July or August?

[dcessford]

Hi all.I am new to the DL board but have been to WDW 3 times and have decided to try something different next time and go to DL.It won't be for a couple years but I always enjoy planning and starting early.lol I have decided to go in the summer as I really don't want to pull my 2 boys out of school for 2 weeks,so if will have to be July or August.I have looked over many posts and still can't decide.I was thinking mid to late August as it's cheaper and "less" crowded to go.But I see it can be very hot as well and that makes me wonder if we will enjoy it with it being so hot.So I thought maybe July as it's a bit cooler then August,but it's more crowded and expensive in July.So I have come to you people who are in the know and would like to ask which would be the better month to go?

Thanks.

 

[lalasmama]

The heat at DLR is drier than at WDW, which makes it an easier heat for some people. Remember, too, that DLR is a "locals" park, so, basically, any time the kids aren't in school, and/or annual passes aren't blocked out, there are going to be higher crowds. I'd look at the AP block dates (on the Disneyland site) and plan from there, personally. I'd also consider not going on 7/17; its the anniversary of the opening, and, holy cow, even on "non-milestone" years, it can become a zoo!

 

[MinnieMom13]

We went to DL the last week of August last year. It's nice to have the prices and crowds drop off that week. It was really hot one of the days which made us make (wonderful) choices we hadn't made before like watching Aladdin (in an air conditioned theatre) and having a meal at Storyteller's (yep, more air-conditioning). The marathon crowd arrives on Friday, but the rest of the week is great.

I haven't been in July, though, so I can't compare.

 

[superlarz]

Late August tends to be a bit hotter in my experience, but that is really a crap shoot. In late August, the local AP blockout restrictions are lifted so the parks can get very crowded. I would not base my decision on crowds though, and I would go with what works best for your schedule and budget.

 

[SlightlyocdDisneyfan]

End of August will likely be the better experience. Crowds will be smaller and the weather should be nothing like you would experience at WDW at a similar time. As the pp said, dry California heat is mild compared to humid and hot Florida. We often tour DW in fall and find the weather more uncomfortable than the hottest summer days in DL.

 

[alvernon90]

Keep in mind that when the cheapest APs are unblocked you will see a surge in crowds.

 

[BriannaRuth]

We have always gone the last week of August and it hasn't ever been bad during the week, although the Friday before Labor Day can be pretty crowded.

 

[llump41]

Our anniversary is Aug 11 and have spent many days at the park near then. If you are staying onsite or nearby the best advice I can give is get to the park at opening, leave after lunch when its going to be the hottest, then return to the parks after a swim/nap. This works very well for us. Even the Aug. heat here will cool nicely(Most of the time) at night.

 

[dcessford]

Thank you all for your opinions and insight.Looks like late August might not be too bad after all.
cheers