Please Help -1st Time going to Disneyland...

[dvcdisney]

And I have a few questions....

How is the weather and crowds during the last 2 weeks of August?

Is this still considered Summer break?

The website shows that dining reservations can be booked up to 60 days in advance. Do you find that some restaurants need to be booked at this point, if so which ones? Or are there usually a lot of availability during August, even the popular restaurants?

Any recommendation on restaurants? We have 2 children 10 and 5 years old.

My 5 year old loves Princesses and it seems like there is only the Ariel's Grotto restaurant. Would you recommend it or suggest I choose another restaurant? The menu looks good, but are the character interaction worth it?

Any suggestions on how many days we should set aside for the parks based on ride wait times, etc during the last 2 weeks of Aug? I was thinking around 2 days each, is this enough for a first timer?

And do you find that the Southern California City Pass is worth it? We would like to visit other parks during our trip.

I would really appreciate any info and suggestions.

Thank you.

 

[oc_tony]

Most schools out here don't go back until late Aug or early Sept, so there will still be summer crowds. Also, late Aug is when blockout days are lifted for most days for all APs, so there is often a late-summer rush of locals who are getting their Disney fix before returning to school.

The weather is hot during the day, but mornings and evenings are fine.

I'll let others comment on your dining and City Pass questions.

 

[HydroGuy]

How is the weather and crowds during the last 2 weeks of August?

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

Average Hi/Lo 87/64 F - 31/18 C

As Tony said crowds will surge because of the lifting of AP blockouts. That will happen the week of August 22. Here are some reports of what happened in late August 2009: http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33401005&postcount=147

Does that mean should not go? Not at all. You can still have a blast with some good planning and a good hotel choice. But if you can choose different dates you may want to consider it.

Is this still considered Summer break?

As Tony said, it sort of is still summer break. Often during the last week of August Disney starts reducing park hours which is an indicator that summer break is over.

See "Historical DLR Park Hours, Entertainment and Refurbs" - www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2291124

The website shows that dining reservations can be booked up to 60 days in advance. Do you find that some restaurants need to be booked at this point, if so which ones? Or are there usually a lot of availability during August, even the popular restaurants?

Any recommendation on restaurants? We have 2 children 10 and 5 years old.

If you can reserve 60 days in advance that is a good idea. However, most still have availability much later than 60 days. I have gotten Blue Bayou reservations just a few days in advance.

If the prices do not scare you too much then the Blue Bayou is DL's signature restaurant and a lot of fun for kids because it is right inside the POTC ride.

We also usually hit the RainForest Cafe in DTD during our trips.

Any suggestions on how many days we should set aside for the parks based on ride wait times, etc during the last 2 weeks of Aug? I was thinking around 2 days each, is this enough for a first timer?

And do you find that the Southern California City Pass is worth it? We would like to visit other parks during our trip.

Most would say three days is the minimum to have a solid visit and not feel too rushed and that four days is better. It depends a bit on how you tour. If you can get yourself up early and to the gates you will experience a lot more in three days. If you are the type that arrives a couple hours after park opening you may want more days (four or more).

Also, with your comment about two days for each park, that is a bit misguided IMO. Most DLR vets do not do one park per day. Most park hop every single day because it allows one to experience a lot more.

See "Why I ParkHop at DLR" by Hound 109 www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1491961

Is the CityPass worth it? If you really want to see the SW, the SZ Zoo and USH then it is. They are all worth seeing for sure.

I would really appreciate any info and suggestions.

Use good summer touring strategies: "Getting The Most Out of a Summer Visit To DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1345319

Make sure you understand Magic Mornings: "Magic Morning (Early Entry) Super Thread" by DLR29 www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1675403

Make sure you understand FP and know all the DLR tricks: "Getting the Most Out of FastPass During High Season" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=885132

Be careful which hotel you choose: "HydroGuy's Hotel Rule" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199862

Finally, once you have made your decisions then put on your "let's have some fun" hat and have a magical visit!

 

[dvcdisney]

Most schools out here don't go back until late Aug or early Sept, so there will still be summer crowds. Also, late Aug is when blockout days are lifted for most days for all APs, so there is often a late-summer rush of locals who are getting their Disney fix before returning to school.

The weather is hot during the day, but mornings and evenings are fine.

I'll let others comment on your dining and City Pass questions.

Thank you for the info. I don't mind hot during the day as long as it gets cooler in the evenings. I'm glad it's not as hot as WDW during August. The heat and humidity never lets up.

 

[dvcdisney]

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

Average Hi/Lo 87/64 F - 31/18 C

As Tony said crowds will surge because of the lifting of AP blockouts. That will happen the week of August 22. Here are some reports of what happened in late August 2009: http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33401005&postcount=147

Does that mean should not go? Not at all. You can still have a blast with some good planning and a good hotel choice. But if you can choose different dates you may want to consider it.

As Tony said, it sort of is still summer break. Often during the last week of August Disney starts reducing park hours which is an indicator that summer break is over.

See "Historical DLR Park Hours, Entertainment and Refurbs" - www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2291124

If you can reserve 60 days in advance that is a good idea. However, most still have availability much later than 60 days. I have gotten Blue Bayou reservations just a few days in advance.

