New to Disneyland, WDW expert - trip planning help

[bear_mom]

I posted a few months ago asking some basic questions about DL vs. WDW and now looking for some additional help from those who know.

It will be my husband (52), myself (51), dd#1 (26), dd#2 (23), and possibly dd#1'S boyfriend (depends on his work schedule). Likely staying off site at one of the Marriott properties across the street, but will make final decisions once I can compare pricing. Dd#2 has some health concerns and doesn't do well in the heat and often can use a mid afternoon break on busy vacations. 4 days, park hoppers.

Our available dates are March 9-15, 2026, dd's spring break week.

I see there are a lot of night time shows, and we specifically want to see WOC.

Weekends vs. week days?
What will allow us to see the most night time shows - it sounds like they don't work like WDW where they are most nights?
What is better for crowds?

 

[LKing]

Linking to previous thread for reference.

Thread 'New to DL, WDW expert'

Mar 17, 2025

Dds (23 and 25) suggested going to DL next year instead of our normal WDW trip - we have gone every other year'ish since they were 4 and 6. It would be dds, older dd's boyfriend, dh, and I, going next March (2026) during younger dd's spring break.

A few questions:

1. We typically stay on site at WDW, is it necessary to DL? I see a lot of good neighbor hotels that seem as close as the DL resorts. Younger dd has medical condition and needs to go slower (she did qualify for DAS until they changed the rules), especially if it is hotter outside. Taking an afternoon break is key.
2. Is 3...

• bear_mom
• Replies: 28
• Forum: Disneyland (California)

 

[Brandonius]

Weekends will allow for most nighttime shows and, counterintuitively, are normally better for crowds because so many annual passes are blocked out of the park. Disneyland is way more influenced by local attendance than WDW so annual pass blockouts matter a lot.

 

[LKing]

The Magic Key calendar can be viewed here: https://disneyland.disney.go.com/passes/blockout-dates/

For the week that you are talking about, the lowest MK (which is basically a weekday pass) is blocked on the weekend. Enchant is blocked most Saturdays, including the week you are looking at. Neither of the top two passes (Believe & Inspire) are blocked on any of the days you are planning on visiting.