new to DL, questions

[Tinkerbellmom33]

Hi!
I'm totally new to DL, we've never been there before. Dh and I are thinking about going there next year with the kids. When is a good time of year to go as far as crowds etc.? We will take kids out of school, that's not a problem. Thank you ahead of time!
I can't wait to plan another vacation, but I feel so lost! I've gotten WDW down, now I have to start all over again!

 

[abby]

We went the third week of April and loved it. It's after the spring break/easter crowds and before the summer rush. The weather was ok, 70 ish and no rain. Early morning was easy wihtout crowds and we had a great time. The park was not open late expect weekends, and given my kid was almost 5 that was fine. stayed at the DLH and enjoyed the whole thing. Are thinking of going back this spring,...

 

[disneychrista]

The BEST week/time to go IMO is the week after Thanksgiving through the second week of December.

 

[LucyKate]

I've only been once, which was in the time frame of christa, and it was superb. We went first week of December and temperatures were warm in the day, (though cold at night) crowds were non-existent, but we got the Christmas decorations and parade and holiday makeover of Small World and Haunted Mansion.

We had an amazing time and as a bonus, hotel prices were very low, and it was easy to get into Blue Bayou and character meals.

I found these graphs very helpful - http://www.scottware.com.au/theme/feature/crowds.htm

 

[Chickysmom]

After school starts up in the fall is nice...especially the fall after they start putting Christmas decor up....lighter crowds, nice days and very pretty!

 

[sahbushka]

I have really enjoyed early may and early october in the past. You still have a good chance for amazing weather and yet the crowds aren't too bad. I have to agree with the other posts, though, that there is nothing quite like christmas at Disneyland! The weather is a lot more iffy, but if you don't mind a bit of rain, it certainly makes the lines even that much shorter! Have fun planning!

 

[stampinshauna]

I've gone mid-February and we just about walked on to all of the rides (don't go President's Day weekend).

I've also gone mid-March (as long as Easter isn't in March) and it was just a little more crowded, but lines were still small.

Both times they hardly gave out any fastpasses because the lines were so short. If you can ever go during the week instead of weekends, it will be less crowded. Even though they aren't open for as many hours a day, you can get more done.

 

[bstsuda]

i have gone every month throughout the years....some holidays - some not...and i was somewhat surprized how many "kids" were out of school and were there....but i think my favorite time is early November (1st week), and they are just starting to decorate for the Xmas holiday, there's not too many people - and lines are minimal - weather is (almost always) perfect - warm not hot, but not yet cold and rainy....
have fun!!!

 

[Tinkerbellmom33]

Thanks for the info everyone! It's been very helpful.
Loved the chart LucyKate.
I think we're leaning towards end of Sept into Oct., seems like that's what will work for us. I can't wait!