DL and CA in Aug 2012

[mvlimmex]

Hi. We are planning to go to DL and CA for 3 days in Aug. next year. We have 5 kids age range from 2 - 14 and was wondering what is the best time to go in August. We were thinking of getting there Aug. 19th and staying for the week. Is this a good week to go or is it better to go earlier? I would love to go the last week, but with school open houses and with school probably starting for my younger ones around Aug 30th -31st, I need to go the first 3 weeks. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Vicki

 

[PinkBudgie]

Always check the AP calender on the DLR site before making plans. I checked and that week is probably the worst you could have picked. Both Socal APs are unblocked for the first time all summer that week. That means it will probably be very crowded, also, you have the Carsland they will have been waiting to see.
If it was me I'd go the week before. Don't expect it to be low crowds, but that's what I would prefer. Also, to get the most out of it if you must go that week, get there at gate opening. Many locals wander in later in the day.

 

[PinkBudgie]

http://disneyland.disney.go.com/passes/blockout-dates/

Here is the AP block out date calender.

 

[mvlimmex]

I did not look at the APs (thanks for the link) and I guess I didn't know that it made a difference if they were blocked out or not for certain dates. tThat does make sense that the week we plan on going is going to be busy, with those with AP's, since they have been blocked out all summer. When does Cars open next summer?

Vicki

 

[SuzanneSLO]

When does Cars open next summer?

Vicki

The official line is that it will open Summer 2012. Actual opening will depend on the weather this winter. If there is a lot of rain like last winter, there is concern that Buena Vista Street, the main entrance street, will not be completed until later in the summer. If that is the case, they may do soft openings on Carsland earlier in the summer with a Grand Opening in August.

Lots of words to tell you that know one knows. By February, they should have a better idea. -- Suzanne

 

[mvlimmex]

I think that we are definitely not going the 3rd week in Aug. then. I just didn't realize that was when APs opened up

Which week in Aug. do you think would be better than the 1st or 2nd week? Or would they be about the same?

Thanks,
Vicki

 

[PinkBudgie]

I imagine that those weeks would be about the same. Check the hotel prices for both weeks. One summer we compared first week of Aug with last week of July, and August was slightly cheaper per night.

 

[PinkBudgie]

Ahhh! Double post!

 

[mvlimmex]

Thanks! Now to decide which week to go. We plan to go to the parks for 3 days (mostly mid week) but was wondering which is usually busier at the parks--Monday or Friday.

Thanks,
Vicki

 

[HydroGuy]

Thanks! Now to decide which week to go. We plan to go to the parks for 3 days (mostly mid week) but was wondering which is usually busier at the parks--Monday or Friday.

Thanks,
Vicki

Hmmm. This might help.

"Choosing When To Visit DLR: Summary of High and Low Season and When Each Happens" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36509602

"Understanding AP Blockouts and Impact on Crowds" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2365983

 

[GenGen22]

We have gone end of July until the first week of August and even though it was busy it wasn't all that bad with the Fastpasses and sometimes we didn't even need them. I don't remember waiting in a long line accept for Toy Story Mania at CA Adventure. And of course Fantasmic being busy, but that's to be expected. And we didn't go until 11am or noon everyday. I have been all times but once in July and August. I think it's not as busy because In Northern CA where I'm from, school starts like the second week of August. we always go before school starts.

 

[mabdallah]

This all good information because we are planning a trip next summer for my daughters 3rd birthday July 28 - Aug 4. I was trying to pick days around her birthday that some AP's would not be able to go. Because i know summer 2012 is going to be crowded!