If the prices do not scare you too much then the Blue Bayou is DL's signature restaurant and a lot of fun for kids because it is right inside the POTC ride.

We also usually hit the RainForest Cafe in DTD during our trips.

Most would say three days is the minimum to have a solid visit and not feel too rushed and that four days is better. It depends a bit on how you tour. If you can get yourself up early and to the gates you will experience a lot more in three days. If you are the type that arrives a couple hours after park opening you may want more days (four or more).

Also, with your comment about two days for each park, that is a bit misguided IMO. Most DLR vets do not do one park per day. Most park hop every single day because it allows one to experience a lot more.

See "Why I ParkHop at DLR" by Hound 109 www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1491961

Is the CityPass worth it? If you really want to see the SW, the SZ Zoo and USH then it is. They are all worth seeing for sure.

Use good summer touring strategies: "Getting The Most Out of a Summer Visit To DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1345319

Make sure you understand Magic Mornings: "Magic Morning (Early Entry) Super Thread" by DLR29 www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1675403

Make sure you understand FP and know all the DLR tricks: "Getting the Most Out of FastPass During High Season" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=885132

Be careful which hotel you choose: "HydroGuy's Hotel Rule" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199862

Finally, once you have made your decisions then put on your "let's have some fun" hat and have a magical visit!

Wow. Thank you so much for all the info and links. I appreciate your suggestions as well.

I'm a little overwhelmed because we've always gone to WDW and not very familiar with Disneyland. We're looking at staying at the Grand Californian Resort (hoping to use my DVC points for the villas).

Thanks again.

By the way, I know you (and all the Disneyland experts here) are used to giving these great advice, and you are thanked alot, but I hope you know that this is a great help for me and I really do appreciate the time you took to provide this info for me. I haven't been in the first timer situation in a long time since WDW has been our vacation destination many times, but I have to say, that it's great to have people who help.

 

[Sherry E]

Just to clarify a little - August (especially the end of August) is really when the heat of summer starts to kick in. August - October can be unbearably hot. That is not to say they will be that hot, but they can be. Sometimes we may be lucky and have August temperatures in the 80's (which would be a pleasant August temperature), but it also can be as hot as 100 degrees. And when it gets really hot, it may only cool down to the 80's at night, which is not much relief. It has happened this way many times before. (All of our local news channels lump my area of town in with the Anaheim temperatures, so they are more or less the same, give or take a degree!) Also, however hot it is, it always seems hotter than that inside DL. I have gotten some of my worst sunburns just standing in line for a ride for 15 minutes. So just be forewarned that this could be the scenario and keep watch on Accuweather in the 15 days leading up to your trip, so you will know what to expect and prepare accordingly. Drink lots of water, wear high SPF sunscreen and apply it liberally, get some frozen lemonade or frozen apple juice, get a yummy Tropicool (non-alcoholic) from Rita's in DCA, eat a delicious, juicy pineapple spear from one of the outdoor vendors and you will be fine!

 

[blackjackdelta]

We most always travel in August. Made a mistake in planning last year and hit the parks the first week the AP passes came unblocked, I won't do that again. It gets warm, but rel humidity is pretty low as the temp comes up, nothing like the east coast.
Have fun and enjoy our park.

Jack

 

[dvcdisney]

We most always travel in August. Made a mistake in planning last year and hit the parks the first week the AP passes came unblocked, I won't do that again. It gets warm, but rel humidity is pretty low as the temp comes up, nothing like the east coast.
Have fun and enjoy our park.

Jack

Thanks for the info. I was just wondering if you know when the AP passes will be unblocked this year. I don't have AP for Disneyland, so I'm not aware of the restrictions. Any idea of when that will be for this year?

I'm relieved about the humidity. I think the worst thing at WDW is the humidity during August. It just never lets up.

Thanks.

 

[blackjackdelta]

Thanks for the info. I was just wondering if you know when the AP passes will be unblocked this year. I don't have AP for Disneyland, so I'm not aware of the restrictions. Any idea of when that will be for this year?

I'm relieved about the humidity. I think the worst thing at WDW is the humidity during August. It just never lets up.

Thanks.

I would read this thread.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2365983

Jack

 

[HydroGuy]

Just to clarify a little - August (especially the end of August) is really when the heat of summer starts to kick in. August - October can be unbearably hot. That is not to say they will be that hot, but they can be. Sometimes we may be lucky and have August temperatures in the 80's (which would be a pleasant August temperature), but it also can be as hot as 100 degrees. And when it gets really hot, it may only cool down to the 80's at night, which is not much relief. It has happened this way many times before. (All of our local news channels lump my area of town in with the Anaheim temperatures, so they are more or less the same, give or take a degree!) Also, however hot it is, it always seems hotter than that inside DL. I have gotten some of my worst sunburns just standing in line for a ride for 15 minutes. So just be forewarned that this could be the scenario and keep watch on Accuweather in the 15 days leading up to your trip, so you will know what to expect and prepare accordingly. Drink lots of water, wear high SPF sunscreen and apply it liberally, get some frozen lemonade or frozen apple juice, get a yummy Tropicool (non-alcoholic) from Rita's in DCA, eat a delicious, juicy pineapple spear from one of the outdoor vendors and you will be fine!

