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If you are a foodie and lover of nice weather, Disneyland in April may be a good fit for you… if you can handle some crowds. Our April guide will talk all about annual trends, and then in our 2022 section, we will cover what you can expect this year as far as celebrations, ride closures, and more.
April is a popular month for spring break travel and for some families, Disneyland for Spring Break is a must-do. While spring break crowds can make the parks busier, it is still a great time to go to Disneyland.
April at Disneyland is usually filled with beautiful weather, good food, and a little extra Easter Magic. Here is everything you should know about Disneyland in April.
Disneyland in April – Annual Trends And Information
Whether you are planning a trip for this year, or next, here are the annual trends to look for at Disneyland in April. From crowds to weather, and annual events, we will give a quick over view of what to expect any year.
April Crowds at Disneyland
April is a popular month for Spring Breaks in the Western United States, but even more so on years where Easter falls in April as many districts plan breaks the week before or after the religious holiday.
April tends to have the largest amount of Disneyland Crowds (though the last two weeks in March are pretty heavy too). However, helping the crowd situation can be some Magic Key blackouts, as well as some ticket types may be excluded from park entry.
Park Hours In April
Disneyland park hours in April tend to be long, often times the parks are open full time from 8 am to 10 pm at California Adventure, and 8 am to 11 pm or Midnight at Disneyland.
Some exceptions may be for private events, cast member events, or after hours parties. Usually, these are pretty minimal this time of year.
Weather at Disneyland in April
The weather in April tends to be pretty enjoyable. While you will have some days that are hot, reaching in the 90’s, and a few cool and rainy days, most days will be a pleasant mid-high 70’s for the high.
At night, the weather can cool down quickly after the sun sets, especially if there is any type of breeze, so plan on bringing a sweatshirt or jacket, and possibly long pants for younger kids.
I definitely suggest keeping an eye on the weather until a few days before you leave as it can change often.
You may want to plan a beach day at one of the beaches near Disneyland for your visit. Just note that the water will still be quite cold.
Annual Events at Disneyland in April
Food and Wine Festival
April is a great time for foodies at Disneyland. The Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival continues for most of the month. The Food and Wine Festival celebrates California Culture and Cuisine.
As the name implies, it is full of opportunities to sample foods, wines, and also entertainment. I have a basic guide explaining more about Food and Wine Festival if you are looking forward to this event.
Easter Offerings
When Easter falls in April, you can find the extra Easter Activities and Offerings at Disneyland available for guests. This includes the annual Easter Eggstravaganza (an egg-hunt of sorts) that guests can participate in.
You will also see extra rabbit and bunny characters out the week of Easter, including White Rabbit, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, and more.
Rides and Entertainment at Disneyland in April
During April, most years, all, or nearly all, the rides at Disneyland are operational. This year we are seeing less of that (more in the 2022 section), but in general, Disney usually has all except maybe one ride operating. Again, 2022 is an exception to that.
Entertainment during April in most years is also usually shown at a full schedule, at least for the first 2-3 weeks. Fireworks are usually nightly, weather permitting, and once they return, we expect night time entertainment to be pretty regular in the schedule. Speaking of… MAJOR ENTERTAINMENT NEWS in the 2022 specific section so keep reading!
Disneyland in April 2022
April 30th, 2022 will mark a full year since Disneyland and California Adventure reopened. While the Disneyland Park Reservation system is here to stay, dare I say that April 2022 will feel like we have come full circle to having our “normal” Disneyland back.
Disneyland Health and Safety Guidelines April 2022
Fingers crossed, this may be the last month I need to include this section in my monthly updates.
At this time, guests ages 2 and up, regardless of vaccination status are required to wear masks on enclosed transportation (monorail and shuttles). They are also required in First Aid and Baby Centers.
All guests are encouraged to wear masks indoors (per signs on property) but this is not required.
2022 Food and Wine Festival
Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival will continue through April 26, 2022. Guests can sample foods, enjoy entertainment, and purchase event merchandise during this event. This is not an extra ticketed event, but you obviously will have to pay for food, etc.
Disney Junior Fun Fest
This one-day event takes place in California Adventure, between 10 am – 4 pm, on April 29, 2022. Disney Junior Fun Fest will include appearances by Disney Junior characters, previews of new shows and episodes, and more. You can read more about this event on the Disney Parks Blog.
