WDW-er planning first trip to DL- **UPDATED**

[tinknsnow]

I am on a planning deadline if I hope to get in on an airfare sale!

Would June, July (not around the 4th, of course), or first week in August be best in terms of weather, crowds, and attractions being open for the 50th anniv?

We would plan on being there Tues-Sat (leaving on Sat; not a park day).

Thanks!

 

[B9erSteve]

The closer you get to August the hotter the days get, remember that Disneyland is a great big hunk of cement and asphalt. As a result the hot sun really heats the place up. I would plan for the earliest date you could. Crowds will be there all three of those months so I don't see that as a deciding factor. If you're staying onsite then even the heat is mitigated by the fact that at the nadir you could hit a pool for a few hours and still not miss much Park time. As far as attractions go, If I remember correctly Space Mountain is opening July 15th. So you may want to plan after that. Other attractions should all be going full bore for the time immediately after the May 50th opening until winter when rides start going down for overlays.

 

[Judy from Boise]

although it is hot, I would hedge my bets for SM to be open by planning very late July or early August. Unlike Florida, CA cools down quickly after sunset, and there are late hours too!

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

If you're not concerned about Space Mountain, I would go in June (as early as possible). The crowds and the heat become unbearable in July and August. The hotels would probably be cheaper as well as June is considered "Value" season and July/August are "Regular" season.

 

[jlmarr]

The crowds and the heat become unbearable in July and August.

That's all relative of course. I think anyone who has been to WDW in July or August would think that DL's weather is just dandy.

 

[djm99]

and there are late hours too!

How late is DL/CA open during July/August?

 

[tinknsnow]

We decided to take a bit more time and forget about that airfare sale. I was a bit wary of summer crowds and weather, especially with the July 17 anniversary date!

Looks like we are probably looking at Columbus Day week (the week leading up to). I am afraid it might be super-crowded then, but DD has a school holiday and we won't have to worry about the strict attendance policy.

And Space Mountain will be open by then!

Thanks for the always great advice here at DIS!

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

Just a heads-up...October is less crowded but it's also a time where many rides are closed for refurbishments. That may not be a factor this year since everything is getting revamped for the big celebration. If you can swing it, an excellent time to go is the first two weeks of December. You are avoiding the Thanksgiving crowds, the resorts are decorated for the holidays, and everything is pretty much up and running in preparation for the Christmas crowds. Just a little food for thought!

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

That's all relative of course. I think anyone who has been to WDW in July or August would think that DL's weather is just dandy.

I agree. The crowds are more of an issue for me. The one July we went to the parks (and we vowed to never to it again!) we waited in line at POC for three hours! When we got off the ride, we just exited the park and went back to the hotel for a swim and nap and returned in the late afternoon. It was still hot and crowded but things thinned out a bit in the evening.

 

[djm99]

Yeah, I can only imagine how crowded it will be during our July/August Vacation, but I still can't wait!!! - This year - may even be worse than usual (because of the anniversary). But - one of the reasons I picked a hotel very close (across the street) was so I could return to my hotel by noon, then go back later (around 4pm). I heard the parks are open really late - like midnight during the summer. Friends are traveling with us so I hope I can "ship" DD with them one even while DH and I enjoy Disney!!!!

 

[PamNC]

Hi there. Add me to the list. We frequent WDW Florida, but we're planning our first DL trip in May. Not just doing Disney...we'll be enjoying other things that Southern CA offers.

About the heat. I don't think CA even compares to FL as far as the heat...especially July/August. However, I'm not complaining...I love warm, even hot, weather.

My question is this. We'll be in CA 5/16-5/21. What's the weather like then?

PamNC

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

My question is this. We'll be in CA 5/16-5/21. What's the weather like then?PamNC

How about...perfect!!!

Sunny, but not too hot, without the Floriday humidity.