Need Dlr Info

[PrincessSuzanne]

Hi, I normally hang around on the WDW areas, but I have been thinking about taking a trip to DLR and I have no idea where to begin. We owuld be driving from Alabama, I do NOT fly, and we wanted to visit Dh's family on the way.

How many days do you need to do everything? Is 4 sufficient?

When is a good time to go? We love to go to WDW the week before Christmas, how are the crowds at DLR then? Is Fall/Halloween a good time to go?

Suzanne

 

[heatherleigh]

I think four days is enough. A lot of people go for just that amount, so it's pretty common. Since it's so small, you'll be able to see and do everything. Our first trip, as a family, was for 3 days, and we rode many rides multiple times. Of course I'd rather go for twice that amount of time, but it will be sufficient.

Halloween time used to be less crowded, but it's gotten worse over the past couple years. We went last year, and it was a bit too crowded for my taste. That's the reason we decided NOT to do Oct this year. I'm trying to fine tune our visit to the least crowded time of year lol.

I have heard of low crowds the first week in Dec. In fact, if it's crowded on our trip this winter, we may try December next year. We have never gone during the Christmas season, and I'd love to do that once. The decorations are beautiful.

 

[lulubelle]

Hi Suzanne
I would say the best time to go depends on what you are looking for. The least crowded time will be Jan-early Feb, late Sept and early Dec. But hours are short, not too many shows, a lot of refurbs, and fireworks only on weekends. Temps are pretty mild, too, which is nice. Fall & Halloween are excellent times to go, but are fairly crowded. I would stay 4 nights, 4-5 days. That way you have plenty of time for everything, if you do 5 days, on day #3 I would go off property and see another park, the beach or Hollywood. Or just rest and enjoy DTD, see a movie, enjoy your hotel pool... I am rambling, sorry. Anyway, make the trek out, you won't regret it!

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

Thank you both for the info. I am sure we would also have to visit Dh's mother (yeah, I can't stand her) who is only about 1 hour from LA.

We would definitely want to go when the weather was mild. We love December at WDW in FL, so I can imagine the original is just as wonderful. It may be 2010 before we do this, because we want to go to WDW for Halloween next year and we can't do both in the same year.

Suzanne

 

[HydroGuy]

Hi, I normally hang around on the WDW areas, but I have been thinking about taking a trip to DLR and I have no idea where to begin.

Lots of people in your boat find this thread useful:

"A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

How many days do you need to do everything? Is 4 sufficient?

Most people find 3-5 days to be about right. You might be able to do everything in four days. Five would be plenty.

When is a good time to go? We love to go to WDW the week before Christmas, how are the crowds at DLR then? Is Fall/Halloween a good time to go?

Be careful about comparing time of year between WDW and DLR. As someone else posted, off season has more drawbacks at DLR.

See "What You Should Know About Off-Season at DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18462889

 

[Quest4fun]

Hi, I normally hang around on the WDW areas, but I have been thinking about taking a trip to DLR and I have no idea where to begin. We owuld be driving from Alabama, I do NOT fly, and we wanted to visit Dh's family on the way.

How many days do you need to do everything? Is 4 sufficient?

When is a good time to go? We love to go to WDW the week before Christmas, how are the crowds at DLR then? Is Fall/Halloween a good time to go?

Suzanne

Not counting Travel 4 days is great for a Disneyland trip. Most people can do it in 3. One day for each park and a 3rd to catch anything you missed.

Disneyland is doing a better job at keeping the park full these days. The Christmas season can be busy since Orange County schools will be out for Christmas vacation the week before Christmas. The beginning of December is better since all the decorations are up but the weekday crowds are lighter. The park does close earlier though.

Fall is always good. Kids are going back to school and most of the rides are open. Cooler temperatures as well.

Disneyland doesn't really have an "off" season.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[mikayla73]

4 full days is probably OK to not feel rushed, 5 even better. Of course as others have said, I always like to stay more

We went at the end of Sept last year and the week of Vetern's Day, but not until Wed (after the actual holiday). The crowds weren't bad either time and the decorations were already up for both seasons.

I'd say to have the least possibly for crowds, avoid the weekends. I'd do Tues-Fri if I were doing only 4 days. Tues-Thurs the crowds should be less and on Friday night, you might be able to catch the fireworks. Or Wed-Sat. That would give 2 days where crowds would be less than the weekend and two days to catch the fireworks in case the first one is cancelled. November may be your better bet as there will probably be less things closed for refurb than in Sept.

 

[pinktink83]

4 days is plenty IME, especially if you plan to go to DCA one day. With small kids, 2 days was great (3 was the last straw on the camel's back for our little ones)