideas). Your feet will thank you after a day full of adventures.
- Refillable Water bottles: It’s important to drink plenty of water, especially when it’s warm. Bring a refillable water bottle and use the park’s water fountains or free ice water at their quick service restaurants. I also usually throw a pack of electrolytes like Liquid IV or Nuun into my park bag, just in case.
- Snacks: Disneyland has many incredible food options, but it’s also good to have your own snacks. They are especially useful for those with special dietary needs or for a quick snack if you are stuck in a long line. My son and I can’t eat gluten so it’s super helpful for us. I like to pack mini packs of trail mix, protein bars, and even sandwiches when I am super prepared.
- Light layers: The weather can change, and they like their AC cranking while indoors. Wear layers you can remove or add easily, like a jacket or sweater, to stay comfortable all day. It’s even better to pack a light rain jacket so it can pull double duty as an extra layer or in case of an afternoon shower.
- Portable phone charger: Don’t let your phone battery die. It will get stressed and used often due to the reliance on the Disneyland app for scanning Disney Genie Plus reservations, checking wait times, making reservations, or mobile ordering your food.
Pack these items, and you’ll be ready for the weather and fun. Enjoy every moment at Disneyland in June.
June 2024 Disneyland Crowd Calendar
The Disneyland Crowds in June can vary on any given day, but crowd calendars can help you get an idea of the days with bigger crowds.
Our calendar shows how busy each day might be.
3 is the lowest crowd level you will get in June, and that’s not bad. These crowd estimates are based on last year’s crowds, and the low crowd levels seem to be spread out, but overall, the least busy days group around the first two days of June, followed by the last three days of June.
Touringplans.com is also a great place to look for updated Disneyland Crowd Calendars.
Special Events at Disneyland in June
Though you don’t need to worry about school holidays in June, June does bring special events to Disneyland like Grad Nite.
As noted above Grad Nite tickets are available to High School Seniors from the surrounding school districts in Southern Califoronia on select nights. They can get access to both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park. California Adventure will close early on Grad Nite, making Disneyland more crowded with non-Grad night-goers. This event will also make California Adventure busier before it closes early.
Grad Nite dates for 2024 are June 2nd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 12th, and 14th.
As with any busy time in Disneyland, you can still have a good time if you go during Grad Nites, but it’s going to be crowded! It’s best to arrive early for rope drop.
Disneyland in June Weather
In June, Disneyland’s weather can change, as noted above, offering a variety of temperatures. I have even had to use a light hoodie at night in late July in Anaheim.
It’s key to prepare for warm weather and June Gloom.
June Gloom is a term for Southern California weather in the late spring and even into early summer (other related terms/time periods are May Gray and Graypril). You may see gray skies, fog, and drizzle in mid-morning and into early afternoon, with skies often clearing in the late afternoon.
The average high temperature at Disneyland in June is between 69°F to 89°F. This makes for a nice and fun climate for being outside. Yet, it’s smart to check the weather before you go. This ensures you wear the right clothes and bring what you need for the day.
For the best visit, wear comfy clothes and shoes for warm weather, but bring a layer, as we talked about above. Remember sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for sun protection. Staying hydrated is key, so have water with you or use the park’s water fountains to stay refreshed.
Watching the weather and planning can make your Disneyland trip in June great!
Disneyland Wait Times in June
Over the last few years, the average Disneyland wait times in June for attractions have risen to 30-40 minutes from 20 minutes back in 2019. Granted, we had a pandemic, so Disneyland was closed, and many people weren’t traveling in 2020 and 2021. So, these increased wait times could calm down. But be prepared for crowds in June.
If you really want to dig into Disneyland’s wait times, check out https://queue-times.com/en-US/parks/16/stats. You will see that June wait times, on average, are still falling behind the heaviest crowds in April, May, and October, followed by March and December. Looking at this site makes June not look so bad as far as wait times go!
To shorten your wait time, you can:
1. Use the Disneyland Tips below
I have detailed my favorite Disneyland tips in the section below so take a look at those and use any that may apply to save you time waiting in long lines in the busy summer season!
