4/28-5/1 or 9/8-9/11??? When should we go??

[DisneyNic]

I am so confused all of the sudden. I am taking my kids to DL next year by myself (we went to WDW in Sept so DH is REFUSING to go to DL anytime soon, such a scrooge.) Anyway, I decided that me and the kids are going anyway. I have been planning the trip for Sept, we would arrive the Wed after Labor Day. But with the "Everyone pays kid's price" promo, today I had the idea to price check going the end of April. I have been to DL in Sept several times which is why I feel comfortable taking the kids then. I have somewhat of a grasp on what the crowds are like. I have never been in April. Wait, I lied. I have gone in April....twice. Both times I was performing with my dance group and I was too young (12) to really notice (or I just don't remember) crowds. In the price checking that I have done, it is about $50 cheaper to go in April. This is a tight budget trip since we did just get back from WDW, but $50 is not really a deal breaker or maker.

So, anyone who made it all the way through that, I am looking for advice on what I should do. How are crowds the last week of April?? Have the spring breakers thinned out or is it still pretty busy?? If you were in my shoes, what would you do??? Thanks for any help!!!

 

[aristocat65]

I think both are good times. End of April will likely be much cooler than September. The end of April until Memorial Day weekend is good because all the spring breaks are over and summer crowds haven't arrived yet.

World of Colour in California Adventure may affect crowds though. Someone else here can probably say when it starts, but I think it is around April.

 

[3TinksAndAnEeyore]

April 24th is the date Al Lutz has written about as the Grand Opening for World of Color.

 

[DisneyNic]

World of Colour in California Adventure may affect crowds though. Someone else here can probably say when it starts, but I think it is around April.

April 24th is the date Al Lutz has written about as the Grand Opening for World of Color.

I hadn't even thought about World of Color. Hmmm, that may be the decision maker. I don't think I really want to be there when all that mess starts. So, I guess September it is. Darn, part of me was excited that the trip might happen a little sooner. Oh, well. Thanks!!!!

 

[jenpace]

I think you made the right choice in picking September...because of the possible crowds, and also, it'll give you just a little more time to save more $$ for the trip.

Have a great time!

 

[HydroGuy]

Strong rumors are that the Rivers of America is closing in January for refurb and will last until April and possibly May. When ROA is closed that means no Fantasmic, Mark Twain, SS Columbia, DC Canoe boats or Pirates Lair at TSI. Search for recent threads on River of America closing.

After Labor Day HM goes down for holiday overlay (2-3 weeks) and usually several other rides run down by long summer hours. In 2010 Labor Day is Sept 6 so expect HM to go down Sept 7. This year Space Mtn went down for a week or so too in mid-Sept if memory serves. Often Matterhorn goes down after Labor Day for refurb.

See this link for park hours and refurbs in past years:

"Historical DLR Park Hours, Entertainment and Refurbs" - www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2291124

Which one is best? Hard to say. If the ROA opens I would opt for April myself.

Have a great trip!

 

[DisneyNic]

Just when I think I have made a decision (I even made a new ticker), here comes HydroGuy to confuse me all over again!! You would really choose April??? Even with World of Color opening around that time?? Do you not think that will affect crowds too much?? You can't just post and run like that, you have to come back and answer these questions now!!

I'm still open to others' opinions, also. I know that none of us know for sure how crowds will be, but I love hearing opinions.

 

[DangerMouse]

I agree with HG (no surprise there).

Even if the WoC show isn't delayed and begins running on 4/24 (and IMO that's a huge IF), the park that is going to be affected is DCA. I can picture hundreds of thousands of local S. Cal AP holders flooding DCA every evening mid-week and on Friday & Sunday nights in order to see the show. However, I don't think the affect on DL's overall attendance mid-week during the daytime will be that great.

 

[DisneyNic]

Oh, I see, now both of you are going to gang up on me!! J/K No offense to the other amazing DIsers here, but HydroGuy and DangerMouse are two of the Disers that most stand out to me as being really helpful all the time. I am honored to have both of their input. Even though I am confused again. Although, I am really leaning to April now. But I might change the dates a little bit. I can get the Ent rate for all three nights if I go April 25-28 and airfare is cheaper also. That drops it down about $120 cheaper than going in Sept. This is really becoming a possiblility. Thanks for all the input so far. Still open to anyone else who has suggestions!!!