Just got back from DL and Im addicted!

[tink713]

Just wanted to say that DH and I just got back from our first trip to DL and wow so much better than Disneyworld! We loved it, I'm addicted now all I want to do is go back to DL and not WDW. One thing we noticed though is how busy it was the week we were there, any suggestions on some of the less busy weeks during the year, as we plan to go back in 2010. THanks!

 

[bama106]

Just wanted to say that DH and I just got back from our first trip to DL and wow so much better than Disneyworld! We loved it, I'm addicted now all I want to do is go back to DL and not WDW. One thing we noticed though is how busy it was the week we were there, any suggestions on some of the less busy weeks during the year, as we plan to go back in 2010. THanks!

Glad you really liked your trip to DL. We will be doing the same thing, making our first trip there in Oct. 2010 and we are already super excited. Hoping that you are able to post some pictures from your trip when you get settled back in.

 

[spidey_99]

Yeah, I grew up in the south so WDW was the Disney park of choice. And my first blush with DL was kind of 'meh' because it was so much smaller than WDW. But I agree- DL is a stronger, more cohesive, and just better run park overall. I am addicted as well

As for times of the year with less crowds, I have found going on weekdays and after events and holidays is the best time. Times like post September 5th or so (when all the schools are back in session); right after Halloween and before the Xmas decorations go up; spring before the first spring breaksers hit (so Jan, Feb, and first week of March). Then the first week in May before schools let out. Going during those times is amazing. If you go M-Thurs during those times, you will be in heaven! No lines for anything! Space Mountain is a walk on! The only time I hear that is better is when it is raining. I hear it's like your own private park if you go in the rain. Never done that but I am sure I will one day soon!

Spidey

 

[DLR29]

Just wanted to say that DH and I just got back from our first trip to DL and wow so much better than Disneyworld! We loved it, I'm addicted now all I want to do is go back to DL and not WDW. One thing we noticed though is how busy it was the week we were there, any suggestions on some of the less busy weeks during the year, as we plan to go back in 2010. THanks!

Unfortunately, the crowds next year will be very crazy for a lot of the year. This is due to a large number of Annual Passholders who surge into the parks on the days that they are not blocked out. The days that they are blocked out will probably be crowded anyway.

The best bet for the least crowded times would be:
-January (although you just went on a trip so idk if that's too soon)
-Early February
-Mid May
-Mid September
-Early November
-Early December

And even during those times, weekends will probably be pretty crowded (contrary to common sense, Sundays are more crowded than Saturdays because of the AP blockout days again), however weekdays should be less crowded. The problem with going on weekdays during these times is that for sure there will be some rides down for refurbishment (especially February and September) and anytime other than early December will not have entertainment (fireworks, fantasmic, World of Color) during the middle of the week.

Fantasmic isn't going to be showing early next year. DCA's new show, World of Color is supposed to premiere in March or April, so we dont' know how that will affect crowds, but most likely the crowds will increase due to AP holders who will come just to see the show and get out.

I'm glad you liked DLR so much. There's just so much to consider.

 

[disneynerd420]

Just wanted to say that DH and I just got back from our first trip to DL and wow so much better than Disneyworld! We loved it, I'm addicted now all I want to do is go back to DL and not WDW. One thing we noticed though is how busy it was the week we were there, any suggestions on some of the less busy weeks during the year, as we plan to go back in 2010. THanks!

Glad to hear that you enjoyed your trip. DLR is truly a magical place. It is a completely different type of magic. WDW relies heavily on the space factor to create a sprawling "world" of total immersion. This in itself creates a lot of "magic" for WDW.


DLR is much smaller and many would say quainter. It feels like there is a lot more personal touch in the parks. Many would agree that aside from adventureland on a busy afternoon, the park is easy to navigate. One thing that really makes Disneyland magical for me is the fact that it is the only park Walt Disney ever built. It is the original that inspired the rest. We would not have had the world, had we not had the land first.

As far as suggestions for less busy times, try May to early June. If you can avoid grad nights, the parks are not that busy during the day. Spring Break has ended and summer has not started. Good time to go, as long as you don't mind missing the electrical parade.

 

[vettegirl]

I am so glad you loved DL. It's my favorite as well. I was at WDW last week for a few days and only spent maybe 2-3 hours at MK, because it doesn't compare to DL for me. We went in October a few years ago during the week and walked onto everything. However the weekend was a different story with locals.

 

[clb79]

My wife works for the school system so we don't have the luxury of planning our trips when its "less crowded".

We have always planned to go when we can go and that happens to usually be on the holidays when she is off with everyone else.

We are resigned to the fact that its going to be busy when we can go and will plan accordingly from the get go. Our solution was to purchase APs.

Having the APs is has ended up being the best way to mitigate the stress of only being able to go during peak times. We know that if we miss something due to the crowds or even closures next trip all we have to do is plan another trip and put what we miss at the top of the list.

Now instead of worrying about the crowds throwing a kink in our plans each trip we just have to worry about being able to make the next trip since we are so far away!

Even though we aren't that close that hasn't stopped us from being addicted too!!!

 

[QueenDoOver]

I have to agree with you. I love DLR the best too! Oh, I still love WDW, but DLR has my heart.

My absolute favorite time to go is the week/weekend before Thanksgiving. The weather is actually pretty good, the holiday decorations are pretty much up by the end of that weekend, the electric parade usually starts that Friday. Crowds are usually really low until that Friday. So, I like to have some weekdays to experience the low crowds and then have the weekend to have access to fireworks and parade. It is a great time.

 

[HydroGuy]

As far as suggestions for less busy times, try May to early June. If you can avoid grad nights, the parks are not that busy during the day. Spring Break has ended and summer has not started. Good time to go, as long as you don't mind missing the electrical parade.

I agree. If you want better weather, lower crowds, higher ride and show availability, this is a really good choice.

Here are some links that may help you choose.

"Detailed Weather History for DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=23004158

"Historical DLR Park Hours, Entertainment and Refurbs" - www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2291124

"The Scoop on Grad Nights at DLR in May and June" - www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2298400