Best time to go to Disneyland?

[DisDarling]

We would like to travel to CA to see Disneyland and DCA along with other sites, and were thinking during February some time. Is there a time during Feb. that is NOT good to travel to Disneyland or CA in general? Thank you so much.. having been to WDW 11 times, I have been to DL once in 2001. Family has never been, and I am trying to find out as uch as I can. Thanks!!!

Amy

 

[mhconley]

Southern California can be cold and rainy in February...

Of course cold in Southern California is a relative term - I'm talking highs in the high-50's to low-60's and lows right around the 50-degree mark.

Normally rain is not a huge problem but it can be, especially during an El Nino.

Crowds are low during February and especially in the rain. Take it from a native Californian - a lot of us tend to freak out if it rains.

Martin

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Avoid President's day weekend (13-15th for 2010).

 

[oc_tony]

Avoid President's day weekend (13-15th for 2010).

Agreed. If you avoid Pres Day weekend, the rest of Feb is a good time of the year if you are looking for lower crowd levels. If your location is correct (Wisconsin), then your definition of cold is quite different from the average SoCal resident. You'll enjoy our February weather, even if it rains.

 

[HydroGuy]

We would like to travel to CA to see Disneyland and DCA along with other sites, and were thinking during February some time. Is there a time during Feb. that is NOT good to travel to Disneyland or CA in general? Thank you so much.. having been to WDW 11 times, I have been to DL once in 2001. Family has never been, and I am trying to find out as uch as I can. Thanks!!!

Amy

Hi Amy:

Not sure what time of year you visited in 2001 but I wanted to make sure you were aware that February is off-season at DLR and there are some drawbacks to off-season. See

"What You Should Know About Off-Season at DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18462889

"HydroGuy's High Season/Off Season Tradeoff Rule" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199852

As for weather, well it is winter and here is some data on temperatures and rainfall:

"Detailed Weather History for DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=23004158

The good side of off-season of course is the crowds should be less. Have a great visit!

 

[DisDarling]

Thanks HydroGuy!

Can I ask how Spring Break is? Ours is the last week of March, and were thinking about trying that instead. Any threads you can direct me to for help on that time of year? Thanks SOOOO much!!

Amy

P.S. Boss just got back from Colorado.

 

[HydroGuy]

Thanks HydroGuy!

Can I ask how Spring Break is? Ours is the last week of March, and were thinking about trying that instead. Any threads you can direct me to for help on that time of year? Thanks SOOOO much!!

Amy

P.S. Boss just got back from Colorado.

Your boss makes good choices on where to visit. Does he/she go to DLR?

Spring Break runs from mid-March to mid-April and is considered high season. Hence you have longer park hours and more entertainment. And more crowds. You can tell Spring Break periods by looking at DLR calendars. When hours are 8AM-Midnight every day, that is when DLR is expecting Spring Break crowds.

 

[DisDarling]

So your opinion, what is THE best time for weather, crowds, etc? Thanks!

I dont believe she has been to DLR yet.

Amy

 

[HydroGuy]

So your opinion, what is THE best time for weather, crowds, etc? Thanks!

I dont believe she has been to DLR yet.

Amy

It is all a tradeoff and what kind of weather you like. For me summer weather at DLR is ideal. Other people think it is too hot in summer.

It also depends on how often you visit. People who visit more often (say twice a year or more) have an easier time with off-season since rides or shows that are down on this trip likely will be available on the next trip.

Someone who visits less frequently (like me ) would generally prefer to have more rides and shows available. Hence a stronger case for a high season visit can be made.

IMO the best time to visit with moderate crowds, good weather and having the best chance for rides and shows to be available is the month of May. It is before the summer crowds arrive and schools get out. But it is after many of the refurbs are complete in prep for summer season. And the weather is warm but not as bad as later in the summer, and rain is unusual.

I do mind extremely heavy crowds but do not mind typical summer crowds as they do not seem that bad to me. So I like visiting June-August. IMO the last week of June is the ideal week to visit. Why? Because it is a little cooler than July or August, the summer hours are maxed out, the shows are full schedule, the ride refurbs are usually zero and the SoCal AP holders blackouts have started.

 

[DisDarling]

SOOOOOO very helpfu;! We did WDW this past June and it wasnt that bad, as far as hot or crowds go, so maybe we will go for it in CA the same way, but maybe do the end of June over my Bday.

Thanks for all of the great help!

Hey, are you familiar with any other CA things? We are interested in the Queen Mary tour, San Diego Zoo, Universal Studios, and Pixar Studios. Thanks!!

Amy

 

[cmwilson523]

Can I ask how Spring Break is? Ours is the last week of March, and were thinking about trying that instead. Any threads you can direct me to for help on that time of year? Thanks SOOOO much!

Spring break - if you can possibly avoid it, do so. It is the height of seasons for room rates (very expensive!!!). It is really busy as well. We were there during spring break a couple of years ago and the crowds were nuts. Examples: it took us an hour to get through the Fastpass return line at Soarin, and my group took three hours to get through the line at Grizzly River (name correct?) when the wait time showed 45 minutes. (I was waiting with our friends' baby and they took so long I thought I had lost them when I went to get her some milk! Of course they had all left their cell phones with me to keep them dry... )