Please help, thinking of cancelling our Trip

[Gixer]

Hello Disneyland fans

I hope someone can help? I have gone from being super excited about our trip to super worried

I booked our trip for 24th - 27th Aug and I have just been reading about the blackout dates & that DL & especially CA are going to be maxed out crazy as the blackout lifts that week.

I now dont know if its worth actually going Is there stuff to do that doesnt involve waiting around in impossibly long lines for rides? I am a WDW Vet & know that there is enough to occupy me with shows & parades that if I never made it onto 1 single ride it wouldnt dampen my enjoyment. Is DL the same? are there plenty of non ride things like parades & such?

Also just simple things like eating are now stressing me out big time, when we go to WDW I have my ADR's all made & masterminded months in advance so eating doesnt clash with shows etc, but the DL hours are not released for Aug so I have no idea what time Fantasmic/Fireworks/parades usually take place. I was hoping not to have to make ADR's this trip but if the crowds are going to be Epic then we dont stand a chance of actually getting to eat, even in DTD.

I'm worried sick about this trip now & am so sad as its our first visit to DL and I wanted it to be special, not somewhere we think ''OMG this place is a freakin Nightmare NEVER AGAIN!''

I dont know if I should go ahead or just switch to a few days in L.A taking in the sights, doing some shopping & a trip to Universal.

Any advice? What would YOU do?

 

[HydroGuy]

If you continue with the trip are you planning four full park days? That will make working around the crowds significantly easier. And would you be staying at a Disney hotel? That would make it easier too and give you multiple Magic Mornings.

When do you go to WDW? Are you accustomed to holiday or Spring Break crowds at WDW?

In any case, yes, DLR does have lots of stuff to do that does not involve long lines. Like WDW. The summer of 2005 was very busy too as it was the 50th anniversary celebration. We spent four days at DLR in August. We did tons of stuff and never waited for any rides for more than 20 minutes. Will the end of August be busier than that? Probably. But not so much that it fundamentally changes things.

The bottom line is that DLR can be enjoyed when crowds are heavy. Further, most visitors that week will be SoCal locals on day trips. So if you are staying nearby you will have an advantage and work around them more easily.

Planning ADRs? A good idea at DLR but you have probably already figured out they are much, much easier to get than at WDW. So do not fret that. You can use park hours from last year to project August.

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

If you do table service and/or eat at off-peak hours you will be fine for dining. Eat lunch at 11:00-11:30 and dinner at 5:00-5:30 and you will be fine. Most DLR vets place a low priority on dining.

Now, the overall question is - should you still go? Only you can answer that. I think most us here could handle four days at DLR any week of the year if that is all we had. So the issue is not whether it can be done. It can. It is whether you want to push through it or not.

BlackJackDelta was there the same week last year and still had a great time.

Mostly I am glad you found out now so you can make a more informed decision and not be shocked upon arrival like most others will be.

HTH

 

[blackjackdelta]

Hello Disneyland fans

I hope someone can help? I have gone from being super excited about our trip to super worried

I booked our trip for 24th - 27th Aug and I have just been reading about the blackout dates & that DL & especially CA are going to be maxed out crazy as the blackout lifts that week.

I now dont know if its worth actually going Is there stuff to do that doesnt involve waiting around in impossibly long lines for rides? I am a WDW Vet & know that there is enough to occupy me with shows & parades that if I never made it onto 1 single ride it wouldnt dampen my enjoyment. Is DL the same? are there plenty of non ride things like parades & such?

Also just simple things like eating are now stressing me out big time, when we go to WDW I have my ADR's all made & masterminded months in advance so eating doesnt clash with shows etc, but the DL hours are not released for Aug so I have no idea what time Fantasmic/Fireworks/parades usually take place. I was hoping not to have to make ADR's this trip but if the crowds are going to be Epic then we dont stand a chance of actually getting to eat, even in DTD.

