May or summer?

[DnA2010]

hi folks, we are throwing around a DL trip and are considering around May 17-22 or in the summer sometime- I see there are 2 grad nights, but summer (thinking early July) is very busy also... just wondering your thoughts on crowds, temperature etc. Our party would be our family - myself, DH, DD13 amd DD1.5, my sister’s family (her, her DH and their DS1.5) and our 67 years young mom..we would stay close to be able to do naps etc. Would love to hear thoughts

 

[cruisehopeful]

Early July will have more local passes blocked out, which can be very helpful. The other thing I like about July is that there likely won't be any closures. They tend to have everything open during the summer.

Your May dates will probably be okay. I am just thinking about the last couple of years and July has been better overall.

 

[chickapin parterre]

reports came back that if leaving mid-day to return to lodging for nap, hydrate and fuel, that July is workable.

 

[figment_jii]

In terms of crowds, it's hard to say...other than there really doesn't seem to be any predictable slow(er) times anymore. My guess is that the May trip would occur before DLR starts their official summer season, which might mean shorter hours and reduced entertainment offerings. There is a chance that the weekend days may be very busy; the SoCal Resident ticket deals tickets expire on May 24 and last year, the weekend before the expiration was really busy as locals used up their tickets. So it might be that the weekend before Memorial Day is actually busier than Memorial Day weekend. In July, there are more AP blockouts (SoCal and SoCal Select), but higher tourist crowds. I think you could run into hot weather in both months (I have) and high(ish) crowds at either point. There is also the chance that the Pixar Pier refurbishment may be completed by July (I highly doubt it will be done prior to Memorial Day).

 

[TikiThunderPirates]

I think weather is a big factor to consider, while May is generally warm, July seems to always be warmer. If you're not used to touring around in the heat, even an 85 degree day can zap you, esp. in DCA where there just doesn't seem to be any air conditioning anywhere. Grad Nights can be busy, but it's not a make or break it usually. Students get there mid-later afternoon/evening. If you plan to be done by dinner time on those days you mostly avoid them. But they do travel in packs so it can feel congested even if they aren't on any attractions.

 

[DnA2010]

THAnk you all for your thoughts. May would have a later start time correct in the am? May be easier to get to rope drop I’m thinking..

 

[smartlabelprint]

July

 

[theluckyrabbit]

... May would have a later start time correct in the am? May be easier to get to rope drop I’m thinking..

Remember that later opening times usually mean more crowds at rope drop or MM/EMH. And more crowds first thing in the morning make it harder (though not impossible) to be efficient with your time in the parks. I would also vote for July -- longer hours, more staffing (don't underestimate this -- at DLR, staffing means a lot), fewer refurbs (if any), Summer entertainment schedule going full tilt, etc. Parks that are prepared for the crowds are much more enjoyeable than parks that are crowded anyway but were scheduled for a non-peak time.