Disneyland in August...

[DG24]

I go most years the second half of August. You will have no problems. Some stay at the pass all day, we don't we do our morning rides, rope drop to 2 and then go take a nap, relax and go back in the parks, we see F!, WOC or fireworks. Because a lot of kids are heading back to school and most people took there summer vacations we find the park is really like the end of April or May. A 4 to 6 level, even with the APs coming back in. Also the first hour is golden if you are staying on site, because at DCA no one but those on site and get in, and also on other days at DL only a few have mm, because they are all APs coming for the day, that also works a lot in evenings, where the park empties out after 10 or 10:30 and it is far less crowded in the evenings. I have been also every month, I think I missed july and October (which is on my list this year), and to me one of the best times to go is August, everything is open, shows are all playing and crowds are fairly low. With a good plan you will do everything more than once and have a great time.

 

[beachdreamr1229]

Honestly, I think the worst part of August is the heat. Now, we're going in early August, so it's obviously not so bad that I'd avoid it, but the crowds are really not that much worse than any weekend throughout the year. The real challenge is the heat. So, if you're not used to 90-110 degree weather, that's the hard part. 90 minutes of wait time might not seem bad, but add in that it's going to be in close quarters with smelly, sweaty people and the sun will be blasting down on you. It's still fun, but you can understand why some people think it's masochistic. That being said, you have more than enough time to do everything you've listed and then some. Go on some of the typical amusement park rides, too. The teacups may seem generic, but they're really quite fun.

 

[HydroGuy]

Honestly, I think the worst part of August is the heat. Now, we're going in early August, so it's obviously not so bad that I'd avoid it, but the crowds are really not that much worse than any weekend throughout the year. The real challenge is the heat. So, if you're not used to 90-110 degree weather, that's the hard part. 90 minutes of wait time might not seem bad, but add in that it's going to be in close quarters with smelly, sweaty people and the sun will be blasting down on you. It's still fun, but you can understand why some people think it's masochistic. That being said, you have more than enough time to do everything you've listed and then some. Go on some of the typical amusement park rides, too. The teacups may seem generic, but they're really quite fun.

I have never lived in OC but I lived all around it and had grandparents in Huntington Beach (in OC for those not familiar with SoCal) who I visited and stayed with frequently in my younger years. Even though there is data out there on weather the issue is often surprisingly controversial. I looked at the best info I could find and it said that the record high at DLR in August is 104 F. Maybe someone else can find another data that supports something higher. Average high temperature is 89 F.

There is no doubt it can get hot at DLR. And being out in the sun when it is hot and in the 90's can be uncomfortable.

The data I reference is discussed here "Detailed Weather Data for DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=23004158.

 

[DG24]

I live in the desert in Washington, yes there is a desert in Washington. I went in 2012 early sept on a Sunday. As we went from ride to ride we could not figure out why we were walking on toy story at 2 pm with no wait. We road three times on a Sunday at 2pm. Tower of terror walk on. Soaring over california walk on. We where shocked. And thought this was the best time of year to ever go and the best weekend.

We got back to hotel in evening and realized it was triple digits. I can remember exactly but it was like 104. To us it was just a normal days out and we never felt any different. So if it gets to be 104 in August, believe me the parks will be very empty, you will be able to walk on even the e ticket rides.

 

[beachdreamr1229]

I have never lived in OC but I lived all around it and had grandparents in Huntington Beach (in OC for those not familiar with SoCal) who I visited and stayed with frequently in my younger years. Even though there is data out there on weather the issue is often surprisingly controversial. I looked at the best info I could find and it said that the record high at DLR in August is 104 F. Maybe someone else can find another data that supports something higher. Average high temperature is 89 F.

There is no doubt it can get hot at DLR. And being out in the sun when it is hot and in the 90's can be uncomfortable.

The data I reference is discussed here "Detailed Weather Data for DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=23004158.

Sorry, I didn't mean it necessarily literally gets up to 110. I live about 60 miles north of Anaheim and that's a common temperature in the area I live during August. I don't usually check Anaheim temps since they're generally fairly similar, so I may be a little off. Anaheim may only get up to 100, and it'll more than likely only be 90, but for some people, that's still hot. It will absolutely be fun though no matter how hot it gets as long as you follow some basic measures to stay cool and hydrated.

