Disneyland in August...

[brianerickson]

Yep! Another one of those threads! Don't worry, guys; this doesn't involve a lot of panicking.

Now, I booked my first trip to any Disney Park EVER(!) this year in the middle of August. Of course, when telling a lot of people about this, the first thing they do is scoff and tell me that I "wasted my money" and that I'm "going to have an awful time", but I don't really believe that that's true, for a few reasons:

1. I chose August SPECIFICALLY for the summer hours and the probability that pretty much everything is going to be open/all of the extra shows/parades, knowing full well that the only downside would maybe be some crowding.

2. I don't expect to be able to ride everything, nor do I want to; I have a list of 10-11 must-rides that I'm sure I'll be able to get on, even if I have to wait a bit.

3. I don't really mind waiting in lines? Like, having to wait for stuff doesn't bother me any, and I'm starting to think that a lot of people I've talked to about it are just really, REALLY impatient.

4. I have two days set aside specifically for Disneyland, and then one to hit the 2-3 rides in DCA that I know I want to ride

5. It's Disneyland, for crying out loud; does there exist a truly bad time to visit the parks, aside from apparently Thanksgiving, Spring Break, and the weeks leading up to Christmas?

So, seasoned vets, help me out here a bit, I'm not completely screwed here, am I? Even if I am, I should still have the time of my life, or so I've been told; I just probably have to get accustomed to the ways of the Fastpass...

 

[HydroGuy]

Yep! Another one of those threads! Don't worry, guys; this doesn't involve a lot of panicking.

Now, I booked my first trip to any Disney Park EVER(!) this year in the middle of August. Of course, when telling a lot of people about this, the first thing they do is scoff and tell me that I "wasted my money" and that I'm "going to have an awful time", but I don't really believe that that's true, for a few reasons:

1. I chose August SPECIFICALLY for the summer hours and the probability that pretty much everything is going to be open/all of the extra shows/parades, knowing full well that the only downside would maybe be some crowding.

2. I don't expect to be able to ride everything, nor do I want to; I have a list of 10-11 must-rides that I'm sure I'll be able to get on, even if I have to wait a bit.

3. I don't really mind waiting in lines? Like, having to wait for stuff doesn't bother me any, and I'm starting to think that a lot of people I've talked to about it are just really, REALLY impatient.

4. I have two days set aside specifically for Disneyland, and then one to hit the 2-3 rides in DCA that I know I want to ride

5. It's Disneyland, for crying out loud; does there exist a truly bad time to visit the parks, aside from apparently Thanksgiving, Spring Break, and the weeks leading up to Christmas?

So, seasoned vets, help me out here a bit, I'm not completely screwed here, am I? Even if I am, I should still have the time of my life, or so I've been told; I just probably have to get accustomed to the ways of the Fastpass...

Lots of people are ignorant about DLR. In no way are you "screwed" That is just silly. But it still remains that you can go in blindly and make lots of classic mistakes that will diminish your trip. Or you can invest some time and avoid those mistakes and make your trip as good as possible. It is up to you.

Summer is my favorite time to visit DLR and I myself will be there in August this year. For many of the same reasons you list.

I think this thread will help:

"Getting The Most Out of a Summer Visit To DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1345319

Also, not sure if you have locked in mid-August but starting on August 16 for a week or so the parks are likely to be swamped with AP holders coming off their summer blockout. See "Understanding AP Blockouts and Impact on Crowds" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2365983.

 

[brianerickson]

Thank you, sir! I've been reading your threads these last couple days, and they've been incredibly helpful! It's good to know that all of that worry on other people's parts is completely unfounded; I've always been of the mindset that anything is doable with a little bit of planning.

Having said that, however, I chose August 17th - 19th BEFORE knowing anything about the AP Blackout dates, but I'm still not going to let it discourage me; after all, really busy and really, really busy are still two sides of the same coin, right?

