August Trip

[olafpooh]

If we go to Disney on 8/19-8/21 - will it be really busy and hot? I've always gone to WDW in the off season, so I'm not used to huge crowds. How long does the drive from LA to Anaheim take? If I went the week before - 8/12 -8/14, would the crowds be the same as 8/19?

 

[Queenbillabong]

I think both times are going to be just as busy and just as hot. That is prime time for DL - though probably not quite as hot and humid as WDW.....

 

[BillyFan]

We have tentative plans to be there at the same time as you. I am expecting it to be hot and crowded. Just read the stickys at the top of the page to get lots of tips on getting the most our of a summer day at the park.

 

[KelsiesMommy]

well, some CA schools will be back in session that week (we start on Aug 18), so it could affect crowds- but MOST Southern CA schools that are local to DLR won't go back until after Labor Day

 

[lisah0711]

We're thinking of going around the same time. I figure it will be as much of a pool trip as park trip but I have DVC developer points I have to use or lose so boo, hoo I'll have to go to DL again!

 

[HoneyBee06]

It will be hot and crowded.

We went at the end of August last year and it was in the 100's the whole time.

 

[DisneyLover4Ever!]

If we go to Disney on 8/19-8/21 - will it be really busy and hot? I've always gone to WDW in the off season, so I'm not used to huge crowds. How long does the drive from LA to Anaheim take? If I went the week before - 8/12 -8/14, would the crowds be the same as 8/19?

I'm not sure on the distance; but I think the crowds would be the about the same each week..but if you go 8/12-8/14 you might run into me and my family...

 

[HydroGuy]

It will be hot and crowded.

We went at the end of August last year and it was in the 100's the whole time.

Because it was in the 100's last year does not mean it will be that again this year. It might. But odds are that it won't.

If we go to Disney on 8/19-8/21 - will it be really busy and hot? I've always gone to WDW in the off season, so I'm not used to huge crowds. How long does the drive from LA to Anaheim take? If I went the week before - 8/12 -8/14, would the crowds be the same as 8/19?

The average high in August is 87 degrees ("Detailed Weather History for DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=23004158). Warm to be sure, but much more tolerable than Orlando in the summer FWIW.

We went in early August in 2005 and 2006 and both times it never got above 85 degrees. About average compared to the data.

Crowds will be busy but manageable IMO - especially if you go on weekdays.

One advantage that DLR has over WDW is the nearby walking distance hotels. It makes for a different experience. If done right you can avoid the worst of the heat and crowds. See "Getting The Most Out of a Summer Visit To DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1345319

 

[Leofoenget]

If we go to Disney on 8/19-8/21 - will it be really busy and hot? I've always gone to WDW in the off season, so I'm not used to huge crowds. How long does the drive from LA to Anaheim take? If I went the week before - 8/12 -8/14, would the crowds be the same as 8/19?

It will be busy and hot. It's not considered the off season. Sort of off season starts after labor day but it's really hit and miss until mid October. Halloween starts Sept 19th.

 

[Wendi2000]

If we go to Disney on 8/19-8/21 - will it be really busy and hot? I've always gone to WDW in the off season, so I'm not used to huge crowds. How long does the drive from LA to Anaheim take? If I went the week before - 8/12 -8/14, would the crowds be the same as 8/19?

really busy? YES
hot? YES
The drive from LA is about an hour.
The week before might be slightly busier because some schools might start back up in August, so the later you go the less crowded it may be... however, if a huge number of schools go back just after your week it could boost those last minute park-goers, KWIM?

 

[Denton]

If we go to Disney on 8/19-8/21 - will it be really busy and hot? I've always gone to WDW in the off season, so I'm not used to huge crowds. How long does the drive from LA to Anaheim take? If I went the week before - 8/12 -8/14, would the crowds be the same as 8/19?

I've been looking at these same weeks. One thing I noticed was the Southern Calif APs are still blocked out the week of Aug 10-16, but they are allowed the next week.

For 8/12 - 8/14 , crowd wise, you can look at this two ways:

Good: The So Cal APs won't be in the parks therefore smaller crowds.
Bad: Disney expects large crowds, So Cal APs are still blocked.

 

[HydroGuy]

I've been looking at these same weeks. One thing I noticed was the Southern Calif APs are still blocked out the week of Aug 10-16, but they are allowed the next week.

For 8/12 - 8/14 , crowd wise, you can look at this two ways:

Good: The So Cal APs won't be in the parks therefore smaller crowds.
Bad: Disney expects large crowds, So Cal APs are still blocked.

Yes, but...

Remember that the AP holders who will return to DLR in mass after the blackout lifts are more savvy than your typical summer visitor. This summer they will probably gravitate towards DCA and the new TSM ride when the blackout lifts though.