first trip back in 32 years...help

[michelle1]

I have such fond memories from my 3 trips as a small child that I would like my kids to experience DL. They (8 & 10) have been to WDW 3 times and we are planning another trip this August during the last 2 weeks. My question is whether to go back to WDW or try DL...I would prefer to go back to DL but will it be a letdown for them (ie not as much to see etc) It's been so long for me I can't remember much! Also, the one good thing about WDW at that time is the crowds are quite low because alot of those kids are back to school..how is DL? Any help would be great...thank you!!!

 

[iceskatejen]

Last August, the week before Labor Day was fairly quiet for it still being summer. That's because more and more schools are starting by mid-August here in CA, too. There are still some that don't go back until the day after Labor Day, though. I wasn't in the park during the week the week before that, so I don't know what it was like. At least at DL, you won't have to deal with the humidity that WDW has, though it'll still be really hot.

 

[hlbtimes2]

I think since its the 50th for DL you should go there. The park looks better then ever and the parade and fireworks are the best! There is plenty to do, and its all nice and close. If you dont think DL and DCA would be enough, you can always take a day trip to San Diego, Knotts berry farm, Univeral, Hollywood, the beach etc. There is plenty to do in S. CA.

 

[CalGal]

There are some other advantages of DLR, especially in August. Even though August is typically the warmest month in California, it is comfortable compared to Florida from my experiences. There are no thunderstorms, and the natural evening airconditioning makes mornings and evenings mild. When I went to WDW in August, it hit around 98 at 9AM.

Another advantage of DLR is that everything is quite compact. Depending upon where you stay, you can go to and from your hotel, DL, DCA, and DTD without getting on a bus or car. Almost anywhere you stay, you will spend much less time traveling.

If you are worried about your kids not having enough to do, keep in mind that there are other things to do in the area. Knotts and it's neighboring waterpark are not too far, as are some beaches. You can take day trips or add on a stay at Universal Studios, Legoland, or San Diego's Animal Park, Zoo, and/or Sea World.

 

[michelle1]

Thanks for your advice...I'm definitely leaning towards DL. We will go the last 2 weeks of August..what would be a good estimate for wait times for the attractions? We are not used to California August heat so I'd like some idea of what we will be up against.

 

[iceskatejen]

It's hard to say what wait times will be because the 50th has changed everything and it seemed like the crowds didn't start getting unusually large until last fall. But as for weather, expect 90s-100s for daytime air temps. DL does cool down a lot a night, but if the daytime temps are over 100, it'll still be in the 70s-80s for most of the evening. It could only be in the 80s during the day, but I wouldn't expect that in August as it is our hottest month. But our humidity tends to be low. Drink lots of water and sports drinks are also a good idea. I can't spend a day outdoors at DL in that kind of weather without some gatorade as I sweat so much that I lose too much salt.