Wednesday or Friday?

[propellorpower]

Hi all -

I'm going to be in Southern California next week and have to get a day in at Disneyland. My debate is whether to go on Wednesday, September 5th or Friday, September 7th. I'll be purchasing the 1 day park hopper, regardless of which day, but the hours of operation vary on these days.

Wednesday's hours are 10 am - 8 pm (both parks), and Friday's hours are 9 am - 10 / 11 pm (CA / DL).

I really want to experience the park with low attendance, as my only previous visits have been on weekends, usually during October, and with decently large crowds. We'll already be missing Indiana Jones and the Haunted Mansion, but I want to maximize my time as with any visit!

What would you guys suggest? Loose a few hours of park time in hopes of lighter crowds on Wednesday, or go Friday and possibly brave longer wait times? Or will it even make a difference (crowd-wise)?

Do any of you have any experience with what the average wait times are during the week after Labor day for the major rides? Walk right up and ride or is there usually a wait or a need for Fastpass?

Thanks for any information!

 

[interstate70s]

I would imagine the crowds would be pretty light. I haven't gone the week after Labor Day but Ive gone the week before and thought it was pretty low crowds. If it were me, I 'd go Friday(even with heavier crowds) because there aren't fireworks or Fantasmic on the weekdays during the off season, and the park will be open much longer on Friday. I imagine Friday morning will be light, and get busier toward evening. I think it depends on whether your priority is light crowds or longer hours and entertainment.

BTW - You might want to check out the main Disneyland forum. It has lots of planning stuff.

 

[MyYearWithTheMouse]

It will be practically a ghost town on Wednesday. Finally, ALL SoCal schools are in session. Although Friday gives you extra hours, you'll spend longer waiting for things. Looks like Wednesday they're running the parade and World of Color but not the fireworks or Fantasmic. If those last two are important to you, then do Friday, but if not I'd highly recommend Wednesday.

 

[propellorpower]

Great - thanks for your insight! We really want to experience lower crowds, so it looks like it'll be Wednesday. The longer wait times on Friday might account for the extra few hours of park time anyway.