Possible 1st Disneyland trip - crowds

[skullsplitter]

We may be going to DL for the first time. Our window is any time starting June 26 through the end of July. Is there any time in that range where crowds are higher/lower than the rest of the range? I'm guessing no, but thought I'd check with the experts here first.

 

[figment_jii]

I don't know how may folks still have the SoCal AP, but the summer blockout starts on July 1 (Fri), so there might be a bit more crowds that week (Sun to Thu) as SoCal AP holders come into the parks one last time before the blockout goes into effect. July 4th weekend will be a three day weekend for a lot of folks, so crowds will likely be high. While nothing like last year, there will probably be pretty good crowds on July 17th (Disneyland's birthday, which happens to be on a Sunday).

 

[DisneySisters]

We went yesterday, it was supposed to be a light day, it was packed. I wouldn't recommend going in summer. If you decide to go, plan well. Be at the park when it opens, go back to the hotel midday, then go back after resting. And make reservations for dinner and shows as soon as you can. Also, just try and be flexible, ride whatever has the shortest lines, stop at attractions that may not be the big draws, but are less crowded.

 

[coaches24]

Your time frame is in the busy season. 4th of July weekend is likely the busiest but it will be busy throughout.

 

[smartlabelprint]

It's busy in summer but they're open longer hours. It's a good trade off since it's basically packed most of the year. A slow day is a rare surprise not something you can plan for.

 

[agamble]

The last week of June is pretty good as far as summer goes. Grad parties are over, the lowest level passes are completely blocked, schools are officially out (no more school groups), and the parks have the longest hours with very early openings. The weather is generally nice too with cooler mornings and evenings. I think July is busier than late June, but then again it just depends on when families book their vacations on any given year. Just know it will be busy regardless, and get there early to enjoy the less crowded morning time.

 

[SMD]

Just think of all the people who said last year that their plan to see the 60th was for next summer. They'll only have 2 months left to plan their summer vacation at DL before the 60th ends. I expect this summer to be just as busy as last summer.

 

[StormyCA]

Honestly, when it comes to predicting crowds, I think all bets are off these days. It's safe to say that June/July will be more crowded than, say, Feb/Mar but that's about it. The difference between June and July would be negligible.

 

[Ndusmama]

Honestly I've been to DL every year for five years now on its actually birthday. Last year the official kickoff of 60th was crazy, not nearly as crazy as the 50th. But on off years it's not a huge crowd. This year since they are extending 60th celebrations until fall it might be a little more crowded.

My advice just get there as early as possible, take a mid day break (inside shows or people watch), and just before parades go back for rides.

 

[skullsplitter]

Thanks for the input!

 

[ktlm]

I would avoid July 4th, and any days which are the last couple of days before a group of annual passholders are blocked for the summer (you can find the calendar online) Aside from that, we went 60th Anniversary week of July last year, and left before the actual anniversary. I was worried it would be miserably crowded. To my surprise, we found it totally manageable. We did not think it was bad at all. We have been on the Monday and Tuesday in June of the last week before the SOCal annual passes are blocked out, and I think those days felt far more crowded that we felt in July. Saturday and Sunday were great when they were blocked, but then those 1st 2 days of their last week to be in the parks were absolutely crazy.

 

[Disneyluv111]

We're going at the end of June. I don't like going in the summer but hubby likes it. He likes the hot weather more than say, January. I had to cancel my January trip so we can go in June. It's going to be hot. I remember being there 2 years ago in the summer and it was jam packed. This time I purchased 5 days tickets; I'm hoping that will help us get on some rides and enjoy our time without feeling rush. If you go in the summer go for a longer trip if you can do it.