Never been to DL, thinking June? Is that crazy?

[mermaidwannabe]

Hi Mary. We went to DL last summer June 21st-25th, and Anaheim was just coming off of a very hot heat wave. Our first day was pretty darn hot, but we just stayed hydrated and it wasn't too bad. Of course, we came from Montana so probably just weren't used to that kind of heat. The next 2 days for us were really nice though. I would say in the low 80s.

As for the crowds, we followed Hydroguy's and DLR29's advice (I think those were the ones), and were amazed at how much we got in. Had we not followed the very important rules of getting there 30 minutes before opening and using FP, I don't think we would've had as good of a time. Really, I could kiss them for how spot-on the advice was. By the way, we're going again this June on the 21st again. Spooky how that worked out!

You are going to have a great time. Honestly if you read their posts on how to survive summer crowds on the FP system, you will have so much fun. You HAVE to get your buns out of bed in the morning though, which can be hard. We learned the hard way what not taking afternoon breaks does to all of our temperments. We didn't the first day and we were all way too pooped to stay beyond 6pm that night. The next 2 days we took breaks from 12pm-2pm, and were able to stay for fireworks and be happy at the same time. No one wanted to leave, but I forced them. One of the days we all fell asleep which is funny because none of us take naps. Just an FYI to pace yourselves.

Have fun!!

 

[HydroGuy]

Honestly if you read their posts on how to survive summer crowds on the FP system, you will have so much fun. You HAVE to get your buns out of bed in the morning though, which can be hard. We learned the hard way what not taking afternoon breaks does to all of our temperments. We didn't the first day and we were all way too pooped to stay beyond 6pm that night. The next 2 days we took breaks from 12pm-2pm, and were able to stay for fireworks and be happy at the same time. No one wanted to leave, but I forced them. One of the days we all fell asleep which is funny because none of us take naps. Just an FYI to pace yourselves.

I like to talk about how much energy is available for park touring and when that energy is expended. In mermaid's case, they stayed all day and pooped out at 6PM. I think that is common. So let's go with that. 8AM until 6PM is 10 hours. I think 10 hours in the parks each day will give a good solid experience. The question is, when will you spend those 10 hours? Arrive at 9AM and stay until 7PM? If you do that you will miss the short morning lines and short evening lines and will be there during the maximum lines and maximum heat (Noon-5PM).

What if you take that same 10 hours and do this: 8AM-1PM, 7PM-Midnight? You have the same number of park hours but will probably experience twice as many rides and shows. Plus you will feel refreshed in the evening rather than feeling drained as in the first case.

Understand that is a 6 hour break in my example able. We usually do 4-5 hour breaks which means we have 11-12 park hours available to us. And we feel fresh in the morning and fresh at night. Our kids who are too old to nap at home do conk out for 2-3 hours every afternoon. We also work in some time in the pool to be totally cooled off. When we come back in the late afternoon or evening we feel fresh and are ready to stay until 11PM or (usually) midnight.

It is not a matter of "losing park time" when you take a break. Very few people can stay at DL from 8Am until midnight. Most people can handle 10-12 hours maximum. So it is a given that each day you "lose time" in the parks. The question is, when will you spend those 10-12 hours that your body has available?

 

[bluedoll]

I, personally, can handle a full day at Disneyland. But that's because we never do "commando" touring. And we rarely go from ride to ride to ride. We walk around, enjoy the atmosphere, sit on benches and people watch, take photos, etc. Even there for more than 10 or 12 hours isn't that bad because we take such a relaxed approached to our touring.

 

[sleepingbean]

yeah, bluedoll, we have done that at WDW before and it is nice. It's nice to break in the afternoon, but it can be pretty good to take long lunch and people watch and catch a show/parade in the afternoon, too!
(and shop)

 

[bluedoll]

yeah, bluedoll, we have done that at WDW before and it is nice. It's nice to break in the afternoon, but it can be pretty good to take long lunch and people watch and catch a show/parade in the afternoon, too!
(and shop)

Yeah. It's harder to take breaks at WDW too because you have to take the bus back to the hotel.

I'm sure some day when I have kids with me in the parks, I'll have to leave to take breaks. But until then...I'm good with doing a full day. Although we're often to lazy to get up early.

 

[HydroGuy]

I, personally, can handle a full day at Disneyland. But that's because we never do "commando" touring. And we rarely go from ride to ride to ride. We walk around, enjoy the atmosphere, sit on benches and people watch, take photos, etc. Even there for more than 10 or 12 hours isn't that bad because we take such a relaxed approached to our touring.

I can do it too. For a single day. But my kids can't.

My comment on "available energy" thus applies to the weakest link in the group/family.

 

[bluedoll]

I can do it too. For a single day. But my kids can't.

My comment on "available energy" thus applies to the weakest link in the group/family.

I have no kids. I'm actually the weakest link in my family. haha!

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

I went at the end of June mid week last year and had a blast. Follow Hydroguys tips and/or use Ridemax. I liked it so much last year I am going again this year arriving Sunday 21st-24th. Weather is a toss up. When I went the weather was great. The week or so before it was HOT so plan on layers and bring a lot to drink. I'm hoping most people will put off their vacation for the week later which is 4th of July.

I'm curious about the answers to this thread too.

We'll be at DLR the same week as you (June 22 - June 26). I hope, for our sakes, the week is slow (crowd-wise). This is our first DLR trip. We are going for DH's birthday ssst: surprise trip!). I have read and reread Hydroguy's DLR links. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! for putting all that information together. I'm not 100% ready for the trip. But, I have the hotel booked (Disneyland Hotel). That's a start. I got four (4) day Park Hopper tickets with the package. I know DLP and DCA being so close will make park hopping a lot easier than our WDW trips. I can't wait! We plan to arrive at rope drop, have fun, gather FP and leave early afternoon to the resort pool and air conditioning. Then, back to the parks in the evening for rides, fireworks and parades. We live in Texas. So, we know what hot weather can do to your energy level. You have all given some great tips. I totally agree with hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Do they give free cups of ice water at the counter-service? (They do at WDW.) Just curious.


Jennifer

 

[SummerSky]

My best friend and I both have birthdays in June so I've been there a lot in that month, and I really like the park in June, I don't think it's that bad crowd-wise. We only go one day and always have enough time to do all the things we want, so you should be totally fine, especially since you've already got a good plan. Have a blast!