Originally Posted By rainbowmama So, it looks like the best time to steal away for a DL trip this year will be the week of August 12th. We may be able to grab some time in early October but school schedules make it iffy. I'm concerned about how bad the crowds and heat will be and would be grateful for any info. I took my 2 daughters in the fall three years ago and it was pure magic. My 5-year old son has never been but I know he would love it. However, if the crowds/heat will be awful, it may make sense to wait. This board helped me so much the last time we planned a trip so I thank you in advance for your thoughts!
Originally Posted By bobiascastle Heat is bad & crowds are worse until school starts again but if you go on a week day you might be ok. Good luck!
Originally Posted By amazedncal2 October seems to be busier than in the past. Lot's of schools now have that October break and some are taking Columbus Day as a holiday. Not summer busy but the park hours are shorter. If your family loves Halloween and prefers hopefully cooler weather I'd go with October and go with a plan the parks to be busy. You may be pleasantly surprised and have low crowds We've gone to DLR mid August and it was not only balmy but had really nice crowds. Another time, hot and muggy. We've gone late August to HOT weather and another time to pleasant weather. We now have have a lovely collection of 3 DLR spray bottles I'd just choose whatever time works for your family. Plan ahead and warn your family that it might be hot or crowded (no whining allowed and you'll have fun.
Originally Posted By junglejoy There is something magical about being in the parks when it's just moving with activity! I do prefer the off-season because it's more relaxed, but love, love, love the crowds. Everything is open, everyone is full of excitement - it's a great time to go! But I think just about anytime is a great time to go. Have a fun trip. First trips with your own children (as you know) are magical!
Originally Posted By KCCHIEF junglejoy....you and I would get along...I love to go to DL anytime..but I do not mind the crowds and I love to go when every little stand is open...makes me sad when I am down there and things are draped because it is not busy enough to run them...I have been in August and while it is hot....it was alot of fun..
Originally Posted By dlkozy We have been in August once-and won't do it again-way too hot and crowded. We have been in late October the last 2 years-weather was much more pleasant and it was busy but not as bad. You might want to check Disney schedules though-I believe Gay Days is sometime in the early part of October and that according to last year's boards was quite busy.
Originally Posted By dzy76 Love July and August in the parks. I too love everything to be open and although the crowds get to me sometimes, I just remember, I'd rather be at DL anytime, even if it's crowded!
Originally Posted By rainbowmama Thanks so much for your replies! You've reminded me of some of the things I'd forgotten. Last time it WAS over Halloween and several rides were closed plus few choices for night shows. However, the crowds were almost non-existent as it was the year of the bad fires. There were some rides that we were able to just ride repeatedly with no waits and also short lines for talking with characters--we got very spoiled! Still...I agree with others that DL at anytime, with any crowds, is better than no Disney at all. Will double check school schedules and then hotels and go with whenever we can get best deals. Thanks again for your thoughts!
Originally Posted By 73baloo Any day at Disneyland is a good day even when you are hot and it is crowded. I usually take more time to enjoy the benches and people watch.
Originally Posted By MOLLYSMOM We will be there the week of August 12th as well. Whenever we go, we always choose the second week of August. In the peak of the summer, we can count on all the rides being open, we love the excitement of the crowds and all the little kids going nuts, and we are heat junkies...the hotter the better.
Originally Posted By nickapoohiluvu We went in mid-August two years ago and spent 5 days and 4 nights in mid-august after I quit work to stay at home with the kiddies. Besides being uncomfortable from being heavily pregnant at the time, it was a good time to go. We went during the week. The crowds were very manageable in the morning and we walked on all the rides. By the time we had lunch and went back to the hotel for an air conditioned nap it was busy. We went back to the park after 4 pm and it was busy, but not overwhelming like last Veteran's Day was (boy am I glad the kids were not along for that quick trip!). Crowds are a big thing for us, because my husband does not do well. He gets impatient, wants to barge around people and is just an overall horse's rear end when things get busy. For me, no big deal - I just get to make friends in line! Although waiting 45 minutes for Space Mountain on the last trip with my five year old got interesting. He did well, but you could tell the poor kid was bored stiff, although he loved the coaster.