I'm worried sick about this trip now & am so sad as its our first visit to DL and I wanted it to be special, not somewhere we think ''OMG this place is a freakin Nightmare NEVER AGAIN!''

I dont know if I should go ahead or just switch to a few days in L.A taking in the sights, doing some shopping & a trip to Universal.

Any advice? What would YOU do?

I will be busy, but if you read Hydroguy's rules you can have a great time. You just need to be prepared. If you walk in with the mind set to compare WDW to DLR, then you will spend most of your time just doing that. We are going 15-21 just because of the block out dates(only week I can get time off.)
You still can make your PS(ressie's) and if need be use Ridemax to help with the ride timing.

Good luck,

Jack

 

[Had2stopLurking]

Another great thing to remember, most Californians don't like to get up early so you can get a ton done the 1st couple hours of park opening.

 

[jenniferrose]

A lot of schools are already back in session that week. Most people aren't going to pull their kids out of school their first or second week of school to go on vacation.

 

[letitsnow]

I would definately go!!! Don't be scared of the crowds. Sometimes when they are expecting it to be busy it's slow and I've gone during off peak and supposed slow times and it's very busy!!! Either way we always enjoy ourselves and look forward to the next time we go.

If you have an iPhone u can download an app called mousewait it's free and you can see the wait times for the rides.

Yes it's busy at times but with planning and research it won't be so bad. Use fastpass for any ride that has a waitrime of more than 20 minutes.

 

[tholczer]

It depends on so many things. If you are trying to have a relaxing vacation? Not the best time to go. If you're up for military type planning and execution, all while surrounded by hoards of crazed Disney fans in the hot, hot sun? A great time to go!

All kidding aside, as AP holders, we usually skip the busy times of year (except this year - we'll be there during the same week). So my perspective is a bit different. But I did go to WDW a couple years back during Spring Break. It was hugely crowded, but we had a plan of attack, followed it, and had a great time. As a WDW vet, you probably know the drill. It just depends on what kind of vacation you want.

If it were me and I had some flexibility in dates, I'd definitely go another time. But if your only choices are to go during school vacations, one crowded time of year is the same as another pretty much. Might as well go in the summer and soak up the California sun!

Tracy

 

[NewbieMouse]

I would just go. I have never been to DL, just WDW, but I think if you follow the advice of others (make sure you get a MM with your hopper pass, get to the park early each day, use fastpass, get your ADRs in, etc.), you'll have a blast. Our first DL trips is also supposed to be a busy time (in June - right after summer shows return to boot), but that's not going to phase me! We plan on using the recommended touring plans in the Unofficial Guide to Disneyland 2010. Like you were are doing multiple days (5) so that will allow us to make the most of the mornings and retreat in the afternoon madness.

Have a great time!

 

[DisneyMomma81]

You'll be OK with planning and going in knowing what to expect but can you adjust your dates at all? Go either earlier in Aug. or sometime in Sept.?

 

[Gixer]

Ohh my gosh! Thank you all so much you have gone such a long way to reassure me, seriously I'm almost in tears, its been a dream since childhood to go to ''the real Disneyland'' and I would have been heartbroken to drop it from our itinerary, as I have tagged it on to the end of a Hawaii trip before flying back to London.

We are staying at the Grand Californian so I guess you cant get much closer than that? but we do only have 3 full park days, we will be heading to the airport at lunchtime on the 4th day.

I always plan our WDW trips with Military precision, so am used to the drill, having said that we have never done a WDW trip over a busy period like spring break or Christmas!

I think if we approach our DL trip the same way as our WDW trips we should be OK, I was kinda just hoping to just mooch around, taking it all in, but if we are going to get everything done during such a busy time I'll have to plan accordingly & book ADR's, make good use of FP etc.

Thanks again for all your help & advice, as Hydro guy says, at least we are not going into this totally unaware so can prep for it!

 

[sierranevada]

Any advice? What would YOU do?

