Should we expect large crowds 2/26 - 3/1?

[Luvmy2Js]

We will be leaving for Disneyland on saturday the 25th. Since we aren't getting in till late and this was a last minute decision to add this night we are staying at Ramada Maingate until Sunday when we check in at The Grand California.

My husband and I are taking our two kids, dd 3 & ds 1, plus my sister and her two little ones are coming as are my parents. I am really having a hard time because I am a planner to the max. Everyone else just wants to do whatever and not plan where we will eat or what rides we shoudl hit or anything. That might be ok if the park is going to be pretty quiet but if there are going to be large crowds I just don't think that will work well. Does anyone know if we should expect large crowds or if there will be any type of conventions in the area?

 

[eryn the pooh]

I am also a big planner. I've been researching our trip since Oct and we finally booked in Dec. Our dates are Feb 28 to Mar 7. I checked the conventions and it looked like it was after all the cheerleading and right before the hours get longer and peoples spring breaks start. But, it is right before the "old" pirates closes forever and the "new" pirates will be added to, so Im wondering if that might make it a bit busier because some might want to have one last ride on the pirates as we know it. And it is also right before the contract talks start and rumours about strikes have been going around. I didnt know most of these things when i booked, but nothing i can do now. Im just crossing my fingers and hoping everyday that it will not be so busy that the newcomers im bringing wont get the chance to enjoy all the wonderful things that i love about disneyland. But, I really dont think that it will be. As long as you know how to use fastpass and get there early, you can always make it a great day! So, dont worry, have fun and we'll see you there!

 

[hlbtimes2]

Crowds will be larger then normal mid week crowds on the 26-27, then it should be ok after that. But, that doesnt mean things are going to be packed like summer peak season.

April 27th is the last day of the kids play / fly free special, last day for the S. CA 2fer tickets, and the last day for 4 night hotel/ $150 gift card special.

As for planning, you'll be fine. The only places I would really make plans for are character meals. There are plenty of places with walk up sevice to eat it. Rides, just take them as they come. Get fast pass when you can, and remember you dont have to use them during that window, just after the return time.

If I were you, I would have an idea of where, when, etc. Then when the typical "what should we do next" happens, you'll have a suggestion and not as much time will be wasted.

Oh, and plan on fireworks and F! as early in your trip as possible. That way if they are canceled due to weather you'll have a back up day to watch them. Fireworks, F!, and parades do taking planning. Especially to get a good place for that many people. I would plan on having at least a a couple people from your party, with a couple blankets to sit on, holding a spot for 2-3 hours (an hour or so for the parade) before they start.

 

[Luvmy2Js]

Thanks for the replies ladies. My sister that lives in southern ca just called and reminded me that the Nascar race will be in Fontanta that weekend so monday and tuesday might be pretty busy with people that make a vacation out of the race. I never even thought to double check when the race was in Ca.

I hope the weather stays as nice as it is now.

 

[Mom2micayla]

Thanks for the replies ladies. My sister that lives in southern ca just called and reminded me that the Nascar race will be in Fontanta that weekend so monday and tuesday might be pretty busy with people that make a vacation out of the race. I never even thought to double check when the race was in Ca.

I hope the weather stays as nice as it is now.

Man I hope not! We'll be there the same times as you (Feb 26-Mar 2nd) and I thought I had the whole thing thought through. I never even considered an extra crowd from the race.

Oh and I agree with you on the weather. Keeping our fingers crossed it stays nice and we don't get hit with a storm during our stay.