the LEAST busy time to visit?

[ashpinoza]

i havent been to disneyland since i was a teen, 10 years ago! its a tradition for my mom and i, we used to live in nevada and moved to illinois so i havent been there in forever! my husband has not only never been to disney, but never been on vacations at all or out of illinois and iowa, except for the exception of going to WI for a concert that was 5 hours and we went to missouri to visit my grandmother. so i REALLY want a good trip for us and its our first family VACATION! we also have a lil one who will be just shy of 2 when we go. im SOOOO excited. but, my husband is a bit shy of crowds being he has never really been in them, he doesnt do well with it, he can handle a crowd but not a huge one. AND being that we have a baby who is going, yet another reason i would prefer the least busy time. i would really like to have nice weather too though and i was considering march but i read rain is high in march. does anyone know a good time to go that would be not toooo busy, and good weather as well? also, what is a cheap time to travel, like getting good rates on airfare, car rentals, hotels, ect. thanks!!!

 

[Monica D]

I've gone mid to late September a couple of times, and the crowds seem to be non existant. Last year we didn't have to do one Fast Pass; in fact, we walked on to Space Mountain, which I've never done. The weather is still really nice at that time of year--not too hot and not too cold. The only downside is that the hours are reduced, and they may start closing rides for refurb. (HM is always closed since they're decorating it for Halloween).

 

[ashpinoza]

well we are hoping for feb-june sometime, not past june because our lil one flies free till june(NEXT YEAR) because he will be just shy of two. soooo, what the least busy time in that period??? im worried about rain in march, does it seem to rain alot in that time?

 

[DisneyMomma81]

I'd pick May for your little family. We'll be there next week!! I'm hoping for low crowds and lovely weather. I think early - mid May would be a great time to visit.

We did visit in early March this year and the crowds were very tolerable, however we did have 1 really rainy day ~ would I go again early March? Yes.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

well we are hoping for feb-june sometime, not past june because our lil one flies free till june(NEXT YEAR) because he will be just shy of two. soooo, what the least busy time in that period??? im worried about rain in march, does it seem to rain alot in that time?

I would say February or early May would be your best bet. March has Spring Break crowds. I've been in the park in some of the busiest times of the year, and I have to say when it rains, it's a blessing. The park clears out and the die hard fans get to walk on every ride. I think they shut down Tea cups. I'd go when I want, when it's most affordable, and if it rains, buy a couple of ponchos and keep going.

 

[Krissy Marissy]

We have been in early may and it was nice. Low crowds, decently warm weather. I would probably look into going during that time. Good luck to you and your family! Whenever you pick I am sure you will have a great visit.

 

[DizMe]

I haven't been in May, but I went in (late) Jan. and again in mid-Feb. and the crowd level was very low both times. We did get some rain in Jan but it wasn't bad.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

id say feb I would of said early dec but you want next year lol

 

[bumbershoot]

Just so you know, wrangling a nearly-2 in your lap for a flight *can be* hard, hard work. And you don't know until you're in the middle of it. Our one r/t lapbaby flight was when DS was 17 months old, and even though he had "aged out" of lapbabyhood by our next flight, I said "never again!"

It was only Seattle to San Diego, not a long flight at all, but my arms were sore for days, and I'm generally a strong person (especially when he was little and was carried everywhere). I was exhausting and sweaty, and I don't recommend it. Especially since you don't know until you're in the middle of it, no way out (I thought he would be fine).

 

[swimrsal]

Just so you know, wrangling a nearly-2 in your lap for a flight *can be* hard, hard work. And you don't know until you're in the middle of it. Our one r/t lapbaby flight was when DS was 17 months old, and even though he had "aged out" of lapbabyhood by our next flight, I said "never again!"

It was only Seattle to San Diego, not a long flight at all, but my arms were sore for days, and I'm generally a strong person (especially when he was little and was carried everywhere). I was exhausting and sweaty, and I don't recommend it. Especially since you don't know until you're in the middle of it, no way out (I thought he would be fine).

Yep, I must say that I'm worried about this for sure. We will have 4 adults to share the hard work but still...

 

[ashpinoza]

Just so you know, wrangling a nearly-2 in your lap for a flight *can be* hard, hard work. And you don't know until you're in the middle of it. Our one r/t lapbaby flight was when DS was 17 months old, and even though he had "aged out" of lapbabyhood by our next flight, I said "never again!"

It was only Seattle to San Diego, not a long flight at all, but my arms were sore for days, and I'm generally a strong person (especially when he was little and was carried everywhere). I was exhausting and sweaty, and I don't recommend it. Especially since you don't know until you're in the middle of it, no way out (I thought he would be fine).

ahhh, well lucky for me, (not daily, but for a flight lol) our baby HAS to be held almost allllll theeee timeeeee. he is a high needs baby. he gets down too, but wants held. and would rather be held 90 % of the time. lol

 

[BecBennett]

We went early March last year -1st to the 10th- and the weekdays were awesome! Barely anyone!

However, if you want to see things like fireworks and fantasmic during your stay, you'd need to be there for a weekend, which can be quite a bit busier, especially because I think there are usually cheerleading whatnots happening in March on the weekends.

We'd go in March again, but this time we're trying May. So in a few weeks time I can let you know what I think of those crowds!

