DL in May vs Nov

[El&Asmom]

Trying to plan out my DVC vacation. I just read a great TR about a DL trip in early May that appeared to have good weather and low crowds.
I'm thinking about a beginning of May '11 trip vs a beginning of Nov '11 trip.
Which is a better time to go weather wise and crowd wise? We would prefer low crowds over the ability to stay in the parks late. Our kids will be 7, 5 and 2.5 in May so we won't stay out very late anyway, but will want it to be warm enough to swim.

Thanks for helping a DL newbie that can't wait to make it out to CA for the first time.

 

[skiingfast]

First let me say the pool themselves are heated and comfortable.

I think May would be warmer, but have a greater chance of rain.

One of the considerations you should make is what attractions will be in rehab. In May they are doing a lot of work prepping for summer.

I haven't been in Nov, so I don't know if they will be changing Holiday Decoration in that second week from Halloween to Christmas. Somone else will probably know.

 

[HydroGuy]

Trying to plan out my DVC vacation. I just read a great TR about a DL trip in early May that appeared to have good weather and low crowds.
I'm thinking about a beginning of May '11 trip vs a beginning of Nov '11 trip.
Which is a better time to go weather wise and crowd wise? We would prefer low crowds over the ability to stay in the parks late. Our kids will be 7, 5 and 2.5 in May so we won't stay out very late anyway, but will want it to be warm enough to swim.

Thanks for helping a DL newbie that can't wait to make it out to CA for the first time.

First, I think May is the best off-season month to visit DLR. Warm temperatures (usually) but not too warm (usually), little rain, and most lengthy refurbs are done already in preparation for summer.

One downside of May 2011 is that it appears that the Little Mermaid ride at DCA will open in June, as will the updated Star Tours ride and the Goofy's Sky Skool re-themed rollercoaster. In Nov 2011 you could catch those.

Also see

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

"What You Should Know About Off-Season at DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18462889

"Detailed Weather Data for DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=23004158

 

[goldies 5]

My SIL went the first week of November a couple of years ago and said eveything was walk on.

 

[El&Asmom]

Thanks for the replies. And a special thanks to Hydroguy. I have really enjoyed your many posts on DL.
I would love May only because that means 6 less months to wait to go, but having Ariel open may be worth the wait. We would all love to try that one out. Plus having dd3 a few weeks shy of 3 in November, instead of 2.5 that she would be in May would make things slightly easier for touring. Plus we could get in right under the wire before we have to pay for her.
Any more opinions would be great.

 

[AliceCullen]

I was there the last week in April which is close enough to May and the crowds were not bad at all. We walked on to most things and got into popular restaurants without reservations. As for the weather, it didn't rain once for the 5 days we were there, but it did get chilly after 6 pm. We were able to swim during the day but I would have liked it a bit warmer. The pool was heated, but the air was not that warm.

 

[Shimmer]

I think it is always a good time to go to Disneyland!

We were just there 4/29-5/8 and the weather was great. We swam every day and just soaked up the sun. Most lines were short, except on Sunday. We wore capris and short the whole time and just needed long sleeves in the evenings and a few mornings.

 

[ACDSNY]

I think both May or Nov will be fine. Both are about the same weather and crowd wise. You'll have a a couple of new attractions in Nov 2011, but you might also have higher crowds due to the new rides. I don't think you can go wrong either way. Have fun planning!

 

[goldies 5]

If you could go a week or two later in November your kids could see Small World Holiday. It is really neat for the kids. The week before Thanskgiving week was a great time for us the year before last. Great weather, light crowds, decorations, etc.

 

[skiingfast]

You'll have a a couple of new attractions in Nov 2011, but you might also have higher crowds due to the new rides. I don't think you can go wrong either way. Have fun planning!

Reminders of new attractions made me think of one thing. Since you options are so far apart you may want to get close and see what is going on in DCA. If they are working on the entrance in particular. Since this is a long way out they could be mostly done with it or still working on it.

Just so you are aware the normal entrance may be closes, this is what I'm referring to. You may want to check this site, which changes often as your reservation time nears.

http://micechat.com/forums/disneyla...-california-adventure-project-tracker-ix.html

 

[canadadisney]

We went in November. We arrived the Monday of the long weekend. The holiday decorations were amazing! We never had to use Fast Pass on this trip as there was no more than 10min. wait for headliner rides.

 

[El&Asmom]

Reminders of new attractions made me think of one thing. Since you options are so far apart you may want to get close and see what is going on in DCA. If they are working on the entrance in particular. Since this is a long way out they could be mostly done with it or still working on it.

Just so you are aware the normal entrance may be closes, this is what I'm referring to. You may want to check this site, which changes often as your reservation time nears.

http://micechat.com/forums/disneyla...-california-adventure-project-tracker-ix.html

What exactly are they doing to the front entrance? On the micechat site it looked like they relocated the entrance to DTD. We will either be staying at VGC if we can reserve a 1bd at 7m, or at either PP or DLH on points. Will we be affected by the entrance construction if we would be going through the entrance in GCH?