What would I do - I would not hesitate if that was the only time I could go!! But I have been during 4th of July, veterans day, and the days in early June that were the last days before the block outs!! I found the mornings were fine and as they day wore on, it got progressively busier. But we still did everything we wanted in 3 days, actually park time was more like 2 3/4 days.

Advice - you are staying at the GCH (which is awesome by the way!!) so take advantage of the location! Use Magic Mornings (Tues & Thurs when you are there) into DL, go into DCA 1/2 before it opens (also only available to DLR hotel guests) and snag fastpasses to Soarin' (it opens 1/2 hr before the park opens) then go get in line for TSMM! Take a mid-afternoon break by the pool - lunch or snacks from White Water Snacks... and maybe a drink! Always get to the parks early - at least 15 minutes before opening. Collect fastpasses in the morning to the E-ticket rides and ride the ones with little wait time. Use the fastpasses in the evening when it gets busier.

A lot of schools are back in session so you may see the biggest increase in the crowds late afternoon and evening when the locals come in - great time to use your accumulated Fastpasses!

Since you are staying onsite - use vacation planning to make any of your dining ressies - maybe even Priority seating for Fantasmic! They are awesome and do all the calling for you and you will have an itinerary waiting when you check in! Contact them at email: vacationplanning@disneyonline.com, or call 714-300-7526 (option 2). And if you want an awesome dinner, I highly recommend Napa Rose at the GCH!

Have a great time and plan accordingly and you will be fine!

 

[letitsnow]

I am sure that there are far less things to do at Disneyland than WDW I am sure you will be fine. 3 days should be plenty. I think you should be able to do DCA in 1/2 day and since it is summer there should be extended hours.

I say busy Disneyland is waaaaay better than NO Disneyland!

 

[chrissiecutie]

Ok, I'm going to go against the crowd and say DON'T GO!

The summer months are awful and August is the worst! Crowds, crowds and more crowds plus the heat = cranky, rude people. Yes, even at "The Happiest Place on Earth"!

Why do that to yourself and your family?

Is there any way you can go a week later? Just one or possibly 2 weeks later will make all the difference, trust me!

If you MUST go during that timeframe, get Magic Morning and USE IT! This is the only way you will experience the rides without a wait. And for goodness sakes, don't waste your MM on shopping/eating!

Hit Fantasyland (if you have young kids) or the Mountains (ie. Splash, Space, Matterhorn, etc for older kids) and then plan on being outside Toontown's gate right at opening time, I think it's around 10am?? That should give you a few hours to run around before the crowds hit. Then you can see all the characters in Toontown and get out of there by lunchtime, right as everyone is trickling down to Toontown.

After that, there's really nothing you can do that won't require a super long wait. Hit up Fastpasses and enjoy!

 

[bumbershoot]

If you're worried about blockout dates having been lifted, that means you're afraid of AP holders.

But AP holders, especially so cal one, go often up to ALL THE TIME*, which means they aren't going to clogging things up for the rides and such. They'll be there for WOC, etc etc.

Go early, get FPs, and apart from crowded walkways, I bet you'll do just fine.

Stay hydrated!!!!!!




*if they are only AP holders b/c they had a 9 day trip planned and DLR doesn't sell more than 6 day tickets, they likely aren't going at that time, know what I mean?

 

[NewbieMouse]

I'm a massive over planner and perfectionist, so I sympathize with the strong desire to make the trip as great as possible. But since you're in the UK, you're not going to have a lot of opportunities to get to Disneyland. If you lived in the US and were in a position to grab a short flight on a seat sale sometime, or lived within a drivable vacation distance, that would be one thing. But you're not - so since flexibility may be and issue and you probably won't have a ton of opportunities to go, I would just go. As another poster mentioned, a lot of kids will already be back to school by that time - it could be much better than you're imagining.

 

[Dobie]

Oh hunny, you will have a blast.

We went a couple of years ago the week that Pirates opened with the Jack Sparrow overlay. I had no idea that was going on when I booked it. The crowds were horrendous, which was good--we just watched where the cattle were herding and went the other way.

