first time going to DL

[nutty4wdw]

this is my first trip and i haven't really started planning. not familiar with the calif or western school schedules or any events that would impact the parks. was thinking of first week in june. will the parks be ok. are schools still in session. any other event that may impact the parks that week. any info appreciated TIA

 

[Carrie in AZ]

Have fun planning your first trip!!

We have gone the first week of June before. Our AZ schools were already out, but I believe CA schools were still in session. I think June is still not typically as busy as July and August, but we found the crowds to be pretty large, definitely doable with FP and an early morning start.

One thing I observed during the first week of June were TONS of school groups celebrating end of school year. LOADS of teens and tweens in large groups running from attraction to attraction. They would just blow right by us and do all they could to get in line before my family.....

The weather was good, we did not melt and I seem to recall needing a sweater in the evenings.

Oh, one more thing, I seem to recall other DISers experiencing large crowds on the days right before the Annual Passholders become blocked out. I would definitely check that schedule to determine when those last days happen so that you don't get caught in those crowds.

Good luck!

 

[PinkBudgie]

All California schools are different. Some districts get out in May. Others, get out midway through June and anywhere in between. You may want to consider going in July after the holiday. Socal APs will be blocked then and you will avoid all those end of year school trips. Also, you will have to check for Grad nights at DL in June because the park will close earlier than usual.

 

[HydroGuy]

this is my first trip and i haven't really started planning. not familiar with the calif or western school schedules or any events that would impact the parks. was thinking of first week in june. will the parks be ok. are schools still in session. any other event that may impact the parks that week. any info appreciated TIA

Yes, 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

"The Scoop on Grad Nights at DLR in May and June" - www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2298400

 

[TLuvsD]

Our D went as part of 8th grade promotion, they were at DL for the day, could stay late with parent permission, most of the kids stayed. The high school students do the same trip, usually the week before graduation. And then there is actual Grad Night.

Keep in mind that June can be cool in the mornings, and sometimes most of the day. Makes for great DL weather!

 

[Goofy_Mom]

We went July 2009 the week after 4th of July. Crowds were do-able and the weather was in the low 80s. I will mention that we went on Thursday to Saturday. It's been my experiance that weekdays are usually less busy than weekends.

 

[PinkBudgie]

We have gone every summer for the past several years. Last summer we went the first week of Aug before Socal APs were allowed back in. Since WOC was added, we found that this summer was more crowded in DCA than years before. Walking around it was more crowded and FPs ran out sooner. It seems that the days of a nice quiet park to escape to from DL is gone. And it will only get worse as more of the new attractions open up. I say "worse", but I am really excited about the new changes. It just takes some getting used to. However, I still think mid summer is the best time to go if you have to go during a high demand season (like we do because our whole family is on a school schedule).

 

[nutty4wdw]

thanks everyone appreciate the info. great site and info hydro. think i'll skip on june and maybe look to may or september. thanks again

 

[DLtorgo]

Also keep in mind Star Tours and the Little Mermaid ride are expected to open in May/June so if you go later in the year you can be sure to see them and maybe have some of the crowds die down a bit.

 

[nutty4wdw]

thanks DL i want to try and make sure that attractions like the two you mentioned and ones that are at DL but not WDW or better at DL like poc, space are open and not in rehab. that and trying to keep crowds at a minimum is making it a little more difficult to choose a good time to go. thanks again.