For Southern California residents, February through May are the absolute best time of the year to visit the Disneyland resort. Smaller crowds and special discounts make the off-season considerably more enjoyable with shorter lines and more temperate weather.

Up until May 22nd, residents can buy two-day park hopper passes with the option of choosing Disneyland or California Adventure for either day (watch out for the blackout dates—March 20th-April 4th). Two days at the Magic Kingdom is a perfect staycation for those who might not be able to take a proper jaunt or Spring Break.

Disneyland celebrates its 60th anniversary this year and while the winter and early spring at the parks often come with some ride closures – for renovation or refurbishment – the limited lines at most of the attractions are worth missing out on Splash Mountain or Soarin’ Over California.

The frustrations of a day in the Magic Kingdom – heat and endless standing – disappear, well, like magic in the weeks leading up to summer. Pro tip: go in the middle of the week—Tuesday-Thursday—for minimal crowd factor.

California Adventure, long considered the poor country critter to Disneyland’s glamorous city mouse, has done some serious sprucing up lately making it a worthy destination in its own right.

Cars Land, of the Cars movie franchise, is especially fun with the Radiator Springs Racers as thrilling as a roller coaster ride. The attention to detail in this area of California Adventure rivals Disneyland’s. There are great places to eat in Cars Land as well. The Cozy Cone Motel, besides being super cute, serves up a variety of food inside portable cones, perfect for eating while walking or waiting in line. Churro bites, soft serve and chili con queso can all be eaten on the go. Alcoholic (gasp!) beer floats and vodka and pomegranate limeade are also available if you’re looking to get liquored up.

The Bayside Brews in the Paradise Pier section of California Adventure also offers booze. Six craft beers on tap, like Blue Moon Belgian White, and a variety of pretzels make for a great pit stop. The rides in this area mimic old school carnival attractions – only better, like the ginormous Ferris wheel and roller coaster.

Fans of the movie Frozen can find much to embrace at California Adventure. The characters of Anna and Elsa are easily accessible for photo ops. There is also an interactive show and sing-along for the “Let It Go” die-hards.

Of course Disneyland itself is as dynamic as ever. The faster rides, like Thunder Mountain Railroad, Space Mountain and the Matterhorn combine thrills with spot on design and creativity elevating them above the average roller coaster found at other theme parks. The Indiana Jones ride also elicits squeals and laughter from its ability to immerse the riders completely in an exotic adventure.

Food at Disneyland gets better and better as the options increase, especially for those looking for something healthier or with dietary restrictions. Fresh fruit is available almost everywhere in the Magic Kingdom, something that patrons of older generations would’ve found unbelievable.

The all-time best dining option, if you’re willing to spend a little, is the Blue Bayou Restaurant located inside the Pirates of the Caribbean. There are Cajun and Creole options as well as the ultra incredible Monte Cristo. This sandwich easily feeds two. A ham and turkey and swiss extravaganza, deep fried, dusted with powdered sugar, and served with a side of blueberry jam, this sandwich undoubtedly takes the cake.

If you must wait until the end of May, there are numerous pleasures to be had as well. For one, the Diamond Celebration begins, marking the park’s 60th anniversary. This will include a new nighttime parade called "Paint the Night."

Disneyland’s nighttime fireworks show will also be enhanced, with new light projections that will extend beyond Main Street, projecting images on some of the attractions, like the Matterhorn. It will surely be a celebration fit for, well, a Disney Princess and her Prince Charming.