 

[brianerickson]

I can handle a bit of heat! Just bring a water bottle and some sunscreen and it'll be no problem. Thanks everyone who's been there already for letting me know what I'm in for! I feel incredibly good about this trip now (as if I didn't already before; I AM going to Disneyland, after all )

 

[brianerickson]

I go most years the second half of August. You will have no problems. Some stay at the pass all day, we don't we do our morning rides, rope drop to 2 and then go take a nap, relax and go back in the parks, we see F!, WOC or fireworks. Because a lot of kids are heading back to school and most people took there summer vacations we find the park is really like the end of April or May. A 4 to 6 level, even with the APs coming back in. Also the first hour is golden if you are staying on site, because at DCA no one but those on site and get in, and also on other days at DL only a few have mm, because they are all APs coming for the day, that also works a lot in evenings, where the park empties out after 10 or 10:30 and it is far less crowded in the evenings. I have been also every month, I think I missed july and October (which is on my list this year), and to me one of the best times to go is August, everything is open, shows are all playing and crowds are fairly low. With a good plan you will do everything more than once and have a great time.

This was the post that made me smile the most; I knew there'd be fellow "go during a peak time, everything's open" people on the board, and it's incredibly comforting to know that I did in fact make the right decision

 

[Halloweenqueen]

Another other WA desert dweller here!

We have made several August trips through the years. We actually drove down twice. My eldest daughter asked to see the new 60 anniversary events for her 16th, so she and I are coming down the second week. We plan to spend a day at the Expo.

Weather really isn't bad of us. We have been to WDW many summers and I will take CA over FL any day.

I'm concerned about finding a decent place to watch the night time shows. We are short, so we often take advantage of WOC dinner pkg, dessert parties, etc. I bet these will go fast with all the expo attendees having their nights free.

OP, I think you have the right attitude. We plan to not sweat it if we don't get to ride RSR, etc.

 

[brianerickson]

I think most of it is because I don't really hold Cars in as high esteem as some of the other Pixar movies (it's a fun movie, don't get me wrong, I just don't like it nearly as much as, say, Toy Story or Monsters Inc.)? I'm sure my attitude'll change once I get there and see how beautiful Cars Land is for myself, but I feel like I got the entire experience after watching a video of Radiator Springs Racers on YouTube. Grizzly River Run just seems like that river rapids ride you can find at, again, a bunch of different amusement parks throughout the country; I know myself as a native of the Midwestern United States, I've ridden the version at Cedar Point a fair amount of times.

But, hey, who knows? I may actually get a chance at it, seeing as how this concept of single rider lines is a new and intriguing one to me; same thing with Soarin', you got to fill up that time at DCA with something; really excited about the Aladdin show and World of Color too.

I'm mostly excited, to be perfectly honest with you guys, about stuff like Fantasmic! and the parades; seeing a parade at Disneyland has been one of the things I've wanted to do most ever since I learned that such a place existed; I mean, heck, I think I had the theme song from the Main Street Electrical Parade as a ringtone for at least 4-5 years? They just seem so happy and exciting...

 

[DLFan123]

We have been to DL countless times, in pretty much every month of the year (from out of state). Our favorite time to visit, by far, is mid-August. It is warm (we live in Denver), but what better way to enjoy your hotel's swimming pool and Newport Beach! Also, crowds mid-week aren't bad at all. You are right-you'll get the benefit of the summer hours, plus the benefit of most attractions being open, the most entertainment, shows and parades! We have been the last week of August the last couple of years, and this is nice, but with this you run the risk of Haunted Mansion being closed to begin the Halloween theming. (We've just had to go the last week of August due to other events/obligations). This next year we are going mid-August and can't wait! You will have a fantastic time.

We just did the Riverbelle Terrace dining for Fantasmic, and this was awesome! Include this in your August trip and you won't have to wait with the masses, plus you'll get a delicious three course meal in the beautiful air-conditioned restaurant!

I know you're going to have a great time!

 

[DLFan123]

I think most of it is because I don't really hold Cars in as high esteem as some of the other Pixar movies (it's a fun movie, don't get me wrong, I just don't like it nearly as much as, say, Toy Story or Monsters Inc.)? I'm sure my attitude'll change once I get there and see how beautiful Cars Land is for myself, but I feel like I got the entire experience after watching a video of Radiator Springs Racers on YouTube. Grizzly River Run just seems like that river rapids ride you can find at, again, a bunch of different amusement parks throughout the country; I know myself as a native of the Midwestern United States, I've ridden the version at Cedar Point a fair amount of times.

But, hey, who knows? I may actually get a chance at it, seeing as how this concept of single rider lines is a new and intriguing one to me; same thing with Soarin', you got to fill up that time at DCA with something; really excited about the Aladdin show and World of Color too.

I'm mostly excited, to be perfectly honest with you guys, about stuff like Fantasmic! and the parades; seeing a parade at Disneyland has been one of the things I've wanted to do most ever since I learned that such a place existed; I mean, heck, I think I had the theme song from the Main Street Electrical Parade as a ringtone for at least 4-5 years? They just seem so happy and exciting...

