So sad April trip might not happen :( Maybe June? Advice

[NicholeB630]

So as some of you know I decided to bump up our Sept trip to April the week before Easter due to SWGE coming and hoping that week of April might be more manageable. Well my husband finally thought it over and although he likes my kids won't miss school if we go over break its not a good time

We are building a new house down the road, it will be done Mid April/May so I get that but at the same time its not going anywhere so I have no problem leaving for a week HAHA.

Also he is in the middle of selling his 20 year site development company to some type of buyer. Its literally almost done finally, and he will be working for them still for a couple years to make sure everything runs smooth and he worries about leaving during the transition period, so I kind of get it. I mean its a lot of work and a lot going on this spring but Im sad. He never checks out for vacation though because he does own a company so I didn't see why this would be any different. Anyways long story short he feels its just not a good time. I don't know that its a HARD NO as he usually gives in to things I wanna do but I get where he's coming from and don't wanna push him so hard this time and he be stressed Im really so sad.

So my question the first week of June? I know its summer and I said Id never do it but I also said Id never do a holiday break either. We get out May 31. So we could potentially just leave the day after on a Saturday. I checked AP block out days and the two lower AP groups are completely blocked out like over April break and then one other one is blocked out like the first Sat and the second Fri and Sat. Thoughts? Huge difference from April?

 

[sherilaine]

As has been said repeatedly by others on this board - go when it's the best time for you. Now I get the trying to perhaps avoid the SWGE opening period, as that could be unprecedented nutness but mid April/early June - 6 and 1/2 dozen I think! Don't bend over backwards in your personal life only to get to DLR and find it's crowded no matter what you did to avoid the crowds!

 

[NicholeB630]

As has been said repeatedly by others on this board - go when it's the best time for you. Now I get the trying to perhaps avoid the SWGE opening period, as that could be unprecedented nutness but mid April/early June - 6 and 1/2 dozen I think! Don't bend over backwards in your personal life only to get to DLR and find it's crowded no matter what you did to avoid the crowds!

Well I actually think I answered this for myself. That entire week will be filled with grad nights .. Im not trying to share a park with thousands of graduated high schoolers Im gonna assume its pretty noticeable when they are there.

 

[Whistlebee]

You really CANNOT avoid crowds at Disneyland. If there are any dates that work for you prior to Star Wars land opening (which we don’t know the exact date yet) I would pick those dates. I would choose grad nights over the Star Wars crowds. It is better to go expecting large crowds.

 

[NicholeB630]

You really CANNOT avoid crowds at Disneyland. If there are any dates that work for you prior to Star Wars land opening (which we don’t know the exact date yet) I would pick those dates. I would choose grad nights over the Star Wars crowds. It is better to go expecting large crowds.

Yeah I know crowds are always but I saw some pics of past grad nights and its literally decorated for it? I don't really wanna experience DL if its decked out for graduating seniors, Maybe its only in certain areas? Certain parks each night and not both?

 

[sherilaine]

Grad nights are subjective - we were there 1 May - and honestly we had one night where it seemed more crowded than others which was a grad night and another which was a grad night where we couldn't tell at all - it can be busy because the wind is blowing or because leaves are green - so in other words for no reason!

 

[NicholeB630]

Grad nights are subjective - we were there 1 May - and honestly we had one night where it seemed more crowded than others which was a grad night and another which was a grad night where we couldn't tell at all - it can be busy because the wind is blowing or because leaves are green - so in other words for no reason!

Are grad nights typically at just one of the parks each night and not both? Do if its at DCA is it better to just stick to DL that evening.

 

[sherilaine]

The actual grad night is after hours at DCA - however, those attending do have the option to buy different levels of tickets, with one being a full park hopper for that day - so the grads can take full advantage of he parks the entire day if they wish while some may not do much more before the actual event itself. It all comes down to their schools choice.

