Best time to visit DL?

[rthutchens]

When is the best time to visit? I want to visit when all rides are operational so I'm sure that will be during higher crowd times. What would you guys suggest?

 

[Patrick in Oregon]

Mid to late June. Right before summer season.

 

[msjuyamc]

I am also interested in DL crowds. Looking to go in October 2013 to experience the NSSHP at DL. How are the parks during this time of year?

Kim

 

[HydroGuy]

When is the best time to visit? I want to visit when all rides are operational so I'm sure that will be during higher crowd times. What would you guys suggest?

July or early August. Check this out:

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

 

[PinkBudgie]

Our favorite time is July- in fact, we are leaving tomorrow! Long hours, warm weather, and everything in full swing.

I mean, everthing in full swing except for Earl of Sandwhich which still isn't open yet.

 

[nannyz]

Our favorite time of year is immediately after Memorial Day.

 

[Hunnypaw]

I am also interested in DL crowds. Looking to go in October 2013 to experience the NSSHP at DL. How are the parks during this time of year?

Kim

We love this timeframe. not as hot as summer, but all rides open unless major refurb.

 

[rthutchens]

What kind of Halloween activities do they have at DL?

 

[Eeee-va]

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2959331 outlines all the Halloween activities. Probably the biggest ones are that the Haunted Mansion becomes Haunted Mansion Holiday (Nightmare Before Christmas-themed) and Space Mountain becomes Ghost Galaxy (new soundtrack/effects). There are also a lot of decorations, an area with Disney-carved pumpkins, and villains meet-and-greets.

There are several extra-charge Halloween parties (with a small parade and a villains-themed fireworks show, trick-or-treating, etc.). These result in Disneyland closing to the public at 6 or 7 PM on those nights. It seems likely that eventually World of Color will get a Halloween show as well, but so far that hasn't happened.

If you want to go when ALL rides are running, Halloweentime may not be the time to do it. Much of the season is relatively busy, between the popular Halloween decor and many families being on Fall Break....but last year, Pirates of the Caribbean was down for the whole season! Near the end of the season, It's a Small World invariably goes down for its conversion to Small World Holiday (Christmas theme).

Even in the summer, you can't GUARANTEE no ride refurbs, but July and early August are some of your best bets. Late August, Disney has started doing refurbs sometimes. I've had good luck with late November/early December, but it's not at all unheard of for Disney close rides for refurb then.

 

[4th Gen Disney Fan]

We went June 2-4 and we found the park to be less crowded than the Summer season. Yes, Matterhorn was having a refurb, but it was the only attraction that was down. It did not detract from our visit.

We only went to DL for this trip as it would have seemed a waste to do DCA prior to Cars Land opening.

The weather was beautiful, all the shows were going, and the park was open late. What more could you ask for?