columbus day crowds

[talie95]

Hello everyone....we are heading to DLR in less than 3 weeks wooohooo!! Anyway, we will be there Sun-Wed and Mon is Columbus day. I'm expecting larger crowds so we are spending Mon at DCA. What I'm wondering is if the parks usually reach capacity on these days? We have 5:30 ressies at BB and I'm concerned that when we leave DCA to go to DL we won't be allowed in because they're too crowded. But, I know that not all schools are out for Columbus day either, so maybe it won't be too bad?

 

[Casey's Mommie]

Looking at the Disneyland calendar they extended the closing time to 11 that night for DL and 8 for DCA. That would indicate that they are expecting larger crowds.

BUT, you will have more hours to enjoy the park and it probably won't be crazy busy. Especially in DCA.

Have FUN!!!!!!

 

[funnygarcia]

Never been on Columbus Day, but it's nice to know there are NO block out days on any of the APs that day (even SoCal Select) , there may be a bit more crowds then typical for a Monday.. but not crazy busy.

 

[DizneyMommy]

Local schools for the vast majority, do not have the day off.

Gay Days is that weekend, though, and a lot of those attendees will likely make it a long weekend trip and stay in the parks Monday.

You don't need to worry about the parks reaching capacity. They shut the gates down in stages, first they stop allowing in NEW admissions, then they stop allowing everyone BUT resort hotel guests, then they block the gates completely. (or something very close to that, I can never remember exactly how the second 2 stages go)

I do not think it has ever gotten even to the first step on Columbus Day.

 

[cardaway]

Been to both WDW and DL on Columbus day and they both ger much busier.

n fact I just saw a graph recently that showed it was the third highest time as far as crowds.

Sorry to give bad news but I was shocked on how packed it was and wasn't surprised by that graph.

 

[minniebeth]

....so....are those large crowds just on Columbus Day itself? or does it continue throughout the week. I'm anticipating that Columbus Day will be crowded, but how about the rest of the week?

 

[cardaway]

....so....are those large crowds just on Columbus Day itself? or does it continue throughout the week. I'm anticipating that Columbus Day will be crowded, but how about the rest of the week?

When we were there in 2005 It was very, very crowded Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. A lot more than even the typical Saturday. We left Monday night so I don't know about Tuesday and beyond. We were there Wednesday, Thursday and Friday as well, and it was busier than normal, but not packed like the weekend. On those weekend days we just took it easy, just prades and shows. We also took the Walt tour which got us on a few rides during the late afternoon when it was packed.

 

[DizneyMommy]

Been to both WDW and DL on Columbus day and they both ger much busier.

n fact I just saw a graph recently that showed it was the third highest time as far as crowds.

Sorry to give bad news but I was shocked on how packed it was and wasn't surprised by that graph.

Where did you see that graph? I'd question it's validity... There are traditionally gate closures other times of the year but never on Columbus Day so I don't see how it can be nearly 3rd highest. Spring Break, Summer, Xmas, Thanksgiving, Presidents and Vet's Day crowds are much much higher than Columbus Day.

 

[cardaway]

Where did you see that graph? I'd question it's validity... There are traditionally gate closures other times of the year but never on Columbus Day so I don't see how it can be nearly 3rd highest. Spring Break, Summer, Xmas, Thanksgiving, Presidents and Vet's Day crowds are much much higher than Columbus Day.

It wasn't this one (person showed a printed copy to me at work) but this was posted here before.

http://scottware.com.au/theme/feature/atend.htm


Even this one shows a big spike that appears to be close to fourth place. Bottom line - huge increase.

 

[talie95]

Thanks for the replies everyone! I feel better knowing it won't hit capacity. We are expecting more crowds than usual which is why I've scheduled our days accordingly: we'll be arriving on Sun and doing DTD and then going to DL for F! I figured that Mon. at DCA wouldn't be as crowded as DL so then we can spend Tues and Wed at DL with lesser crowds. I remember we went on the Sun before Martin Luther King Day and it wasn't crowded at all. It got a little more crowded as the day progressed but I was expecting it to be really crowded since most people have that Mon. off.....hopefully we can expect a little of the same this holiday!

 

[Mililani Mouser]

We will be there the day after Discoverer's Day, I hope the crowds will be minimal. The last time we were at DL was 2 years ago the week after Thanksgiving, which is usually slow, but since it was the 50th, it was quite busy. I'm hoping for small crowds, my children get scared when the park gets too congested.