End of August? Or maybe the week before Christmas?

[nancy drew]

How are the parks at the very end of August (but before Labor Day)? Crowded? Not so crowded? How about the weather?

And what about the week before Christmas? I know the schools will be out, but is that typically a crowded time at DLR or is it not so bad?

I'm trying to work with our school calendar, which means we have to pick a high crowd time, and it's going to be tough trying to figure out which is best for us. The other option would likely be Spring Break, but I think that's the worst time to choose.

 

[heather_sue_98]

We just went December 18-20 this past December. It was crazy busy, but we were still able to do a lot, and the decorations and parade were fantastic! I'd definitely do a holiday trip again, even knowing how busy it would be.

I've been in August before too, but not for a few years. I remember it was way, way hot, but also remember walking on to some of the rides (ToT at DCA, Matterhorn and Space at Disney), as long as you get to where ever you are going right at opening.

 

[Dobie]

Disneyland at the end of August is not nearly as bad as Chicago at the end of August!

Make sure you go BEFORE the AP blackouts are lifted. Get there first thing in the morning, plan to spend the afternoons soaking in the vibes at your hotel pool, and go back in the evening and you will have a blast!!!

I am trying to talk DH into a trip that week, too!

 

[LittleWoodenHead]

Make sure you go BEFORE the AP blackouts are lifted.

This year, the AP blockouts are lifted on Sunday, August 22 (for the basic SoCal AP) and on Monday, August 23 (for the more limited SoCal Select AP).

So "the very end of August" is likely to be very busy -- although probably a bit less crowded than the week before Christmas.

 

[HydroGuy]

Disneyland at the end of August is not nearly as bad as Chicago at the end of August!

Make sure you go BEFORE the AP blackouts are lifted. Get there first thing in the morning, plan to spend the afternoons soaking in the vibes at your hotel pool, and go back in the evening and you will have a blast!!!

I am trying to talk DH into a trip that week, too!

Agreed! Here is some more info on this great advice:

"Understanding AP Blockouts and Impact on Crowds" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2365983

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

 

[tholczer]

I feel like all I've been doing lately is recommending the last week of August to everyone! As long as you go the week AFTER the blockouts lift. This year that starts Monday, Aug. 30. So there might be shorter park hours. It's still great summer weather (80s to 90s) and no more than 20-40 minute waits. With fastpasses, it's a breeze. Not sure what kind of waits there are in early August as I've always been blocked out!

Tracy

 

[nancy drew]

Thanks for all the replies, everyone. I think we would be looking at going some time after August 25th, I suppose I could wait a little longer but we do have to get back for school, which begins after Labor Day. And I was hoping to have a few days between vacation and school starting. Hmmmm, lots to think about.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

Why not visit early - mid Aug?

 

[HydroGuy]

I feel like all I've been doing lately is recommending the last week of August to everyone! As long as you go the week AFTER the blockouts lift. This year that starts Monday, Aug. 30. So there might be shorter park hours. It's still great summer weather (80s to 90s) and no more than 20-40 minute waits. With fastpasses, it's a breeze. Not sure what kind of waits there are in early August as I've always been blocked out!

Tracy

Because of the later blockout lifting there might not be a "week after" this year. DLR may transition directly into Labor Day weekend with full hours and crowds.

 

[nancy drew]

Why not visit early - mid Aug?

We have other things going on earlier in the month that can't be moved around.

 

[tholczer]

Because of the later blockout lifting there might not be a "week after" this year. DLR may transition directly into Labor Day weekend with full hours and crowds.

I think the week leading up to labor day, starting Mon. August 30, should be okay. Traditionally, that has been a pretty good week to go because so many schools are back in session. Most LA schools will go back from Aug 30 - Sept 1 so you won't have to deal with as many AP holders. If you left by Friday, Sept 3, you'd miss the majority of the labor day crowds (if there are any - reports were that last year, it was pretty dead) and have the weekend to get your sprouts ready.

If your choice is between the week the blockouts lift and the week after, then the week after is definitely your best choice.

Tracy

 

[HydroGuy]

I think the week leading up to labor day, starting Mon. August 30, should be okay. Traditionally, that has been a pretty good week to go because so many schools are back in session. Most LA schools will go back from Aug 30 - Sept 1 so you won't have to deal with as many AP holders. If you left by Friday, Sept 3, you'd miss the majority of the labor day crowds (if there are any - reports were that last year, it was pretty dead) and have the weekend to get your sprouts ready.

I seem to remember DLR having peak hours before Labor Day but it was not in 2008 or 2009. So it appears you are correct based on history - the week after blockouts lift, Aug 30, is likely to have reduced crowds and hours (which often goes hand in hand).

If your choice is between the week the blockouts lift and the week after, then the week after is definitely your best choice.

Yep you are right again, with the caveat that hours and entertainment are reduced.