Is May a good time to visit

[beejai]

Hi everyone, so I’m thinking of bringing my kids (18,11 ) over again and was thinking of coming in May, just wondering are there a lot of ride closures, and school holidays, shorter hours during this month.
We’ve previously visited in early April and mid August.
Thanks.

 

[Geemo]

Hi everyone, so I’m thinking of bringing my kids (18,11 ) over again and was thinking of coming in May, just wondering are there a lot of ride closures, and school holidays, shorter hours during this month.
We’ve previously visited in early April and mid August.
Thanks.

To see what it was like for 2019 you can check figment_jii's thread 2019 Calendar of Events & School Breaks and DLR
The first 4 posts have many of the details you are asking about.
Towards the end of post #1 there is information being accumulated for 2020.
I have seen a thread for 2020 yet.

For park hours and ride closures you can check HydroGuy's thread Historical DLR Park Hours, Entertainment and Refurbs

Good luck picking your dates

Geemo

 

[ahhhshmatthew]

Hi:

Some general thoughts on May --

1. Weather. Absolutely stunning. There should be low humidity, temperatures in the mid-70s and lows in the mid-50s. Truly a gorgeous time of year to visit.
2. Hours. You shouldn't have any issues at all with shorter hours. Hours should be normal, if not expanded, based on crowd anticipation.
3. Crowds. Generally speaking, crowds should tend to get heavier as the month goes on, with the weekends being generally crowded regardless. Disneyland and California Adventure are truly "locals" parks, and as such, the weekends are just generally crowded. This additionally becomes true as kids are let out for school in the summer (summer school closures tends to begin around late May and run through mid-June).
4. Memorial Day. You can guarantee that the parks will be very crowded over Memorial Day weekend, which is May 22nd (Friday) through May 25th (Memorial Day/Monday).

All in all, I would shoot for early-mid May and try to incorporate as many weekdays as you can, to avoid larger crowds. Generally speaking though, May is a great time to visit

 

[Aurora0427]

Regarding schools, all schools in San Diego County are not out until the first or second week in June. I’m not sure when LA and OC get out, but my perception since moving here is that Southern California schools for the most part, are not out until June.

 

[Indiana Scott]

Crowds are really going to depend on when in May you go. The first or second week is going to be lighter than those after.
Weather is often quite warm, even into the evening. A light hoody is all I've ever needed at night and most of the time, not even that.

 

[beejai]

Thanks everyone for your replies, I’m looking at the first 2 weeks of May , so looks like I’m probably making a good choice there

 

[tzeitel]

We usually go first week or so in May (for my birthday). We did not go in May this past year (went in Nov) but in 2018 it was hot, like really, seriously hot. I was cranky at Disney - which never happens. Other years it has been a nicer but do not assume it will be in the 70s, low-mid 80's is more of what we have experienced.

Maybe we have been lucky but not many ride closures that I can think of on our trips. Really can't think of any closures other than when SWGE was under construction and the train was down. Or WoC when it broke for like forever.
Park hours are the usual 9-9/10 (DL), 9-9 (DCA). I plan our trips during the week - sometimes arrive on Sunday and leave on Friday - so the crowds are never super heavy.

 

[Cal-Pie]

A couple things that haven't been mentioned; grad nites- I haven't checked this year's dates, but they usually start the second week of May. Opinions vary on just how much they effect the park, but it's something to be aware of. Second, SoCal resident ticket specials. These are typically released in January (if they happen) and can make weekends in May VERY busy as locals flock to the parks to use the last day on their ticket before it expires Memorial day weekend. All in all, May is one of my favorite times to visit!

 

[BlueRibbon]

May is a great time to go. As mentioned above, the earlier you go, the better. Anaheim schools get out on May 21 this year, so if you can do the trip before then, it'd be your best bet.

Edit: To clarify, the Anaheim High Schools, which include nearby Buena Park, La Palma, and Cypress, get out on May 21. Our local elementary school in Buena Park ties itself to the AUHSD schedule, gets out on the same day. Can't speak to the other elementary school districts...

 

[beejai]

We usually go first week or so in May (for my birthday). We did not go in May this past year (went in Nov) but in 2018 it was hot, like really, seriously hot. I was cranky at Disney - which never happens. Other years it has been a nicer but do not assume it will be in the 70s, low-mid 80's is more of what we have experienced.

Maybe we have been lucky but not many ride closures that I can think of on our trips. Really can't think of any closures other than when SWGE was under construction and the train was down. Or WoC when it broke for like forever.
Park hours are the usual 9-9/10 (DL), 9-9 (DCA). I plan our trips during the week - sometimes arrive on Sunday and leave on Friday - so the crowds are never super heavy.

Thanks for your reply, the heat doesn’t worry me, I’m from the Gold Coast in Australia so I’m use to it