 

[NicholeB630]

The actual grad night is after hours at DCA - however, those attending do have the option to buy different levels of tickets, with one being a full park hopper for that day - so the grads can take full advantage of he parks the entire day if they wish while some may not do much more before the actual event itself. It all comes down to their schools choice.

ah ok .. I mean I wouldn't imagine June would be any worse than the week before Easter but like you said it can be busy for no reason at all or maybe not be busy. I guess we just figure out when we can go, have a good plan and do it.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

So, Grad Nites (yes, you knew HydroGuy would have a thread on this, didn't you?!):"The Scoop on Grad Nights at DLR in May and June" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2298400. GNs were restructured two years ago so that there are 3 options: full parkhoppers, DCA only, and party in DCA only. Parkhoppers are expensive, so not all schools choose those. Even for the schools that choose them, they don't all show up at RD. Schools can come from hours away -- so they show up in the afternoons or early evening. Some come in the morning. It all depends. But it isn't a flood of high school seniors showing up at once. The restructuring has been an improvement. We've noticed that the crowds have been better, especially last year. But you will have to be aware about planning nighttime entertainment, dining reservations, and rides at DCA.
Sorry about all the added stress and the wrench thrown into your trip planning... BUT on the bright side, look at you! You're becoming really good at this -- your first post talks about checking the blockout calendars and knowing what to look for. You GO, girl! Like sherilaine said, just choose the best time for your family, that's what's most important here. Once that decision is made, then all the rest will fall into place. Crowds or no, you're going to have a really good time and make great memories. And we're here to help!

 

[NicholeB630]

So, Grad Nites (yes, you knew HydroGuy would have a thread on this, didn't you?!):"The Scoop on Grad Nights at DLR in May and June" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2298400. GNs were restructured two years ago so that there are 3 options: full parkhoppers, DCA only, and party in DCA only. Parkhoppers are expensive, so not all schools choose those. Even for the schools that choose them, they don't all show up at RD. Schools can come from hours away -- so they show up in the afternoons or early evening. Some come in the morning. It all depends. But it isn't a flood of high school seniors showing up at once. The restructuring has been an improvement. We've noticed that the crowds have been better, especially last year. But you will have to be aware about planning nighttime entertainment, dining reservations, and rides at DCA.
Sorry about all the added stress and the wrench thrown into your trip planning... BUT on the bright side, look at you! You're becoming really good at this -- your first post talks about checking the blockout calendars and knowing what to look for. You GO, girl! Like sherilaine said, just choose the best time for your family, that's what's most important here. Once that decision is made, then all the rest will fall into place. Crowds or no, you're going to have a really good time and make great memories. And we're here to help!

Ok this is good to know! I think this won't steer us from that week then. Like others have said it will be crowded no matter when we go and hopefully it won't be anything like Christmas or its busiest times. Although I have read that when AP is blocked out its because its when they are predicting high numbers of other visitors. I know you have talked about this and do you think the crowds are less when AP's are blocked out but its a time they predict more non AP people .. or is it less crowded when AP's aren't blocked because maybe its less likely others are visiting? I suppose it makes sense that anytime that a certain amount of people are blocked out the crowds will be less than if its a free for all and anyone can enter HAHA.

I just want to get a week booked in. Im so sad and was so excited that it was possible to go so soon but I should have known better with everything going on. My husband is much more practical then I am haha. Id get on a plane any day of the week and travel somewhere.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Ok this is good to know! I think this won't steer us from that week then. Like others have said it will be crowded no matter when we go and hopefully it won't be anything like Christmas or its busiest times. Although I have read that when AP is blocked out its because its when they are predicting high numbers of other visitors. I know you have talked about this and do you think the crowds are less when AP's are blocked out but its a time they predict more non AP people .. or is it less crowded when AP's aren't blocked because maybe its less likely others are visiting? I suppose it makes sense that anytime that a certain amount of people are blocked out the crowds will be less than if its a free for all and anyone can enter HAHA...

First, it shouldn't be like Christmas Week -- that is traditionally the busiest week of the year at DLR -- like you can't move down Main Street busy. Caveat: if SWGE is open already that week (don't think so, but you never know), it could be really busy, but... just keep that possibility in mind, don't panic, and keep on swimming!
When APs are blocked out, Disney expects more day ticket crowds. It evens out in the end, but the crowd patterns are different. Day tickets guests show up at RD or in the mornings. APs tend to show up after school or work and in the evening. The mornings tend to be more open, then the crowds build throughout the day. When APs are blocked, the crowds don't necessarily build throughout the day, but stay more steady. You don't notice a wave of guests entering toward evening. And the kind of guest changes, too -- APs know what they want and where they are going, they walk quickly and with purpose, they know where the restrooms are, etc. Day guests tend to walk more slowly, don't walk as directly (unless it's for PP at RD!), can block walkways as they stop to look at maps or to discuss/argue about where they're going, etc. It's just things like that you can notice. But it is more open when the lower APs are blocked and you don't get the wave of people flooding in toward late afternoon and evening or on the one weekend day they're allowed in. Does that make sense?
We just tell people to be mentally prepared for crowds. That way, if there are fewer crowds than you expected, great! And if there are crowds, at least you are prepared.

