Disneyland planning

[ghertz]

I'm looking to head to disneyland next summer and I have a few questions on when the best time would be. I've been reading over hydroGuy's threads and trying to get a lay of the land. My initial thoughts are to go early July right after 4th of July to limit the impact of June Gloom, we'll probably head to San Diego for a few days as well. What is confusing to me is everything I read says Tuesday - Thursday are the best days to go. When I look at the historical numbers on touring plans it seems to differ. I also don't have a gauge on what crowded at disneyland feels like compared to crowded at disneyworld. I've done level 8 at WDW right before thanksgiving and didn't think it was bad as long as you planned accordingly.

2014 historical numbers
sat 7/5 - crowd 3/10 blackout (SL, SC, DX)
sun 7/6 - crowd 2/10 blackout (SL, SC, DX)
mon 7/7 - crowd 5/10 blackout (SL, SC)
tues 7/8 - crowd 5/10 blackout (SL, SC)
wed 7/9 - crowd 5/10 blackout (SL, SC)
thurs 7/10 - crowd 3/10 blackout (SL, SC)
fri 7/11 - crowd 3/10 blackout (SL, SC)
sat 7/12 - crowd 5/10 blackout (SL, SC, DX)
sun 7/13 - crowd 2/10 blackout (SL, SC)

 

[TheLanes]

You forgot your questions!

I'm looking to head to disneyland next summer and I have a few questions on when the best time would be. I've been reading over hydroGuy's threads and trying to get a lay of the land. My initial thoughts are to go early July right after 4th of July to limit the impact of June Gloom, we'll probably head to San Diego for a few days as well. What is confusing to me is everything I read says Tuesday - Thursday are the best days to go. When I look at the historical numbers on touring plans it seems to differ. I also don't have a gauge on what crowded at disneyland feels like compared to crowded at disneyworld. I've done level 8 at WDW right before thanksgiving and didn't think it was bad as long as you planned accordingly.

2014 historical numbers
sat 7/5 - crowd 3/10 blackout (SL, SC, DX)
sun 7/6 - crowd 2/10 blackout (SL, SC, DX)
mon 7/7 - crowd 5/10 blackout (SL, SC)
tues 7/8 - crowd 5/10 blackout (SL, SC)
wed 7/9 - crowd 5/10 blackout (SL, SC)
thurs 7/10 - crowd 3/10 blackout (SL, SC)
fri 7/11 - crowd 3/10 blackout (SL, SC)
sat 7/12 - crowd 5/10 blackout (SL, SC, DX)
sun 7/13 - crowd 2/10 blackout (SL, SC)

 

[Congo Queen]

Well I have been going in July for last three years and find it a good time to visit. Yes it is crowded but manageable crowds in my opinion as the park operating hours are long, and it is easy to be out of the parks for a big chunk of the midday (when it is hottest and most crowded) and still get many hours of of fun in the cooler and less crowded mornings/evenings though late evening. I think any week in July is good. In terms of days of the week. This year my experience was that Thurs and Sat were the days with lightest crowds at Dland (where the crush is more noticeable to me when visitation is heavy). DCA never seemed oppressively crowded to me during any of the days we were there across an entire week. I have only been to WDW once long ago so cannot compare crowds. Hope that helps

 

[Congo Queen]

Oops forgot to mention in previous post that July 17th 2015 is the 60th Anniversary of Dland. It will be extra crowded that day and probably a couple days on either side - so that is something to consider for next year.

 

[ghertz]

You forgot your questions!

Sorry, I was just wanting general opinions and observations about visiting in July and what days of the week would be best.

 

[Just Peachy]

Ghertz,

My family seems to end up in the Orange County area (we come from Colorado & N. Carolina presently) in July and as earlier posters have said, the crowds are managable with due planning (which you are doing). So, any days of the week will be fine. We typically arrive Thursday & stay through the Tuesday following. Thursday, Monday and Tuesday are all pretty low crowd levels (again assuming reasonable planning). Friday, Saturday, and Sunday(too a lesser extent) do require better planning (taking the afternoon off, and the right mental attitude).

It is good to note that the week of July 17th will probably be heavier crowds due to the DLR 60th Birthday. Having stated that, I just booked our next family get-together at the VGC for July 16-20. So, we'll be in the crowds then!!

 

[Butterfly123]

We found July mildly crowded. It was very doable with a plan...starting early, taking a break mid-day, going back in the evening. I would personally avoid the 4th, and the 17th. We went on the 17th a couple of years ago and the crowds were fine...it was even fun being there for the celebration...but this year I would avoid it unless you want to go in to it with the attitude of not getting much done, but being a part of a special day.