August 2012 - Blockout lift effect question

[Figment1990]

WDW Vet/DL Newbie here - Please help us figure out which would be better for our 4 days at DLR this summer. A few facts:

Fri Aug 17- Mon Aug 20 or Sun Aug 19- Wed Aug 22

* It's my 2nd visit there, so I'm familiar with how close in proximity everything is. But it's my four year old son's first trip to California (he's a WDW vet too) and he's the worlds biggest Cars fan (hence our DL adventure!)
* The four days are actual park days (not travel days)
* We are staying at the DLH and we plan to take advantage of at least two early mornings.
* AP blockout lifts on mon aug 20 for SoCal passes.
* We are also going to Sea world sometime, probably on a Saturday or Sunday.

We could even go earlier, like the 16th or 15th if that would be better.

What do you DL experts recommend? TIA!

 

[ArchOwl]

WDW Vet/DL Newbie here - Please help us figure out which would be better for our 4 days at DLR this summer. A few facts:

Fri Aug 17- Mon Aug 20 or Sun Aug 19- Wed Aug 22

* It's my 2nd visit there, so I'm familiar with how close in proximity everything is. But it's my four year old son's first trip to California (he's a WDW vet too) and he's the worlds biggest Cars fan (hence our DL adventure!)
* The four days are actual park days (not travel days)
* We are staying at the DLH and we plan to take advantage of at least two early mornings.
* AP blockout lifts on mon aug 20 for SoCal passes.
* We are also going to Sea world sometime, probably on a Saturday or Sunday.

We could even go earlier, like the 16th or 15th if that would be better.

What do you DL experts recommend? TIA!

I would avoid August 20th if at all possible. There will be lots of locals who have been waiting a long time to see Carsland and BVS. I would back up my trip a day and avoid the craziness. Take full advantage of your DLH perks, including early entry to DCA and DL whenever available. And have fun!

 

[HydroGuy]

WDW Vet/DL Newbie here - Please help us figure out which would be better for our 4 days at DLR this summer. A few facts:

Fri Aug 17- Mon Aug 20 or Sun Aug 19- Wed Aug 22

* It's my 2nd visit there, so I'm familiar with how close in proximity everything is. But it's my four year old son's first trip to California (he's a WDW vet too) and he's the worlds biggest Cars fan (hence our DL adventure!)
* The four days are actual park days (not travel days)
* We are staying at the DLH and we plan to take advantage of at least two early mornings.
* AP blockout lifts on mon aug 20 for SoCal passes.
* We are also going to Sea world sometime, probably on a Saturday or Sunday.

We could even go earlier, like the 16th or 15th if that would be better.

What do you DL experts recommend? TIA!

I believe the Aug 17-20 dates are better. Aug 20 will be more crowded and thus good days to use FP and see shows which do not involve lines as much.

 

[Figment1990]

Thank you so much! I think that we will aim for the pre-20th dates. Maybe even the 16-19th. I'm sure that my DS will want to spend his last moments in CarsLand on our last day, so I'm thinking that should be the 19th and not the 20th.

How DIFFERENT WDW and DL are in terms of planning. I know they are totally different from my own experiences at each, but never thought of it in terms of planning. My DL trip was without kids - so much easier to not plan!

Thanks again!

 

[ArchOwl]

Thank you so much! I think that we will aim for the pre-20th dates. Maybe even the 16-19th. I'm sure that my DS will want to spend his last moments in CarsLand on our last day, so I'm thinking that should be the 19th and not the 20th.

How DIFFERENT WDW and DL are in terms of planning. I know they are totally different from my own experiences at each, but never thought of it in terms of planning. My DL trip was without kids - so much easier to not plan!

Thanks again!

I think you will be glad that you avoided the 20th. I haven't been there on a day when the block lifted, but I have been there before the summer block began and it was crazy!

I have never been to WDW, but honestly the idea of planning it is scary! My trips to DL seem so laid back compared to WDW planning. Have a great time and I think your little guy is going to love Carsland. I have been peeking over the walls for months now and it looks so amazing and immersive. Have fun!

 

[blackjackdelta]

Made the mistake 1 year in going in August after the blackout lifted..never again, this year may be interesting.

Jack

 

[mrswh]

Made the mistake 1 year in going in August after the blackout lifted..never again, this year may be interesting.

Jack

Me too. Lesson learned the hard way. You are better off on a summer weekend than any day the first week back for AP holders. I imagine it will be that much worse this year with CL opening. If you plan to be in the parks on the 20th, just go early. For the most part, the locals trickle in, so while the morning may still be manageable, by noon it will be pretty darn crowded.

Whatever you decide to do, have fun!