We had a great time.

 

[Ed J]

Go but get there early!

Just imagine how much you can get done if you arrive when the crowds are not there yet.

These photos are from Aug last summer, it was mobbed everyday, but we got soooooo much done early and relaxed during an afternoon break.

 

[HydroGuy]

Ok, I'm going to go against the crowd and say DON'T GO!

The summer months are awful and August is the worst! Crowds, crowds and more crowds plus the heat = cranky, rude people. Yes, even at "The Happiest Place on Earth"!

I am glad there are people who feel this way. It is what makes the world go round.

If everyone liked summer visits as much as I do then it would be way more crowded. Summer is my favorite time to go to DLR. I think the temperatures are perfect. I rarely see cranky, rude people. I know they are there. But when they are at their crankiest I am in a swimming pool or taking a nap in an air conditioned room. Taking breaks for 4-5 hours mid-day makes summer visits very enjoyable IMO.

Regarding summer temperatures, some people are more sensitive to heat than others. I get that. But it does not bother me that much.

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

June Avg Hi/Lo 80/61 F, 27/16 C
July Avg Hi/Lo 85/64 F, 30/18 C
Aug Avg Hi/Lo 87/64 F, 31/18 C

Personally these temperatures sound ideal to me. Mornings are usually low to mid-60's, mid-day in the low to mid-80's.

I know some people say it is hotter inside DLR than outside. I have never bought that. All of Anaheim is paved. Anyways, DLR just does not seem that warm to me. But, like I said, that is probably because we leave each day at 1PM for 4-5 hours and rest.

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

 

[Mom2micayla]

I say go.

I was very much a low crowds kind of gal and always avoided peak season like the plague. However, last year my daughter wanted to do DLR for her birthday (mid July) so I sucked it up and went. It wasn't nearly as bad as I had made it out to be in my mind! We were able to ride every single ride we wanted to ride (many multiple times) without ever staying in lines for more than 25-30 minutes (most less). We made PS for meals, and when we hit the CS meals, we just tried to avoid the peak times and either ate a little earlier or later. Never had much of a wait for service or tables. I found the temps to be quite nice, but I'm from Arizona where it's hotter than Hades.

When the crowds got rather heavy in mid afternoon, we hit the hotel pool and swam a few hours. My girls LOVED the break and looked forward to swimming as much as they did spending time in the parks.

So IMHO, DLR is not bad in the summer. Crowded, yes. But very doable. Just take advantage of the fastpass system and take an afternoon break when it gets way crowded (lunch and/or shopping in dtd, swimming, etc) and you'll be fine.

 

[blackjackdelta]

I am glad there are people who feel this way. It is what makes the world go round.

If everyone liked summer visits as much as I do then it would be way more crowded. Summer is my favorite time to go to DLR. I think the temperatures are perfect. I rarely see cranky, rude people. I know they are there. But when they are at their crankiest I am in a swimming pool or taking a nap in an air conditioned room. Taking breaks for 4-5 hours mid-day makes summer visits very enjoyable IMO.

Regarding summer temperatures, some people are more sensitive to heat than others. I get that. But it does not bother me that much.

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

June Avg Hi/Lo 80/61 F, 27/16 C
July Avg Hi/Lo 85/64 F, 30/18 C
Aug Avg Hi/Lo 87/64 F, 31/18 C

Personally these temperatures sound ideal to me. Mornings are usually low to mid-60's, mid-day in the low to mid-80's.

I know some people say it is hotter inside DLR than outside. I have never bought that. All of Anaheim is paved. Anyways, DLR just does not seem that warm to me. But, like I said, that is probably because we leave each day at 1PM for 4-5 hours and rest.

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

I agree with everything you point out. But 50k people, walking around an confined space at 98F will probably raise the ambient a little, but you are right the hottest times are always around mid afternoon. There never seems to be a breeze in the afternoon. I might have to try the swimmimg pool this year. I seem to get attracted to rude parents and very illmannered children.

Jack