2. Use Single Rider Lines
Disney has single rider lines for some rides, which are quicker. If you’re okay with riding alone, this can save time.
At Disneyland the single rider options are:
- Matterhorn Bobsleds
- Millenium Falcon Smugglers Run
- Space Mountain
At Disney California Adventure the single rider line options are:
- Goofy Sky School
- Grizzly River Run
- Incredicoaster
- Radiator Springs Racers
- Soarin
- Web Slingers
3. Arrive early and use my Disneyland rope-drop strategy
Rope dropping is getting to Disneyland or California Adventure before it officially opens. I generally recommend at least 30 minutes before the official park opening. My post on my recommended rope drop strategy has a variety of options based on if you are seeking thrill rides, traveling with kids, or anything in between.
Remember that if you are staying at any of the three Disney-owned hotels (Grand Californian, the Disneyland Hotel, or Pixar Place), you will be able to get into one of the parks every day (the schedule rotates) 30 minutes early, so definitely take advantage of this. Check the Disneyland.com website for details on hours, as they often change.
4. Use Genie Plus
Disney Genie Plus is not as good (in my opinion) as the old fast pass system. But it can save you a ton of time and is great to use if this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip or you don’t make it to Disneyland very often. Disney Genie + is much easier to use at Disneyland than at Walt Disney World. Check out my Disneyland Genie Plus blog to learn my best tips on using it at Disneyland.
Disneyland Tips
Want the best time at Disneyland in June? Follow our insider tips and tricks. With our advice, you’ll have a great and unforgettable visit. Enjoy every moment fully!
- Make Theme Park Reservations: Since the parks reopened after the pandemic they have required theme park reservations. Walt Disney World has just recently phased this out but Disneyland California still requires these. So be sure to go on the Disneyland website and make those ahead of time so you don’t get turned away when you arrive.
- If you have a short trip or don’t go often, get Genie+: Skip long lines with Disneyland’s Genie Plus, which replaced FastPass a while back. There are lots of rules, so please check out my blog on the best ways to use Genie Plus. It’s definitely worth the money at Disneyland, in my opinion. And it comes with free photopass downloads! More on this at the end of this blog.
- Arrive early: Get to the park before it opens to avoid crowds. You can get so much done in the first two hours at Disneyland if you arrive at Rope Drop (around 30 minutes before the park opens). Then you have the afternoon to relax, see shows, eat a leisurely meal, or go back to your hotel room and chill during the heat of the day.
- Visit During Off-Peak Hours: Try to go to the park early in the morning and late in the evening. If you don’t care about seeing the fireworks, disregard tip#5 and head to the most popular attractions during the fireworks. The wait will be less than at other times of the day or evening (except for early morning, when the wait times are the best).
- Download the Disneyland app: The app shows live wait times, lets you order food easily via mobile order (saving you time in line at any quick service restaurant), and check for any last minute dining reservation openings (more on this below). You must have the app to buy Genie + and book your Lightning Lane reservations or purchase your paid Individual Lightning Lane reservations.
- Find the best parade and fireworks spots: Plan where to watch parades and fireworks. Check out my full blog on this so you can snag the best spot! If you want to watch the fireworks from Main Street or in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle, it’s best to arrive at least an hour before showtime, if not earlier. These spots fill up quickly!
- Be sure to have a well-packed Disney park bag: What you pack in your park bag can make or break a Disneyland day! For a full, detailed blog on what I pack in mine, check out… But the basics should be: a refillable water bottle (or more, depending on who you are packing for), a mini first aid kit with bandaids, nausea med, electrolyte tabs or powders, and pain reliever, a cooling towel or misting fan, a portable charger and charging cord, a mini umbrella or compact poncho if you aren’t packing a raincoat, a trial sized sunscreen and lip balm with sunscreen, and a few small snacks.
- Pack your patience and don’t get too attached to your plans. Your plans may change, but that doesn’t have to ruin the magic. Have a well-thought-out strategy but allow some flexibility so you can enjoy yourself and not get stressed out. Don’t stress about doing it all. You can’t do it all, but you can enjoy the magic around every corner at the Happiest Place on Earth!