Not only that, but on those days specifically, they should be pulling out ALL the stops, in terms of stuff to see/do, since there's going to be more people

 

[tiffjoy]

We have gone in August three times over the past five years because that's our oldest daughter's birthday and she chooses to spend it there. We enjoy it. Yes, it's crowded, but having gone to DLR other times, there are no real slow times anymore.

I have a five year old and three year old. We don't wait in long lines, although they are exceptionally good at waiting in lines. We are still able to do almost everything we want to get done on a 4 day ticket, and that's with doing things multiple times, character M&G's, and stopping to enjoy whatever the kids feel like. We also always do an afternoon break in the summer. It can get hot and crowded. We go back to the hotel and swim, but if you don't want to leave, you could just as easily do something in the AC inside the park. Or I might recommend going to a resort for lunch as they are so walkable. We like Storyteller's for lunch- it's so quiet at that time. It gives you a bit of a break from the crowds.

I plan our mornings very carefully to get on rides that have long line buildups later in the day. After that, I utilize fastpass and we go on rides with reasonable wait times. You want 10-11 rides in DL over two days? Should be no problem, barring long breakdowns. And only 2-3 rides in DCA will definitely not be an issue. BTW, we do love DCA. Don't rush to get out of there. It's a fun park with lots of corners and areas where people kind of forget there are things to do (like the Monster's Inc ride).

 

[disneyobsessed808]

Some of the best times I had at Disneyland this past year were in late August (thought since you're going mid-August, don't know how much that helps). Relatively moderate crowds and not too hot!

 

[brianerickson]

See, that was my main rationale; it's going to be crowded no matter when you go, why not just go during a time when you know everything is going to be open?

Aside from that, I plan on being at the park from rope drop to close both days (probably something similar for DCA), and I figure that's bound to help out, right? It's the law of averages; you stay there long enough, eventually you'll start to see some fun stuff

Mostly I'm interested in all of the storytelling rides in Fantasyland, which, from what I'm starting to understand from this guys' advice, is to be done almost immediately after rope drop. I'm fine with not seeing all of them, but I'd be disappointed if I don't get to see at least Small World and Mr. Toad's Wild Ride

Aside from that, you have the other standards in the park, like Haunted Mansion (which I'm told has one of the highest capacity rides in the place, which lead to manageable wait times), Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise (correct me if I'm wrong, but I've heard similar numbers to Haunted Mansion on this one), Space Mountain (one of the most popular rides in the park, getting a FASTPASS almost immediately after I get into the park, before hitting Fantasyland), Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (probably saving this one for the second day, just to be sure), and hopefully Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters

I have no real interest in some of the other big name rides like Indiana Jones, Star Tours, or Splash Mountain (yeah, I know, people are surprised when I bring that one up too; I don't know why, it just doesn't seem as appealing as the others!), and some of the more amusement parky rides like Dumbo or Astro Orbiter (they're probably a lot of fun, but let's be honest, we've all ridden similar rides at other parks), and while I know I have two other roller coasters on this list, I don't trust myself on the Matterhorn Bobsleds (I'm a bigger guy, I've heard horror stories)

The other stuff on my list is stuff I'm sure I'll have no problems doing regardless of when I choose to do it, such as the Mark Twain Boat Ride, the Enchanted Tiki Room, and the Disneyland Railroad, and some of the smaller rides that apparently aren't nearly as popular (Winnie the Pooh and Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin).

In DCA, aside from Toy Story Midway Mania, Tower of Terror, and MuppetVision 3D, the entire day is open; I just know that Soarin' and California Screamin' are more than likely out.

I'd like to think I've done more than enough research for this trip and should have no problems seeing all I want to, but you never know (also, sorry for writing a novel! I've just been so excited about finally getting to visit Disneyland that I'm still in the "talk everyone's ear off who will listen" phase)...

 

[brianerickson]

Some of the best times I had at Disneyland this past year were in late August (thought since you're going mid-August, don't know how much that helps). Relatively moderate crowds and not too hot!

It helps a great deal! It's good to know that I don't have too much to worry about. I'd kick myself for not pushing my trip back a week, but hey, it's already booked, so what's the point in getting bent out of shape over it now?

