how bad will it be??

[tholczer]

Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't realize that I'm not allowed an opinion if it doesn't completely agree with yours. How silly of me.

Of course you are allowed an opinion...I'm just not sure why you feel entitled to share it with people on the board who are AP holders. Those types of comments always inspire bad feelings, so it puzzles me why people do this.

As far as the OP question - if you can at all go the week AFTER AP holders become unblocked - the week starting August 29 - that will give you the lowest crowds of the summer. We did that for years and always had very low crowds. There can be a decreased entertainment schedule and park hours, but not that decreased, maybe a couple of hours. Well worth it, imho, to have the significantly decreased crowds. Have a great time whatever you decide!

 

[closetmickey]

Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't realize that I'm not allowed an opinion if it doesn't completely agree with yours. How silly of me.

Yes we are all allowed opinions. I just believe that whether agreeing or disagreeing, those shared should be kind, not mean spirited or insulting.

 

[Eeee-va]

I agree with the others in that, unless it rains, earlier August will probably actually have lighter crowds than immediately after blockouts expire.

If you find the cost is prohibitive to change your dates, you can still have fun, though. It will be much busier, yes, but we went in June 2009, right around blockout dates for the summer, and aside from getting a little sick, it was still a good time. So I'd say move your dates if possible, but if not, make the best of it and you should be able to have fun!

You can get there before rope drop every day, as suggested, and then once you have a few sets of Fastpasses, take it easy. (That's probably good advice even if the park isn't crowded!) You can perhaps even consider buying Ridemax if doing the maximum number of attractions is a priority.

IF you have to go during your original dates and IF you can spare the money for the Fantasmic! dessert/reserved seating and/or the premium World of Color dining, that will help you avoid crowds for those shows (a lot for Fantasmic!, a little for World of Color, which is almost always crowded). You can see either show just fine without those extra expenses but if you have the money and it helps you relax then it might be worth it.

Have a great trip, whenever you go!

 

[*NikkiBell*]

I can only speak from my experience last summer when I was there in early August. I really didn't find the crowds to be bad at all. I managed to get on every attraction without significantly long waits and FP Indiana Jones.

 

[vicloo]

Any idea what kind of crowds to expect from 8-31 thru 9-2? Not that it matters since that is when we will be there and have the best time ever! Just would like to prepare my grumpy old dh for what to expect!

 

[Wilsonfamily4]

Last year my daughter and I went that weekend and it was very very busy and HOT (with cooler nights). That said we still had a great time. The only ride that we waited an outrageously long time for was Toy Story Mania. We got there early and got fast passes. We were just happy to be in Disneyland.

That said, this year I am going with some girlfriends and we are going mid August. Hoping that is better then the last weekend.

I think it is all in the attitude.

 

[BCRose]

Do the crowds thin out a bit in mid-September?