Second guessing my dates...

[StarlitNight05]

I had originally planned to go on a very short trip for my birthday, arriving August 23rd with park days August 24th & 25th -- we'd depart on the 26th and would not have a park day (I know it's CHOC walk). We live in Northern California so it's fairly easy for us to accomplish these mini-trips.

Now I am wondering if I should push it back a week to try to go when the Southern California pass is blocked. If I stick with my original dates, only the Southern California Select will be blocked out on the 24th & 25th. The Southern California Annual Passport will be unblocked on Friday the 24th and blocked out the 25th. If I move it to the 17th & 18th then both SoCal passes will be blocked for both dates.

The only bummer is that the 25th is my actual birthday, and I really wanted to be at DLR on the day of my birthday. I know I can always celebrate whenever I want, but it just doesn't feel like a birthday visit if it's the week before.

So will August 24th be a madhouse since it's the first Friday unblocked for Souther California Annual Passports? My one compromise would be to try to ride everything I really want in the morning and afternoon on the 24th and take it easy that night... maybe hitting Carthay & Hearthstone Lounge to retreat from crowds. Thoughts?

 

[fivehourdisney]

In my opinion, yes it will be a madhouse.

I've kinda come to the conclusion that every day is some level of packed, I just need to use FP/maxpass wisely and relax. I dont have an AP but I live in socal so I'm there a few times a year. I've seen and done it all, so if there's something I dont get around to doing because of the crowds, I try not to stress it.

 

[auntiegem]

I personally would avoid going on the first day of unblocked passes, for sure. To me a (possibly) more enjoyable day would trump being there on my birthday.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

Remember that many California schools will be back in session by the week of 8/20, whereas many schools will still be out the week prior. That may (or may not) affect the crowds on the dates you're considering.

 

[lunasea]

Honestly, I don’t think it will be as bad. The majority of LA and OC schools will be back in session, so you won’t have the families of school age kids.

 

[StarlitNight05]

Remember that many California schools will be back in session by the week of 8/20, whereas many schools will still be out the week prior. That may (or may not) affect the crowds on the dates you're considering.

Honestly, I don’t think it will be as bad. The majority of LA and OC schools will be back in session, so you won’t have the families of school age kids.

That's a good point about schools being in session the week prior. It may balance the options out a bit. And Saturday the 25th will be blocked for everyone too.

I keep telling myself it is always crowded and not to stress over dates, but I just don't want to end up dealing with wall-to-wall folks!

 

[StarlitNight05]

I personally would avoid going on the first day of unblocked passes, for sure. To me a (possibly) more enjoyable day would trump being there on my birthday.

It actually unblocks at the beginning of the week for the SoCal (non-select) pass, but I figured more people may be going on the first Friday night due to work schedules... but yeah, I know what you mean.

 

[tlcdoula]

That's a good point about schools being in session the week prior. It may balance the options out a bit. And Saturday the 25th will be blocked for everyone too.

I keep telling myself it is always crowded and not to stress over dates, but I just don't want to end up dealing with wall-to-wall folks!

I will be there the same time as you... We show up late on the 21st first park day will be Wed Aug 22nd we will be in the parks for my birthday on the 23rd, then are either doing Knotts or Universal on the 24th and spending the 25th and 26th in the parks... I honestly think it will be busy anyways the week before so just stick with your Birthday. I think we need to be in the park for our birthdays

 

[StarlitNight05]

I think we need to be in the park for our birthdays

Yeah, it would be better to be at DLR than to be home, that's for sure!