Need info - Never been to Disneyland

[cobbler]

Hubby and I frequent WDW - a LOT! But we have never been to DL. We decided about going during the holiday season during 2010 because we have WDW vacations planned in 08, and we are renewing our vows at the Poly in 09. So 2010 DL it is.

Even better is that the DVC units should be finished by then. So, what is the busy time and/or slow time at DL.

We usually plan our WDW vacations the week after Thanksgiving when it is slower at the World. Does this time hold true for a slow time for DL too? Hubby thinks we should go when the kids are on Christmas break but I think that would be really really busy like it is at WDW.

Can anyone give me any tips on what typically is the slower season and what is typically the busy season?

Or anything a DL virgin needs to know?

Thanks

 

[Donald is #1]

Hi! I am in the same boat as you. I am starting to plan a Disneyland trip for 2009. A good starting point is HydroGuys threads. HydroGuy's tips complilation

 

[bradk]

the same basic rule that applies to WDW also applies to DLR: anytime kids are in school is a good time to go.

the key difference between the two though is the vast majority of DLR's traffic are locals which always makes weekends heavier than weekdays regardless of the time of year, moreso than locals impact WDW.

also rain and other not so nice weather is more inclined to keep the locals away, as they can 'always go next weekend'

 

[disney-super-mom]

Well hello there. I see you on the DVC DisBoards all the time, but it's nice to see you over here.

How exciting! You're planning your first trip to DL!

Slower times at DL coinside with slower times at WDW for the most part. The week after Thanksgiving would be a great time to go if you want to see all the wonderful holiday decor. The castle, New Orleans Square, and It's a Small World, are all especially gorgeous during that time of year, and of course you can't miss the Haunted Mansion's Nightmare Before Christmas layover and It's a Small World Holiday layover.

Another good thing about going that time of year is most attractions should be open and running.

Other slow times (slower than the week after Thanksgiving) are September after labor day, and most of January and Febuary. However, there could be some ride closures during these times, in particular the Haunted Mansion and possibly It's A Small World.

One thing to really be aware of is DL has a LARGE local customer base, so regardless of the time of year, Friday night through Sunday day (all weekend until about Sunday 7:00pm) will be crowded.

Also, many walkways at DL are narrow, and that makes the park feel more crowded than it really is. You may hear a lot of people say that DL was crowded, but the lines were fairly short with only 10-15 minute waits for most rides.

I WOULD NOT go during Christmas break time! Especially for your first visit to DL/CA.....unless you enjoy being part of a shoulder-to-shoulder human herd.

Fastpasses: At DL and CA, you can use a fastpass during the Return Time window OR anytime thereafter. So, for example if you get a fastpass for Indiana Jones and the return time says between 1:00pm - 2:00pm, that fastpass is good for the rest of the day after 1:00pm. You could use it that day at 8:00pm if you wanted. Many people collect fastpasses during the morning and early afternoon to use later in the afternoon and evening when DL typically gets more crowded.

I could go on and on, but really your best access for information and tips is HydroGuy's sticky at the top of the Disneyland boards.

Of course we'll be here if you have any questions. It's always exciting to hear about a WDW vet visiting DL/DCA for the first time. I hope it's a truly fun experience for you!

 

[HydroGuy]

Hubby and I frequent WDW - a LOT! But we have never been to DL. We decided about going during the holiday season during 2010 because we have WDW vacations planned in 08, and we are renewing our vows at the Poly in 09. So 2010 DL it is.

Even better is that the DVC units should be finished by then. So, what is the busy time and/or slow time at DL.

FWIW, not that 2010 is a bad time to go, but since you are thinking so long term I wanted you to be aware of what is hapening at DLR. The second gate at DLR is DCA and it is undergoing a major renovation over the next five years and much of the park will be torn up. I suspect most of it will be completed for DCA's 10th anniversary in 2011. So 2011 might be better than 2010 if you are thinking long term. But if you decide to go in 2010 I am sure it will a be great trip so do not be scared away.

For more info on DCA's future read these Al Lutz articles.

www.miceage.com/allutz/al111307a.htm
www.miceage.com/allutz/al111307a.htm
www.miceage.com/allutz/al100907a.htm

Busy times at DLR parallel WDW for the most part, Holidays will be very busy. As Brad said weekly patterns over weekends are different.

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

We usually plan our WDW vacations the week after Thanksgiving when it is slower at the World. Does this time hold true for a slow time for DL too? Hubby thinks we should go when the kids are on Christmas break but I think that would be really really busy like it is at WDW.

It does hold true at DLR as well, with the difference that some of the DLR entertainment tends to be more "lumpy" than WDW with regard to schedule. What that means is that if you try hard to miss crowds, you may also miss some entertainment opportunities because DLR reduces entertainment when it is less crowded more so than WDW.

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

Can anyone give me any tips on what typically is the slower season and what is typically the busy season?

Or anything a DL virgin needs to know?

Thanks

FWIW, "slower season" at DLR has become more blurry over the last few years with many people going to during what is supposedly slow season only to come back and and say how crowded it was. Traditionally things are slower from Sept-early Nov, then busy from Thanksgiving week thru the week after New Years.

Come back after reading the DLR Guide thread as that may answer many basic questions while raising more detailed questions.

Hi! I am in the same boat as you. I am starting to plan a Disneyland trip for 2009. A good starting point is HydroGuys threads. HydroGuy's tips complilation

Thanks for the plug. I will split my earnings with you.

 

[cobbler]

Thanks for all the tips. I will be doing a lot of research.

I guess I am going to have to get used to the idea of dealing with some crowds. Being from the midwest, we will plan a trip out west that is longer than our WDW trips because we will see other things along the way (Grand Canyon, etc). So to minimize school loss we will have to go during some break time.

But thanks again for the advice!