 

[LeilahandAidanMom]

i havent been to disneyland since i was a teen, 10 years ago! its a tradition for my mom and i, we used to live in nevada and moved to illinois so i havent been there in forever! my husband has not only never been to disney, but never been on vacations at all or out of illinois and iowa, except for the exception of going to WI for a concert that was 5 hours and we went to missouri to visit my grandmother. so i REALLY want a good trip for us and its our first family VACATION! we also have a lil one who will be just shy of 2 when we go. im SOOOO excited. but, my husband is a bit shy of crowds being he has never really been in them, he doesnt do well with it, he can handle a crowd but not a huge one. AND being that we have a baby who is going, yet another reason i would prefer the least busy time. i would really like to have nice weather too though and i was considering march but i read rain is high in march. does anyone know a good time to go that would be not toooo busy, and good weather as well? also, what is a cheap time to travel, like getting good rates on airfare, car rentals, hotels, ect. thanks!!!

We just got back from DLR. We were there from April 21-27. During the week, the most we waited in line for a ride was 5 minutes, if that. If the line up seemed bit too long for us, we'd grab a FastPass and use the Baby Switch Pass for the same ride, or we did the Single Rider. We hardly used the FastPass during the week, just on the weekend. It was perfect. We did everything we wanted to during the week without rushing or panicking about lines and re-did things we really wanted to on the weekend. I would suggest planning your trip to go on weekdays and if your time falls over a weekend, that would be the time to check out something away from the resort during the day and then go back for the fireworks at night (at this time of year, fireworks might only be scheduled for Fri, Sat, Sun).

The hours are shortened starting this week as well, but not so much that it affected our time in the parks. We have a 5yr old and an 8 month old and we were at the parks every day for a minimum of 10-12 hours with the odd break at the hotel in the afternoon. Only day I missed was to go to Ellen Degeneres in Burnbank with my gf's who flew down to meet me for the show

The weather was perfect. Not too hot during the day (we arrived the last day of the April heat wave) but warm enough that we could swim in the hotel pool, and just right at night, only needing a light sweater after the sun goes down. This is the week after Spring Break ends and Easter crowds go away, so it was perfect. As well, we stayed at the Howard Johnson and were able to get the Ent. rate 50% off for our entire stay and it was AWESOME! The room, location, pool, etc. were great.

We're thinking of returning next year at the same time, same location, etc!

Jane

 

[alvernon90]

One thing to consider for next year is that World of Color is scheduled to start running in March 2010. I wouldn't be surprised if that gets pushed back by a few weeks, but even if not, my guess is that World of Color will be bringing in massive crowds for at least the first couple of months.

Thus a normally slow time like May could be overrun with locals coming to see the spectacular new show. Conversely, in February the crowds might be even lower than normal as the locals hold off on visiting until WoC opens.

This is all pure theory, I have no reason other than logic to say this. You should trust the advice of actual locals who go all the time.

 

[disheadz]

We have done early Feb a number of times and have rain maybe twice- never enough to be too upsetting. The highs are upper 50's to low 60's- which for an Oregonian like me is fine. The crowds are the lowest of the year. We love going then.

 

[Leofoenget]

well we are hoping for feb-june sometime, not past june because our lil one flies free till june(NEXT YEAR) because he will be just shy of two. soooo, what the least busy time in that period??? im worried about rain in march, does it seem to rain alot in that time?

So many little "off" times to pick. If you really really want the place to yourself, go about the second week of January, after the official Christmas season ends. I have been the Monday after Mother's day, Mon Tues Wed and it was incredible. Very LOW crowds perfect weather. About the 3rd week of Sept, First Second week of December mid week.

 

[ashpinoza]

One thing to consider for next year is that World of Color is scheduled to start running in March 2010. I wouldn't be surprised if that gets pushed back by a few weeks, but even if not, my guess is that World of Color will be bringing in massive crowds for at least the first couple of months.

Thus a normally slow time like May could be overrun with locals coming to see the spectacular new show. Conversely, in February the crowds might be even lower than normal as the locals hold off on visiting until WoC opens.

This is all pure theory, I have no reason other than logic to say this. You should trust the advice of actual locals who go all the time.

whats world of color!!??

 

[daisy2jae]

ahhh, well lucky for me, (not daily, but for a flight lol) our baby HAS to be held almost allllll theeee timeeeee. he is a high needs baby. he gets down too, but wants held. and would rather be held 90 % of the time. lol

I would agree with previous comments if you can get him his own seat. Even though he may be one that likes to be held perhaps in the meantime you can work on it. (Sry...sounds easy but it's a lot of work) I have a daycare and sometimes you have a little one that wants to be held all the time. I work with them. I start by sitting on the couch holding them. AFter a few mins of watching cartoons and holding I set him/her next to me on the couch. At times they try to climb back up but I explain to them they will be just fine sitting next to me. After we get this down we work our way to the floor with toys. After a few weeks of working hard their parents bring them in the door and they are off to play with no need to be held all the time. I know what works for one doesn't always work for another. My DS 2 is a handful. He never sits still and meals omg are a crazy time of day. We are going to DL June 11-15 for a quick trip. This is his first trip. I'm very worried about how he is going to do. We have started working very hard at sitting down every night together for dinner. Plus once a week we go out to eat for a sit down meal. This way we ease our way into eating out in public... Something we don't do other than big events since he never sits still. Hope you have a wonderful trip and I hope your DH finds a love for Disney!

 

[PinkBudgie]

whats world of color!!??

World of Color is the new water and light show they are putting in DCA right now. Many people are looking forward to it. That person may be right about it affecting crowds.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

So many little "off" times to pick. If you really really want the place to yourself, go about the second week of January, after the official Christmas season ends. I have been the Monday after Mother's day, Mon Tues Wed and it was incredible. Very LOW crowds perfect weather. About the 3rd week of Sept, First Second week of December mid week.

That sounds good to me! Those are our days next week!