DL in the summer

[michelle1]

We will be in California next July and would like to take the kids to DL since they have only been to WDW. Now July would not be my choice month to visit DL but we don't have a choice and I really want to visit DL...so what I would like to know is are we going to be miserable with the crowds? Are weekdays better than weekends? How many days there would we need?

 

[Hound 109]

Welcome to the DL board, Michelle!

Yes, take your kids to DLR. July will be crowded, but won't be "miserable" if you consider (& do) the following:

- Read all of HydroGuy's tips on his sticky at the top of the page. Especially his "DLR for WDW Vets". Essential reading.
- During the week is much less crowded than weekends.
- Utilize EE, tour early & take a rest during the busy afternoon.
- The time change, fewer bus rides & lower humidity works in your favor.
- Hop to DCA when it gets crowded at DL.
- Know & understand FP (read HydroGuys FP threads). It's different than WDW & can save you hours of touring.
- You'll be amazed at some of the DLR exclusive rides & some of your old WDW favorites that are superior versions at DLR.
- Consider giving DLR 3-5 days (depending on how you tour & when you travel).

hound -

Have fun planning a visit to Walt's Park.

 

[Barbday62]

Im assuming you have been to WDW in July right? Its crowded like WDW but in my experience its better in the weekdays than WDW. One thing its warm in California but nothing like FLorida!! Florida is so humid and feels so much hotter than California even when California gets 90 degrees its better than Florida at 90 degrees.

We drive over from Arizona every 2 to 3 months and I have been the week of the 4th of July before. (Actually the end of June through JUly 4th a couple times) The weekend before the 4th it gets really really insanely crowded but nothing worse than WDW (Have been to WDW the second week of July once) One nice thing is if you get up early and do Disneyland when it gets too crowded head on over to DCA for the afternoon because it will be less crowded. Then head back to Disneyland in the evening. Its so close to walk between the parks. It takes longer to stand in the entrance lines than get between them.

Fast pass will be your best friend and learn which fast pass machines are disconnected. What that means is you can get two fast passes at the same time in each park since one of the machines does not know you already got one. For example Roger rabit is disconected so you can get a fast pass for Sapce mountain then walk over to toon town and get one right away for Roger rabit and then do something elses while waiting for the fast pass to come due. Also note at Disneyland you cant come before the time stamped but can come later. So save up your fast passes if your so inclined and then in the evening you can ride all those rides using fast pass. (Just keep gathering them all day long)


I like to go for my Birthday in May every year. We go 4 days and do exclusively the two disneyparks. I feel like 4 days is a bare minimum to me to see and do almost everything I want. I love the shows parades and fireworks so to me its worth the exra days to catch it all. I get to do my favorites multiple times too. There is so much to see and do there. I am never bored and I feel I am lucky yo go lots.

My last bit of advice is dont go expecting WDW. WDW is more of a huge resort. IF you compared 4 parks to 2 and probably close to 20 hotels to 3 and 2 water parks to none its really no contest. Disneyland to me is better if you compare ride for ride in most instances. Its a charming park and I love it. Im one of the few who love DCA too.

 

[michelle1]

Thank you both for your replies and all of the helpful info! We are very excited to be going to DL. I haven't been since I was 3yo so I don't remember anything and my DH and kids have never been. Thanks again!

 

[DLR29]

Well I have bee to DL in June and August. WDW in July. No comparison. DL is much less crowded in the summer and it is not muggy so the heat is much easier to deal with. This upcoming summer you might find a large wave of crowds at DCA because of the opening of Toy Story Midway Mania. But lines for other major attractions shouldn't have lines more than 60 minutes even around peak times, assuming weekdays. I think you should spend at least 4 days considering none of you have visited in a while or at all. Preferably 5.

Here's a list of rides unique to DL that you don't want to miss:

Indiana Jones (ride vehicles like Dinosaur, much better themed with an amazing que line)
Pirate's Lair (Tom Sawyer Island with a pirate theme, lots of pirate caves to explore, a pirate show, CMs dressed up as pirates just wandering the island, plus a Captain Jack Sparrow meet & greet)
Pinocchio (Fantasyland dark ride *a little scary)
Alice in Wonderland (Fantasyland dark ride)
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride (Fantasyland dark ride *a little scary)
Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin (Spinning Toontown dark ride)
Matterhorn (1st ever tubular steel coaster)
Casey Jr. Circus Train and Storybookland Canal Boats (gentle rides through Storybookland. Good for kids)
Everything at DCA except Soarin, ToT, Muppets and Bug movies, and Turtle Talk

Rides that are significantly different:
Jungle Cruise (different jokes, some different scenes)
PotC (much longer and better)
Pooh (no long lines at DL because it's tucked away in the corner, different ride vehicle)
Splash (different seating, shorter ride, not as long lines as MK except during summer)
IASW (original version)
Tiki Room (original version)
Autopia vs. TIS (actually has scenery and stuff to look at, you even go off roading)
Buzz (removable guns make for easier aiming)
Space (completely dark, and smoother with music)
ToT (different scenes, no 4th dimension room)

 

[Hound 109]

Just to add to DLR's excellent & accurate post.

- Pooh's ride dump is a fabulous bakery (that's never crowded in the morning).
- IASW outside theming & landscaping is amazing.
- Roger Rabbit & Indy's ques are the BEST of any Disney park.
- Storybookland (especially at night) is great for adults (memories of childhood stories).

Post again after you read HydroGuy's tips. You're gonna have a blast.

 

[brenda1966]

I've been to DL the past 2 Julys and plan to be there next July. Yes, it's hot and crowded, but you can still have a great time!

Just follow all those suggestions above. Take a break during the heat of the day, and enjoy all the charm that DL has to offer. You won't regret it.

 

[HydroGuy]

We will be in California next July and would like to take the kids to DL since they have only been to WDW. Now July would not be my choice month to visit DL but we don't have a choice and I really want to visit DL...so what I would like to know is are we going to be miserable with the crowds? Are weekdays better than weekends? How many days there would we need?

See "Getting The Most Out of a Summer Visit To DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1345319

 

[iheartdisney]

Wanted to add...do not forget the sunblock!
Thinking of one of the bigest differences between the bi-coastal parks, that one always comes to mind- the lines are not as shaded as they are in WDW.