Best time to visit Disneyland?

[sammysmom]

We have never been to Disneyland and were thinking of going next year. Any time of the year better than others? And help you can lend would be great. Thanks!

 

[PinkBudgie]

Well it depends on what you want to do when you get there.

Do you want to see the holiday things, the fall things, mostly go on rides, or see shows?

We prefer July. Yes, it is hot but I don't mind the heat. The parks have longer hours. Socal APs have been blocked by that time. All the shows are up and running. There are crowds but it isn't nearly as bad as when we went over the holidays. First thing in the morning is very nice. And with good use of collecting fastpasses we never wait in a line longer than 20 min, but are able to get in a lot of rides in a day.

Next year we hope to get APs again and try out going during the Fall if they have the Ghost Space Moutain again. I expect it to be crowded based on what I'm hearing now, but like over the holidays, we lower our expectations about what we can ride.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Best time to visit: EVERY DAY!!!

Seriously, it depends on what you are looking for: best deals, lowest crowds, most rides/show, best weather, swimming at the hotel pool on breaks, etc. Also, are you traveling with or without kids, is school schedules an issue, etc.??

 

[S. S. Columbia]

1. The Rivers of America will likely be drained from January to April 2010.

“…the Rivers of America is scheduled to be drained for refurbishment for several months in the winter and spring of 2010, with Fantasmic! returning for the 55th Anniversary summer in June, 2010.”

- Al Lutz (April 21, 2009)

Link: http://miceage.micechat.com/allutz/al042109a.htm

2. Fireworks, Fantasmic, and the Electrical Parade will likely be shown nightly from mid-June to Labor Day weekend -- although this year the Electrical Parade went dark after Sunday, August 23.

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

3. All things being equal, in general the Annual Pass blackout dates can affect crowds in June and mid-August.

The Psychology of the DLR Annual Pass Holder by HydroGuy
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2244322

Hope this helps.

 

[Hound 109]

& since you're a WDW vet, this HydroGuy link is a must read (as well as SS Columbia's links).

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599


Have a great time considering a visit to Walt's park.