Newbie needs DL info

[queenofmycastle01]

Hi! We usually go to WDW but this next year we are considering a trip to DL (we live in Mississippi). My hubby and I have been to DL but it was 10 years ago, before we had kids, before California Adventure was built, and back when we used to live in CA. We've never travelled this far with our kids (8 and 4)

So my questions...We are absolutely at the mercy of the school schedule so we will either be going on spring break (March 16-20) or the last week of May (after memorial day). How bad are the crowds, typically at these times? What's the heat like at the end of May/early June?

Also, does DL have Fast Pass, like WDW does?

Thanks!

 

[B9erSteve]

Spring Break will be busy. You may have better luck at the end of May. The temps are usually not too bad at that time of year. It's the tail end of the rainy season (which isn't a whole lot of rain) so weather should be great at this time.

Yes, DL and DCA have fast pass on a limited number of rides.

 

[queenofmycastle01]

Thanks Steve! Yeah, I'm thinking late May sounds better.

 

[HydroGuy]

Hi! We usually go to WDW but this next year we are considering a trip to DL (we live in Mississippi). My hubby and I have been to DL but it was 10 years ago, before we had kids, before California Adventure was built, and back when we used to live in CA. We've never travelled this far with our kids (8 and 4)

Welcome to DIS and your first post! This thread is referenced frequently around here and will help get you up to speed on what has happened over the last 10 years:

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

So my questions...We are absolutely at the mercy of the school schedule so we will either be going on spring break (March 16-20) or the last week of May (after memorial day). How bad are the crowds, typically at these times? What's the heat like at the end of May/early June?

If you are shooting for lower crowds and better weather, the week after Memorial Day wins on both counts. However, be careful about trying too hard to miss the crowds at DLR or you may end up missing some of their excellent entertainment. Spring Break is high season while the week after Memorial Day would be considered mid-season.

See:

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

"Detailed Weather History for DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=23004158

Also, does DL have Fast Pass, like WDW does?

Yep, it works the same. Except DLR has some loopholes that are worth learning. See

"Getting the Most Out of FastPass During High Season" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=885132

 

[cccdisney]

I agree - avoid Spring Break time and go at the end of May/early June. We went during Spring Break this year and it was crazy - worse than summer.
Most California schools don't get out for the summer until early June. So if you can go the last week of May that would be the best.
Make sure to read the Sticky about DL for WDW veterans.
Enjoy!

 

[queenofmycastle01]

Sounds good, guys. Yeah, we definately don't want to go at "crazy" time! I mean, we're WDW veterans so we are used to lines but if we can get shorter lines then that's always better on everyone, right?

 

[HydroGuy]

Sounds good, guys. Yeah, we definately don't want to go at "crazy" time! I mean, we're WDW veterans so we are used to lines but if we can get shorter lines then that's always better on everyone, right?

Not necessarily. As I said above, if it is not high season DLR will have some of the entertainment like fireworks and Fantasmic only on the weekends. Make sure you choose your days carefully. If I was going after Memorial Day but before mid-June, I would go Wed-Sat for a four day trip and Thurs-Sat for a three day in order to catch the weekend only entertainment. We usually go during summer high season and in that case entertainment is maxed out every day so we avoid weekends like the plague.

 

[S. S. Columbia]

HydroGuy stole my thunder, but I'll post this anyway.

FWIW

In late May the fireworks, Fantasmic, and the Electrical Parade might not be shown Monday to Thursday, and in early June Fantasmic might not be shown Mon to Thurs. Some WDW vets are disappointed when they find this out just a month or two before their visit.

Here are a couple of entertainment calendars:

May '08: www.laughingplace.com/Guide-Cal-DLR2-200805.asp

June '08 www.laughingplace.com/Guide-Cal-DLR2-200806.asp

HTH

 

[JadeDarkstar]

..duble post

 

[JadeDarkstar]

end of may sounds good but if you could chose any time id go at christmas time thanksgiving time or something. You and your kids would love it and it wouldnt be to hot (i dont think im gona go in summer ever lol) in less i live there

 

[nutshell]

Christmas is also one of the most crowded times.

But regardless, even when it's crowded, if you use the fast pass system and plan ahead you'll have a great time.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

its not crouded nov 26th-dec1st or 2ed
seriouesly go at the end nov begging dec and it wont be to bad