Originally Posted By ABBY Never been to DL in the summer before, let alone July, which is the busiest month of the year, correct? We are going this year for DH's bday. We will be there Wednesday - Friday the 8th, 9th and 10th. Anyone like to tell me what to expect or give me any pointers for being in the park at the most crowded time? Anyone know if the Sailing Ship Columbia be running?? Haven't been on the ship in over 10 years.
Originally Posted By gottaluvdavillains Go knowing it will be busy. Take advantage of the FastPass system. Attitude will make all the difference for you - people who are misserable in July or any busy time are those who go in thinking it's going to be miserable. You know it will be busy, so go with the flow and you will have a blast. If there are a few things that are a must then do those early and anything more you get to do are then bonuses! If you want to eat in certain restaurants book 60 days out for reservations (if they take them). If you can eat at not "meal" times you will have less wait times too. Most of all Have a blast!
Originally Posted By ABBY Thanks gottluv, you're always there for me I have been to DL twice this year so far and DH has been once so we are going to have a relaxed trip. We'll do as you suggested and get our favorites done first thing and then just kick back and enjoy. We hope to take some time to appreciate the little things
Originally Posted By fkurucz We went early last August and it wasn't bad at all during the week. Not empty, but with some judicious early in the day pass pass hoarding it worked quite well. And in many cases FPs weren't even needed. The only ride we missed was Midway Mania, due to long lines. Midweekers in the summer tend to be tourists and I expect that there will be fewer of them than in years past.
Originally Posted By fkurucz The Columbia should be sailing. Also, I would recommend Tuesday -Thursday. Friday will be a zoo.
Originally Posted By SleepingBeauty82 I went on a Saturday in July last year. It wasn't the crowds that got me (although I was crowded) but the HEAT! Just be sure to stay hydrated all day and take breaks. The Tiki Room is my favorite place to be in the middle of a hot summer day. With some pineapple juice. Mmmm.
Originally Posted By gottaluvdavillains Very true SB82 - We don't drink soda during the day at all during the summer in DL - only water - we usually try and drink at least a cup of water an hour or so...
Originally Posted By ABBY YAY for Columbia !! Thanks fkurucz. We will probably do Midway Mania when the park first opens on one day and then may not do it again It will be sad for us because we LOVE it!! But it poured rain while we there in February and we got to ride 3 times in a row with only a 10 minute wait. Thanks SB82. I am not a big fan of anything over 80 degrees. So we will definitely slow down for the afternoons and enjoy things like the Tiki Room, Coke Corner, DL 50 Magical years etc. Can you think of any others?? We'll definitely drink lots of water!!
Originally Posted By amazedncal2 The Animation building in DCA is a MUST on a hot summer day The rapids are good but tend to be crowded, a fastpass is a good idea. The Soarin building is usually pretty chilly, might want a fastpass there too. The farm area just before Bugs Life has a spray machine (if it's still working) DH and I like to take a walk through there for a nice cool moment. Small World is a nice air conditioned 15 minute cruise. You do have to stand in the sunny queue though. Innoventions, if you are interested in that. Pirates, same as Small World. Haunted sometimes seems TOO cold if you can believe that. Pretty much anything that gives you a good amount of time inside and seated will refresh you enough to be ready for more. Splash of course The really nice thing about the summer is that everything is open and you have gorgeous nights. We aren't morning people so we don't usually arrive to the parks until 11. We grab a fastpass and have an early lunch, hit the cooler attractions if the waits aren't crazy and pick up fastpasses. Have an ice cream or iced coffee break, shop, hit a few attractions and then use the fastpasses later in the day/evening. We always get everything done. If it's just the 2 of you, you'll be fine. I think it's when you add multiple friends and family with different wants and needs that the heat and crowds may start to overwhelm. We do make sure to make PS though. Maybe a brunch time at Carnation, an early dinner at Trattoria, etc. A nice break is having lunch at La Brea Cafe. Just steps away and the food is good
Originally Posted By dlkozy We spent much more time in the Animation Bldg than we ever thought we would. It was so much fun being taught how to draw Disney characters that we went to 3 different drawing shows back to back.
Originally Posted By friendofdd You can count on it being hot and fairly crowded. The park hours are longer so there is more time for line waiting. I think the single best heat fighter, other than getting inside, is a personal cooling device such as a spray bottle with fan or a small "mister". Hats are a great help, as are wet scarfs around the neck. Buy that stuff at local drug or sporting goods stores.
Originally Posted By SleepingBeauty82 I agree with Amazed...Pirates, Small World, Haunted Mansion...they're all fairly longer rides that are SUPER air conditioned! And even though it isn't air conditioned, the Mark Twain has some shade on it if you want a 20 minute break. Or even the train. Grizzly River Run is GREAT if it's hot. Most of the queue area is shaded but I like to get a Fastpass mid morning for mid afternoon when it's hottest and ride around 2:00. Change into flip flops for this on and maybe bring a change of clothes. I personally don't mind walking around soaked on a hot day but that's me. Also take advantage of the lockers next to the ride. They are free for either 2 or 3 hours and that way you don't have to take your bags on the raft. Love it!
Originally Posted By amazedncal2 ^^^YES another flip flop believer! I absolutely can't stand walking around in wet shoes, the horror of wet socks is even worse! friendofdd, that is a great tip to bring the mister with you. The size/weight/ price of the ones they sell in the park are a bit much (unless you have a stroller to hang it on The little mini personal fans are great too. DH rolls his eyes when I stand in line and turn on my cute little Mickey Mouse personal fan...hee, hee Then I give him a shot and he doesn't laugh any more The Train and Mark Twain are GREAT ideas. I'd avoid Columbia during the afternoon, unless you go below deck you are out in the bright sun.
Originally Posted By gottaluvdavillains Sunblock! We usually put it on when we first get there - then again after lunch - if it's really hot and we have done the water rides more (or the water misters in bug area) then we will put it on again around 4 or so....
Originally Posted By SleepingBeauty82 I AM a true flip flop believer! HATE WET SHOES! Although we figured out on Grizzly River if you tuck our feet under the seat there is a little step under there and they get a little less wet then if you leave them in the center of the raft where all the water rushes in. SUNBLOCK! Good idea! We always bring it with us in the summer. Also we freeze a couple bottles of water the night before so we have slowly melting ice water with us all day. Usually lasts till mid afternoon.
Originally Posted By amazedncal2 All food service locations that serve fountain drinks will give you free glasses of water/ice water. You can get the filtered water at the beverage machine, it's a little tab behind another flavor. If you don't mind the taste of the tap water you can refill bottles at the water station in the middle of the Rancho outdoor seating area or along the back wall of Tomorrowland Terrace. I think there are other places too, can't think of them. I realize you probably already know this about the water thing. It's not just a hot weather need Just throwing it out there for those who may not know
