Help me pick a date to reschedule our trip!

[CaliDisneyMama]

Ok, you genius people, I need your expertise.

As I mentioned in a recent post, I won a small trip to DL, and I'm taking my BFF and our two little boys. We had the room booked for Feb 24-26, and we were hitting the parks on the 25th (only one day because that's all I won and we already have to buy tickets for the two littles, with very little time to put aside money for any more than that).

Unfortunately I've had to cancel the trip because my Grandfather is nearing the end of his life and he will likely pass on in the next week or two, if not sooner. Which means I will be traveling to Southern Utah to help my mom with arrangements and all that, taking up all of my extra money (not to mention I will likely not be in a very Disney mood by then, especially if he passes very near the trips dates or, worse, ON them).

The hotel through which I won the trip was super understanding and told me to just let them know when I'm ready to reschedule. We're just in limbo right now with Grandpa, so I'm trying to distract myself by planning the rescheduled trip.

One benefit to rescheduling is that it gives us more time to put money aside to upgrade our tickets and stay longer. Plus, if we put it off until after May 22nd, the Diamond Celebration will be in full swing, and all of the rides that are currently in the midst of refurbs (including the castle!) will be open again.

On the not-so-great side are the crowds and the temperatures (we're coming from vegas, so we're no strangers to heat, but I'm really not fond of standing in line when it's 100 degrees out).

So where's the sweet spot? I don't want to wait until fall. And I definitely don't want to go in full on summer. Fourth of July in 2005 cured me of that

What do you guys think? When would YOU go, given all of the above?

TIA!!

 

[figment_jii]

I am sorry to hear about your Grandfather.

I don't think there is really going to be any low periods once the 60th anniversary kicks off because that's the start of the summer season, but if I was trying to minimize peak crowds and still see the 60th anniversary stuff before fall, I would probably look into late May (after Memorial Day Monday) or the first half of June. There will be crowds because it is summer season, the new stuff that debuted on May 22nd, the last trips by SoCal and SoCal Select AP holders before the blockout goes into effects, and conventions/events, but I think that is when you stand the best chance of contending with only moderately highly crowds.

 

[SMD]

The week before the 22nd, when the refurbs are supposed to be over and there will likely be some soft displays of the 60th.

 

[figment_jii]

In terms of the 60th anniversary, I would keep an eye on HydroGuy's What to Expect of DL's 60th Anniversary thread. I don't know that I would count on there being any public soft openings of the 60th entertainment. The guessing was that there might be something for the media and AP holders, but I'd be surprised if they did a public soft opening for all the of the entertainment before May 22nd. Or if they did, I doubt it would be announced beforehand.

 

[Canuck16]

I would tend to agree with Figment on those time periods for moderately lower crowd levels during the Summer season.

 

[CaliDisneyMama]

Thanks for the input, everyone! That last week in May was my first inclination. Touring Plans has those days listed between 7-9 (not that they're especially accurate, but I doubt they're far off for that week), but I guess that's better than 10s, and the temps will be hot, but not completely scorching (I hope). At least everything will be open, though! And lots of fun new merch, too.

I think that's what I'm leaning toward right now... Maybe I could even swing a night onsite, so we'd have more than one MM/EM, which would help us get on some of the busier rides first thing. Hmmm.

 

[SMD]

Thanks for the input, everyone! That last week in May was my first inclination. Touring Plans has those days listed between 7-9 (not that they're especially accurate, but I doubt they're far off for that week), but I guess that's better than 10s, and the temps will be hot, but not completely scorching (I hope). At least everything will be open, though! And lots of fun new merch, too.

I think that's what I'm leaning toward right now... Maybe I could even swing a night onsite, so we'd have more than one MM/EM, which would help us get on some of the busier rides first thing. Hmmm.

Just know that those predictions were made before the 22nd was announced as the start of the 60th. Most of the crowds will really pick up later in the day when locals who don't spend the whole day in the park start to come for fireworks and the new parade.

 

[gottalovepluto]

...the temps will be hot, but not completely scorching (I hope)..

For what it's worth you have a good shot at the best summer weather temperature wise, especially because you obviously know about heat so you're mentally prepared in case the hot hits early. Yes it is possible it will be hot at the peak of the day & if we get some weird early scorcher weather then take a few hours in the heat of the afternoon to return to your hotel & enjoy some pool time / general down time to beat the heat & the crowds before returning for the evening. When we've done late May clothing wise layers have been key because the hot afternoon will turn into light jacket weather by late night. Hope you have an extra special trip!

 

[StormyCA]

I'd go in May, but avoid the days around the 22nd and Memorial Day weekend.

I'll be there on Sunday 5/24 for a one day visit. I'm sure it'll be hellacious, but hey, I'll be in Disneyland so it's all good, right? Unfortunately, there's no other day for us due to other activities & BFF's daughter's school. We can deal with the crowds, we're pretty laid back that way. But what has us really bummed is that our APs are blocked that day!