Looking for opinions on a few times of year

[puppytrainer]

We are thinking about heading out to DLR for our first time in the next couple years (have done WDW a few times). Yea!! Due to an inflexible work schedule and the fact I would rather not pull my kid out of school for a long period of time, I’ve come up with the following choices which I know are all high season times and will be crazy no matter what. I’ve read several of Hydro Guy’s threads which have been very helpful, but I’d still like your opinions on these times of year? Thoughts of everything – crowds, refurb schedule, park hours/shows, weather, have all crossed my mind. I was hoping for some input from all you experienced DLR friends. We’d be staying at GC and would have 3-4 days in the parks with hoppers. TIA!!

Presidents Day week (Wed-Sat the week after the holiday)
Week after Easter (would be in April for the year it would work for us)
Last 2 weeks in June or July
3rd week in August

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

We did the 2nd to the last week of June this year and didn't find it nearly as crowded as I thought it would be. However, if you're talking about next year, the 60th anniversary will likely bring up attendance.

The 3rd week in August may be good - a lot of schools are back in session that week, or are going back. I've read on these boards that the end of Aug. hours are shorter though, so keep that in mind.

We did President's Day weekend (Th-M) two years ago and while it started nicely, by Sunday it was almost impossible to move. Even DTD felt like wall to wall people.

We haven't done Spring Break or anytime around Easter so I can't help with that.

 

[puppytrainer]

However, if you're talking about next year, the 60th anniversary will likely bring up attendance.

I did not think if that. Very good point!

 

[figment_jii]

As DisneyJamieCA pointed out, with the 60th Anniversary coming up next year, a lot of things might be somewhat different than it has been historically. Most folks expect to see higher summer crowds (or whenever the 60th events start) and some added entertainments and activities.

Presidents Day week (Wed-Sat the week after the holiday) - I think you might see some spill over crowds from the three day weekend, but nothing to crazy. I do think there is still the chance that the parks will be undergoing refurbs in prep for the 60th. The operating hours will be moderate (something 9-9 on weekdays and 9 to midnight on weekends). Fantasmic and fireworks will likely only be running on weekends (Fri-Sun).

Week after Easter (would be in April for the year it would work for us) - This one is harder to say. This year (2014), DLR went back to the non-Spring break schedule the Monday after Easter. So it was back to moderate hours (something like 9-10 on weekdays and 9-midnight on weekends) and F! and fireworks on weekends only. The last of the refurbs (if there are any) may still be happening.

Last 2 weeks in June or July - At this point, summer should be in full swing. Which means long hours, but also summer crowds. The events for the 60th should be in full swing (especially in late July). Personally, I would probably avoid the last two weeks of July.

3rd week in August - This is the end of summer and might be okay. Some of the schools might be back in session and HM will (probably) still be open.

 

[HydroGuy]

Great responses from Jamie and Figment. To add a little more detail...

See "What to expect for DL's 60th anniversary in 2015" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3280301

Feb 2015 may have more ride closures than normal like happened earlier this year. It was a big issue on this forum with the closures that lasted right up thru July 4. Many of the complaints were vigorous and for the most part justified, IMO.

Since 2015 will be the 60th anniversary, you are going to see a bigger bump from SoCal AP holders in later June and mid-to-late August (both before and after the AP blockout). For more info see

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

If you go in June, be aware of grad nights. See "The Scoop on Grad Nights at DLR in May and June" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2298400

The D23 Expo will be Aug 14-16 - see https://d23.com/d23-expo - and that will have an additional impact. I would lean towards going the week before the Expo rather than after because of the possibility of the AP Blockout lift. And that is probably what I will do personally.

Finally, be aware of the high season periods. It sounds like you may have my thread on this already but if not see:

"Choosing When To Visit DLR: Summary of High and Low Season and When Each Happens" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36509602

If possible, do not lock in your choice of dates with airplane tickets or anything else hard to change until you get much closer to your dates. Once you see how things are shaping up for 2015 with regard to crowds, ride refurbs, and anything else, you can then make the best choice for you with the most information possible.

 

[Californiacicle]

We just got back less than a week ago and I was surprised at how uncrowded the parks were at the beginning of our trip. I had prepped myself for crazy crowds and they didn't materialize until our last two days, the 7th and 8th of July.

 

[DDhunter]

The best time, IMO, would be the last 2 weeks in June. It is the time where AP passes have the most blackouts and the weather isn't usually horribly hot. I think summer is the best time to go, the hours are longer, characters are all over the place, nothing down for refurb, etc.

 

[puppytrainer]

Thanks for all the advice!! I really appreciate the help. HydroGuy, I did see a couple of those threads, but a couple of them I hadn't. They were very helpful, thank you! I'm leaning towards August, but we'll see how it goes. Regardless of when we go it will be a great vacation and I'm really excited to finally get out there!!