Last week of August?

[boltfan]

We are considering going to Disneyland the last week of August. Can anyone tell me what conditions are like then? Are the crowds manageable or still summer crazy? How's the weather? We're coming from NY, so have no idea what to expect. I know WDW is still crazy crowded and the heat is unbearable. Thanks!

 

[Carmatts]

The crowds will still be in summer mode. Something to consider as well is So Cal AP's become unblocked in late August, which will add to the crowds. After being blocked for the bulk of the summer local AP's are able to come back to the park. That's not to say the crowds aren't manageable, just expect lots of people and plan accordingly. The parks will still be in long hours mode which means 8am to midnight in Disneyland.

August is typically the hottest month of the year in Anaheim, but August in Anaheim is not the same as August in Orlando. Think high 80's low 90's without the humidity of central Florida.

 

[HydroGuy]

Unless there is an occasional heat wave, it is rarely unbearable in the summer at DLR - not like it is unbearable at say WDW.

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

Further, if you make some good choices you can avoid the worst of the heat which IMO is usually not that bad anyways.

See "Getting The Most Out of a Summer Visit To DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1345319

The last week of August is a very unusual week. In recent years it has, for the most part, been just an extension of summer. However, around Aug 20 DLR has a unique phenomenon with Annual Pass holders that can bring in very large crowds - although it has not the last two year. This year especially (because of the new Cars Land) expect to see large crowds around Aug 20 for a week. Often the last week of August they die down and you get the best of all worlds - lower crowds, longer hours and warmer weather. But that may not happen this year.

See "Understanding AP Blockouts and Impact on Crowds" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2365983

Also see

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

 

[SeattleTink]

There usually is great debate over this...but here is my 2 cents.

The last 2 weeks of August are my favorite time to go.

Yes, it may be hot. But, the crowds will not by super crazy. The parks are open early and late, and full schedule will be available. (Note: as you get closer to Labor Day some refurbs starts....like HM)

My experience is that during the day it is pretty light crowd wise (for summer) and gets more crowded at night.

We love going this time of year.

 

[boltfan]

Thanks for all of your advice...it really helps. We planned on going from the 26th or the 27th through the 30th or 31st. Sounds better than WDW. The last time (and only time) we were at DL was the end of June in '09 when my daughter won us a free trip. We fell in love with it. It was somewhat crowded and the temps were in the 70's.

 

[AngelDisney]

Hi Hydroguy,

I plan to go during Mon-Fri Aug. 20-24. Definitely make it before rope drop and make use of FPs and MM (one MM on Tues with 6-day ticket and hotel package, one Toontown MM on Fri, and last two days staying onsite for another MM on Thurs). Will I be able to handle the high crowds due to Carsland opening?

I remeber reading somewhere that DCA will have extended hours this summer. Is this true?

I also plan to have WOC dining for preferred viewing and Fantasmic dessert package. Is it logical to assume that local AP crowds usually won't make it for RD and they would focus on the new rides rather than other attractions? If I go on the new rides early in the morning right after rope drop, can I beat the AP local crowds?

 

[skiingfast]

I plan to go during Mon-Fri Aug. 20-24. Definitely make it before rope drop and make use of FPs and MM (one MM on Tues with 6-day ticket and hotel package, one Toontown MM on Fri, and last two days staying onsite for another MM on Thurs). Will I be able to handle the high crowds due to Carsland opening?

If possibly, change your dates. That is the worst time to be going after June. The week forward would be great, a week later helpful.

I remeber reading somewhere that DCA will have extended hours this summer. Is this true?

DCA normally does have longer hours in the Summer. Rumors are and I think it's likely DCA's hours will expand this summer with the new land and greater attendance expected.

Is it logical to assume that local AP crowds usually won't make it for RD and they would focus on the new rides rather than other attractions? If I go on the new rides early in the morning right after rope drop, can I beat the AP local crowds?

Not really. It's the first chance they will have in a couple months to ride anything in DLR. They will be all over the parks. Only on Fridays and evenings do they come to the park later, this is more of a special situation where that won't help.

 

[boltfan]

So would the last week of July or the last week of August be better? The Disneyland site claims August is the busiest month of the year. We could go either time.

 

[skiingfast]

So would the last week of July or the last week of August be better? We could go either time.

It's a bit of a toss up crowd wise. Though the last week of August could be when rehabs start again.

 

[AngelDisney]

Unfortunately, that is the only week I can be there. I will be visiting other places (Huntington Beach, Hollywood and Las Vegas). Both DD14 and I have to be back to Canada before school starts and DD has a piano exam the day prior our departure.

Thanks for all your help and advice. I will have to think positive and enjoy my time at DLR under the circumstances. Being in long lines at DLR is way better than being in long lines somewhere else.

 

[blackjackdelta]

We generally go in August, enjoy the heat, very busy but doable and i like to be there on the 20th which is by birth day, but last year no go and my daughter may have to be there on the 11 to start Disney college. The SoCal passes become unblocked and as much as I love the land, I will skip that week if I had a choice.

Have fun,

Jack

 

[HydroGuy]

Unfortunately, that is the only week I can be there. I will be visiting other places (Huntington Beach, Hollywood and Las Vegas). Both DD14 and I have to be back to Canada before school starts and DD has a piano exam the day prior our departure.

Thanks for all your help and advice. I will have to think positive and enjoy my time at DLR under the circumstances. Being in long lines at DLR is way better than being in long lines somewhere else.

Ski answered all your questions to me much the same as I would answer them. Be prepared when you go Aug 20 for some hairy crowds this nyear, get their early, get FPs, etc., and it will not ruin your trip. You can still have lots of fun. You are right. It is DLR!

The crowds may not be that bad depending on when CL opens and if they have lots of AP previews. The last two years bad crowds did not materialize in August as feared. The year before that is when BlackJack went and it was bad that year.