How much does it impact crowds?

[Mommy26]

I know no one has a crystal ball here but I also know there are patterns to watch for to predict how crowded it will be.

I guess I'm just wondering how much of a difference do AP block outs/ grad nights/ and weekend vs weekdays really make? And is it worth it to try to guess when the best time to go is.

DH and I can't agree on when to go. (I've posted about this already).

He believes the soonest weekend is the best because the more it gets into summer the more crowds build. (Fri May 30 thru Mon Jun 2)

But I thought that the weekdays would be lighter because Cali people would be in school/work still. (Mon Jun 8 thru Thur 11)

We have an event the first week of June so we can go before or after.

I see a lot of threads about when to go and I totally trust you guys, I just was wondering if these are just best guesses or should we be planning our trip around these crowd patterns?

*Also.... which dates do you think would be less crowded? (I can't help but ask).

 

[figment_jii]

As I said in your other thread, I think you'll be facing crowds no matter when you at that point. Weekends will be busy with day-trippers and AP holders, weekday will be busy with AP holders (getting in trips before the blockouts start) and day-trippers already on summer break. Basically, once the summer starts, I think things are always buy.

In terms of weekdays and schools, based on reports, LAUSD gets out on June 5, so the largest school district in CA will already be on summer break by your 6/8-6/11 trip dates.

 

[Fireflyblue]

It really depends on when you are thinking of going. If you have to go during the middle of summer, avoid July 4th week at all cost. I have gone around the 2nd week of August before, and while it has been busy, it's never been overcrowded. I went at Christmas before at that was overcrowded with the park even being closed because it reached capacity. I would recommend going after May 15th if you want to be able to experience most attractions. There are quite a few still closed until the middle of May such as the World of Color show and Soarin Over california, both being don't miss attractions for myself. If you had to do summer, then I would recommend the first or second week of June or the last two weeks of August. I would also recommend going on a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday trip to avoid weekends. If you need more help, please personal message me. I am an annual pass holder so I would be glad to keep you informed on crowd levels.

 

[emily94]

I attended Grad Nite a few years ago! It was in late May and they were doing one of those 24 hr parties? I don't remember the exact name. I would say the crowd rivaled the busiest summer days!

Because of the 24 hr party, the seniors all moved to DCA for the night, from around 10 pm to 3 am and DCA was closed to the public.

I think that the weeks you're considering will be busy! Some schools (definitely college) will be out for summer already in late May.

Be prepared for crowds either way - you might be able to get a mid-week hotel deal if you visit June 8-11...

 

[figment_jii]

I attended Grad Nite a few years ago! It was in late May and they were doing one of those 24 hr parties? I don't remember the exact name. I would say the crowd rivaled the busiest summer days!

It's worth noting that in 2014 they did not have a Grad Night on the same night as the 24-hour party (Friday before Memorial Day). Based on the calendar this year, if they have the event, it looks like the 24-hour party should be on Friday, May 22 (because Memorial Day is Monday, May 25) and there is no Grad Night slated for the 22nd. So it looks like they learned from 2013 and didn't repeat having a Grad Night and the 24-hour event on the same day.