Rethinking late Aug 2012 trip, suspect Carsland will be way too crowded????

[dawnmommy]

We were planning our first DL trip for next August (probably around Aug 20th), hoping that Carsland would be open by then, even if there had been delays in July. I've been so excited to read updates on Carsland, but Al Lutz's last update makes it all sound so unattractive!

The thought of it being so crowded that the entire land might have a wait to get in? We are fine with crowds and know to get up early, use fastpasses, etc (we've only been to WDW, I know DL is different,but that getting there at opening helps).

But now I'm wondering if the first month or two of Carsland will be so crowded that we won't even enjoy it, and I think we might need to consider summer 2013 instead (we can't pull our kids out of school and sports any longer, so we're stuck with breaks)

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

We were planning our first DL trip for next August (probably around Aug 20th), hoping that Carsland would be open by then, even if there had been delays in July. I've been so excited to read updates on Carsland, but Al Lutz's last update makes it all sound so unattractive!

The thought of it being so crowded that the entire land might have a wait to get in? We are fine with crowds and know to get up early, use fastpasses, etc (we've only been to WDW, I know DL is different,but that getting there at opening helps).

But now I'm wondering if the first month or two of Carsland will be so crowded that we won't even enjoy it, and I think we might need to consider summer 2013 instead (we can't pull our kids out of school and sports any longer, so we're stuck with breaks)

A lot of Al's predictions make things seem unattractive or intimidating. Things don't always work out as badly as his doomsaying would make you think. I enjoy reading Al's articles, but I wouldn't let what he says make my decision for me. You have plenty of time to think about your trip still and to stay up-to-date with the progress on Carsland. Also, there's so much more to the California parks than Carsland. If it does turn out that everybody's over there waiting for the new attractions, you'll be able to enjoy the rest of the park that much more with fewer crowds! When the time gets close enough to start considering booking, maybe there will be more information out there. If you need airline tickets, that does complicate things, but other things like hotels can often be booked and canceled if need be without penalty.

 

[dawnmommy]

haha, I probably should have explained more, or I sound like a neurotic worrier

we are planning on 10 days in Southern California, originally thinking half San Diego and half DL. We ARE traveling pretty much for free, our various reward programs cover our hotel, airfare and car rental, but we do book popular destinations nearly a year in advance to get exactly what we want.

we can probably reserve 10 days in the San Diego area and if Carsland seems attractive next August, then purchase tickets then and pay for a hotel.

Right now it just sounds unattractive, but yeah, that is based on one person. I guess.

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

haha, I probably should have explained more, or I sound like a neurotic worrier

we are planning on 10 days in Southern California, originally thinking half San Diego and half DL. We ARE traveling pretty much for free, our various reward programs cover our hotel, airfare and car rental, but we do book popular destinations nearly a year in advance to get exactly what we want.

we can probably reserve 10 days in the San Diego area and if Carsland seems attractive next August, then purchase tickets then and pay for a hotel.

Right now it just sounds unattractive, but yeah, that is based on one person. I guess.

Well, if you're going basically for free, then I would look at Carsland as just a bonus. If you miss it, then you'll have reason to return someday. Like I said, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure are so much more than one land. I certainly wouldn't pass up the experience, especially since you will be in SoCal for so long. I would definitely book a few days in Anaheim, you won't want to drive from San Diego everyday you do Disney.

 

[wdwfan22]

I would not cancel a Disneyland trip because Carsland will be crowded. First off, getting there early always beats the crowds. If you hit Carsland early, yes it still will be crowded, but you can get a FP or 2 (don't know how many FP rides there will be) and enjoy it for an hour before it gets too crazy.

And like longtimedisneylurker pointed out, if everyone goes to Carsland, that should free up space in both the rest of DCA and DL. There is a ton of other rides and lands to visit. I would hope the other lands will be less crowded than normal.

Don't miss your first trip to DL because of one crowded land. You will love DL, and be glad you went.

 

[Nonsuch]

The thought of it being so crowded that the entire land might have a wait to get in? We are fine with crowds and know to get up early, use fastpasses, etc

Staying on site will help. I expect there will be early entry or other promotions for DLR hotel guest, similar to the fastpasses and Little Mermaid promotions this year.

I plan to visit Carsland in October 2012, to avoid crowds and also experience a Halloween party (which we always seem to miss).

 

[MAH4546]

Just go and don't worry about it. Yes, it will be crowded, but plan ahead and you'll have a great time. And ten days in San Diego? Even five days sounds like too many.

Staying on site will help. I expect there will be early entry or other promotions for DLR hotel guest, similar to the fastpasses and Little Mermaid promotions this year.

I plan to visit Carsland in October 2012, to avoid crowds and also experience a Halloween party (which we always seem to miss).

October is consistently crowded. Don't go in October to avoid crowds, you won't be able to.