Scoring Disneyland Dining Reservations
Visiting Disneyland is a treat because of its yummy dining options. You can enjoy meals with Disney characters or eat in themed restaurants, grab a drink at a lounge (this applies to California Adventure), or even get a delicious snack from one of their food carts.
But, the table service restaurants are popular (some more than others), so it’s wise to book early.
Here are some tips to help you score Disneyland dining reservations:
- Planning early is key. Once you know when you’re going, book your meals. This is especially needed for busy months like June. You can book your dining reservations 60 days in advance so try to book them as soon as you can for popular spots. At Disneyland and Disney California Adventure these include: Blue Bayou, Lamplight Lounge (but it is possible to get reservations here last minute sometimes), Minnie and Friends Character Breakfast at Plaza Inn (lunch and dinner don’t accept reservations), Carthay Circle, and Trader Sam’s. Trader Sam’s is located at the Disneyland Hotel.
- The Disneyland App makes it easy to see what’s available, pick a time and date, and book quickly. So, if you don’t get the advanced dining reservations you wanted, or you want to check last minute, you can book any time on the app.
- If your first choice is full, try to be flexible. You might eat at a different time or try another restaurant. This flexibility can help you find a good reservation.
- Guests at Disneyland Resort Hotels get to book 60 days before the day of arrival but can book for the duration of their trip. This head start can be very helpful in getting a great reservation.
- Look into dining packages. They offer meals and reserved seats for shows. It’s a great way to enjoy good food and have a seat for spectacular nighttime shows like Fantasmic or World of Color. Current options include: Fantasmic (Disneyland) Dining Packages: Blue Bayou ($89 for adults, $35 for kids ages 3-9) or Riverbell Terrace ($75 for adults, $45 for kids 3-9). We have done the Hungry Bear to-go meal option in the past and it was awesome and much more affordable, but it’s not currently being offered. For World of Color (California Adventure) Dining packages your options are Storytellers Cafe ($64 for adults and $38 for kids 3-9) or Wine Country Trattoria ($62 for adults and $37 for kids ages 3-9). This is a great way to have a fantastic meal and have a guaranteed seat for one (or both) of these amazing shows!
- If you want to score a hard to get reservation but weren’t able to 60 days in advance check out my tips for Disney Dining Reservation Finder tools. These services can keep an eye out for cancellations. They will send you a text and you can jump on the app and get that open reservation (ideally, it doesn’t always work out but most of the time it does).
With these tips, you’re all set to book amazing meals at Disneyland.
Disneyland with Genie Plus and Photopass Downloads
Enjoy Disneyland more with Genie Plus and Photopass.
Genie Plus, as we talked about above, lets you skip the long lines with Lightning Lane attractions. It’s great for saving time in the park, but it also gets you free unlimited photopass downloads for each day you have it.
Photopass gives you unlimited access to your Disney photos taken by photopass cast members (Disney photographers). These photographers can capture moments with Disney characters or in front of icons like the castle. You can also get ride photos included in your photopass downloads. Then all you need to do is download those photos within 60 days and keep these memories forever!
The Wrap Up
Though Disneyland in June can be quite crowded, it is still a wonderful time to visit! In all honesty, even projected “slow” days at Disneyland can feel crowded, so don’t worry too much about visiting during a crowded season. Use these tips for reducing wait times, devising an efficient park touring strategy, planning dining, and packing well to make the most of your summer vacation at the Disneyland resort! Let me know your questions or thoughts in the comments. I would love to hear them!
You May Also Like:
Ultimate Guide to How to Get to Disneyland without a Car
7 Best Hotels near Disneyland with Suites!
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Shelley has been going on Walt Disney World trips since she was a toddler growing up in South Florida. Since then, she has expanded her interests and passion to include Disneyland and runDisney trips. She is a Disney College of Knowledge-certified Travel Planner, runner, Physician, mom of three, and all-around Disney fan. She believes the magic is in the details of any Disney or runDisney trip!
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