DLR trip - July or September????

[lmb80129]

I am trying to plan our first trip to DLR and can't decide between the end of July or the beginning of September. I've read the sticky about limited shows in off-season and hate to miss the shows. But I have a 8 yr old son with moderate cerebral palsy and I don't know if he can handle the crowds. I'm hoping some DLR veterans can help me decide!!! TIA!

 

[Blackunicorn]

Until this year, I've only travelled in September. It's true that you're going to have much more limited entertainment. For example, during our trip last September we didn't get to see the fireworks because they were only on the weekend, and the night we planned on watching them was too windy. This isn't as much of a bother for us, because I have a harder time with crowds than I have with missing shows.

On the other hand, my mother travelled at the end of July last year, and she said it was very crowded. She called me every day to tell me how awful it was and how miserable she was. (Unfortunately, I planned her trip.) They left after three days without having gone on some of the rides they really wanted to see. Take this with a grain of salt, because I don't think they were interested in shows at all, and refused to follow much of the advice I've gotten over the years from the disboards.

You say your son has moderate cerebral palsy, but you don't say if he's in a wheelchair. A wheelchair will shorten wait times for some rides--they have you go in the exit instead of the entrance--but will make crowds harder to navigate. Even at Disney you have the typical people who cut in front of the wheelchair while it's moving or stop suddenly in front of you, and I know that this happens during September. I would check the DISabilities board for advice on any trip you decide on.

Hope I helped!

 

[lmb80129]

Thanks Blackunicorn!!! I appreciate your response. My son is not in a wheelchair but will ride in a special needs stroller. I have used a Guest Assistance Card at WDW but infrequently since we have primarily use fast passes. I would never consider going to WDW in July and fighting the crowds. We always go during very low season. I only consider DLR during July since the kids are all out of school and I think they might enjoy all the shows. I would subscribe to a touring plan to make the most of fast passes but just can't decide if the crowds would drive my son nuts. He is not good at waiting and is easily frustrated.

 

[Dizneydaz]

I would pick Sept. if you after Labor Day. The crowds will definitely be less. And while Sept. can be hot, July will most likely be hot. And crowded. If you can schedule your trip over a weekend in Sept. you'll be able to do some of the entertainment things as well. They haven't posted the Sept. calendar yet but you can usually catch fireworks, parades, etc. on the weekends. Of course, it will be more crowded then, as well, since it's when alot of locals go. But I would definitely pick Sept. over July. Hands down!

The only time I go to DLR in July is in the late afternoon, early evenings, just to see the fireworks-and it's still crowded.

Have fun!

 

[tinkryansmom]

I would pick Sept. if you after Labor Day. The crowds will definitely be less. And while Sept. can be hot, July will most likely be hot. And crowded. If you can schedule your trip over a weekend in Sept. you'll be able to do some of the entertainment things as well. They haven't posted the Sept. calendar yet but you can usually catch fireworks, parades, etc. on the weekends. Of course, it will be more crowded then, as well, since it's when alot of locals go. But I would definitely pick Sept. over July. Hands down!

The only time I go to DLR in July is in the late afternoon, early evenings, just to see the fireworks-and it's still crowded.

Have fun!

I whole heartedley agree with Dizneydaz! But what ever you decide have a great trip!!

 

[Jaybird79]

That was good to hear about September. That is when we are going this year with our daughter. She will only be 2, so we wanted to go when it was less crowded.

 

[Cupcake89]

July is like the worst for crowds! Its hot and packed in the summer. Choose September!

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

I'd go with September. July is just so hot and crowded. We tried to pick a low crowd time to take my disabled brother. Only October turned out to be super crowded, so it was definitely more difficult for him. He is in a wheel chair though, and that did help.

But I think September is a great time to go. If the HM wasn't down for most of it I might plan a September trip. But I love my HM too much so far to go then!