Trip help!

[mathmom32]

I have been a lurker on this site for many years, and have gleaned a WEALTH of info from the pros! Now I am coming out of the woodwork for some personalized help...

We just booked our timeshare today for March 6-13. We are wanting to get 5-day park tickets. I know that week is the first official week of Spring Break . How busy do you think the parks will be? Also, which 5 days would you do? Sun-Thurs or Mon-Fri? I am thinking the Sunday will be less busy than the Friday since it is earlier in the month, but I wanted to have other opinions.

Next question.....Our condo is on Capistrano Beach. A bit of a drive, and I would prefer to stay in a hotel within walking distance, but a free 2 bedroom condo for our family is not something I can pass up. How long should I allow to get to DLR? What is the best route?

I am sure I will think of some more questions, but that is all I can think of right now.

2 more months! I can't wait!

 

[blackjackdelta]

First, what a wonderful place to stay. I would just take I-5 to anaheim, the drive all depends on what time you plan on leaving to go to DLR. I would say 1.5 hours in early morning traffic.(May be less, depending if you are a fast and furious driver.)
DLR will be packed. Very, very busy so be prepared, have patience, and you will have a great time.

Jack

 

[callmeblissful]

From San Diego (probably 30 minutes away from San Juan Capistrano) it only takes us an hour and ten minutes to get to Disneyland. So, without much traffic, it should only take you 40-50 minutes. However, this is early in the morning and late at night. We stay in the very convenient carpool lane (on I-5) the entire way, which definitely helps. Just keep in mind that the later you leave, the longer it takes...which should be an incentive to get up early!

As for the timing, no Annual Passholders are blocked out (except for some SoCal passes on the 7th and 13th). However, most Southern California school districts, to my knowledge, break between late March and early April. It is my guess that any crowds you encounter won't be from Annual Passholders, but that is an uneducated guess. You'll have to wait for others to chime in.

 

[sonnyjane]

Just wanted to comment on the crowd situation.

I'll be going the week of Easter this year, and am a bit nervous, since I think it will be busier than when you are planning on going. I went during late March last year as well, during the cheerleading competition and the height of spring break. That trip was my first in almost 20 years, so I was bright-eyed and bushy-tailed the entire time, regardless of crowds. That said, it wasn't too bad, in my opinion. We used FastPass, which helped a great deal. Matterhorn and Nemo had 45 minute lines since there was no FP, but the other attractions were great with FP. The park never reached capacity that I know of, but they did have to go into overflow parking. I'm hoping this year will be the same - busy, yet manageable.

 

[ILoveJack]

Our spring break in Oklahoma is always the middle of March and when we have gone then it has never been that crowded. Maybe it won't be too bad for you since most of the local schools are still in.

 

[mathmom32]

Thanks for the input so far. Keep the comments coming.......

 

[mathmom32]

Which day do you think will be a better day in the parks, Sunday March 7th or Friday March 12th?