Labor Day trip to DLR?

[EPCOTDUDE]

I am a veteran of many trips to WDW both on and off site. I do not have any idea about DLR so my questions may sound silly. I am considering a trip over the Labor Day 08 weekend (4 nights). I am also considering running the half marathon. Will this weekend be crazy crowded as a holiday weekend would be in WDW? If I chose to go should I consider a non Disney "good neighbor" hotel? Is the dining plan worth it? Which airport would it be best to fly into? Is there enough to do in the parks to spend 4 days? Any advise would be appreciated.

 

[FirstTimeCruiser]

We're local passholders but the last two years we've made a family vacation out of going to Disneyland for Labor Day weekend Friday - Monday. We also run in the half marathon. I don't know about the Sat & Sun crowds at the park since our passes our blocked out on those days, but it is not too crowded on that Friday and Monday (Labor Day) is not crowded at all. We were surpised at how small the crowds were, maybe it's because lots of kids start school the next day? We've never stayed on-property, always at a good neighbor hotel on Harbor. It's a very, very short walk.

 

[Barbday62]

I ran the half last year too and I was amazed how it was so not croweded except Sunday. Sunday was pretty busy in the parks but Monday and especially Tuesday was empty!! We had the parks to our selves Tuesday. No need for a single fast pass becuase it was all walk on. Saturday was not too bad. I surprised how not crowded Saturday was. The half was on Monday last year so it may be different this year since the half is on SUnday this time. I think Monday and SUnday will be slower but Saturday may be more crowded.

 

[mariezp]

I did not run the marathon but we went the past Labor Day. I had been so worried about the crowds but it was not as bad as I expected. Like, Barbday62 mentioned, Saturday and Sunday were the busiest but certainly bearable.

Book early if you want to stay at one of the DL resorts. If you really don't like spending the extra there are plenty of acceptable places to stay. Personally, I can't see spending $300 a night and have been perfectly happy staying across the street at the Anaheim Desert Inn for the past 7 years. But we don't care for anything fancy, just a place to shower and sleep.

John Wayne is much smaller to fly into than LA which makes it so much easier to navigate, IMHO. Of course, there are a few other options but for the most part SNA (John Wayne) is the one I see recommended most often.

4 days should be plenty of time. It should give you enough time to take in CA also. To save time, be sure to book priority seating. Best advice... just have a great time!