 

[NicholeB630]

First, it shouldn't be like Christmas Week -- that is traditionally the busiest week of the year at DLR -- like you can't move down Main Street busy. Caveat: if SWGE is open already that week (don't think so, but you never know), it could be really busy, but... just keep that possibility in mind, don't panic, and keep on swimming!
When APs are blocked out, Disney expects more day ticket crowds. It evens out in the end, but the crowd patterns are different. Day tickets guests show up at RD or in the mornings. APs tend to show up after school or work and in the evening. The mornings tend to be more open, then the crowds build throughout the day. When APs are blocked, the crowds don't necessarily build throughout the day, but stay more steady. You don't notice a wave of guests entering toward evening. And the kind of guest changes, too -- APs know what they want and where they are going, they walk quickly and with purpose, they know where the restrooms are, etc. Day guests tend to walk more slowly, don't walk as directly (unless it's for PP at RD!), can block walkways as they stop to look at maps or to discuss/argue about where they're going, etc. It's just things like that you can notice. But it is more open when the lower APs are blocked and you don't get the wave of people flooding in toward late afternoon and evening or on the one weekend day they're allowed in. Does that make sense?
We just tell people to be mentally prepared for crowds. That way, if there are fewer crowds than you expected, great! And if there are crowds, at least you are prepared.

Ok that makes sense. And I think we'll just prepare for crowds and use the MM and EMH in the mornings, use MP the best we can and hop to the other park if we feel its getting to crowded. Guess thats all we can do

 

[theluckyrabbit]

And, more things on the bright side with June dates: DLH pools should all be open, IJA and SM will be open, WOC should be back (so book that Dessert Party!), F! for sure should be back and the dining packages ready to go, SBC should be back (fingers crossed!), etc. With SWGE so close to opening by then, most of the refurbishments should be done or almost done. The parks should be in very good shape and looking pretty spiffy.

 

[NicholeB630]

And, more things on the bright side with June dates: DLH pools should all be open, IJA and SM will be open, WOC should be back (so book that Dessert Party!), F! for sure should be back and the dining packages ready to go, SBC should be back (fingers crossed!), etc. With SWGE so close to opening by then, most of the refurbishments should be done or almost done. The parks should be in very good shape and looking pretty spiffy.

Thats a good thing. Maybe we'd get lucky and less people will be there and they are waiting for SWGE .. Wishful thinking LOL .... Def everything up and running is a plus. I'll run this by the husband and it will be a good end of school year surprise. How is the weather in June? Warm but not awful hot? Im gonna guess a lot better than in VA with 100% humidity.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

... How is the weather in June? Warm but not awful hot? Im gonna guess a lot better than in VA with 100% humidity.

June weather is nice (IMO) -- cool mornings, often overcast (known as "June Gloom"), warm and sunny in the afternoons, cool evenings. People can get caught off guard by how cool the mornings and evenings can get, so light jackets or hoodies are good. They can go in a locker during the warm afternoons. If you watch any evening shows, especially anything by the water (= F! and WOC), you'll need those jackets!
Detailed Weather Data for DLR

 

[VandVsmama]

So as some of you know I decided to bump up our Sept trip to April the week before Easter due to SWGE coming and hoping that week of April might be more manageable. Well my husband finally thought it over and although he likes my kids won't miss school if we go over break its not a good time

We are building a new house down the road, it will be done Mid April/May so I get that but at the same time its not going anywhere so I have no problem leaving for a week HAHA.

