Crowds at DL

[dondiego]

It has been almost five years since we've been to DL. Have the crowds increased significantly over those years? The posts I read regarding large crowds and long waits are making me a little concerned about our upcoming trip (June 4 - 7).

 

[cinderella_mom]

The crowds have been heavier since last May because of the 50th Anniversary, but you should be fine 6/4-7 since it's before most CA schools get out for summer. Make sure you take advantage of the Fastpass. It means a few less lines to wait in.

 

[dondiego]

thanks, cinderella mom! Will definitely use the Fastpass!

 

[Rapunsel]

We will be there the same days!!! It might be a bit full of children having end of the year field trips, but not too bad.. We can't wait!!!!

 

[Harmony]

I'll be there the week of May 30th to June 5th. What kinds ot wait times should be expected? Anyone have a guess?

 

[dletz]

It's been pretty crowded lately, added to that they are extremely short on CMs right now. Since they are short on cms they have had to cut a lot of things like some outdoor vending locations, shops, etc. Right now CMs are on mandetory 6 days, I'm not sure if that is just for the next month. DL park is very short on people, CMs are working their regular shift then moving over to DL and working overtime there. Leaves for some very tired cms.

 

[sammons70]

I have been attending Disneyland every couple of years since I was a toddler in 1973. It size of the crowds it draws has greatly increased. We went last on 12/28/05. I will never go during the holiday season again. We were able to do plenty of rides, but trying to walk anywhere was gridlock.
Also, be aware, the fireworks impact the entire park even if you don't stop to watch them. Fantasy Land and the railroad shut down during the fireworks in case of winds. Frontier Land is mobbed because Fantasmic takes place about the same time.
We went last summer, and it was fairly manageable. June isn't too bad as long as you can devote your entire day to the parks while they are open. The only problem we had last June was Grad Night. You may want to call park information and inquire about Grad Night. Schools will be letting out around that first week in June when you will be there. For Grad Night, the park closes at 9:00 to everybody. They evacuate the park immediately after fireworks and herd you like cattle to the exit (as opposed to regular nights when you can linger through Mainstreet shops even after the park officially closes). This really impacts the parking trams. The purpose of this early closing and abrupt evacuation is to make room for graduating high school seniors to come in from about 11-6a.m. and have exclusive use of the park. You will need to be prepared and plan your days to start at the opening hour in the parks if your stay falls on a week with grad nights.
Good luck and enjoy your trip.

 

[SunshineOR]

Every time before we go, I read on sites like this about increased crowds and start freaking out. When we get there, it's never as bad as we feared. I haven't been in early June, but just wanted to tell you to not worry too much based on what you're hearing about the long lines, etc. Probably true to some extent, but my family always makes fun of me for freaking out before our trips and it's never THAT bad.

 

[dondiego]

Thank you all for taking the time to allay my fears. I appreciate all the informed knowledge and advise. I'll look into the Grad night situation (didn't know about that phenomenon, but long ago when I lived and worked in California I was fortunate enough to enjoy a company night at Disneyland...it was great....lucky grads!!) Hope you have a wonderful time, Rapunsel!