Best Time of Year to Go?

[AshleeH]

There is a slim possibility that we won't be able to make our trip to DLR next year, so I'm making alternative plans, just in case.

When is the best time(s) to go? We were planning in May (the week before Memorial Day).

The weather isn't as much of an issue as the crowds. We're WDW veterans - are the crowds similar in DLR? For instance: Lowest times are November, February, etc.?

 

[HydroGuy]

There is a slim possibility that we won't be able to make our trip to DLR next year, so I'm making alternative plans, just in case.

When is the best time(s) to go? We were planning in May (the week before Memorial Day).

The weather isn't as much of an issue as the crowds. We're WDW veterans - are the crowds similar in DLR? For instance: Lowest times are November, February, etc.?

This may be a good starting point for DLR:

"Choosing When To Visit DLR: Summary of High and Low Season and When Each Happens" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36509602

 

[skiingfast]

The weather isn't as much of an issue as the crowds. We're WDW veterans - are the crowds similar in DLR? For instance: Lowest times are November, February, etc.?

One average the weather is better at DLR.

Crowds are similiar with one major difference. Since DLR caters to locatls, Friday night through Sunday are always the busiest time of the week. Even in the offseason, like May, those days are busy.

Because of that difference in crowds over a week, full hours and entertainment are only on the weekends in the offseason.

 

[DLR29]

Lower crowded seasons at DLR are in late-Jan through early Feb, Mayish, mid September, and early Nov/December.

HOWEVER,
Lower crowd seasons have major tradeoffs.

1) Park hours are severely limited. During summer seasons, DL and DCA may be open from 8AM-12AM every night. During "off season", it's more likely to be 10AM-8PM.

2) Because of these shortened hours and other circumstances, fireworks and Fantasmic are only shown on weekends. So if you do go during these times, I'd recommend that you incorporate at least a weekend to catch these.

3) Lesser crowded times WILL have major rides down for refurbishment. We get a lot of people coming on these boards disappointed that they planned their vacation during a low crowd season and then find out that 2-3 major attractions will be closed. Disney doesn't put out their refurb schedule this far in advance, but just warning you of what will happen.

For these reasons, I prefer to go during more crowded times. I find it easier for me to weave around crowds and not have to deal with these 3 inconveniences, but that's a personal preference.

EDIT: Of course Hydroguy and skiingfast snuck in there before I posted...

 

[AshleeH]

Thank you, everyone! And Hydroguy, I'll definitely check out that link!

 

[Lissame]

Lower crowded seasons at DLR are in late-Jan through early Feb, Mayish, mid September, and early Nov/December.

HOWEVER,
Lower crowd seasons have major tradeoffs.

1) Park hours are severely limited. During summer seasons, DL and DCA may be open from 8AM-12AM every night. During "off season", it's more likely to be 10AM-8PM.

2) Because of these shortened hours and other circumstances, fireworks and Fantasmic are only shown on weekends. So if you do go during these times, I'd recommend that you incorporate at least a weekend to catch these.

3) Lesser crowded times WILL have major rides down for refurbishment. We get a lot of people coming on these boards disappointed that they planned their vacation during a low crowd season and then find out that 2-3 major attractions will be closed. Disney doesn't put out their refurb schedule this far in advance, but just warning you of what will happen.

For these reasons, I prefer to go during more crowded times. I find it easier for me to weave around crowds and not have to deal with these 3 inconveniences, but that's a personal preference.

EDIT: Of course Hydroguy and skiingfast snuck in there before I posted...

I totally agree. This is why we greatly prefer to go in the summer.