Question regarding the "actual"anniversary (7/17) and crowds around that time

[pjlla]

Sorry to be pesty but I have a concern.

There is a possibility that I will be making my first trip to DL next year, in July. I will have little/no say in the dates because this will be part of a trip to a family wedding in New Mexico and the DL part of it is just an "extra" that I am trying to talk DH into.

Anyhow, right now it looks like we could possibly be in DL around July 12th. I know that the anniversary celebration officially begins in May and that the actual anniversary is July 17. Will it be totally crazy around there in July? Should I book a hotel now (or asap at least)?? Or will most of the crowds be there in May and just 7/17/2005?

I knew that July would be a crowded time to visit, but since this may be my one and only time in my life to visit DL, I was willing to tolerate the crowds... But now I am afraid it will be so crowded that I may not be able to get a hotel once we get our dates confirmed.

I need some feedback from experienced DL folks out there!! Thanks for any and all help! And send PD to DH to convince him that this is a good idea!!.......................P

 

[kimkatmom]

Pjlla

There is no doubt that next July in DL is going to be crowded. And yes, make you reservations NOW!!! I think you will want to try to be as flexible as possible [within reason] about where you are staying. Remember, normally July is very crowded and it will be exceptionally crowded this year. But I wouldn't miss it for the world! We have had our reservations for July for several months now. Book them now and then you can cancel them if something happens that you can't go.

All you need to remember is that you need to be tolerant. It will be warm - possibly hot. The crowds will be huge. But if this is the only time you might see DL -- go for it. You only live once.

MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS NOW!

Have a wonderful time!

 

[pjlla]

Thanks so much for the helpful response.... it is not so much a matter of cancelling if we cannot go... but we need to wait to find out when the wedding in New Mexico is and plan from there. The bride (DH's niece) is currently looking at the weekend after July 4th, which would be July 9/10... assuming we left NM on Monday July 11... we would be in DL about the 12th.... Maybe I should make a mid-week reservation for every week in July and then just cancel the ones I don't need!! .............P

 

[djm99]

All of the really "reasonable priced rooms" (i.e. cheap) are already booked thru August - Can U believe!!! I'm so glad I made many many reservations - I just have to figure out which one I'm going to stay with!!!!!

 

[pjlla]

Seriously? WOW! Maybe this DL thing just isn't meant to be. I went on one of the travel sites yesterday (?Orbitz?) and priced out the airfare.... about $4000!!! (For all 4 of us) YIKES! I hope the Bride hurries to decide her date! Then I can actually plan this and see if it is going to happen!.............P

 

[Disneyland_emily]

Well decent airfare isnt well decent until about 4-6 months before when most carriers actually put in the mixed rates-

The super 8s around DL are still holding a 59 rate (up from my 49 rate booked in Aug) and HOJO is holding a 99 (same as Aug booking)- Not too bad...

-em

 

[exDS vet]

The 50th Anniversary will be crazy to say the least. But July 17 will be a historic day for Disneyland and I will definately be there.

As far as the crowds go, keep in mind that July 17 is on a Sunday. There could be an entire week of extra anniversary celebrations, or they might limit it to an extended weekend. On the 40th anniversary in 1995, they did the weekend thing and I believe July 17 was on a Monday. The park was packed throughout.

When you factor in the weekend, along with it being in the middle of summer and the fact that it's the park's' birthday it means huge numbers in the park. I have heard rumored expectations of 138,000 on the 17th alone. That means they will close the gates for sure. Hopefully DCA will take some of the burden from Disneyland, but I doubt it.

 

[disneychrista]

Another make a cancellable reservation NOW (cancellable just in case plans change). I know the motel we are stay at is already "sold out" during our trip 7/15-7/19.

 

[Disneyland_emily]

^ Can I ask which one is that? Just curious


Is it July YET? -em

 

[disneychrista]

Carousel Inn and Suites

I too an anxiously awaiting July. Its no far my parents are going at the end of November and I am stuck at home

 

[dsnylndmom]

I made my ressies today for Park Inn. A one bedroom suite, 3 queen beds & a queen sofabed. $155 a night. I'm a happy camper!

 

[AnnaS]

We made our reservations about two months ago for three nights at the Fairfield Inn. We will be coming off the Magic on July 9th. I would also recommend making one or two ressies and then cancel.

 

[Goofydiane]

I can only see hotel rooms go up in price until about a week before the 17th, and then if anything still is available, and when people cancel - prices will go back down!