I remember August last year, very busy but great time.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.
Sure, but there are also lots of air conditioning sources and shade inside DLR. Lots of plants and trees there too which help absorb and deflect heat.
summer is a great time to visit! Last year we went both June and August, 2007 July. I used to prefer Spring, not anymore crowds April '09 and crowds March '10 were too much compared to summer.) more rushed and impatient, like they only have X amount of time and then have to get back to real life. Summer is crowded but more laid back IMO, there seems to be a slower approach to the parks and I like the lazy crazy days of summer 
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
I would much rather you be there during the months I hate and leave me to enjoy the parks when it's cooler and less crowded!
When we were there mid August they were having a heat wave (which is very common) so the "average" temps didn't apply. Our 1st day in the parks it was over 100 degrees and for someone who thinks 80 is like sitting on the sun- it was too hot!
We planned for this and used our MM, got tons of stuff done early morning and then vegged out mid day. We were staying offsite about 20 mins away, so leaving mid day just didn't make sense.
I will say that perhaps it's more difficult for families who have not only a stroller but someone in an electric wheelchair. Not sure if you've ever traveled with someone in a wheelchair in the middle of August but people DO NOT move out of the way. Thus the rudness and other unattractive qualities emerge... It's very difficult and slow moving just to get from one attraction to another and forget about actually moving during a parade or Fantasmic.
Frankly, the only reason we ever went in August was because we had a terminal family member that we were visiting and there was no way she would still be alive during our original trip planned for Nov.
Quite honestly I think that folks are so excited about being there that they are willing to overlook some negatives. I know that growing up, my parents took us there every summer- because with 3 school aged kids and 2 working parents- that's what worked best for them. However, once we got older, we always went in Nov because the weather was so much better and you could see more of the park (DCA wasn't built yet) in less time.
If that works for you- then great!
Do what works best for you- just consider all the pros and cons beforehand!
However, for most people who legitimately need the ECV's and take care to operate them properly- it can be very frusterating. If my sister didn't constantly say "excuse me please" she wouldn't have moved at all! We would literally stand still and watch the crowd ebb and flow around the wheelchair. My football linebacker sized hubbie had to forge a path ahead of her just so that she could move the freakin thing without hitting people.
And yes, folks should "move out of the way". Where's she supposed to go?? To so many "upright" folks, a wheelchair seemed to be a sign to please walk in front of me because clearly I (the wheelchair) can't possibly move as fast as you "upright" folks.
My point is, we all need to take care and be understanding of others. Walk alongside the wheelchairs, don't cut them off or God forbid stop suddenly right in front of them. They don't expect special treatment, just common courtesy. It's a large, cumbersome thing that's surprisingly difficult to operate in heavy crowds. I can guarantee you that those EVC drivers are careful not to run over your toes so you should be careful not to get your toes run over.
As far as summertime-I'm so glad that others enjoy it at this time of year. Disneyland is wonderful and magical, no matter when you go. It's not like we had a horrible trip when we were there in August- that's just crazy talk! But for me, if I'm going to go and spend the money- I want it to be at my favorite time of year and it's not summertime. But that leaves at least one less family for you to contend with, right?
Totally agree that it can get really hot at DLR. I visited once when it was 100 degrees out in July. About 20 years ago. And we stayed from opening til closing.
I was younger then...
As far as summertime-I'm so glad that others enjoy it at this time of year. Disneyland is wonderful and magical, no matter when you go. It's not like we had a horrible trip when we were there in August- that's just crazy talk! But for me, if I'm going to go and spend the money- I want it to be at my favorite time of year and it's not summertime. But that leaves at least one less family for you to contend with, right?
I like your way of thinking!! You sound like a girl after my own heart. I live in SoCal and always have lived here, but I hate really hot weather. I have always been this way - no matter what age I was or what shape I was in at any given time. I always hated it. August is one of the worst months for me. I used to go to DL during the summer in my younger years but was always miserable and would get sick from the heat no matter what I did to stay cool.
Finally, one day, it occurred to me
- Why am I putting myself through this heat madness? Why not go to DLR when it's cooler? How about a nice, pretty time of year like the holidays (specifically December), when I can enjoy nice 60-degree weather in the daytime and maybe some 40-degree evenings? Ahhhh...heaven!! To me, 80 degrees feels like I am sitting on the sun as well, and it is amplified inside of DLR, with all those thousands of people smooshed into one place!! So a heat wave of 90 degrees and above is just sheer torture and misery for me.
Code word for "brutally honest"?
Another thumbs up for RideMax.
Check out the following thread:
If you're planning to visit Mickey's Toontown, for your dates in late-August a good time to visit would be at 9:00am on Tuesday or Thurday. (For your dates, on Tuesday and Thursday I would expect MM to start at 7:00am, DL's regular opening time would be at 8:00am, and Mickey's Toontown would open at 9:00am.)
I used to think I was the only one who was really sensitive to heat, but then I started to meet others who had the same problem over the years, so now I know there is a secret society of us who prefer to go to DLR when it is not warm (and preferably even a little chilly!). But as HydroGuy and you have pointed out - it works out great for all of us here, as we don't all have to worry about cramming into DLR at the same time of year!! I would still go to DLR in August if there was no other option to go to DLR for another five years or so, and the only available time was in August - but I would definitely not want to go then.
Code word for "brutally honest"?
But yes, the responses here are really helpful all around. I think the realistic expectations you all set forth have been invaluable. We (and our 3 boys) have a better idea of what to expect (and it's not WDW during value season in February!) Our oldest son has even come to terms with the afternoon break for swimming and resting at GCH. In fact, no complaining about the break is a condition of our DL visit. So there won't be any complaining about the break, guaranteed, right?
If you can hint that they can stay out later in the parks because of the break it might go over better.You know the code!!
I know the feeling of being refreshed as we re-entered the parks at 6PM was worth it!
If you can hint that they can stay out later in the parks because of the break it might go over better.