 

[DLtorgo]

You shouldn't be affected by the entrance construction if you are going to use the GCA entrance. I would reccomend Nov. To be able to see all the new stuff would be worth it to me. DCA is going to be under construction in one form or another for the next couple years anyway so I wouldn't let that sway you.

 

[skiingfast]

What exactly are they doing to the front entrance? On the micechat site it looked like they relocated the entrance to DTD. We will either be staying at VGC if we can reserve a 1bd at 7m, or at either PP or DLH on points. Will we be affected by the entrance construction if we would be going through the entrance in GCH?

Maybe, the gates themselve are being replaced. So an alternative entrance will be being used. There could be way more people trying to get around using a crowded, inconveinent alternative entrance and using the GCH entrance.

 

[azdisneylover]

We went in Nov 1, 2009 for 5 days. The rides that were closed that I can remember were: IASW, Casey's Storybook Trains, Storybook Canals. We stayed at PPH. The pool was heated (but cold for us from AZ) The kids loved the slide. The weather was cold for us early morning and night, we needed sweaters during the day was beautiful! We took advantage of every MM date. We rode the teacups 3 times on a Magic morning. Very few people up and there at that time! The longest wait for a ride for us was Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. That wait was 30 minutes! LOL
Is there any way you can do both times? I am hoping DL will have their 5 for 3 specials again!
You will have a wonderful time when ever you decide to go! I would suggest trying the dark chocolate covered pretzel when you get off the Winnie The Pooh ride, in the little store there. They were making the Holiday Snowman (Tigger Tails things) in there when we went.

 

[El&Asmom]

We went in Nov 1, 2009 for 5 days. The rides that were closed that I can remember were: IASW, Casey's Storybook Trains, Storybook Canals. We stayed at PPH. The pool was heated (but cold for us from AZ) The kids loved the slide. The weather was cold for us early morning and night, we needed sweaters during the day was beautiful! We took advantage of every MM date. We rode the teacups 3 times on a Magic morning. Very few people up and there at that time! The longest wait for a ride for us was Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. That wait was 30 minutes! LOL
Is there any way you can do both times? I am hoping DL will have their 5 for 3 specials again!
You will have a wonderful time when ever you decide to go! I would suggest trying the dark chocolate covered pretzel when you get off the Winnie The Pooh ride, in the little store there. They were making the Holiday Snowman (Tigger Tails things) in there when we went.

I think we will choose Nov, but does anyone know when IASW closes for the addition of xmas decorations? That is a big one for us, and we wouldn't want to miss it if we were going to be out there.
As much as I would love to go in both May and Nov, we are limited by points and vacation days.

Thanks for all the responses.

 

[HydroGuy]

I think we will choose Nov, but does anyone know when IASW closes for the addition of xmas decorations? That is a big one for us, and we wouldn't want to miss it if we were going to be out there.
As much as I would love to go in both May and Nov, we are limited by points and vacation days.

Thanks for all the responses.

See "Historical DLR Park Hours, Entertainment and Refurbs" - www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2291124

IASWH is usually open around Nov 10-13, somewhere in there. I like IASWH lots more than the regular IASW.

 

[DisMike]

We have gone twice in the beginning of November and once in the 1st week of May.

November -
Pros -
Great weather - 80s - 90s
Low crowds. Never had to use Fast Pass at all. Longest wait, 15 minutes.
All the rides are open in anticipation of the crowds during Thanksgiving.
Everything is decorated for Christmas.

Cons-
HM ride has the lame Nightmare Before Christmas decorations. Totally destroys the ride.

May
Pros -
The weather was a tad cooler but not much.
No lame Christmas decorations on HM
Low crowds but not as low as beginning of November.

Cons -
Had to use fastpass a few times.

My personal choice is November. Lower crowds. Cool decorations (except HM). Great weather.

Enjoy!

 

[goldies 5]

I know a lot of folks like the original HM. I personally like the Jack Skellington theme better for the kids. They love looking for Zero and the gingerbread smell is really nice in the dining room. The colors are more vibrant and IMO more kid friendly. I am obviously a little partial. We have never had a problem with any of our kids at any age on this ride either way though.

 

[El&Asmom]

We have gone twice in the beginning of November and once in the 1st week of May.

November -
Pros -
Great weather - 80s - 90s
Low crowds. Never had to use Fast Pass at all. Longest wait, 15 minutes.
All the rides are open in anticipation of the crowds during Thanksgiving.
Everything is decorated for Christmas.

Cons-
HM ride has the lame Nightmare Before Christmas decorations. Totally destroys the ride.

May
Pros -
The weather was a tad cooler but not much.
No lame Christmas decorations on HM
Low crowds but not as low as beginning of November.

Cons -
Had to use fastpass a few times.

My personal choice is November. Lower crowds. Cool decorations (except HM). Great weather.

Enjoy!

Great info.

When are the decorations up for xmas at DL? I thought at WDW they weren't up until around thanksgiving. I could be wrong as I've never been there either during the holidays.
Maybe if we wait until mid Nov, we could be there for decorations, and IASW will be open again.
Thanks again.