Please help me pick my dates for DL

[Simba's Mom]

I have 4 possible choices-6/23 to 6/26, 6/24 to 6/27, 7/28 to 7/31, or 7/29 to 8/1. I'm looking for any and all guidance I can get-I've never been there at any time of year. Will July be much more crowded, or since I'd be going late in the month, would it be like June crowds? How does the weather compare-is it to hot in July (I've never been to the state)? Anything significant closed for refurbishment? I'm particularly interested in the Fantasyland attractions. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Buckimion]

Pick June...the earlier the better. Peak crowds will start 4th of July and will not let up until after the 2nd week of August. (yes, they will go slightly downhill after August 1st, but still very busy.)

 

[djm99]

I'll be there July 31-Aug 3rd. I really don't care about the crowds. I've been to Disneyland in February when the crowds were nothing and it was almost boring to me. It seems that the excitement of waiting and crowds (not extreme crowds) is what makes the parks. If you could just walk up to every ride and ride, every show and immediately sit, and take a picture with every character - you loose the anticipation of DL. That was simply boring to me. But I must tell you, that I enjoy people watching. I enjoy watching people have a good time. The smiles, laughs etc. makes Disney magical to me. Now given I don't want to be there and walk skin to skin with a stranger but crowds are okay. Just make sure you have a few days to see and do what you want. And if you don't -plan another trip.

 

[iceskatejen]

There's one very good reason to wait until after mid-July and that's the reopening of Space Mountain. Granted, I think that will make the park more crowded once the general public realizes it's open again, though a fair amount of them don't realize it's not open. I can't tell you how many people I've passed in DL saying "Let's go on Space Mountain next."

 

[DLovinFam]

I'll be there July 31-Aug 3rd. I really don't care about the crowds. I've been to Disneyland in February when the crowds were nothing and it was almost boring to me. It seems that the excitement of waiting and crowds (not extreme crowds) is what makes the parks. If you could just walk up to every ride and ride, every show and immediately sit, and take a picture with every character - you loose the anticipation of DL. That was simply boring to me. But I must tell you, that I enjoy people watching. I enjoy watching people have a good time. The smiles, laughs etc. makes Disney magical to me. Now given I don't want to be there and walk skin to skin with a stranger but crowds are okay. Just make sure you have a few days to see and do what you want. And if you don't -plan another trip.

I totally agree with this! We went at the beginning of Oct. last time and I was expecting it to be less crowded than it was. I was very pleased to see that there were plenty of people there. It really adds to the magic watching others having fun along with you, chatting with people in line while you anticipate your turn, etc. I know it will be MUCH more crowded this time (going the last full week of Aug) but I think it will have more of a festive feel to it. Going in the summer, staying open later, staying on site ect.