Calling on DL experts!

[Minnie&Nana]

It's been 12 years since my last visit to Disneyland and way too long! We visited every year from 1985-1995 and often when I was a child living in CA. Disneyland has always been my favorite park ~ I miss it! Am seriously considering a trip this year to celebrate my 60th birthday

What can I expect these days?
How are the crowds?
Is Saturday still the busiest day of the week?
Is there a value season for resorts?
Is there a slower season for crowds?
If I want to stay in a Disney hotel, which do you recommend and why? (Otherwise I'll stay at The Candy Cane Inn)

Am I going to be shocked and/or disappointed by the changes?

Would like to go in the Fall and can arrange whenever is the best time ~ will probably need to do either a long weekend, possibly midweek (if that would be best time) to visit. Might be nice to go for the holiday decorations, instead of WDW.

Thanks so much!

p.s. Will be checking out Hydroguy's links too ~ great info!

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

Is Saturday still the busiest day of the week?

Yes. And Sunday next. Avoid them if at all possible during Busy season. During slow seasons, you might have to go on that day to see one of the major fireworks shows.

Is there a slower season for crowds?

Yup.
http://www.scottware.com.au/theme/guide.htm
Click attendence graphs in the blue on the left, then click time of year on the tip.

 

[rentayenta]

As far as on property hotels we like the Paradise Pier the best! It's the best value of the 3. I have stayed at all 3 and can only justify the prices at the PPH. The DLH themeing is great too but the last couple of times it seemed a little run down which was a bummer. I could stay at the Ritz in Newport Beach for what they charge for the Grand Californian- it's a joke.

Anyway back to the PPH- it's a Disney meets beach theme which is appealing to my surf and sand loving family. The rooms are spacious and if you can get a view of DCA- it's spectacular. The walk is about 7 minutes to the front gate or you can hop on the Monorail; we prefer to go in through the front gate.


The service has always been A+ Disney plus you can take advantage of their VP services (reservations, gift baskets, balloon boquets, pictures) if staying at a Disney hotel.


I think the park is in much better shape than it was in the early- mid 90's. It'd cleaner and the CMs seem to be kinder. We went once in 1995 and it was such a disappointment from the food, cleaniness, to the service. It sucked and for me to say that about Disneyland is big being the Disney geek that I am.


There is still a Value season but even then the park is not empty. www.mousesavers.com has good info about the seasons. We always go in early December; after the Candlelight Processional and mid-week CM parties. Main St. is breathtaking during the holidays. It really is the best time to go.

Here's to a most magical trip whatever you decide.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Thank you both!

I have been toying with staying at DLR, but love a Beach theme, so PP may be just the place.

I agree with the DL of the late 80's and early 90's ~ it was not the DL of my childhood when it was immaculate. Even the souvenirs seemed tacky!

 

[rentayenta]

Thank you both!

I have been toying with staying at DLR, but love a Beach theme, so PP may be just the place.

I agree with the DL of the late 80's and early 90's ~ it was not the DL of my childhood when it was immaculate. Even the souvenirs seemed tacky!

They did seem tacky. The park is looking great, or it was the last time I was there about a year ago. You really won't be disappointed with Disneyland during the holidays. Halloween is fun too. They bring out the Villians and there is Trick or Treating- even for adults!

 

[I Heart Disneyland!]

What can I expect these days?
How are the crowds?
Is Saturday still the busiest day of the week?
Is there a value season for resorts?
Is there a slower season for crowds?
If I want to stay in a Disney hotel, which do you recommend and why? (Otherwise I'll stay at The Candy Cane Inn)

!

First of all.........HAPPY 60th!!!!!!!!!!!


I think you will find the crowds are more than you remember. However, if you DO go in the fall....it would be better. We were there in Oct. and Nov. and the crowds weren't so bad. We were there for the holiday decor in Nov. and that was AMAZING!!!!!!!!

Not sure about the season value for the resorts because we always stay off property. We like the Homewood Suites, which is 3 miles away and has a shuttle for like $3.00 a day per person. We always have a rental car because we like the freedom. We got Homewood for $116 a night in November. It is a 2 room suite with a bedroom, living room, and kitchen with utensils and dishware and dishwasher!! They have a full sized fridge too, which is nice because we always like to have milk and pop in our room. It's across the street from a Target, which is nice for getting snacks, etc.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Thanks for the birthday wish!

The crowds at DL can be horrifying is what I remember!!

And that is just on a regular 'ole summer Saturday, never mind a holiday!!

It's always a toss up visit either DL or WDW when it comes to time of year because if it is slower then things are being refurbished and some of the best experiences are missing.

I was thinking maybe the first week of December would be before the holiday crowds, but still festive with all the decorations - it may sound strange, but Disneyland decorated for Christmas would be an adjustment for me, maybe even a bit too strange. I've never been later than early October and usually late June or July.

Decisions, decisions!!