DL newbie :)

[micheleq]

Hi everyone,

We are thinking about an August trip to DL & San Diego, probably August 17-24/25. I think these dates will allow us to bypass the D23 Expo crowds but still be at DL during blackout dates for AP holders.

Would you recommend San Diego (looking to go to the Zoo & Sea World) first then driving up to DL? I'm planning on flying into SNA and renting a car for the San Diego part of the trip. Then returning the car at DTD and taking a taxi or car service to SNA for the departure.

I've been to DL once when I was 17 and it was a day trip. DH & the girls have never been. I think Tuesday-Saturday at DL will be a good amount of time for us. We've done WDW twice with them and know you can't see everything in one trip. We will stay on-property, I'm leaning toward PPH because of the great views of WoC from those rooms.

Any advice would be appreciated - esp. regarding the timing.

TIA,
Michele

 

[Jenn1116]

Keep in mind those are blackout dates for APers for a reason so still expect it to be crowded. Also expect it to be HOT. I think you're fine with your plan to do SD first then DL. I've only done the SD Zoo once, but loved it! Tues - Sat in the parks is a good plan as such things go. Mid week tends to be less crowded than weekends - to varying degrees as you'll see around here. We don't stay on property so I can't give advice on that, except to say we are making an exception this coming trip. I've only stayed at the DL Hotel once, when I was a very young child and it was magical so I want DD to have the experience at least once too.

Check out the stickies at the top on the page for more details and help on planning.

 

[micheleq]

Thanks!

 

[HydroGuy]

I was at DLR the days before and after the last D23 Expo and did not notice any appreciable "D23 Crowds" at DLR. I did notice them at the Expo though based on the many hours I spent waiting in line for three days!

The last day of the Expo coincided with the ending of the SoCal AP blockout and that did have a noticeable increase in crowds.

In 2013 the Expo is much earlier in August and this will not be an issue.