Disneyland Trip being planned for July 2012

[Malin]

Greetings,

Due to some last minute problems I have had to scrap a trip to WDW in October. This is not so much a bad thing as I'm not really a fan of the opperation out in Orlando. And prefer the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. Unfortunately I would much rather visit the Disneyland Resort during the Summer time to enjoy the longer park hours and schedule. And this has left me with only the option of visiting in the first two weeks of July. I have notice American Independance Day falls in between these two weeks. How are the crowds during July the 4th and is it still worth visiting to check out one of the special Fireworks displays.

Also has anyone stayed at the Marriott Anaheim before. Interested in some feedback?

Thanks

 

[skiingfast]

I would surely pick the latter week for crowds. On the 4th the park will be very busy but get extra busy later in the day as more and more pack in to watch the fireworks. With that being a midweek Holiday a lot of people take that whole week off.

If you want to see the biggest fireworks show of the year, you would want to go on the 4th. Keep an open mind about why we celbrate that day. It's extra American.

If you waited a week and could visit midweek things will be bit better. Being at the park for opening and closing with midday breaks and using FastPass can really help with summer crowds.


I haven't stayed at the Marriot recently but reviews make it sounds just fine. I prefer to stay closer to the parks so I can walk to and from my hotel easily. With the Marriot you can use a shuttle which runs every 20-30 minutes or walk into the Toy Story lot and use the parking shuttles to the gates.

 

[Malin]

Hello skiingfast, thanks for your response

I'll likely be staying in Anaheim for about 10 nights. I was planning to split my time up between Disney and some of the other day attractions like Universal and SeaWorld. With the advice given I will now most likely dedicate the later part of the trip to Disney. Although a chance to watch something like the July the 4th Fireworks at Disney on an American Holiday as important as Independance Day is an opportunity not to be missed.

I visited last Summer in August and found that the crowds were not too bad. And the wait times were reasonable. Not sure what this Summers going to be like with the opening of Cars Land. But I'm willing to take a chance as I enjoy the Summer offerings too much.

Regarding the Marriott, I've done some more research and might be considering the Red Lion Hotel now. Expedia has a good deal on that hotel right now 30% off.

 

[skiingfast]

Although a chance to watch something like the July the 4th Fireworks at Disney on an American Holiday as important as Independance Day is an opportunity not to be missed.

Regarding the Marriott, I've done some more research and might be considering the Red Lion Hotel now. Expedia has a good deal on that hotel right now 30% off.

If you are ok with facing bigger crowds, it's worse this week than last August. Than you should be fine.

Red Lion is a good hotel. Some people get it for 80 or 90 and upto $120. Not sure if your quote is in that ballpark, it could be higher for the week of the 4th. The only problem I see with it is location. It's a bit far to walk, but not so far that a shuttle is definately needed. You may find out only when there that you rather you did one or the other. You can of course walk into the Toy Story lot from that location as well.


If you are willing to stay somewhere that requires a shuttle, I suggest you look at the Ayres Hotel in Anaheim. It's better than the Marriot or Red lion, just not as close.

 

[blackjackdelta]

Love the summer and the heat, for me it just makes the parks better and really thins down the locals. I just take the midday break and go in the evening until close. Really love the parks at night. Have fun.

Jack

 

[LisainCalifornia]

Does the Ayres actually have a shuttle? My friend stayed there and said that ART was the only shuttle available--and that she would never stay there again due to that.

 

[skiingfast]

Does the Ayres actually have a shuttle? My friend stayed there and said that ART was the only shuttle available--and that she would never stay there again due to that.

Yes it is ART. It picks up every 30 minutes just like the schedule for any of its other routes.