August 2008 for first visit to DL?

[MrsAbel]

Hi all...

I am trying to figure out whether going in April or August is better for DL. I've read HydroGuy's posting about going in off-season and frankly we probably will choose to go in August.

With that said, how bad is it really in early-mid August? Are crowds insane? We just got back from WDW and it was SUPER crowded and HOT! Should I expect the same from DL?

Thanks!

 

[WDW4us2006]

Hi,
I was at the DLR for the first time August 7 - 10. The weather was beautiful, 70's and sunny, no humidity. It won't be anything like WDW in August, as I have been there at that time and the So Cal weather is so much nicer!

However, it will be crowded, very crowded. If you plan accordingly, get there early each day, use your fastpasses, and follow all of Hydroguy's tips, you will be just fine. I did all of this and had a great time. Good luck!

 

[Hound 109]

Hi all...

I am trying to figure out whether going in April or August is better for DL. I've read HydroGuy's posting about going in off-season and frankly we probably will choose to go in August.

Thanks!

Since Easter is in March next year, I would go in April. (Just make sure you include one "weekend day" so you can enjoy the fireworks).

& after you have a great time for 2 1/2 -4 days in April......go again in August.

hound -

 

[Master Mason]

Since Easter is in March next year, I would go in April. (Just make sure you include one "weekend day" so you can enjoy the fireworks).

& after you have a great time for 2 1/2 -4 days in April......go again in August.

hound -

The only problem with that stratagy is if the fireworks get canceled. Also, not knowing what the schedule was like, this april splash was closed for refurbishment.

If you want to be as sure as you can that everything will be up and running, you also have to be willing to have a few more folks in the park.

I was there for 4 days last week, as long as you use your fast passes well, you'll have no problems doing everything you want to do.

 

[DLR29]

Hi all...

I am trying to figure out whether going in April or August is better for DL. I've read HydroGuy's posting about going in off-season and frankly we probably will choose to go in August.

With that said, how bad is it really in early-mid August? Are crowds insane? We just got back from WDW and it was SUPER crowded and HOT! Should I expect the same from DL?

Thanks!

I just went a week ago (my TR is in my sig) and I also went to WDW in July. NO comparison. WDW was way hotter (and DL isn't humid at all) and the crowds were worse. DL is hot, but the lack of humidity makes it more manageable. Crowds were average. Not nearly as bad as Christmas. Lines for major rides (Space, Indy, Screamin, Soarin) were around 45 minutes, which isn't that bad. Actually I think Spring Break is worse. Splash and Grizzly River Run were longer, but that was because of the heat. ToT never had a line longer than 15 minutes, as did Haunted Mansion, Pirates, BLAB, etc. As long as you get to the park early and use FP, crowds are nothing. The only time when crowds were an issue was during the fireworks and Fantasmic, but get there early to score a good seat and you should be fine.

 

[HydroGuy]

One subject that sometimes comes up is what people mean by crowds. Some people plain and simple cannot handle crowds. Other people are like me and can handle crowds as long as I do not have to stand in long lines. In fact, to some degree, the crowds enhance the experience for me. Even so, when I go I always do weekdays to avoid more crowded weekends.

So if you can handle crowds as long as you are avoiding lines, then the advice in previous posts here is good. On our late June trip this year we did wait in a line for 25 minutes once, and that was only because it was our day of arrival and we did not get to the parks until mid-afternoon and had no Fastpasses. Every other day our maximum wait was 15-20 minutes. In summary, summer crowds are completely manageable if you do the following:

1. Avoid weekends
2. Get to the parks early
3. Collect Fastpasses
4. Take a break in the afternoon

Regarding April vs. August, there is a huge difference between the first half and last half of April. The first half is Spring Break and, as others have said, crowds were reportedly more than summer crowds. Late April is low season and much less crowded, is much cooler than August, but has the disadvantage of less entertainment.