Final Planning Question...what to expect crowd wise 8/29-9/6 in USH/DL/DCA

[ErinsMommy]

We're total noobs going to California, none of us have ever been, but as we're planning we think this trip will 99% be a one and done trip for us at least to DL/DCA/USH (so much of the World to see - and the flight time from NY to LAX is going to be a whopper for me and I can only hope our flight is early enough that I can just sleep through it all!)

Anywho, someone here on the boards reported there was going to be some kind of event the last week of August in DL/DCA (Star Wars?) so we're thinking to start our trip at USH for the first 3 nights (8/29-9/1), then the next 5 nights (9/1-9/6) spend 3 days between DL and DCA and just relaxing pool side before heading back home.

I know DL/DCA are smaller than WDW, to which we're very accustomed to, but crowd/people wise, what will the Hollywood area be like and on the Disneyland area side, what will Anaheim be like? I'm from NY so big crowds don't bother me, but I'm also not "touring" in NYC either.

Thank you all! And thank you for your patience in answering ALL my questions over the last several weeks.

 

[StarlitNight05]

We're total noobs going to California, none of us have ever been, but as we're planning we think this trip will 99% be a one and done trip for us at least to DL/DCA/USH (so much of the World to see - and the flight time from NY to LAX is going to be a whopper for me and I can only hope our flight is early enough that I can just sleep through it all!)

Anywho, someone here on the boards reported there was going to be some kind of event the last week of August in DL/DCA (Star Wars?) so we're thinking to start our trip at USH for the first 3 nights (8/29-9/1), then the next 5 nights (9/1-9/6) spend 3 days between DL and DCA and just relaxing pool side before heading back home.

I know DL/DCA are smaller than WDW, to which we're very accustomed to, but crowd/people wise, what will the Hollywood area be like and on the Disneyland area side, what will Anaheim be like? I'm from NY so big crowds don't bother me, but I'm also not "touring" in NYC either.

Thank you all! And thank you for your patience in answering ALL my questions over the last several weeks.

I think it's a good call to do USH first. You are right that the Star Wars Celebration will be Aug 27-30. A lot of people are SW and Disney fans so I think it's probably a good idea to avoid that if possible. I always like to end a trip with Disney too!

One thing I will say about Southern California is to prepare for the traffic. If you're not used to grid locked traffic and aggressive drivers it'll be a bit of a shock. Other than that I don't find Anaheim to be what I consider crowded (haven't been to the actual Hollywood in ages so I can't comment on that).

DL park itself does have some small walkways which can lead to a more congested feeling during busy times. If you find yourself in that situation you can step aside and browse through some shops, take a ride on the railroad, get a snack, etc. Just take your time and pack your patience!

DCA doesn't usually feel as crowded since it was built much later and has wider pathways. Attractions are more spread out there too. The only times I feel the crunch are near the food booths when they are doing festivals.

I hope you have a great time!!

 

[ErinsMommy]

I think it's a good call to do USH first. You are right that the Star Wars Celebration will be Aug 27-30. A lot of people are SW and Disney fans so I think it's probably a good idea to avoid that if possible. I always like to end a trip with Disney too!

One thing I will say about Southern California is to prepare for the traffic. If you're not used to grid locked traffic and aggressive drivers it'll be a bit of a shock. Other than that I don't find Anaheim to be what I consider crowded (haven't been to the actual Hollywood in ages so I can't comment on that).

DL park itself does have some small walkways which can lead to a more congested feeling during busy times. If you find yourself in that situation you can step aside and browse through some shops, take a ride on the railroad, get a snack, etc. Just take your time and pack your patience!

DCA doesn't usually feel as crowded since it was built much later and has wider pathways. Attractions are more spread out there too. The only times I feel the crunch are near the food booths when they are doing festivals.

I hope you have a great time!!

Thank you SO much!