Help me decide on a date

[Ldat7]

Hi all. We are going to DLR this year for a quick trip -- there are two possible dates we have in mind, and I really can't decide. The first option would be late August (specifically with park days August 23-25), this would be a combo celebration of my birthday and our anniversary and we would stay onsite at the Grand Californian. I realize that the Haunted Mansion would be most likely down during this time and that is not a deal breaker for us.

The second option is during Thanksgiving (park days November 20-22). I know this second option would be crazy busy, but we've suffered two family deaths this past year and the idea of a formal Thanksgiving is somewhat painful for us -- but if we decide on the August dates for DLR we will most likely do a local trip instead. For this trip we would stay offsite at BWPPI since the rates for GCH (and even DLH) are much higher than normal.

So what would you pick? August Birthday/Anniversary trip onsite, or Thanksgiving offsite trip? I am leaning toward the August dates since there may be less crowds (I know it's ALWAYS crowded though). However, Thanksgiving may still be very doable with Maxpass and we would get to see the Christmas decorations.

Thoughts?

 

[DizMe]

I'd go with August. Lower crowds, good beach weather if you decide to go that route, and nice celebrations for you. I would also much prefer staying at GCH!

But having said that, I personally would also add in a quick trip after Thanksgiving week to see the Christmas stuff That's the blessing and the danger of the Annual Pass.

 

[DizMe]

Another option to consider if the dates work for you is to go during fall Dapper Day. On site hotels are half price. Dates are Nov 3 & 4 but the hotel rates are good Oct 29-Nov 9. You do have to include one of the offical DD dates in your reservation, either Nov 3 or 4. At least, that's how it used to be. You wouldn't see the Christmas decorations but you'd get to enjoy the Halloween ones with the benefit of most of the Halloween crowds gone.

http://dapperday.com/fall-2018-disneyland-ca

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

I'd go with August. Lower crowds, good beach weather if you decide to go that route, and nice celebrations for you. I would also much prefer staying at GCH!

But having said that, I personally would also add in a quick trip after Thanksgiving week to see the Christmas stuff That's the blessing and the danger of the Annual Pass.

Lol. Both was immediately my first answer too.

 

[PHXscuba]

Hi all. We are going to DLR this year for a quick trip -- there are two possible dates we have in mind, and I really can't decide. The first option would be late August (specifically with park days August 23-25), this would be a combo celebration of my birthday and our anniversary and we would stay onsite at the Grand Californian. I realize that the Haunted Mansion would be most likely down during this time and that is not a deal breaker for us.

The second option is during Thanksgiving (park days November 20-22). I know this second option would be crazy busy, but we've suffered two family deaths this past year and the idea of a formal Thanksgiving is somewhat painful for us -- but if we decide on the August dates for DLR we will most likely do a local trip instead. For this trip we would stay offsite at BWPPI since the rates for GCH (and even DLH) are much higher than normal.

So what would you pick? August Birthday/Anniversary trip onsite, or Thanksgiving offsite trip? I am leaning toward the August dates since there may be less crowds (I know it's ALWAYS crowded though). However, Thanksgiving may still be very doable with Maxpass and we would get to see the Christmas decorations.

Thoughts?

Haunted Mansion was still open that similar week last summer. It all depends on when exactly they start Halloween Time (work backwards from that).

I think you are right that the Thanksgiving visit would be more crowded but having MaxPass could eat up the line differences. Weather will likely be better.

I think all the pros and cons still come down to how much you want the GCH vs. the Thanksgiving/Christmas experience away from home.

PHXscuba

 

[Ldat7]

Thanks all. It's funny that the first two posters mentioned going to BOTH... that was my initial idea! We actually already have the BWPPI tentatively booked for November (since it requires no deposit to book), and it's so inexpensive.

As PHXscuba pointed out, the onsite factor is a big consideration. I LOVE staying onsite. It feels more like a vacation that way. I am thinking we will book for August and hold onto the November reservation for now. I can always cancel that if I can't swing going again so soon!

Another quick question -- will the August hours be on the limited schedule by then? We are early risers so I love taking advantage of those morning hours, especially with EMH. It really stinks when the park doesn't open until 10am. So many more people tend to make it to 9am EMH!

 

[PHXscuba]

Thanks all. It's funny that the first two posters mentioned going to BOTH... that was my initial idea! We actually already have the BWPPI tentatively booked for November (since it requires no deposit to book), and it's so inexpensive.

As PHXscuba pointed out, the onsite factor is a big consideration. I LOVE staying onsite. It feels more like a vacation that way. I am thinking we will book for August and hold onto the November reservation for now. I can always cancel that if I can't swing going again so soon!

Another quick question -- will the August hours be on the limited schedule by then? We are early risers so I love taking advantage of those morning hours, especially with EMH. It really stinks when the park doesn't open until 10am. So many more people tend to make it to 9am EMH!

So I dug up my trip notes from last August, we were there that same third week but in the parks Mon/Tues. Her's what I have written in:
Monday: DCA 9 a.m.-10 p.m. (EMH 8-9 a.m.)
Tuesday: DL 9 a.m.-11 p.m. (EMH 8-9 a.m.)

It's really easy to do EMH from the Grand Californian!

I would imagine that Thursday through Saturday of the similar week a year later will have at least as good hours. The only thing we missed out on was Space Mountain because they did a little extra refurb while putting up the Ghost Galaxy overlay last year.

And I like your plan of going in August then deciding if you can swing November! I love the Christmas feel of the parks and when I've gone a few weeks before Christmas I come back relaxed and ready to tackle the holiday hustle, even though I carved four days out a busy month. You really wouldn't have to decide for sure until much closer unless there were plane tickets to buy or work time off to schedule.

PHXscuba