First timer....

[Raenstoirm]

I am sure this has been asked a million times, but what is the best time to go? Dh and I have been to WDW a hundred times (in fact just got back), but never to DL. We are thinking march/april 2011. I know there are a lot more locals, so I was thinking doing a mon-fri trip and flying on the weekend (we are east coasters). What are the local school spring break schedules? We are trying to go at the slowest time available.

 

[skiingfast]

The rules are about the same as WDW. The biggest bad difference is DLR is much bussier on the weekends. The biggest good difference is 3 day weekends don't keep people for a week like at WDW. Typical DLR visit is one day, typical WDW visit is 7 days that's why the differences.

Otherwise march/april is Spring break just like WDW a peak right between the two months.

 

[ardenandjacksmom]

I haven't been to DL yet either, but I can tell you a little bit about the school calendars on the West Coast--hopefully that helps!

We are in Washington State, and most schools here start Early September. Since many school districts take a mid-Winter break (sometimes a long weekend or even a week off for President's Day week in Mid-February), Spring Break week is taken later, often the second or third week of April. (Next year Easter falls on April 24th--so basically all of April will have heavy traffic between locals and out-of-towners). Since you are able to go to the parks on weekdays, I'd say going early to mid-March would work beautifully.

If you're price sensitive I'd check into flights and let that help me narrow down the exact dates. As for that, the earlier in March you can go, the less likely you'll be socked with the Spring Break 'premium.' If you find that the more affordable tickets are mid-week (usually Tues-Tues provide lowest airfares) then maybe you could rent a car for the weekend in the middle to explore other California destinations (like the beach, San Diego, etc)? There is a thread about how to choose from the LA area airports as well (varies depending on price-sensitivity, ground travel options, flight availability)...

We're from the East Coast and so I've have many occasions to seek out cheap cross-country tickets (just going the opposite direction LOL).

Happy planning!

 

[HydroGuy]

I am sure this has been asked a million times, but what is the best time to go? Dh and I have been to WDW a hundred times (in fact just got back), but never to DL. We are thinking march/april 2011. I know there are a lot more locals, so I was thinking doing a mon-fri trip and flying on the weekend (we are east coasters). What are the local school spring break schedules? We are trying to go at the slowest time available.

Best what? Warm weather? Cool weather? Least chance for rain? Low crowds? Maximum entertainment? Time when whole family can get time off? Avoiding a million AP holders? Longer park hours? Lowest prices?

Here are some links that may help:

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

"What You Should Know About Off-Season at DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18462889

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

 

[Grim_Grinning_Girl]

Also, it seems like all the new ride and new land construction going on over at California Adventure is scheduled to be completed in 2012 in case that makes a difference. I go to DL and DCA pretty often and just got back yesterday, even more walls were up and more areas under construction at DCA.

The pathway closure between the Hyperion Theater and Tower of Terror is awful >=\ , pretty far detour if you are in the Hollywood area and feel like going on over to Tower of Terror.

 

[mkarizona]

Early to mid May would be better than March or April. Spring breaks are over. Most schools are not out for summer yet. The weather is not too hot.