Tough decision- when to visit?

[RainyDayPixie]

So, DH is NOTa Disney guy, but has trudged along I trips in April 2014 and November 2014.

Out of the blue, he says he wants to go again! Ack and yay!

Two trip options are:
April 15-19 (spring break for our kids)
May 22-26 (memorial day, 60th anniversary, 24 hr madness)

I was leaning towards the May trip because I'd love to see the 60th, but that 24 hr announcement makes me so nervous.

What would you do?

 

[Butterfly123]

I can't imagine not doing the 60th stuff, but that might just push someone that doesn't love Disney crowds over the edge. I would ask your husband if he wants to see the new stuff, and if he is up for the challenge. Then I would hope he says yes! If he's part of the decision, then maybe he won't mind the result of large crowds.

 

[Carolynleanne]

I can't imagine not doing the 60th stuff, but that might just push someone that doesn't love Disney crowds over the edge. I would ask your husband if he wants to see the new stuff, and if he is up for the challenge. Then I would hope he says yes! If he's part of the decision, then maybe he won't mind the result of large crowds.

I agree with OP. My husband isn't a Disney nut, so I try to be REALLY flexible about when we go because I'm just so happy he said yes. He doesn't like crowds or heat, so we opted for a trip at the end of April even though I'd have loved to see the 60th. Talk to your hubby and see what he says

 

[RainyDayPixie]

Butterfly123- We'd be getting in early evening Friday (flying down after school). Do you think we'd make it into the parks that evening? As my kids are 7 and 9, I don't see us lasting much past 10 or 11, but it would be disappointing to be unable to get into the parks.

Carolynleanne- I'm JUST LIKE YOU. I try so hard to make it a great trip because DH usually doesn't want to be there. DL is growing on him, though!

To further make it complicated- My sister is going to be there 25th-29th for her first trip in 25 years. I'd love to show them around on Monday.

 

[corinne76]

I'd let DH pick. Give him the facts, tell him the pros and cons about each date, and let him pick. My DH isn't is a DL guy much either. We went in June 2 years ago. I let him pick the month this time, and he picked October over June. He's not super excited but knows how important this is for me.

 

[figment_jii]

I second the vote for letting your DH pick the week, but let him know the pros and cons of each period.

I do think the April 15-19 period is going to be after the Spring Break peak. The AP blockout ends on April 11/12, which signals the end of the peak Spring Break-season scheduling. Park hours will still be on the longer side on weekdays (e.g., 9 am to 10 pm), with longer hours on the weekends (e.g., 9 am to midnight). It looks like F! will only be presented on weekends, but fireworks and WoC are nightly. The April schedule is posted, so at least you know what those operating hours look like. There is a Star Wars Convention at the Anaheim Convention Center from April 16th through the 19th, but I don't know how much of an impact they have on crowds. There will still be some attraction closures as they get ready for the 60th (e.g., Peter Pan, Soarin'). I think the biggest "pro" for this period is that the crowds are likely to be lower than during Memorial Day weekend.

Personally, I think the May time will be more interesting...but it will be a lot more crowded. I would expect very high crowds for the entire weekend, so if you do go at that time, it will be to mostly experience the new shows and soak in the atmosphere.

 

[Butterfly123]

Butterfly123- We'd be getting in early evening Friday (flying down after school). Do you think we'd make it into the parks that evening? As my kids are 7 and 9, I don't see us lasting much past 10 or 11, but it would be disappointing to be unable to get into the parks.

Carolynleanne- I'm JUST LIKE YOU. I try so hard to make it a great trip because DH usually doesn't want to be there. DL is growing on him, though!

To further make it complicated- My sister is going to be there 25th-29th for her first trip in 25 years. I'd love to show them around on Monday.

I'm not sure what time you are getting in, but it would be fun if you could pop in to see the fireworks and do a few rides. It might be an expensive option, though, if you only have a couple hours and have to pay for an extra day on your tickets

 

[RainyDayPixie]

I'm not sure what time you are getting in, but it would be fun if you could pop in to see the fireworks and do a few rides. It might be an expensive option, though, if you only have a couple hours and have to pay for an extra day on your tickets

We probably wouldn't get in until 7 or so. But we just can't be *close* to Disneyland and not go in!!

Thanks all for your thoughts. I'll talk to DH and let him pick. Either way, we're going to Disneyland!

 

[quikah]

I love disneyland and wouldn't be caught dead there on the 22nd (I hate crowds). I suspect 25-26 is going to be exceptionally crowded for a Mon-Tues because the APs are not all blocked out (Only Select is blocked Monday). 23 & 24 might be OK.