Is Feb/March a bad time to go?

[K311y0h]

I am planning a trip for the beginning of next year, I was thinking the beginning of March, but I was reading the hours are cut really short, and most likely there will be a lot of refurbs going on.

I want to get the best out of this, because we have never stayed on Disney property [we are this time], and my oldest is going to be seven, she isn't going to be into Disneyland forever! So I want to make the best of it!

 

[hidnmcky]

Although we do not get very much rain in Southern California, our rainiest months are January through March. The high temps are usually in the 60's, and the storms usually don't last more than a day. Even if it is not raining, there can be many cool, overcast days that can seem kind of gloomy. One positive aspect is that SoCal people generally stay away from the parks on rainy days.

 

[dshimel]

I am planning a trip for the beginning of next year, I was thinking the beginning of March, but I was reading the hours are cut really short, and most likely there will be a lot of refurbs going on.

I want to get the best out of this, because we have never stayed on Disney property [we are this time], and my oldest is going to be seven, she isn't going to be into Disneyland forever! So I want to make the best of it!

I love going that time of year.... or... I used to before Disney's steep AP price increases have priced me out.

Yes, this is when a lot of rides are closed, but I'd much rather have a 30min wait times and lots of FPs for the rides that are open over a 90min wait for the top rides with FPs many hours out.

 

[GrandBob]

I am planning a trip for the beginning of next year, I was thinking the beginning of March, but I was reading the hours are cut really short, and most likely there will be a lot of refurbs going on.

The following Hydroguy's tips are made for you:

Choosing When To Visit DLR: Summary of High and Low Season and When Each Happens

What You Should Know About Off-Season at DLR

HydroGuy's High Season/Off Season Tradeoff Rule

HTH,
Bob

 

[Susie63]

I am planning a trip for the beginning of next year, I was thinking the beginning of March, but I was reading the hours are cut really short, and most likely there will be a lot of refurbs going on.

I want to get the best out of this, because we have never stayed on Disney property [we are this time], and my oldest is going to be seven, she isn't going to be into Disneyland forever! So I want to make the best of it!

We live in northern Canada and february in California is perfect for us.Our first trip in 2010 was in feb and the days were nice and warm, in the 70's and the night were in the high 50's to nid 60's. Heck that's a summer day sometimes where I live.We also swam in the DLH pool.

DD was 8 at the time and the hours were perfect.We hit the park at opening and left at closing. 10 hours a day was long enough.The crowds through the week were so low.Ride waits were 20 minutes max.One time we rode POTC three times without getting off because there were no people waiting.

Yes there are trade offs.No fireworks or shows through the week,but we saw them on the weekends when the hours were long.And yes there were refurbs and we didn't see anything on the Rivers of America,but that's why we are going back.I say the trade offs are worth it for us.

 

[jeremynandrea]

Feb/March are my favorite times to go. As mentioned above, I'd take shorter lines over fireworks, special shows, holiday decorations, etc.

 

[Started With a Mouse]

Any Saturday in February (aside from President's Day weekend is going to be fabulous! Start early in the morning, and go all day. You will be able to see everything! The lower tiered passholders are blocked on these days, and it eases up the crowds tremendously.

 

[Briarrose1306]

This is one of my favorite times to go! I much prefer the shorter lines and usually do a weekend day so I can get the fireworks/shows (ending with a Friday or starting with a Sunday). Refurbs usually aren't that bad and as long as you're preparing yourself for it in advance it won't affect your trip as much. Plus, if you don't mind the rain, the rainy days can allow you to get even more done!

 

[ZanderMan]

I like visiting during this time of year.

Just remember shorter park hours, rain likely to happen.

 

[DLR29]

I'm gonna vote against going during this time because if you really are looking to make the most out of 1 DLR vacation, you may miss out on quite a bit if you go during this time.

Yes there will be several rides down, probably, for refurbishment. Hard to say which ones for another multiple months. If history has anything to say, at least 1 major attraction will be closed during the late winter months, and most likely a couple other smaller attractions.

I think the most difficult thing about the off season is the entertainment schedule. If you want to see fireworks or Fantasmic, then definitely plan at least 1 or 2 (two is more manageable) weekend days. But then those days will be relatively crowded.

Let's say you go on a 5 day trip in the off season and you plan it with 2 weekend nights. You're only getting 3 days of small crowds. Although this is just a personal opinion, I'd much rather have 3 extra days of larger crowds but with more flexibility with my nighttime entertainment (every night) and attractions open and longer park hours. Because your touring style is variable, it can be worked around crowds to have a better experience. It's much harder to accommodate for a constant like a ride being closed or short park hours.

 

[K311y0h]

I'm gonna vote against going during this time because if you really are looking to make the most out of 1 DLR vacation, you may miss out on quite a bit if you go during this time.

Yes there will be several rides down, probably, for refurbishment. Hard to say which ones for another multiple months. If history has anything to say, at least 1 major attraction will be closed during the late winter months, and most likely a couple other smaller attractions.

I think the most difficult thing about the off season is the entertainment schedule. If you want to see fireworks or Fantasmic, then definitely plan at least 1 or 2 (two is more manageable) weekend days. But then those days will be relatively crowded.

Let's say you go on a 5 day trip in the off season and you plan it with 2 weekend nights. You're only getting 3 days of small crowds. Although this is just a personal opinion, I'd much rather have 3 extra days of larger crowds but with more flexibility with my nighttime entertainment (every night) and attractions open and longer park hours. Because your touring style is variable, it can be worked around crowds to have a better experience. It's much harder to accommodate for a constant like a ride being closed or short park hours.

Does Disney usually say ahead of time what rides are going down for refurbishment?

Thank you for the advice everyone!

 

[LisainCalifornia]

We went in Feb. for the first time this year (we typically go about 4 times a year)--and it was fantastic! The crowds were so low, and the prices for hotels were even lower. We made sure we got there on a Friday--so we could see fireworks the first night. They actually showed them the other nights we were there as well, so no worries on that front for us. The parks did close earlier, but I don't like to close the park down anyway. It was bliss, as far as I am concerned! The weather was perfect for us, and the crowd levels and costs were even better.

 

[DLR29]

Does Disney usually say ahead of time what rides are going down for refurbishment?

Thank you for the advice everyone!

We may find out some of the more major refurbs in the fall, but the smaller and shorter ones probably won't be released until December? Don't quote me on that.

 

[lochcarron]

Our last three trips have been in late Jan or early Feb and all trips apart from one day of showers we have had great weather. Weekdays are usually quiet which means lots of rides however our last trip we saw no fireworks do to wind or other factors Also there will almost always be a major ride (or 2 or 3...) down for refurbs.