Best time for DL..

[stashf]

I could really use some help for planning a trip to DL - I love WDW and go every year but we would really like to see DL. I would like to plan it so I see DL but also San Diego and either Laguna or Huntington Beach as well. I was considering Aug but how crowded is it in all of August? Would I be better to go next March (our March break is early March - I believe 7-13th) What would the weather be like in March? Any advice would be appreciated. I prefer off times but with California being farther from us I would probably opt to go while the kids are off. How is MAy as well (weather and crowds)? Thanks

Stacey Faria

 

[olivejuice]

Last year we went in September. And it was the best because it wasn't crowded at all. Spring break will probably be packed and Later august would probably we good. oh and during may its pretty busy.

 

[DLR29]

Out of the months you suggested:

March- Probably the most crowded of the 3 months. DLR is the hot spot for Spring Breaks from March to April. However hours are long and most rides are open usually. There might be one or two rides down for refurb.

May- The least crowded of the 3 months, however often rides are closed for refurb during May in preparation for the summer season. Hours are shorter, but get longer as the crowds increase towards the end of the month.

August- Somewhat crowded, in between March and May's crowd levels. All rides should be open except for very long refurbs (such as It's a Small World this year) and hours are long. I say go August, towards the end, when some schools go back.

 

[poohnpigletCA]

We have not been in August.
This year we did go in March and May. We went the very first week of March and the weather was sunny but not too hot, the crowds were fairly light. We also went the third week in May it was very hot and crowded. Our youngest even woke up vomiting at night, the Dr. said it was probably heat induced. We gave her water all day, kept her in the shade, but it was hot.

Not sure if your dates are flexible but the first week of March was perfect.

 

[kaoden39]

We have been in March twice. The first year in March was the worst most crowded awful trip. The park was full of cheer leaders. Enough said. Then we went last year in March and it was not to busy and it was one of the best trips we have ever had. August is one month I would never consider because it is a true peak month. We have never gone in May but I have heard the begining of the month is nice.

 

[cccdisney]

We have been in March a couple of times including this past March. This past March was VERY VERY CROWDED with spring break crowds. However the weather was good. We went last July and it was not nearly as crowded as our last March trip (middle of month) but it was much warmer. If you can go at the very beginning of March that would be the best. However it is very likely August won't be as crowded as spring break time.
As far was weather - August will be hot but not nearly as uncomfortable as WDW because you don't have the high humidity and if you stay at a nearby hotel you can easily go back for an afternoon break and swim (much easier than at WDW).
Be sure to read the sticky on DL for WDW veterans.

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

I think your best bet would be late August. A lot of schools go back the last week or so. Probably will still see some of the summer crowds though.

I would touch that place in March! LOL Spring breakers flood it!

 

[JadeDarkstar]

well this sint on your list. but last week of nov was perfect time last year. im doing oct and hoping it wont be to bad, but out of yours id do last week of aug first week of sep

 

[jakoky]

hi there, we were there in may 06 and it was awesome, weather was beautiful and crowds were low...we were there from the 13-23...we also did sept 15-25 in 07 and again, great weather and low crowds, but i believe may was a little less crowded...have fun!!!
me, dh, dd - 17, ds -almost 15, and dd -12
By the time i was 13, i had visited DL about 8 times (not bad for living in bc,canada) but then didnt get back to disney again until i was 35 and this was a first time experience for my dh and kids...
WDW-dec 04-9 nights at the pop
DL-may 06-10 nights at the CCI
DL-sept 07-10 nights at the HOJO

: Sometime in 09-Planning a 12 night DL trip for my daughters graduation and my 40th ...Seems wayyyyyyyyyyyy to far away

 

[popsicle123]

I have gone in both March and August. March was ok but a little cool and the kids couldn't take full advantage of the hotel pool. GR isn't very much fun either during this time but the crowds are light. We went last August from the 14th-21st. The crowds were lighter than I thought they would be. This year we are going between Aug 23-30. If you look at the park hours, it closes early which is good indicator that Disney is expecting light crowds as well. Also, the 23 is the first non-blackout day for APs in August. I plan to be gone before the Marathon and Holiday weekend during the 31st.