Please choose my dates and give me the low-down!

[ericaseiler]

Traveling to SoCal (San Diego, DL and LA) in May/June.

Looking at Saturday May 30 (can be slightly flexible with that) through Saturday June 6 (or Sunday June 7)

First time to DL but are seasoned WDW visitors. 2 park days, was planning on one park per day w/ MaxPass. We tend to visit WDW during times with lower crowds and are concerned about spending a large amount of money to visit DL (significantly more than us visiting WDW as FL Residents) and not being able to enjoy it as much because of the crowds.

Would stay on site for one night to take advantage of two early entries (the day we check in and the day we check out) but would also like to enjoy the evening shows and fireworks in the park.

Ideal park days would be June 2 (my daughter's 13th Bday) and June 3rd-- both are Grad Nite's

Grad Nite Dates around our trip: May 29, 30 June 2, 3, 5, 6

I have also read about schools taking 5th or 8th graders during the day as Graduation Trips.

Do we skip Disney all together this trip? If not, when do you recommend we visit? Any other tips, advice, etc. is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Start here:
* DLR Info/Links - Maps, Hotels, DISer Reviews, Hydroguy's tips, NEWBIE INFO here! -- this is from the sticky threads at the top of the first page
From that sticky:
A DLR Guide for WDW Vets -- make sure to read this! It's a classic and very helpful!
HydroGuy Tips Compilation -- this is an absolute treasure trove of helpful threads!
Airport Proximity to DLR and Ground Transportation Information ~ 3TinksAndAnEeyore -- ask all airport and ground transportation questions here!
"HydroGuy's Hotel Rule" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199862
"Choosing the Right DLR Area Hotel for You" www.disboards.com/threads/choosing-the-right-hotel-for-you.3656512/ -- it's not about on site or off site at DLR -- it's all about being close walking distance to the gates, which can happen on OR off site -- ask all hotel questions here!
Would staying off site help you add an extra day to your trip? One more day would get you a MM (one hour early entry to DL -- FL & TL, on a Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday)? One more day could help you compensate for the Grad Nites and any crowds. MP can really help make up the difference for EMH -- you can get SO much done with good MP planning!
"The Scoop on Grad Nights at DLR in May and June" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2298400 -- Since Grad Nites changed their structure a few years ago, they aren't as bad as they used to be -- but DCA will close early for non-party guests, and any guests with hoppers will be forced to go to DL, which can increase the crowds in that park and in DTD, too. And if you want to see WOC (and it is well worth seeing!), you will need to plan a night at DCA.
And you are right that there are many other school groups (not Grad Nite affiliated) that visit the parks during this time. But good planning and organization can help you have a great time at DLR no matter when you visit.
"Maxpass/Fastpass: an overview and some strategy" by @Skyegirl1999 - www.disboards.com/threads/maxpass-fastpass-an-overview-and-some-strategy.3726246/ -- DLR doesn't have FP+ -- we have legacy FP and MP (which 99.99% of WDW vets LOVE) -- ask all FP/MP questions here!
2020 Calendar of Events & School Breaks and DLR -- check to see what will be happening during your trip dates

Any questions? We're here to help!