Headed to DLR June 2011...Is it a good time to go?

[IloveDisney77]

Hi everyone!!!

We are planning a trip to DLR for my DD5 birthday next June. We are leaning towards 19 - 23 but having never been, what should we expect in June in terms of crowds? Orginially we were going in September (for lower crowds) but noticed that lots of refurbs are typically done then so we are switching it up. We are WDW vets so always go early and get FP's but was just curious how busy we should expect the parks to be.

Also, for our first trip, is 4 days in the parks enough? We were planning on heading down to Sea World and the Zoo for a couple of days as well.

Any help would be appreciated! I have read the DLR Guide for WDW Vets and found the information very helpful!!!

 

[skiingfast]

4 days will be great. If you have luck the little mermaid ride will stay on schedule and be open.

As far as crowds June is a mixed month. Earlier in June AP holders are in the parks, as school let out, they are blocked and the parks can be less crowded. So later June is not nearly as bad as it would be in WDW but still won't be quiet.

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

We were there June 19-22. SoCal APs were not yet blocked out for the summer, so there were lots of people in the parks. Getting to the parks early and using fastpass are key, but with 4 days you should be able to do most of what you want to do.

 

[Eeee-va]

Since you say "leaning towards 6/19 - 6/23" (without saying that you're locked in), I'll mention that if you want to avoid the crowds, I'd suggest going earlier in the month if you can. If you are able to go the second weekend in June, crowds will probably be lighter, but summer hours will probably be in effect.

We went the second weekend in June 2010 (Wednesday - Sunday) on the weekend World of Color debuted and the summer season officially started! I was terrified that crowds would be horrific and planned to get as much as possible on Thursday, figuring that things would be terrible starting Friday. But in fact, the crowds were quite manageable throughout. I can't say they were low, but they were much lower than I'd expected.

The first weekend in June would probably be even lighter, but you might have more closures and might miss some of the nighttime entertainment. Then again, if your DD can't stay until anywhere near close anyway, early closures might not be a bad thing.

In 2009 we went just about the same days you're going (Friday, 6/19 - Tuesday, 6/23, I believe it was) and crowds were very heavy. Like by the afternoon it could be just a little challenging to weave our way through the throngs of people. That didn't keep us from having a good time, but the crowds were notably lower the next year when we went earlier in the month.

If you're locked in to 6/19 - 6/23, I'd try to book some sit-down meals if you have the funds (those will be similar experiences whether the park is crowded or not) and just make sure you plan very well. As a WDW vet you are probably a good planner by nature.

Have a great trip!

 

[HydroGuy]

Hi everyone!!!

We are planning a trip to DLR for my DD5 birthday next June. We are leaning towards 19 - 23 but having never been, what should we expect in June in terms of crowds? Orginially we were going in September (for lower crowds) but noticed that lots of refurbs are typically done then so we are switching it up. We are WDW vets so always go early and get FP's but was just curious how busy we should expect the parks to be.

Also, for our first trip, is 4 days in the parks enough? We were planning on heading down to Sea World and the Zoo for a couple of days as well.

Any help would be appreciated! I have read the DLR Guide for WDW Vets and found the information very helpful!!!

In the guide you might have found these links:

"Understanding AP Blockouts and Impact on Crowds" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2365983 (this will explain how late June can be a very crowded time at DLR - there is no parallel at WDW.)

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

"Getting The Most Out of a Summer Visit To DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1345319