Disneyland end of August

[kandb]

We are a family of 5 planning on going out West this August (live in NJ). We are going to do las vegas, Utah (Bryce and zion), grand canyon and los angeles area. We plan on at least 2 weeks. I will go to AAA to get some more info on what to do. Would also like to go to the San Diego Zoo, Great Wolf Lodge in Garden Grove? My children are 16, 16 and 10. We go to WDW every summer but are trying something new this year.

A few questions. Any websites to get information on best places to visit? I didn't even know but Disney has 2 parks in California? I thought they only had Disneyland? What park is the best to go (aren't crazy about fast rides, like haunted mansion, pirates, buzz lightyear etc)? I am guessing a one day ticket is around $100? Is it "worth" spending $500 since we have gone to Disney every year since kids were small? Also will it be crazy crowded the last 2 weeks of August? Any suggestions are appreciated.

 

[figment_jii]

I didn't even know but Disney has 2 parks in California? I thought they only had Disneyland?

The Disneyland Resort has two parks: Disneyland (DL) and Disney's California Adventure (DCA). The two parks are about 100 yards apart, so park hopping is quite easy.

What park is the best to go (aren't crazy about fast rides, like haunted mansion, pirates, buzz lightyear etc)?

I would nominally say that DL is probably a better fit (all of the rides you mentioned are in DL). DL is most similar to MK, but it's not the same. Along with the rides you mentioned, DL also has Fantasyland, which has a number of not-fast attractions.

However, DCA does have Little Mermaid, Monster's Inc, Soarin', and Carsland. RSR does have a "fast" part at the end (top speed is around 25 mph, I think) and Carsland is one of the most popular elements of DCA and it's unique to DCA.

Also will it be crazy crowded the last 2 weeks of August? Any suggestions are appreciated.

I'd be inclined to say that it will be quite busy at that point. The AP blockouts tend to end in mid-August, so it might be among the first chances that those AP holders have to see Star Wars Land (depends on when the land opens, but all signs are pointing towards early summer/June). There is usually quite a crowd bump after the AP blockouts end, so I would expect it to be even more so this year with SW:GE opening.

 

[kandb]

The Disneyland Resort has two parks: Disneyland (DL) and Disney's California Adventure (DCA). The two parks are about 100 yards apart, so park hopping is quite easy.


I would nominally say that DL is probably a better fit (all of the rides you mentioned are in DL). DL is most similar to MK, but it's not the same. Along with the rides you mentioned, DL also has Fantasyland, which has a number of not-fast attractions.

However, DCA does have Little Mermaid, Monster's Inc, Soarin', and Carsland. RSR does have a "fast" part at the end (top speed is around 25 mph, I think) and Carsland is one of the most popular elements of DCA and it's unique to DCA.


I'd be inclined to say that it will be quite busy at that point. The AP blockouts tend to end in mid-August, so it might be among the first chances that those AP holders have to see Star Wars Land (depends on when the land opens, but all signs are pointing towards early summer/June). There is usually quite a crowd bump after the AP blockouts end, so I would expect it to be even more so this year with SW:GE opening.

Is it very crowded the end of August? Would there be any difference crowd wise between the 1st week and the 3rd week of August. When do children go back to school in California?

 

[dina444444]

Is it very crowded the end of August? Would there be any difference crowd wise between the 1st week and the 3rd week of August. When do children go back to school in California?

It’s unknown what crowds are going to look like at this point since SWGE will be open by then. In LA kids start going back starting around August 12 but some schools don’t go back till right before or after Labor Day. D23 is the weekend of August 23-25 and some APs get back access the week before/after that to Disneyland after being blocked so people that were blocked for SWGE are going to want to see it. If you can plan for more than one day at DLR I think you will be able to enjoy it a bit more as opposed to trying to fit everything in Disneyland in on one day with having to deal with the large crowds SWGE is expected to bring in.

 

[Jperiod]

Is it very crowded the end of August? Would there be any difference crowd wise between the 1st week and the 3rd week of August. When do children go back to school in California?

This summer, I would go 1st week vs 3rd week. Those deluxe APs will flood the parks during the 3rd week.

And yes, I think DLR is worth a trip to see when you're out west. You won't regret it. Plan 3 day parkhopper tickets to really experience it.

 

[HydroGuy]

This summer, I would go 1st week vs 3rd week. Those deluxe APs will flood the parks during the 3rd week.

This. More specifically, go before August 19.

Even then, it will be really crowded because of Star Wars GE.

Here is a place to do some research: "A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

 

[kandb]

I really appreciate everyone's input but thinking more about it, we might skip it since we go to Disney yearly and there is going to be a lot for us to see during our vacation. I know Disneyland is different than WDW but I think we will be OK if we do not visit it. It will cost a lot of money even for a day or two for just the tickets. Thank you. Anyone recommend anything in the area to see that children enjoy?

 

[HydroGuy]

La Brea Tar Pits - really cool
Santa Monica Pier
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Do a studio tour or watch a live taping of a show you like
Catch a Dodgers or Angels baseball game

What are your days again? You might enjoy spending a day at the D23 Expo, Aug 23-25 - see https://d23.com/d23-expo-2019/

 

[kandb]

La Brea Tar Pits - really cool
Santa Monica Pier
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Do a studio tour or watch a live taping of a show you like
Catch a Dodgers or Angels baseball game

What are your days again? You might enjoy spending a day at the D23 Expo, Aug 23-25 - see https://d23.com/d23-expo-2019/

Coming out West 8/12 thru 8/26 or 8/27. Don't have any confirmed plans but going to many areas so we can decide after we have our flight dates.

 

[HydroGuy]

The D23 Expo would be the only thing that you might miss if you put off a decision too long. You are fine now at this point.

 

[kittyklawz]

There are some other theme parks in the Southern California area, San Diego zoo, Monterey bay aquarium and a few other good aquariums, many beaches, Hollywood, Santa Monica Pier...