Also, one more question for people that've visited during peak times: should I just forget about visiting Mickey/any of the other characters? I don't care what he's wearing, he could be Buena Vista Mickey (in fact, that would be awesome)

 

[chickapin parterre]

so brian, what % of disneyland do you think is "amusement parky rides" ?

 

[brianerickson]

I imagine that sounded a lot more harsh than was intended; I apologize! I mean no offense.

I mean the stuff that mostly resemble more common amusement park attractions, like the Teacups or Dumbo and the like; would I enjoy going on them? You bet! But, in order to make sure I get everything out of this trip I want to, I have to take certain things off the table.

I know when I think about the Disney Parks personally, I think more of the stuff that you can't really find at most amusement parks, like the dark rides, which is why they're one of my highest priorities.

 

[chickapin parterre]

Well, you have two days in Disneyland, more than enough time to complete each ride once if you are staying away from the roller coasters.. Though if you are into the story telling, then you will have to ride Snow white and wooden neighbor several times in a row to catch the whole story. The attraction moves way to fast and the detail is enormous, like who is helping in the kitchen on snow white and why Disneyland continues the greatest trivia question of all on the wooden neighbor ride. Dumbo is generational magic, as a 58 year old man , I always ride it once, the view of the castle, the sky, the trees and the power of the lever, the almighty lever that this 8 year old found to be very magical .

 

[Karbase8]

I am also going 8/15-8/19 and my first time in Disneyland! I go to WDW every August Last year WDW was the hottest year I have went and the most crowds but we managed. I am hoping using Rope Drop and FP will help me. I more interested in DL then DCA but can't wait to see the Monster's Inc ride as never knew it existed until recently! I don't do Space Mountain even though I heard it's smoother at DL but do BTMR and Splash, want to do Matterhorn bobsleds, all the dark rides in Fantasyland if possible except Winnie the Pooh. I have the attitude is to see what we can see. We are huge Splash fans but heard WDW is better, where Pirates is much better at DL. I love Dumbo too!!!! Well I love Disney of course, in DCA we are not huge thrill seekers so we will probably not do the Roller coaster I am iffy on Soarin since we have done so many times but mostly interested in Cars land as a first priority.

 

[tiffjoy]

It helps a great deal! It's good to know that I don't have too much to worry about. I'd kick myself for not pushing my trip back a week, but hey, it's already booked, so what's the point in getting bent out of shape over it now?

Also, one more question for people that've visited during peak times: should I just forget about visiting Mickey/any of the other characters? I don't care what he's wearing, he could be Buena Vista Mickey (in fact, that would be awesome)

My kids are the princesses of meeting characters. We typically meet 35-40 in a visit, some, like Mickey, we meet over and over. The best place to meet him quickly is either 1) at the front of DL if he happens to be out when you are not rushing to get to a ride first thing in the morning or 2) at DCA in the area in front of Carthay Circle. Just ask a CM standing on the opposite side of the street from CC if you don't see Mickey. They can tell you when he will be out next. Waiting to meet Mickey in Toontown is the longest way to meet him, usually.

BTW, we will be there either August 7-16 or 14-23.

 

[chickapin parterre]

And you have enough time also, even without fast pass concerns. Carslans should be the first priority of the entire trip, it is a morning and evening event, so has to be completed twice.

 

[chickapin parterre]

Mickey is a main street draw, so you have to be in the area. On your second day in disneyland, hold back from the rope drop crush and you might find him at the main street flag pole hub. If you like storytelling, then toon town wait is a story.

 

[brianerickson]

It's good to know I'm not the only one here braving the apparent craziness that is middle August at Disneyland!

I think I'll try Carthay Circle; it seems like it'd be the perfect cap to my first trip to the parks; thank you!

