Last week of April

[TeamH]

Would the last week of April be a decent time to go as far as crowd levels are concerned (after all the spring breaks).
Should all the rides be running (except the stuff closing in Jan for Star wars land)

 

[SMD]

There will be refurbs up until summer season launches, which is usually Memorial Day weekend. It depends what you're looking for in crowd levels. 20 minute waits for headliners in the afternoon are not going to happen. Walking on FL rides all day long are not going to happen. Walking up and getting a curb spot for a parade 30 minutes before it starts, probably not going to happen. Crowds are unpredictable, Disney could always add a promotion between now and then that will bring in crowds. Refurbs are also unpredictable and change frequently up until the last minute. I'd plan a time that is best for time off work/school and when flights/hotels are available and within your budget. Then plan around the refurbs and crowds as they are when it's the best time for you to go.

 

[Bud Ice]

Last week in April sounds good. Post-Spring Break and before Graduation/Summer Vacay. Bout as good as it will get during that time.

 

[figment_jii]

My general sense is that the last week in April shouldn't be a hugely crowded period of time in the parks, mostly because it's after Spring Break Season and before the Summer Season gets started. That being said, the 60th Anniversary Celebration has seemed to really increase the crowds in the parks, so no one knows how that will likely impact the parks in 2016. At this point, the only "event" that I've heard about is Bats Day in the Park (2016 Calendar) at the end of April, but more things are likely to be added. As SMD said, you're likely to encounter some refurbishments (along with the closure of Rivers of America and the Train), but DLR doesn't generally announce the closures very far in advance. Being the "non-peak" season, there will probably be short(ish) operating hours on the weekdays and reduced entertainment (e.g., fireworks are usually only presented on weekends in the non-peak season).

Walking up and getting a curb spot for a parade 30 minutes before it starts, probably not going to happen.

I think this one depends on the parade. Last week on the weekdays, it seemed like it was possible to get a front row/curb spot about 30 minutes before Soundsational and Pixar Play Parade started. PtN's curb/front row spots were gone 1 to 2 hours before the parade started, but the older daytime parades didn't seem as busy.

 

[Tyggress]

Just a reminder, Dapper Days is May 1 next year...that could bring additional crowds the last week of April as the discounted hotel rates (roughly 50%) are available for the two weeks surrounding that day (week before and week after).
On the other hand, if you include May 1 in your plans (even as your last day, etc), you could take advantage of those great onsite hotel rates for yourself! Just a thought...

 

[SMD]

My general sense is that the last week in April shouldn't be a hugely crowded period of time in the parks, mostly because it's after Spring Break Season and before the Summer Season gets started. That being said, the 60th Anniversary Celebration has seemed to really increase the crowds in the parks, so no one knows how that will likely impact the parks in 2016. At this point, the only "event" that I've heard about is Bats Day in the Park (2016 Calendar) at the end of April, but more things are likely to be added. As SMD said, you're likely to encounter some refurbishments (along with the closure of Rivers of America and the Train), but DLR doesn't generally announce the closures very far in advance. Being the "non-peak" season, there will probably be short(ish) operating hours on the weekdays and reduced entertainment (e.g., fireworks are usually only presented on weekends in the non-peak season).


I think this one depends on the parade. Last week on the weekdays, it seemed like it was possible to get a front row/curb spot about 30 minutes before Soundsational and Pixar Play Parade started. PtN's curb/front row spots were gone 1 to 2 hours before the parade started, but the older daytime parades didn't seem as busy.

Yea, I was thinking it would sort of depend on if they go down to the 1 Soundsational schedule and how early PTN runs. If it's 6pm S and 8pm PTN, 30 minutes is cutting it close for Soundsational, and not going to work for PTN. If it's 4pm S and 5:45 PTN, 30 minutes before S will probably leave you few options to move up for PTN. Of course, we won't know what the night time schedule and weekday schedule will be at the time for 5 more months.

 

[TeamH]

We are looking at park dates April 24th to April 29th (travel days are April 23 and 30th). or we can go in February park days would be Feb 28th to March 4th.
I havent been to DL since '94 when I was 9 so obviously lots has changed and my first time planning a trip for there.

Can anyone give me a general idea of what the wait times would be on a slow day, vs. mild and busy day. I have not clue what to expect when it comes to wait times.

I realize it can vary and there is no guarantee just trying to get a general idea as I am coming from Canada and trying to get a deal and find if I dont book my flights far in advance then there is no way I can make this trip happen for my kids.

 

[tarheelalum]

The last couple of years we have went on the last few days of April and the crowds were not too bad. The weather is usually great but we have had the Santa Ana winds before on those dates so you never know. I'd say it's a good time overall to go.

 

[Geemo]

We are looking at park dates April 24th to April 29th (travel days are April 23 and 30th). or we can go in February park days would be Feb 28th to March 4th.

I'd expect both times to be about the same crowd and refurbishment wise.
Keep in mind 2016 is a leap year. I know Disney did a 24 hour event on the last one. If they do one again in 2016, that would be during you first dates.

We have been many times end Feb early March and have loved the lower volume in the parks. So Cal weather is perfect in Feb too.