DL summer crowds vs. WDW holiday crowds

[Mr.Bubbles]

We have been to WDW many times between Christmas and New Year's and it is always PACKED. We have learned to work around it though and it sure beats having the crowds and the brutal heat of the Florida sun in July.

So, has anyone been to WDW during the week between Christmas and New Year's and also to DL at the end of June who can compare the crowd levels. We will be going to DL for our first time in mid-late June and wondering if it will be better or worse than the holiday time at WDW.

 

[DLR29]

It will be much better. The peak waits for the major attractions range around 50-70 min if that.

 

[Mr.Bubbles]

WooHoo! Space Mountain typically hits 90-120 minutes during the holiday period at WDW. Soarin' is also 120 minutes with FPs all distributed by 11 a.m. Thanks for the good news.

 

[HydroGuy]

And go on weekdays if at all possible.

 

[Amy&Dan]

I have been to both during your time frames and have to say that the great thing about Disneyland is that you can park hop so easily. DCA is seldom crowded and its an easy, quick escape. You can also hold fastpasses for both parks at the same time and that just makes it even better.

I think the longest wait I have seen for DL's Space Mountain is 70 minutes (during our June visits).

I do have to say that I don't think DL handles the crowds in the walkways as well and I miss having things like Hall of Presidents, COP and TTA, Country Bear Jamboree and MIckey's Phil that you can get on easily even during Christmas week. But the waits for the headliners aren't typically as long, the park takes longer to fill up than WDW parks do (pretty much right up until late morning or lunch time is very doable during the summer) and again, DCA and its always low crowds is wonderful. You can also easily go to DTD for meals and shopping or even a movie with no hassle whatsoever.

Oh and last summer in the ten days we had at DL in June (19th to the 30th) I never one time saw Soarin out of fastpasses. Space Mountain yes but Soarin always had fastpasses. We woud head over there when DCA opened at 9:00 (after spending 1 or 2 hours at DL) ride it with no wait and then fastpass it for later. At Epcot I half the time don't even get to ride it but once per trip.

 

[Mr.Bubbles]

Thanks so much for the help. I can't wait to go!

 

[Cass]

What is the weather like in the summer months? Is it dry?

 

[grannyminnie]

I'm counting on the summer crowds at DL to be doable since I am going to be there for ONE day in the middle of July. Haven't been in over 40 years, and want to experience the park in an unhurried way even tho I have a little time to do it. I am researching like crazy to plan my attack (not really attacking it!) so that I can maximize my day. Hydroguy's tips have been very helpful..
And I've chosen to go on a Monday. Hopefully, that will be better than Saturday or Sunday. Those are my choices.

 

[HydroGuy]

What is the weather like in the summer months? Is it dry?

Southern California is considered an arid climate. I would say it is dry - I was born there and lived there for 28 years. But if you are near the beaches there is more moisture. DLR is maybe 10 miles from the beach. I have never felt humidity there like you have in the US midwest, Northeast and Florida. Nothing like that at all. IMO the summer weather at DLR is ideal. Aside from the periodic heat waves, typical weather is very tolerable for me.

Here is some weather info for DLR:

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

Here is some info on visiting DLR in the summer:

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

 

[Cass]

Thanks HydroGuy I figured it HAD to be better than WDW in August, it's brutal there.

 

[Mr.Bubbles]

Thanks HydroGuy I figured it HAD to be better than WDW in August, it's brutal there.

I agree 100%!!! Nothing beats me down faster than the July-Aug. heat in WDW. And I can tolerate quite a bit in the way of weather and crowds.