Planning 2012 Carsland's opening date/month

[DLR29]

Thanks for asking, I was about to post the same question when I found this thread.
How far in advance are they likely to announce official opening?

We've had it planned for a while to do a cross-country trip beginning of June 2012, we would fly out to CA and drive back, starting off with 3 days in DL, was trying to beat the crowds by going early June. Now not sure what we'll do. Makes no sense to go right before it opens and miss it, as we have no clue when we'll be back. Don't want to be in the middle of grand opening week... guess we could push it back to as far into the end of August as possible instead, just not sure what that will do for weather for the rest of our route.

Wonder if it being the opening season if going June or August will even make much of a different crowd wise? We would make sure we hit it on weekdays.

Now thinking of maybe going 2013 instead, but that will mess up my Disney cruise plans.

Wish we could go during the school year, but this is just too long of a trip to pull off. Summer is the only option. Guess it'll be a wait and see approach.

Just to echo what Hydroguy said, many of my best visits have been during the middle of the summer.

a) The park is open longer (8AM-12AM). You can get a ton of rides/stuff done in those morning hours.

b) Fantasmic and fireworks are shown nightly, so you don't have to worry about scheduling a weekend day for those two.

If you use FP and take advantage of all of the tips on the DIS, you will be surprised at how much you can do in a day during summer. It just takes a little planning.

 

[FabFivePA]

Thanks so much for the input! End of July/First half of August is not possible for us due to other commitments.
But earlier July could be a possibility, we weren't considering it just because of the added heat and crowds everywhere we would be going, not just DL.

End of June I would only write off because of Cars Land, wasn't sure how much hitting this around opening would impact crowds, especially with it being such a huge addition to the park.

thanks again, I will definitely be reading through all of the links. I am good with WDW and even the cruises now... but DL is a new thing for me, only went once as a kid.

 

[skiingfast]

End of June I would only write off because of Cars Land, wasn't sure how much hitting this around opening would impact crowds, especially with it being such a huge addition to the park.

In summer of 2012. It is going to be extremly busy, until school starts again. It won't matter what month you go. You won't be able to pick a day that will have short lines for Rock Spring Racers. You can expect giant waits like when Indy or Splash opened. This summer with ST and LM opening will pale in comparison but be busier than it was last summer. DCA and the resort is seeing large gains in attendance.

 

[HydroGuy]

Thanks so much for the input! End of July/First half of August is not possible for us due to other commitments.
But earlier July could be a possibility, we weren't considering it just because of the added heat and crowds everywhere we would be going, not just DL.

End of June I would only write off because of Cars Land, wasn't sure how much hitting this around opening would impact crowds, especially with it being such a huge addition to the park.

thanks again, I will definitely be reading through all of the links. I am good with WDW and even the cruises now... but DL is a new thing for me, only went once as a kid.

The biggest comment over the last few summers around here has been - wow, summer crowds are not that bad.

And in some case - because of AP holders - early June and late August crowds have been much worse than July. Some people have reported October crowds being worse than July.

DLR is not uncrowded in mid-summer, but on the other hand crowds are not overwhelming - especially if you are smart about your choices. Remember DLR is not WDW. 70% of guests are local Californians on day trips. If you stay at a close by hotel you have a huge advantage. Use good strategies and you will avoid the worst of the crowds and worst of the heat - which IMO is not that bad in the first place - usually.

See "Getting The Most Out of a Summer Visit To DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1345319

"Comparison of Weather For WDW and DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1711098

 

[TheColtonsMom]

We are planning our "Carsland trip" for September 2012 and will be taking our son out of school for it. I don't envy anyone going in June although DL might be emptier with everyone over at DCA for the opening LOL!