Crowds in late August/early September??

[klacey1]

Please be gentle! We're WDW vets and have the crowd schedule down pat there, but have heard DL is a whole 'nother beast with a large number of local visitors. We were thinking of going the last week of August (either Sunday-Thursday or Monday-Friday) or week after Labour Day. What should crowds be like either of those weeks?? We usually go to WDW in late August to take advantage of FD, so we're used to low/moderate crowds.
So sorry-- I'm sure you get this question a lot!

 

[skiingfast]

It is similiar to WDW. School breaks are what makes the seasons busy or not.

At DLR the difference is the AP holders. They make up a small to big part of a given days attendance. Because the vast bulk are blocked for most of the summer they can flood back in at the end. This will be on August 20th to 24th and Sunday the 26th.

The next week could have extra crowds but with school getting back in session it mutes the effect. It's not a bad time to visit for the reasons below.



The two times you are looking have a big difference. August will have full park hours and entertainment, like the Summer fireworks Magical which you may be familiar with. September will be very low crowds but busy on the weekend when locals make day trips. September will also have short hours during the week probably 10am to 8pm, and long hours 8 or 9am to 12am on the weekend including Friday. Only Friday through Sundays would have F! and the fireworks. Those are important shows to see because they are different and in some ways superior to the WDW versions.

 

[HydroGuy]

Adding to what Ski said, before you pick dates you really should put aside your date-picking philosophy from WDW. It does not map very well to DLR.

Read these and then come back with more questions. If you still think you want to visit at that time we can help you have the best trip possible.

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

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

"Understanding AP Blockouts and Impact on Crowds" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2365983

 

[kittycruize]

Hi Hydroguy!! We are thinking of changing our dates to specifically Labor Day weekend, so Thursday to Labor Day. Can you please please give me an indication of what I can expect for that weekend? I had posted this question earlier, but still don't have a good idea of whether it is super busy or not! BTW, I have read those articles, which are so so good, but maybe Labor Day weekend is different with it being a holiday, and also I guess a marathon is going on that weekend? TIA

 

[HydroGuy]

Hi Hydroguy!! We are thinking of changing our dates to specifically Labor Day weekend, so Thursday to Labor Day. Can you please please give me an indication of what I can expect for that weekend? I had posted this question earlier, but still don't have a good idea of whether it is super busy or not! BTW, I have read those articles, which are so so good, but maybe Labor Day weekend is different with it being a holiday, and also I guess a marathon is going on that weekend? TIA

I really can't give you anything more than what I read here since I have not gone at that time.

The days leading up to Labor Day seem to have modest crowds. Not terribly crowded but still busy. This year could be more than that because of Cars Land and BVS.

The HM ride goes down in late August so you would miss that, but most everything else should be running.

The surge of AP holders will start around Aug 19-20, but will be more focused on DCA and less so at DL. In the past few years this seems to lessen by the very end of August and into Labor Day.

Bottom line for anyone -

A if you just can't stand crowds then find a lower season time to go

B. if you just can't stand the thought of ride refurbs, then go during the summer or another high season time

C. if you just can't stand either then May is your best bet and then maybe October - but each of those will have some refurbs going on - but often less than at other times of year.

 

[disneydreamer74]

We have gone late August and we really liked it! The crowds are moderate compared to June or July. Most of the crowds will be locals because most of the children are back in school. We like the benefit of still getting the summer hours and performances without the craziness of the crowds. We are scheduled to go Aug. 22nd this year for the above reasons and to celebrate my DD5's birthday! I am sure you will have fun either way!