Crowds: spring break vs. early summer?

[jenjersnap]

I know you probably these types of questions all the time but I don't have an Unofficial Guide to DL (assuming it has a crowd calendar like the WDW one does) yet and I wanted quick info.

If you had the choice of 3/12-3/19 (my DS' spring break) or 6/2-6/9, which would you choose? Which would have lower crowds, do you think?

Also, I know to visit DL during weekdays. We would probably tie in a trip to San Diego and Legoland during the weekend days. How will they be on weekends during these time frames, if you happen to have any experience with it?

Thanks so much!

 

[Pirate-Emery]

I know you probably these types of questions all the time but I don't have an Unofficial Guide to DL (assuming it has a crowd calendar like the WDW one does) yet and I wanted quick info.

If you had the choice of 3/12-3/19 (my DS' spring break) or 6/2-6/9, which would you choose? Which would have lower crowds, do you think?

Also, I know to visit DL during weekdays. We would probably tie in a trip to San Diego and Legoland during the weekend days. How will they be on weekends during these time frames, if you happen to have any experience with it?

Thanks so much!

I'm not sure about the rest of the board, but I'd say go with the March trip. Everyone has a Summer Break around that time, while only a few counties have their Spring Break in March. Just my humble opinion.

 

[DangerMouse]

It will be less busy the first week of June. Most of CA schools are still in session, and a lot of Pacific Northwest schools will be staying in session late to make up for snow days this year.

I've been the first week of June and the crowds were quite manageable. Especially if you have a ride plan.

 

[teacups]

It will be less busy the first week of June. Most of CA schools are still in session, and a lot of Pacific Northwest schools will be staying in session late to make up for snow days this year.

I've been the first week of June and the crowds were quite manageable. Especially if you have a ride plan.

By saying "Ride Plan" do you mean a plan of action for when to ride which ride... or is there an actual "plan" you are talking about? Thanks.

 

[wendithepooh]

I would say March because I'm going that first week of June.One less family.Of course I'm just kidding.

We went last year the 2nd week of June and it was busy and HOT.The kids started coming for graduation-8th and 12th grades.The first of the week wasn't too bad however.

I would almost rather go in the Spring because of the heat.We went in Dec 2006 and it was a bit nippy but way better than the heat.We would go over my kids spring break but I have to go to Josh Groban's concert in Vegas that week.Oh darn.We can't take the kids out of school any more my DS12 's grades slipped in Dec. when we went.

Good luck.It will be fun regardless of when you go.You'll just adjust to whatever comes your way and you'll just be happy you are in the happiest place on earth.

 

[MATTERHORN]

First week of June is my pick! Whenever we have been before the 7th or so, it has been wonderful. Plus you get the long hours and guaranteed pool time if you want it. Water rides are a definite without having to walk around freezing either. By then Splash will be open too!


Andrea

 

[Amy&Dan]

I checked the Disneyland site's calendar for your March dates and there is no Electrical Parade running and Remember (fireworks) is only on Friday and Saturday nights. Also there are quite a few things down for refurb. Namely Splash Mountain, Disneyland Railroad, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Tom Sawyer Island and Fantasmic. I always notice lots of things down in March which leads me to think Disneyland doesn't fully gear up for Spring Break the way WDW does. I for one would not go that time with fireworks only running on the weekends and no Splash and no Elecrical Parade. Just some things to think about. If you do go in March, I might rethink not doing a weekend since you definitely do not want to miss Remember. They are obviously anticipating crowds since hours are fairly long on week days at DL (9-11) and (8-12) on Fri-Sun. To me crowds with closures and reduced entertainment is not a good combo. You will avoid the heat but I am not sure that is a good trade off. We have been three times in June and the heat was a factor but not too bad since there is no humidity. I love summer since the park is open from early to late and all the shows, parades, fireworks and rides are up and running.