Now, I've been curious about the Carsland thing, is it possible to just walk through the whole thing and just admire the scenery? Is that an attraction in and of itself, or does it just get so crowded that it's difficult to do so? I've been looking forward to checking out the theming, but don't know that I'd want to brave any of the rides (2 hours for Radiator Springs Racers? No mas)

 

[Angrose]

Cars Land is a MUST! It is a land, just like any other, so you can just walk through it, but there is so much there to see and experience that you can easily spend an hour or more there. The shops are adorable, Flo's and the Cozy Cones have some yummy food, and don't even get me started on the rides. Mater's is fun, even it if it's similar to a standard amusement park ride, it really whips you around for a good laugh and the lines are usually fairly short. Now for Radiator Springs Racers, there is nothing else like it at DLR, it's just so well done and SO MUCH FUN! There is fast pass and single rider line, so no need to wait in a 2 hour line for it. Seriously, you will love it. No visit to DCA is complete without riding this ride! Oh, and if you can, do it once during the day and once at night, really adds a different feeling to the ride. Also it's fun to be in Cars Land at dusk for the neon lighting. Just ask a CM when that might be happening on the day you are there.

You will have a GREAT time!!

 

[brianerickson]

Cars Land is a MUST! It is a land, just like any other, so you can just walk through it, but there is so much there to see and experience that you can easily spend an hour or more there. The shops are adorable, Flo's and the Cozy Cones have some yummy food, and don't even get me started on the rides. Mater's is fun, even it if it's similar to a standard amusement park ride, it really whips you around for a good laugh and the lines are usually fairly short. Now for Radiator Springs Racers, there is nothing else like it at DLR, it's just so well done and SO MUCH FUN! There is fast pass and single rider line, so no need to wait in a 2 hour line for it. Seriously, you will love it. No visit to DCA is complete without riding this ride! Oh, and if you can, do it once during the day and once at night, really adds a different feeling to the ride. Also it's fun to be in Cars Land at dusk for the neon lighting. Just ask a CM when that might be happening on the day you are there.

You will have a GREAT time!!

Hmm, I'll keep that in mind! I'm going by myself, so I guess I should probably look in to single rider lines...

I've been thinking about that, actually; even on busy days, what's the max wait time for some of the bigger rides? I've heard around an hour, and to be honest, that doesn't sound all that bad to me? Like, I was expecting more like 2-3; an hour seems really manageable, for someone insane like me

 

[Jennafoo]

Hmm, I'll keep that in mind! I'm going by myself, so I guess I should probably look in to single rider lines...

I've been thinking about that, actually; even on busy days, what's the max wait time for some of the bigger rides? I've heard around an hour, and to be honest, that doesn't sound all that bad to me? Like, I was expecting more like 2-3; an hour seems really manageable, for someone insane like me

I went solo in October, and though the crowds were probably better than they'll be in August, single rider was great. I rode RSR twice in a row; got right on once and waited a few minutes the next time.

And I second the idea of going to see Carsland at night. The ride lines (especially RSR) seemed longer, but the place is gorgeous all lit up...

 

[Angrose]

Hmm, I'll keep that in mind! I'm going by myself, so I guess I should probably look in to single rider lines...

I've been thinking about that, actually; even on busy days, what's the max wait time for some of the bigger rides? I've heard around an hour, and to be honest, that doesn't sound all that bad to me? Like, I was expecting more like 2-3; an hour seems really manageable, for someone insane like me

I tend to stay away from the bigger rides when they are at their busiest, but from what I've seen on the Mousewait app, I would say 90 minutes, max on a really busy day. Except for RSR, that can get up to 120-180 minutes on a regular basis. I would recommend downloading the app and also use "ask Otto" when in the parks. "Ask Otto" will give you current wait times and FP return times. The phone number for "ask Otto" will be listed on the park maps.

 

[brianerickson]

...90 minutes? That's it (I realize that there's some regulars looking at me funny currently)? Well heck, what am I doing sitting here overanalyzing this stuff for? I'll be able to see everything and then some! Now I need to actually factor in some "wander around and enjoy the little things" time into my visit...

Thank you all so much for your help! This has been incredibly insightful.