You are going at the perfect time! They are bringing the electric light parade back to Main Street! I am so excited myself and can't wait!

 

[brianerickson]

You are going at the perfect time! They are bringing the electric light parade back to Main Street! I am so excited myself and can't wait!

Umm, I read this, and I just about fainted; you mean to tell me that I get to see essentially Main Street Electrical Parade 2.0? For real? That's the NUMBER ONE thing I have always wanted to see at a Disney park; I guess dreams really do come true!

I guess it's time to listen to Baroque Hoedown like 10 times and cry tears of joy...

 

[disneyhopeful4]

Brian, you will have a fantastic time because you have the right attitude about it. I'm so happy you finally get to experience a life long dream

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

.......

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!), ..

I was at DLR last July and the line for Jungle Cruise was one of the longest in the park. Since my last visit before that, they have added an upstairs waiting area and the line snakes downstairs, upstairs, and then downstairs. Probably the worst line I've ever been in at WDW or DLR, especially for an antiquated and pretty dumb ride (although I loved it as a small child).

Why would you skip Indiana Jones? It's one of the best rides in the park!

I have never ridden RSR, even though I waited more than 45 minutes in line just to get a fastpass. It was broken down constantly the two days we were at the parks. And Cars Land, with all of that asphalt paving and little shade, gets roastingly hot on hot days.

 

[DLFan123]

You are going at the perfect time! They are bringing the electric light parade back to Main Street! I am so excited myself and can't wait!

Yep. It is a new parade (it has a new name), but includes some original floats; it is a light parade; it includes the original themed music. So yeah...I have been waiting years for this, and you have been waiting your entire life! It is part of their 60th anniversary celebration, so I don't know when it will begin, but from what I have read, it sounds like it will be sometime in the spring. Since the actual anniversary date is in July, it will most definitely be running by August!

 

[brianerickson]

I was at DLR last July and the line for Jungle Cruise was one of the longest in the park. Since my last visit before that, they have added an upstairs waiting area and the line snakes downstairs, upstairs, and then downstairs. Probably the worst line I've ever been in at WDW or DLR, especially for an antiquated and pretty dumb ride (although I loved it as a small child).

Why would you skip Indiana Jones? It's one of the best rides in the park!

I have never ridden RSR, even though I waited more than 45 minutes in line just to get a fastpass. It was broken down constantly the two days we were at the parks. And Cars Land, with all of that asphalt paving and little shade, gets roastingly hot on hot days.

I don't really have much interest in it because I've never been that big of a fan of the Indiana Jones movies (I know, different strokes, etc.). I'm sure it's a great ride, but, purely accounting for traffic, I put it on the chopping block

And even the news about Jungle Cruise doesn't really deter me much, because I've been seriously thinking about adding a day (well, most of one at least) in Disneyland the day I actually arrive in Anaheim; I get to the airport at 10:30, I figure I'll check in at my hotel by 1-2, which gives me a solid 6-7 hours in the park that first day; I was going to save that day for Downtown Disney, but since that's mostly shopping anyway I'm sure I'll find some other time to get that in (feel free to tell me this is a dumb idea, park veterans)

I want to give it a try just because it seems like a prime example of Disney Charm; sure it's an antiquated ride, but the corny jokes from the boat operator sound like the greatest thing on the planet

 

[chickapin parterre]

so Brian, give us an idea of how you envision collecting fast passes in the Rivers of America area, which is basically everything on the west side of the castle hub? There is no fast pass for space mountian.. I think you should collect fastpass for indy and not ride star tours on fast pass.

 

[brianerickson]

...There isn't? Then why does the Wikipedia/official Disneyland website page say it does? Huh, must be outdated then; no problem...or is this a hypothetical situation?

 

[squidlet]

because I've been seriously thinking about adding a day (well, most of one at least) in Disneyland the day I actually arrive in Anaheim; I get to the airport at 10:30, I figure I'll check in at my hotel by 1-2, which gives me a solid 6-7 hours in the park that first day; I was going to save that day for Downtown Disney, but since that's mostly shopping anyway I'm sure I'll find some other time to get that in (feel free to tell me this is a dumb idea, park veterans)

Absolutely go to the park on your first day. My trips are typically Sunday thru Tuesday and I don't get to the park until around 4pm on Sunday. That still gives me 8 hours until closing -- loads of time!

 

[squidlet]

so Brian, give us an idea of how you envision collecting fast passes in the Rivers of America area, which is basically everything on the west side of the castle hub? There is no fast pass for space mountian.. I think you should collect fastpass for indy and not ride star tours on fast pass.

There is fastpass for space mountain. And, Brian, if you change your mind about Indy try single rider -- it cuts down the wait time considerably.