Is Disneyland too crazy to be fun at the end of July??

[tabbycat7815]

My husband, son and I have been dying to go back to Disneyland (we haven't been since 1998), however the only week we can go is the very last week in July. My husband is very concerned that the lineups will be TOO long and that the vacation will end up being stressful instead of relaxing. Anyone been at this time of the year? Would we still have a good time? I'd appreciate any advice you can give me!

Thanks,

Erin.

 

[iceskatejen]

If you can take several days, be there mostly on weekdays, use FP wisely, and whatever, don't get too stressed about getting it all done, you probably would be fine. Go with a good attitude and a game plan, and you should be fine.

 

[Disneyland1084]

For the past two years I went to Disneyland during the last week in July. The crowds weren't THAT bad, but it's best to go during the week. Last summer when I went on a Sunday, it wasn't nearly as bad as it was on Monday. At the end of July in 2004, I went on a thursday and I was able to walk on a lot of rides. Good luck!!!

 

[iceskatejen]

I find that when I go with the expectation of it being crowded, I have more fun, regardless of how crowded it is than when I go thinking it won't be that crowded and it is nuts.

 

[blackjackdelta]

A good plan always works best during the summer. Fridays and Sat very busy, Sunday better until church gets out, Wed probably the best day. Know the fastpass system backwards and forwards. Go early before the park starts to fill and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy. You can have a great time if you want to.

Jack

 

[mesbijoux]

We went the week of July 24th a few years back and it was INSANE! Never mind HOT!!!

That being said, I think that if you can get to the park at gate open, use FP wherever applicable (send your dh to get them for one ride while you're in line at another), use EE if available (via multi-day PH or Disney hotel stay), hit DCA from lunchtime thru say...4 pm (those hours seemed the worst at DL and more manageable at DCA) you'll do just fine!

Like others have said, if you go with the attitude that things will be busy - it will make the trip much more enjoyable.

 

[HydroGuy]

We went Aug 1-4, 2005 and had a blast. This was Mon-Thurs. We never waited for a ride more than 20 minutes, usually less than 10 minutes. How? By using other people's tendencies to our advantage.

Here is a recent post I made on this subject:

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=12294563&postcount=7

There are some real advantages to going in mid-summer. Here is a list:

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=12308458&postcount=4

If you know that you cannot stay close to DLR, or you cannot get there early, you may want to avoid mid-summer. If you do decide to go, you might benefit from RideMax (www.ridemax.com).

 

[caitlin]

It depends on you I think. I love Disneyland at the end of July, but I don't much mind crowds or the heat. I think it's because that's when I've always gone, and it doesn't feel the same when it isn't. If you don't like crowds or the heat, I rec you stay away.

 

[tabbycat7815]

Thanks everyone for your stories and advice...now all I have to do is convince DH that we should go!!!

Thanks again.

Erin.

 

[boosmom96]

Erin,
DH and I are in the same boat. The only time we can go is the week of the 4th. I'm just planning on rolling with it and I know we'll have a great time!! I hope you can talk your DH into it!

 

[pxlbarrel]

We're going in mid August. We'll be there Sunday evening, Monday and Tuesday so hopefully the crowds won't be so bad on the Monday. LOL Who am I kidding....