Summer 2005 crowds vs. Summer 2006 crowds?

[starlette]

We were at Disneyland last summer for the "official" anniversary (July17th) and it was very, very crowded. Did I say CROWDED?!

Do you think it will as crowded as last summer or do you think it will be the usual "summer/out of school" crowd?

I realize that the anniversary celebration will still be going on through Sept and that my question will only get a "guess" answer at best but any input would be greatly appreciated!

 

[boosmom96]

I've got my fingers crossed that it will be back to "normal"!! We were down there a week after the 17th and it was madness!! Because of my DD's camp schedule this summer, DH and I can only go during the 4th of July week!!! (We're sneaking off without her!!) I'd love to know what "some of the regulars" think about the crowds so far and some projections for the summer.

 

[iceskatejen]

My guess is summer 06 will be very similar to summer 05 as far as crowds go.

 

[HydroGuy]

My guess is summer 06 will be very similar to summer 05 as far as crowds go.

I agree with ice. Last summer we were there Aug 1-4, just two weeks after the big 50th celebration. We were there on Mon-Thurs - we always avoid weekends. Honestly, the crowds looked to me like other summer trips. I would in no way categorize them as out of control or unbearable. It was very tolerable. Remember that during summer DLR has all rides and shows running, and the park hours are maxed out. If you make the common mistake of showing up at 10 or 11AM, staying thru the hot, crowded afternoon, then departing at 6-7 PM, you will encounter the brunt of the crowds. Be smart and show up before opening at 8AM, take a break from 1-6PM to your hotel for a swim and nap, then come back and stay late - midnight if you can make it. Depends if you have kids, and how young they are. Last summer our two youngest were 9 and 10, and they had no problem with the schedule I laid out (well we were all a little ragged from all the walking, but not too bad). We were out to midnight every night. We slept later in the morning on two of the four mornings, and those two days we started our day at DCA which opens at 10AM.

 

[undertheradar]

Plan for crowds and avoid weekends.

 

[starlette]

Thanks everyone! I expect that it will be busy but hoping (fingers crossed)that it wont be as busy as the official anniversary (the week prior, during and after).