First timer?? When to go?

[twitch]

We've been to WDW twice (as adults... once each as children).

It's my wife and I... both coming up on 35.

Because of our careers, we can take vacation just about any time we like... and usually without a whole lot of notice. We live in cold and snowy Maine... so we don't mind getting out of town in the winter... but we also are open to a trip any other time.

I understand that DLR is different than WDW... particularly with a higher % of locals... and that avoiding weekends may be nearly as important as which time of year to go.

However... the question...

Is there an ideal time to go to DLR? We'd like to be economical... so value times are important. We'd prefer low crowds... but I also understand that more attractions are likely to be down during low season.

And... I may be back with more questions... I don't know if we'll do this in the near future or not, but it would be a different experience altogether. I realize that airfare would be more expensive than to MCO... but are there other cost considerations that I should consider?

 

[DisneyLovin]

I usually try to go whenever the local schools are back in session in full force. That means no nearby holidays. I also avoid weekends and special events.

 

[llump41]

Early Dec is usually a nice time to go. Crowds are light(ish), the resort is decorated and most everything is open.

 

[skiingfast]

If you go during a low crowd, cheap hotel time, the risk is limited park offerings. Attractions in rehab, short hours, entertainment only on the weekend. So it is a tradeoff with busy times that have full hours, entertainment daily and crowds.

To couter the hours entertainment, span or be there for a couple weekend nights. Sure it will be crowded but it give you a chance to be there at night see the fireworks and parades.

For weather, May is great and September is better. Quite enjoyable to be in the parks. If you don't mind getting cold or wet, early November, early December, or January and February.

But all the offseason times have pitfalls. Remember to avoid the days around holidays. In November the park changes from Halloween to Christmas so it's better to accept that or go the second week when Christms is in effect. Early December there are some special events in the parks affecting hours. September has Halloween start the 3rd week so crowds go upward.

In May it's possible in Disney California Adventure, Carsland will open. This is sure to be the biggest things in 20 years to happen to a Disney Park. While it's only know to open in 2012, when exactly is not know. So it could be hit or miss, and for better or worse.

 

[HydroGuy]

See "Choosing When To Visit DLR: Summary of High and Low Season and When Each Happens" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36509602

 

[twitch]

Thanks for the help!

Is there a shoulder season at all? Full schedule/hours/entertainment, but lighter crowds?

Or... to put it another way... does the limited hours/entertainment schedule kick into effect the day after Labor Day? Or will full hours/entertainment stay in effect for a couple of weeks?

 

[HydroGuy]

Thanks for the help!

Is there a shoulder season at all? Full schedule/hours/entertainment, but lighter crowds?

Or... to put it another way... does the limited hours/entertainment schedule kick into effect the day after Labor Day? Or will full hours/entertainment stay in effect for a couple of weeks?

The day after Labor Day.

See "Historical DLR Park Hours, Entertainment and Refurbs" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2291124

I can't think of a time with light crowds and full schedule. If that were too happen Disney would either do promotions to get more crowds or reduce the schedule.

 

[skiingfast]

Is there a shoulder season at all? Full schedule/hours/entertainment, but lighter crowds?

A season, no.

But there are a few days like this each year. It rains until 10am and no locals show up because SoCal is afraid to get wet. The park is nearly empty for the rest of the day. A super treat for those who challenged the forecast and morning showers. When this happens on Friday-Sun you get the long day, and show at night, with walk on rides.

 

[hambirg]

A season, no.

But there are a few days like this each year. It rains until 10am and no locals show up because SoCal is afraid to get wet. The park is nearly empty for the rest of the day. A super treat for those who challenged the forecast and morning showers. When this happens on Friday-Sun you get the long day, and show at night, with walk on rides.

We have been a few times in early January and this is spot on. It would rain in the am (but we are from the rainy PNW so it didn't bother us at all) and the parks felt abandoned. Everything was pretty much a walk on. There were a few things down for rehab. . .but it was a fair trade off for us.

 

[twitch]

Thank you for the answers... and for the links to other threads... it's been interesting reading!

I had underestimated the differences between the parks, the impact of locals, and the effect that would have on strategy. A good touring plan in WDW allows you to get most all of the major entertainment, even in the off-season... although you might have to deal with a couple of refurbishments.

What about the beginning of the summer? Say... between Memorial Day and June 15th? Does DLR kick into full summer schedule on Memorial Day? Are there still less crowds during the day through the first part of June, until school is out? Or do grad-nights and other student trips eliminate any potential benefit during this time?

 

[lovedisneyland1]

If you go during a low crowd, cheap hotel time, the risk is limited park offerings. Attractions in rehab, short hours, entertainment only on the weekend. So it is a tradeoff with busy times that have full hours, entertainment daily and crowds.

To couter the hours entertainment, span or be there for a couple weekend nights. Sure it will be crowded but it give you a chance to be there at night see the fireworks and parades.

For weather, May is great and September is better. Quite enjoyable to be in the parks. If you don't mind getting cold or wet, early November, early December, or January and February.

But all the offseason times have pitfalls. Remember to avoid the days around holidays. In November the park changes from Halloween to Christmas so it's better to accept that or go the second week when Christms is in effect. Early December there are some special events in the parks affecting hours. September has Halloween start the 3rd week so crowds go upward.

In May it's possible in Disney California Adventure, Carsland will open. This is sure to be the biggest things in 20 years to happen to a Disney Park. While it's only know to open in 2012, when exactly is not know. So it could be hit or miss, and for better or worse.

We have always gone the first week of December and rain has never been an issue. Also, I see that you are from a cold & snowy part of the country. More than likely you will not think December is cold. We are from Idaho where it is also snowy and the weather is perfect in December for us, we usually wear short sleeve shirts & bring sweatshirts with us. It's usually in the 70's during the day (which feels hot when you're coming from a high of 20 or 30 during the day)

 

[skiingfast]

What about the beginning of the summer? Say... between Memorial Day and June 15th? Does DLR kick into full summer schedule on Memorial Day? Are there still less crowds during the day through the first part of June, until school is out? Or do grad-nights and other student trips eliminate any potential benefit during this time?

It tends to be a decent time. Medium crowds, fuller entertainment and longer hours. Busy weekends. But overall pretty nice until the weekend around the 15th when the park is fully into summer crowds.

But last year, this year and probably next year that trend is changing.

Last year WoC was brand new and brought in new crowd dynamics. This year has shown new patterns so far because of Star Tours and Little Mermaid. Next year Carsland is likely to have the most dramatic effect.

But just like with WDW, Memorial Day weekend settles out, and then the crowds slowly ramp up in June as more and more schools get out.