August vs Gay Days crowds

[Aliceindreamland]

It's been a couple years since we've been at Disneyland, and I'm having trouble remembering the crowd conditions. My husband and I are thinking about going for a couple days for our 15th anniversary in early August. The last time we went, was during the unofficial Gay Days weekend. I remember thinking that since it was just the two of us (no kids in tow), the crowd levels were quite manageable. Does anyone know how early August crowds would compare to the crowd levels during Gay Days? I know that the crowd trackers expect it to be packed, but I'm wondering if it's a manageable level of packed or if it's "week between Christmas and New Years" packed?

Thanks for any insight you can give.

 

[lorijohnhill]

I can't speak for early August, but we were there at the end of July and also during Gay Days last year and found both to be quite manageable. Gay Days was a blast! The crowds seemed super friendly and we met some really awesome people. In July we ran through Cranky Land a few times, but it was still a blast. One thing to consider is that the 60th anniversary stuff officially ends in September. I don't know if that will effect August or not, if some might come to try to catch the end of the celebration.

 

[Aliceindreamland]

You bring up a great point about crowd mood; I hadn't thought about that. (I agree with you that the Gay Days crowd was really friendly and fun! We ended up on rides with some really fantastic people) Anyone else have thoughts or insights?

Thanks!

 

[lunaland]

We actually had the same time frame choices last year and did quite a bit of research on our options. We went with the Wedensday before gay days to the Thrusday after. It was great! The weekend was pretty packed but we had fun and enjoyed the Halloween decorations and party.

 

[Skyegirl1999]

I think I'm a little confused by what you're asking and the responses you're getting. Are you deciding between these two times for this year, or are you just looking at early August and wondering how it compares to your last trip?

 

[SMD]

Ever since the 60th started the parks have been more crowded than that same time frame from previous years. They could dwindle that last month, but it's safest to assume they won't. Check your possible dates against the AP blockouts that end in August. Manageable is a relative term. People obviously do manage the week between Christmas and New Years or the parks wouldn't be full. If you go in expecting it to be extremely crowded and plan for that, and you find it to be only very crowded then you will be pleasantly surprised.

 

[Aliceindreamland]

Skygirl1999- I'm trying to compare August crowds to my last trip, which happened to be during Gay Days.

SMD- you are absolutely right; it's all relative. I'm sure that if I go into the trip expecting huge crowds, I will be prepared for whatever I encounter and have a great time. Any insight on wait times in August? What is it like in the restaurants? Since we won't have our kids with us, we don't mind eating at odd times, but I realize in the middle is summer there might not really be any down time in the restaurants.

 

[SMD]

Make reservations at BB and Carthay any time you can get them. Even if they're crowded, you won't care because of the air conditioning and ice water.