Also he is in the middle of selling his 20 year site development company to some type of buyer. Its literally almost done finally, and he will be working for them still for a couple years to make sure everything runs smooth and he worries about leaving during the transition period, so I kind of get it. I mean its a lot of work and a lot going on this spring but Im sad. He never checks out for vacation though because he does own a company so I didn't see why this would be any different. Anyways long story short he feels its just not a good time. I don't know that its a HARD NO as he usually gives in to things I wanna do but I get where he's coming from and don't wanna push him so hard this time and he be stressed Im really so sad.

So my question the first week of June? I know its summer and I said Id never do it but I also said Id never do a holiday break either. We get out May 31. So we could potentially just leave the day after on a Saturday. I checked AP block out days and the two lower AP groups are completely blocked out like over April break and then one other one is blocked out like the first Sat and the second Fri and Sat. Thoughts? Huge difference from April?

I think that you just need to change your point of view. All is not lost. You're still going to have a wonderful time. So go to DL the first week of June (week of a6/2). You could certainly leave home to depart for your trip on Sat 6/1, the very next day after school gets out.

Our favorite time to go to DL is in late May/early June...in between Memorial Day weekend, but before 6/15. The weather is really nice...warm, but usually not too warm. The crowds usually haven't been too bad. And SWGE likely won't be open yet.

Will there be Grad Nights? Yes. BUT it's not a nightmare of hormonal teenagers like some people can sometimes portray it to be. Just avoid DCA in the late evening on Grad Night evenings. Go on rides at DCA earlier in the day on those days. And probably avoid Tomorrowland after 5 pm on Grad Night evenings, too. I've noticed a lot of the grads tend to conglomerate in Tomorrowland. At least, that's how it seems from my point of view.

When we go in late May/early June, not all of the So Cal APs are blocked out yet. So we are rope-droppers. The parks usually open at 8 am at that time of year. Take advantage of that. Be there early. You won't notice people starting to show up until about noon, especially during the week. Locals will start to show up around 4:30-5:30 pm, so it might seem a smidge more crowded in the evenings. But the locals tend to avoid DL on Grad Night evenings. So it's kind of balanced out.

 

[NicholeB630]

I think that you just need to change your point of view. All is not lost. You're still going to have a wonderful time. So go to DL the first week of June (week of a6/2). You could certainly leave home to depart for your trip on Sat 6/1, the very next day after school gets out.

Our favorite time to go to DL is in late May/early June...in between Memorial Day weekend, but before 6/15. The weather is really nice...warm, but usually not too warm. The crowds usually haven't been too bad. And SWGE likely won't be open yet.

Will there be Grad Nights? Yes. BUT it's not a nightmare of hormonal teenagers like some people can sometimes portray it to be. Just avoid DCA in the late evening on Grad Night evenings. Go on rides at DCA earlier in the day on those days. And probably avoid Tomorrowland after 5 pm on Grad Night evenings, too. I've noticed a lot of the grads tend to conglomerate in Tomorrowland. At least, that's how it seems from my point of view.

When we go in late May/early June, not all of the So Cal APs are blocked out yet. So we are rope-droppers. The parks usually open at 8 am at that time of year. Take advantage of that. Be there early. You won't notice people starting to show up until about noon, especially during the week. Locals will start to show up around 4:30-5:30 pm, so it might seem a smidge more crowded in the evenings. But the locals tend to avoid DL on Grad Night evenings. So it's kind of balanced out.

You are right and I don't know when we'll go now but I am hoping the first week of June is possible. I just have to give it a rest for awhile with my husband I am debating just leaving without him. I wish he had the same love of Disney as I do .. its really hard. We gotta get through some stuff like our house being finished etc and see how things are moving along in April. For now Ill just keep researching and maybe even get a notebook to start jotting down these tips and info I've learned so I don't forget it all by the time we actually get to go.

 

[Butterfly123]

I just want to let you know we had a five day trip a few years back and had three grad nights. And it worked out just fine. We did the more popular “teen” rides earlier in the day, as those got busy in the evenings, but it didn’t get overwhelmingly crowded. We didn’t experience any bad behavior at all. Just a bunch of teens in great moods happy to be graduating!

I’m just editing to add that having hoppers really helped...if one park felt busier, we just hopped to the other.

 

[Whistlebee]

If you want to stay on site, I’d book a room now. The on site rooms tend to sell out. You can always cancel it later if you guys can’t make it.