Spring Break or Summer? Help!

[happybratpack]

Hi guys

I'm new to the DL boards, longtime WDW visitor but a DL newbie. I'm trying to plan a trip for 2 adults, 2 kiddos and can't decide what to do. Here's the situation and options.

-Spring Break is March 15-23 - running into Easter weekend
-A summer trip would be in July - usually we go to WDW the last week of July with them.

So this year we want to do WDW for a week and DL/So Cal for a week.

Originally we were going to do WDW for Spring Break but with Easter and all thought about doing DL instead the start of that week and going to San Diego the second part. Then I looked at the weather and the averages are still pretty cool. It wouldn't be good for the second part where we're staying at the Del Coronado as far as beach time goes. I'm also wondering how the crowds will be Spring Break/Easter at DL vs WDW. We went a couple years ago to WDW that week and it was manageable, but it also didn't run into Easter.

AAARRGHH! I think I'm making this more complicated than it is. SO - for all you DL experts out there what would be the better week to do the DL/SD trip? (taking into account weather and crowds) Spring Break or late July?

ANY other input would be great. The kids are 5 & 9 and are park commandos so they adapt pretty well.

Thanks!!

 

[DizneyMommy]

Either week DL is going to be insane with crowds. I feel like by the end of July though a lot of people have already done their vacation and gone home because a lot of school elsewhere go back to school in mid-August. It might be a hair lighter in July, we were in the park on a Thursday the last week of July this summer and it was really not as bad as I had expected.

As far as the weather. IMHO, March is a much better time to hit DL as it is cooler and cooler weather makes people calmer and more easy going in a crowd. But, July would be much better beach weather. I see you are from Dallas (as is my family) so you are probably going to freeze at the beach here in March because I know what heat you are used to. On the other hand it is hotter than hades sometimes in July, and sometimes not. Our weather is completely unpredictable and there is no such thing as normal here. This year it was blazing hot.

So I guess if you are going to consider the beach weather, go in July. If you are considering good weather for DL, go in March. Crowds will be negotiable either week, maybe a hair lighter in July.

 

[Husker Mickey]

We went to DL/DCA during our Spring Break last year which was also the days leading up to Easter. The crowds on the Friday and Saturday before Easter were insane!!! It was very uncomfortable and not easy to navigate. Now Easter Sunday was a much more calm day. It was a lot less crowded and as a result much more fun. IMHO don't go over Spring Break/Easter. The weather for the beach will be in July. We wore jackets on several days in the parks.

 

[Hound 109]

Go in July.

The combination of Easter & Spring Break will make mid March as crowded as July anyway. But also:

- In July you can enjoy the beach on your trip, in March it's too cold.
- These Californians don't realize how much we Texans need to escape OUR hot climate. Hot in July still means minimal humidity in SoCal. Also along the beach (& in SD) it's wonderful.
- Park hours & all the DL shows/fireworks etc. will be in full force.
- DLR is much milder than WDW in July...much less physically tiring.

Which reminds me. Go to HydroGuy's Sticky (at the top of the DL front page) & read every single one of his threads in order. But print the "DLR for WDW vets" & the "how to use FP during High Season" threads & read these multiple times.

Have fun at Walt's Park.


hound -

 

[DLR29]

Go in July.

The combination of Easter & Spring Break will make it as crowded as July anyway. But:

- In July you can enjoy the beach, in March it's too cold.
- These Californians don't realize how much we Texans need to escape OUR climate. Hot in July still means minimal humidity in SoCal. Also along the beach (& in SD) it's wonderful.
- Park hours & all the DL shows/fireworks etc. will be in full force.
- DLR is much milder in July than WDW.

Which reminds me. Go to HydroGuy's Sticky (at the top of the DL front page)& read every single one of his threads in order. But print the "DLR for WDW vets" & the "how to use FP during High Season" threads & read these multiple times.

Have fun at Walt's Park.


hound -

I agree with all 4 points. IMO, Spring Break is more crowded than summer, though slightly hotter (although since you're coming from TX, you will love the weather in July. It might be a bit chilly if you go in March).