Disneyland Resort Hours in April 2022
As I mentioned before, park hours in April tend to be pretty long, giving you plenty of time to get in rides, even with the spring break crowds. In fact, this is the easier park hours chart I have made since the reopening I think. Why? Because Disneyland has the same hours EVERY DAY OF THE MONTH in April with one exception (noted under the chart).
| Location | Hours (Every Day) |
| Disneyland | 8 am – Midnight |
| California Adventure | 8 am – 10 pm |
| Downtown Disney | 8 am – 1 am |
Disneyland April 2022 Ride Closures
Unfortunately, this is NOT the easiest month I have had for this part of my guides. Remember before when I said most rides are usually open in April? Well, April 2022 is the exception to this.
Below is a list of the SCHEDULED ride closures for April 2022 as of March 31, 2022. Remember that Disneyland rides can go down unexpectedly, for a short time, or even for a few days.
April 2022 Ride Closures
Disneyland Park
- Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage Closed – TBD
- Mickey’s Toontown (entire land) Closed – 2023
- Pirates of the Caribbean Closed – TBD
- Space Mountain April 28th (1 day closure, reopens as Hyperspace Mountain April 29th)
- Tarzan’s Treehouse Closed – TBD
- Blue Bayou Closes April 21 – TBD (not a ride but still worth noting)
California Adventure Park
- Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters April 11 – 14
I have seen reports by others that Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree is scheduled for April 25th, but this must have changed because Disneyland now shows it is scheduled to go down on May 9, 2022.
Disneyland Entertainment Returning in April 2022
I am so excited that we have so much returning in April 2022 that I had to save this for the end. There is so much to look forward to in April, and I will be there to cover all of it on my Instagram stories, so be sure you are following me.
Pixar Pals Dance Party Returned End of March
I love the Dance Parties at Tomorrowland Terrace and am so excited to have them back. Late March 2022, we saw the Pixar Pals Dance Party Return, so take it in if you will be there in April. It happens between 7 pm and 11 pm.
Traditional Character Meet and Greets Return in April
Disney Parks announced on March 31st, that as early as April 18, 2022, we will see traditional character interactions return. This means you will be able to get close up, and yes, even hug some characters in the parks. They did mention that this will be a slow change, so not all characters may be able to be hugged, but I am just happy to be able to see this come back.
I do, however, hope they keep some of these distanced sightings throughout the park. I have really enjoyed not having to wait in line for hours meeting characters, plus it makes it a little magical to suddenly see Goofy fishing at Pacific Wharf, etc.
Main Street Electrical Parade Returns For It’s 50th Anniversary April 22, 2022
Okay, yes, Disneyland is constantly bringing the Electrical Parade out of retirement any time it thinks the local passholders (I mean Magic Keyholders) are upset, but I am actually excited for it this time because it includes an all new float, featuring stories like Encanto and Coco.
Next I hope they bring back Magic Happens and Paint the Night, but hey, I will take what I can get.
Disneyland Forever Fireworks Return April 22, 2022
Disneyland Forever Fireworks will return to the skies as well on April 22, 2022. This show is a favorite of many.
The show will only take place on weekends for now, but go nightly (weather permitting) beginning Summer 2022.
During the week, you will still get to experience Mickey’s Mix Magic music and projections on Main Street USA.
World of Color Returns April 22, 2022
World of Color will also return on April 22, 2022. It is so exciting to have this back. THIS is what feels full circle to me. On the last trip I took to the parks before the closure, on my last full park day, I did the World of Color Dessert Party with my Disneyland with Kids Facebook Group co-founders.
Before the show started, we were discussing the closure of the parks in Asia, and what would we do if the US parks closed down. Then we sang our heads off together to World of Color. I particularly remember us belting out A Whole New World.
This is why World of Color returning almost had me in tears. It really feels like we have come full circle.
Coming in May – Fantasmic
While it isn’t coming this month, we do know that Fantasmic will return to the Rivers of America on May 28, 2022. The renovations in New Orleans Square are in preparation for this.
Ticket Deals for Disneyland in April 2022
Yes, there are some great ticket deals to be found for Disneyland in 2022.
As always, my partners at Get Away Today have discount tickets for Disneyland vacations, and often have specials like 5th day free.
Even better, you can purchase tickets with Genie+ included. Genie+ grants you access to Lightning Lanes on many rides in Disneyland and California Adventure (the new version of Fastpass/Maxpass).
SoCal Ticket Offer
Disneyland has brought back a SoCal Ticket Offer for spring. This ticket offer is good for 3 days at Disneyland at a highly discounted price. Days do not have to be used consecutively, or within the normal 13 day period, but this year these tickets are blocked on weekends.
You can also get these tickets through Get Away Today and get an extra discount on them.
Hi! Do you know if the electrical parade will be during the week or only weekends? Is it worth staying a Sunday night to see the extra fireworks? We were planning to stay Monday May 9th-11th. Thanks!
It will be daily. 🙂