2012: Late June or Mid August? DH or PP?

[deanimal]

Hi, I'm new here and planning my first Disney trip with the family (myself and my husband, kids will be 2.5 and 3.5 years). We have 2 possible weeks for our trip: the last week of June (25th-29th), or the middle of August (12-16th or so). I know I'm planning way ahead, but I was hoping that anyone who's been to Disneyland this summer may have some tips on when would be the better time to visit, especially in regards to crowds.
We're hoping to stay 3 or 4 days, stay on site and take it fairly easy, doing the parks in short bites with lots of downtime and taking things at toddler speed without trying to get everything in. Right now our budget looks like it would cover 4 nights at Paradise Pier or 3 nights at the Disneyland Hotel. Any thoughts?
Any advice from the experts would be a real help to this newbie!

 

[larina]

The DLH will be done with construction by then I think, but I would still vote for the PP. I don't get the DLH honestly. It is too dark and subdued for my liking. And I would ALWAYS take an additional day in the parks over the change in hotels (but I LOVE the Paradise Pier).

 

[PinkBudgie]

The big thing to think about next summer is the opening of Carsland. Rumor says it will be done around the end of June but we have not had official word. For this reason I would go in August to be sure of getting to see Carsland. If you check DLR website for AP blackout days, you can try to go before they unblock all the Socal APs in Aug. Just check the calender to be sure of the dates.

 

[PinkBudgie]

Forgot to add- more days will be better. If you want to take it easy, then 3 days won't be enough. If 4 is all your budget will allow, then do that but 5 is better.

 

[Dobie]

I would definately go in August vs. June.

As far as hotels, it depends on what you want. The DLH will have a much better, more interesting pool area. There are also more eateries onsite and very close in DTD.

The PPH is closer to the parks (through GCH) and has bigger, more comfortable rooms. You can also see the fireworks very easily in a comfortable chair from the pool deck, and the Dobies have found the staff to be much friendlier and more accommodating.

 

[skiingfast]

The big thing to think about next summer is the opening of Carsland. Rumor says it will be done around the end of June but we have not had official word. For this reason I would go in August to be sure of getting to see Carsland. If you check DLR website for AP blackout days, you can try to go before they unblock all the Socal APs in Aug. Just check the calender to be sure of the dates.

It's reall a gamble based on what happens with Carsland. Chances are probably better it won't be open in early June, making crowds much lighter(they would be light in early June because most schools are still in session). But the place will be a zoo all summer with the biggest thing to happen in the resort in a long time. However if by chance Carsland opens June 3rd they could be there in D day, as everyone and there brother invades.

Forgot to add- more days will be better. If you want to take it easy, then 3 days won't be enough. If 4 is all your budget will allow, then do that but 5 is better.

Always good advice and may be super important to follow next summer.