Talk to me about summer crowds...

[meggles]

I was thinking, everyone says summer is crowded, but since DLR is a locals park first and foremost, wouldn't the AP summer blackouts have a positive effect on the crowds?

Are summer crowds different in some ways because there are a great percentage of tourists in the parks? Or is it not noticeable?

Trying to plan between June/July and November. We won't go in sept/oct because the heat and halloween parties make it uncomfortable.

 

[sherilaine]

Locals can buy APs that are not blocked in the summer. They are not restricted to buying the southern California passes - some of them can easily afford the higher priced APs.

 

[luulu1999]

We went in July 2014 and will be going in July over the 4th this year which I am freaking out about, but our last trip wasnt that bad we got their early made use of FPs and took a break in the afternoon at our hotel, I really didnt ever think they were horrible you can get a ton done in the mornings we would usually get there within 30 mins of opening stay til prob 2ish go swim and rest then go back 5/6

 

[Congo Queen]

I've gone to Dland every summer for about ten years now. It is completely doable and actually my favorite time of year to visit. There are crowds, but in my experience they are not nearly as bad as the crowds at Xmas and New Years. In the summer you have very long park hours which means you can get there at rope drop and enjoy the cool morning hours with lighter crowds. Then by midday when it is getting hot and crowded you go back to your hotel room for a swim and a nap. Come back at sunset and enjoy the parks until they close at midnight. Also during the summer, there historically been very few attractions closed for refurbishment. This summer will be different though because of the closure of the train and all of the ROA attractions.

 

[OneThree]

When DW and I lived in SoCal we frequently went during the summer and typically hit the park at opening. There were always noticeable crowds by midday but nothing that prevented us from doing anything we wanted to do. Of course, that was before we had kids too.

 

[Indiana Scott]

I'm sure it helps but summer crowds are still legendary.