How bad will it be?

[mott]

Some background...A few years ago we went to WDW the week between Christmas and New Years and HATED it! It was just way too crowded. Our past trips to DL have always been during off season (October & January). Our DD is now in 4th grade and can't handle making up the work she misses if we pull her out of school, so we are now regulated to the school calendar. I want to make a trip to DL (and San Diego) in the next 1 1/2 years. Here are my options:

1. Spring break (last week of March - also the week after Easter in 2008)

2. Early June (5th - 17 in 2008)

How will the crowds be at those times? It seems like the park hopper specials cover the spring break time frame, so does this mean it's not as busy then as it would be in June?

Any thoughts appreciated! TIA!

 

[Rapunsel]

Spring break is crazy...

June is bad but not as bad as Spring break... There are just nights when the DL closes early due to Grad nights.
Also in Jume most all rides are up and running. No closures..

I actually like June vs. April. But we go every week...

 

[honeymom]

I'm not sure. Disneyland always seems crowded when we go. I know it was crowded on last trip, but we took advantage of early entry and fastpass and got to do everything that we wanted. I think that while you had a bad experience at WDW, DL always seems more crowded than WDW. The Main Street is smaller and fits less people (or compacts them more). Plus, there are only 2 parks to spread between, not 4.

 

[HydroGuy]

Some background...A few years ago we went to WDW the week between Christmas and New Years and HATED it! It was just way too crowded. Our past trips to DL have always been during off season (October & January). Our DD is now in 4th grade and can't handle making up the work she misses if we pull her out of school, so we are now regulated to the school calendar. I want to make a trip to DL (and San Diego) in the next 1 1/2 years. Here are my options:

1. Spring break (last week of March - also the week after Easter in 2008)

2. Early June (5th - 17 in 2008)

How will the crowds be at those times? It seems like the park hopper specials cover the spring break time frame, so does this mean it's not as busy then as it would be in June?

Any thoughts appreciated! TIA!

I would expect crowds to be comparable, especially if you stick to weekdays. Weather will be nicer in June (less chance of rain) but also warmer (but not as bad as many people make out).

In any case, when I hear about people going during a busy time and "hating it", it is usually because they make a number of common mistakes like get a hotel too far away and depend on transportation like shuttles or buses (an unnecessary waste of time at DLR), arrive to the parks after they open, stay all day when the lines are longest, do not make good use of Fastpass, visit on weekends, etc.

Some people just hate crowds and cannot enjoy the parks when crowded. More often people can tolerate crowds as long as they do not have to wait in long lines all day long. I am in the latter group. If you are too, follow the tips in the following links and it will be much more tolerable.

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

"HydroGuy's Hotel Rule" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199862

Also, if you have not been to DLR before, "A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

 

[mystic_path]

If I can find the post I will post it for you.

Im going from the 4th of June to the 12th, and I asked in a different post how bad will it be then. The reply I got was that its not bad during the week, but be prepared that there will be highschool grads outings and church outings etc during that time. Other then that its fine. Its still not as bad as peak season as most students in the area are still in school during this time. Im crossing my fingers, but I wont let the crowds get me down. I've figured out the fast pass system and I take total advantage of it. Also EE should be worth it if you have it in your package.

No matter what you will have a good time. Its Disney. You cant beat it.

 

[lulubelle]

June. Go in June. Spring Break is crazy.
I am sure you will have a great trip if you follow Hydro Guy's advice. Good luck whatever you decide.