First time to Disneyland.....but when?

[skmommy2009]

We've finally decided the time is right and are now in the midst of trying to plan a 7 or 8 day trip, but when should we go???? There is so much information out there, thought you guys would be the best resource.

We are either thinking Mid August, Mid September, or should we wait for January.

The January dates sort of scare me because I've heard that some rides/attractions won't be open. Is this true?

What is your ideal time to visit?

Once we get a "time of year" nailed down I'll start worrying about the other details

Thank you!!

 

[wannagoback]

Personally, I would choose mid-September. Warm weather, smaller crowds. If a few rides or attractions are down, that's a bummer but not a deal-breaker for me.

 

[Escape2Disney]

I'd vote for mid-September. From my experience, fewer rides are down, and the crowds are smaller than August. The only downside is the hours are shorter.

 

[charmama4]

Personally I would go during September. Public school kids just started back in school and the weather is still warm. Now granted because this is DL's off-peak season the hours are shorter, but since you will be there for 7 or so days that shouldn't be a problem.

My humble opinion on mid August is that it's hot!! Dang hot!! I'm not a nice person when I'm hot so for my families sake they make sure that we visit DL when it's not HOT!!

I haven't been during January, but again it's during the off peak season so yes some rides will be down for refurb. But, I look at this way it's another reason to go back because we didn't get to ride on something,

So, there's my input.

 

[skmommy2009]

Thanks everyone. I vote Sept too but will have a hard time convincing Hubby that the kids need to be pulled out of school...though I'm sure we could make the trip educational in some way LOL ;

Any of the waterparks open in September?

Would love to hit one of those too

 

[Escape2Disney]

Well, if you want to make your mid-Sept trip educational, there is a homeshooling convention going on at that time. Tickets/Hotels are discounted (if ordered through http://www.southwest-home-education.edu) and they include classes in the park for the kids. They are offereing physics, animation, and history classes taught by cast members. If you want to take this option, ticket prices go up on the 15th, so you'll want to order soon.

 

[avalon451]

Hi, SKMommy, welcome!

You might want to read the sticky thread by Hydroguy, at the top of this forum, Hydroguy's Tips Compilation: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483 In it there's a section called "Seasonal at DLR" that has several threads concerning the tradeoffs between high season and low season. They'll really help you see your options so you can make a decision.

Hydroguy's other tips are the best for planning your trip! Because of reading his stuff, we almost never stood in lines longer than 15 minutes, even on the busiest days.

Have a great time planning!