Presidents Day too chaotic?

[StellaD]

We are going to California for the first time and have a couple days we could spend at Disneyland. We are meeting family in San Diego afterwards so the only days we'd have would be Sunday and Monday of Presidents' Day weekend. I'm planning on booking the DLH for our visit, even though it is more than I've ever paid before for a room. I'm worried that it will be so busy that it will just not be as fun for the money we will be spending. Has anyone gone during this time who can tell me just how busy it may be? or have any tips?

We have been to DW many times and thought seeing Disneyland would be cool since we will be so close. I'm just worried about the crowd chaos and wondering if my worries are justified! My kids are both 11 years old if that's any help.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Yes, it will be crowded. Will it ruin your trip? Not if you expect it and are ready! It is totally possible to enjoy DL on crowded days. Best starting place: stay onsite. And you've already checked that box! Yes, the price could choke a horse but what you are paying for here isn't an extra fluffy bed and staff that will do anything for you, it's the close location & Extra Magic Hour every morning. Now, take advantage of that extra hour every morning, I find the EMH and the first few hours after the park opens to be the most productive of the day. When the crowds get to be too much or you get tired, take the monorail back to Downtown Disney then a short walk back to DLH & chill for a few hours.

One big advantage to holiday periods are extra park hours and full entertainment schedules, so don't let the crowds daunt you, you can still have an amazing trip! (Do make restaurant ressies though if you want Blue Bayou for dining ahead of your trip, DL accepts ressies 60 days out.)

 

[wallawallakids]

We went last year over President's Day week and on actual President's Day and I didn't find it that busy at all. In fact, less busy then summer. It was perfect weather too. We got everything we wanted to do done. It wasn't "light" crowds, but with some good touring plans, you should be fine. I would go again in a heartbeat that same week.

 

[mckennakendall]

We have been to DL many times and this is our 1st time going over President's Day weekend. Because of the 60th anniversary coming up, there are a lot of things closed for refurbishment like: World of Color, Soarin over CA, Grizzly River Run, Peter Pan, Splash Mountain, Matterhorn, and others. It has been mentioned that the castle will be undergoing a make-over too. In my opinion, any day at DL is a magical and perfect day! However, I just mentioned the refurbishments so you aren't disappointed.

 

[StellaD]

Thanks for the replies! Is has eased my mind for sure. And yes, I heard about the refurbishments, but of those the castle would be the most disappointing for sure. We have many family photos in front of the castle at WDW and it will be very sad if the DL castle is all tarped up. But what can you do?

Looking forward to our first visit to California!