DLR at end of August compared to WDW

[newrygirl]

We always go to WDW at the end of August every year and crowds are quite low as schools are back in session, we are thinking of going to DLR for the first time this year and are trying to decide when to go, end of August would be our first choice as we dont go back to school until first week in Sept, what are crowds like at DLR during the last week of August? is this a good time to go for our first trip

 

[starshine514]

Crowds are reportedly bad at the end of August. Many area schools don't start until Labor Day, combine that with blackout dates being lifted for the SoCal APs, and you have some pretty crowded parks. We opted to go early/mid August last year; it was crowded, but not Spring Break crowded.

 

[rtfelt]

I agree. It gets crowded. We did WDW last year for the last 2 weeks of August and felt it was very doable--not hardly crowded. This is not the case for DLR. The block out lift impacts it greatly. This year is the first time I've had an AP below Deluxe (so I'll be with all the other S CA AP's ), so I would go throughout the summer and the first 2 weeks of August would actually be better than the last 2 weeks because the last 2 weeks all the S CA AP's would come back in droves. Look at the block out calendar and especially miss the first couple days of the lift. It seems every S. Californian, who's been itching to get to DLR all summer, goes to Disney.

If there's anyway to go after Labor Day, it makes a HUGE difference. Most S CA schools start the week of Labor Day.

 

[jdb in AZ]

Since Carsland is opening next week, DLR is apt to be very busy thru Labor Day. I know that's not what you wanted to hear. At least summers in DLR are less humid than WDW.

 

[HydroGuy]

We always go to WDW at the end of August every year and crowds are quite low as schools are back in session, we are thinking of going to DLR for the first time this year and are trying to decide when to go, end of August would be our first choice as we dont go back to school until first week in Sept, what are crowds like at DLR during the last week of August? is this a good time to go for our first trip

The week of Aug 20 will contend with the AP blockout lifting. Probably not a good week this year. The week of Aug 27 will be better based on the last few years.

See

"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

 

[newrygirl]

Thanks everyone, think we will scrap end of August maybe thinking a week sometime in the fall will be best, our son has a few weeks with 2 days off school so I think we will pull him out for the other 3 days and, thinking either October or the first week or so in December.

 

[cobbler]

Don't forget that the half marathon is going on the weekend of Labor Day. I've not been at that time but it may have an impact on crowds if there are a lot of non-locals coming.

 

[kittycruize]

Can you please explain why the 27th of August will be a better week than the 20th? We would like to go in August, so any advice on the best week would so be appreciated! FYI, we are thinking August 30, to Sept 3rd. Is that a less busy time? Any advice would be appreciated!

 

[HydroGuy]

Can you please explain why the 27th of August will be a better week than the 20th? We would like to go in August, so any advice on the best week would so be appreciated! FYI, we are thinking August 30, to Sept 3rd. Is that a less busy time? Any advice would be appreciated!

My previous comment was to the OP who had expressed her goals. So what was "better" for her is not necessarily "better" for you or someone else.

First, if you have not done so you may want to review the threads linked in post #5 above as they cover the issues. And see:

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

Starting on Aug 20 the two SoCal AP types become unblocked and folks who hold those will rightfully be able to visit DLR again and no one should say anything bad about them doing this. With all the new stuff at DCA they will tend to focus there. It will be a bit more crowded that week and possibly much more crowded. The last few years have been a bit lumpy in this regard. Some years the week of August unblocking brings big crowds and some years it does not. This would more likely be a year it does.

The past few years have also shown that the week after this (the week of Aug 27) tends to have lower crowds. However, that week generally starts to have reduced hours and sometimes reduced entertainment. I would guess this year that will be minimal because of DCA.

Also, the HM typically goes down during this week for the Halloween overlay. So you could miss this.

If you want lower crowds and you can only go week of Aug 20 or Aug 27 then I would say Aug 27 would be better. But lower crowds does not mean that week is automatically better. It depends on one's priorities.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Can you please explain why the 27th of August will be a better week than the 20th? We would like to go in August, so any advice on the best week would so be appreciated! FYI, we are thinking August 30, to Sept 3rd. Is that a less busy time? Any advice would be appreciated!

That's Labor Day weekend AND Disneyland Half Marathon weekend.

 

[interstate70s]

The last 2 years we have gone during the last 2 weeks of August. Last year the week before labor day weekend/half marathon and I personally thought the crowds were pretty light. There weren't any huge standby lines with the exception of the new star tours, which was brand new along with little mermaid. The only day that was crowded was Friday afternoon and evening of labor day weekend. The park still had long hours and all the shows ran every night. Who really knows what the impact of carsland will be by that point? In 2010 we were there a week earlier and the crowds were heavier but not miserable.