I totally agree, but would add that this is a bigger deal for day trippers who have fewer options to escape the heat. For those with nearby hotels who are smart enough to take afternoon hotel breaks, escaping the worst of the heat is actually an advantage because it drains the day trippers and makes them leave earlier. Then the multi-day visitors can come back late afternoon or early evening with even less crowds.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

We visited DLR & S. CA mid July and mid Sept. last year ~ weather was warm but tolerable, we visited WDW early Oct. last year and it was miserably hot and humid. Perhaps you can visit earlier in Aug. or July?? Ariel's Grotto is great ~ yummy food, I like that it's not a buffet ~ the food is brought to you! Are both of your kids girls? Is the older a boy? If so "he" might not care for it. DS grabbed a counter service meal, ate on a bench right outside of Ariel's then rode CA Screamin' several times while DD and I dined with the princesses ~ he had a cell phone and we spoke every few minutes. Chances are there will be a princess at Goofy's Kitchen so you could consider that meal, but it's not a guarantee.

 

[Sherry E]

I totally agree, but would add that this is a bigger deal for day trippers who have fewer options to escape the heat. For those with nearby hotels who are smart enough to take afternoon hotel breaks, escaping the worst of the heat is actually an advantage because it drains the day trippers and makes them leave earlier. Then the multi-day visitors can come back late afternoon or early evening with even less crowds.

Oh, no doubt! Those mid-day hotel breaks - for those who choose to take advantage of them - can be lifesavers even in cold weather! But in hot weather, they absolutely can make all the difference in restoring energy and stamina, and getting refreshed, out of the sun!!

 

[Sherry E]

I think Ariel's Grotto is the best bet for the Princess encounter - that is a fool proof way to see them. DisneyMomma81 is right about Princesses being at Goofy's Kitchen too. The last several times I have eaten at Goofy's, there have been at least 2 Princesses there (when I went on December 19, there were actually 3 in the restaurant along with other furry characters, but we only had 2 of them on our side of the restaurant), but you never know which one or two or three Princesses you will see, and it is not 100% guaranteed that they will be there. (I get the feeling that Goofy's is trying to step up the characters a bit to compete with the popularity of Ariel's and Minnie & Friends.)

You won't see any Princesses at any of the other character meals - Ariel's and Goofy's are your only chance, unless something has changed in the last three weeks.

 

[dvcdisney]

I would read this thread.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2365983

Jack

Thanks!

It looks like it'll be okay if we go on or before Aug 21st of this year. Good to know!

And thanks again to HydroGuy! Definitely very helpful info.

 

[dvcdisney]

We visited DLR & S. CA mid July and mid Sept. last year ~ weather was warm but tolerable, we visited WDW early Oct. last year and it was miserably hot and humid. Perhaps you can visit earlier in Aug. or July?? Ariel's Grotto is great ~ yummy food, I like that it's not a buffet ~ the food is brought to you! Are both of your kids girls? Is the older a boy? If so "he" might not care for it. DS grabbed a counter service meal, ate on a bench right outside of Ariel's then rode CA Screamin' several times while DD and I dined with the princesses ~ he had a cell phone and we spoke every few minutes. Chances are there will be a princess at Goofy's Kitchen so you could consider that meal, but it's not a guarantee.

I chose Aug because I thought there would be a better chance that the school is back or at least a better chance that some schools are back in session.

Thanks for the info on Ariel's Grotto...the menu does seem great, but since I've never been, it's great to hear from someone who likes it. Also, I'm glad to hear that it's not a buffet. I usually steer clear from buffets. By the way, my 5 year old is a girl and the 10 year old is a boy. I think he'll be fine. He's used to it since we go to Princess dining at WDW at least twice every time we go. He's okay with it since he gets to choose a restaurant as well.

Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[dvcdisney]

Oh, no doubt! Those mid-day hotel breaks - for those who choose to take advantage of them - can be lifesavers even in cold weather! But in hot weather, they absolutely can make all the difference in restoring energy and stamina, and getting refreshed, out of the sun!!

We're used to going to WDW in August so we're familiar with the long afternoon breaks at the pool and resort. I agree, it's definitely a must!

I think Ariel's Grotto is the best bet for the Princess encounter - that is a fool proof way to see them. DisneyMomma81 is right about Princesses being at Goofy's Kitchen too. The last several times I have eaten at Goofy's, there have been at least 2 Princesses there (when I went on December 19, there were actually 3 in the restaurant along with other furry characters, but we only had 2 of them on our side of the restaurant), but you never know which one or two or three Princesses you will see, and it is not 100% guaranteed that they will be there. (I get the feeling that Goofy's is trying to step up the characters a bit to compete with the popularity of Ariel's and Minnie & Friends.)

You won't see any Princesses at any of the other character meals - Ariel's and Goofy's are your only chance, unless something has changed in the last three weeks.

Thanks. I'm definitely going to make priority seatings for Ariel's Grotto.

But since Goofy's a buffet, I will probably pass on this one.