 

[MATTERHORN]

I checked the Disneyland site's calendar for your March dates and there is no Electrical Parade running and Remember (fireworks) is only on Friday and Saturday nights. Also there are quite a few things down for refurb. Namely Splash Mountain, Disneyland Railroad, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Tom Sawyer Island and Fantasmic. I always notice lots of things down in March which leads me to think Disneyland doesn't fully gear up for Spring Break the way WDW does. I for one would not go that time with fireworks only running on the weekends and no Splash and no Elecrical Parade. Just some things to think about. If you do go in March, I might rethink not doing a weekend since you definitely do not want to miss Remember. They are obviously anticipating crowds since hours are fairly long on week days at DL (9-11) and (8-12) on Fri-Sun. To me crowds with closures and reduced entertainment is not a good combo. You will avoid the heat but I am not sure that is a good trade off. We have been three times in June and the heat was a factor but not too bad since there is no humidity. I love summer since the park is open from early to late and all the shows, parades, fireworks and rides are up and running.

Great points! I like the longer hours of summer but before it gets TOO busy. Also it's warm, but not so hot, and taking a break in the middle of the day it so nice then. I think we'll be there at the same times again this year, I just missed you last year!
'

Andrea

 

[Amy&Dan]

Great points! I like the longer hours of summer but before it gets TOO busy. Also it's warm, but not so hot, and taking a break in the middle of the day it so nice then. I think we'll be there at the same times again this year, I just missed you last year!
'

Andrea

Our dates are the 21-30th this year. I can't wait, when are you going? Seriously, I don't think the crowds in June are too awful. I mean they have their moments, especially when I remember back to some of our mid September trips with NO crowds. But I love not having to walk by closed up rides and hate it when there' s not nighttime entertainment to look forward to each night. Maybe I'll see you this time!

 

[abby]

Another thing to check is when they have black out dates for annual passes, those are days they expect to be busy. personally I'd go in March, but I am willing to trade not so much nighttime entertainment for less crowds and better weather. There is another thread that talks about when people have spring break, I know ours is the last week of March, and I would not go then. But we also do not get out of school till the middle of June.....Sounds to me like a toss up....

 

[lulubelle]

I know the first week of June has a few grad night parties and such so the parks close at like 6 pm a few days. As far as weather, I think June is a better choice as March is still rainy season. Plus all the ride refubs in March, I would go with June. Local schools do not get out until after the second week, so crowds should be about the same in March or June. I would rate both time frames as "medium" as far as being a busy time to go. Good luck deciding.

P.S. After I just kind of gave the edge to June, I now say March because it is three months sooner and I would not want to wait - HA!

 

[DangerMouse]

By saying "Ride Plan" do you mean a plan of action for when to ride which ride... or is there an actual "plan" you are talking about? Thanks.

I mean a ride plan like Ridemax, or if you're like me and have gone often enough, make your own!

 

[AZMickeyfans]

June would be my bet. We have the same spring break here and I know it's busy. As mentioned before there are a lot of things down. To get the FULL DL effect I would go in June!

 

[MATTERHORN]

Our dates are the 21-30th this year. I can't wait, when are you going? Seriously, I don't think the crowds in June are too awful. I mean they have their moments, especially when I remember back to some of our mid September trips with NO crowds. But I love not having to walk by closed up rides and hate it when there' s not nighttime entertainment to look forward to each night. Maybe I'll see you this time!

Oh, we'll miss you again! We are going early again like last year from the 7th to the 11th. Are you spending all nine nights there? That would be my dream, I have never been able to spend more than 4 days and it goes sooooo quick!!

Well we did doa week one year but we did 3 in San Diego, 4 in DL. I would love to just do DL for atleast a week!

Andrea

 

[MATTERHORN]

June would be my bet. We have the same spring break here and I know it's busy. As mentioned before there are a lot of things down. To get the FULL DL effect I would go in June!

Okay then, it's settled. You SHOULD get the whole effect and go in June!! See you there!


Andrea

 

[Amy&Dan]

Oh, we'll miss you again! We are going early again like last year from the 7th to the 11th. Are you spending all nine nights there? That would be my dream, I have never been able to spend more than 4 days and it goes sooooo quick!!

Well we did doa week one year but we did 3 in San Diego, 4 in DL. I would love to just do DL for atleast a week!

Andrea

Yes, the whole nine nights, all at the DLH. We'll probably go to the beach some but mostly we'll do Disneyland. We have done as much as six full days but never 8. It does go quick so I doubt we'll be ready to leave even with this lenght of stay. I am sorry to miss you again, I wish we could go a bit earlier but dd isn't out of school until that week!