What can we expect at Disneyland in July?

[Disneyfriend]

We will be spending four nights at Disneyland next July (tentatively July 14th through the 17th). I normally wouldn't plan to go during mid-summer, but we'll be in the process of doing an overseas military move, and that's simply the only time we can go. We have to drop a car off in Los Angeles for shipping anyway - oh well, might as well go to Disneyland (I told my husband)!

What should we expect in terms of crowds and extended operating hours? What about weather? Any tips or advice?

We're also planning to do a day each at San Diego Zoo, Sea World, and Universal Studios. I haven't been to any of those parks for about 20 years, and am looking forward to going!

We've taken the kids (now aged 9 and 11) to DL several times, but in the past we've decided to concentrate just on DL and save the other parks for later. Well, later is now. So, any advice for doing these parks in July would also be appreciated.

Thanks much!

Disneyfriend

 

[LuvTigger]

Expect lines to be LONG for most rides. Possibly an hour for the big rides like Indiana Jones (I've even seen 90 minutes for that one), Splash Mountain, Big Thunder, etc. However, the plus side is the hours should be very long, I think until 11 p.m. or midnight, and most of the rides and shows should be operating. They usually refurbish rides during the slower seasons. Weather is generally good during the summer. At DL, for me (but I'm from Hawaii) is comfortable, but Universal and especially Magic Mountain can be pretty hot.

I would say get there as early as possible, and ride Indiana Jones first! However, with fast pass, things shouldn't be too difficult. Also, if you plan to do things in Fantasyland, that can get packed pretty fast too.

Are you planning to spend a couple days in San Diego, or were you planning to commute? It's about 1 1/2 hour drive each way. San Diego can get pretty hot too, and the Zoo is very "hilly." One of the bus drivers there said the key is to "ride up and walk down." I would do the bus first so you can get an idea of what's around and what you want to see, then walk.

I haven't been to Universal in a few years, but I don't think they have any kind of fast pass system. You'll probably want to do Jurassic Park, Back to the Future, and ET first, and plan the rest of your day around the shows. If you really want to ride something again, you could probably fit it in. I'm sure there are other big attractions they've added since my last visit too.

Have a great trip, sounds like fun!

 

[Disneyfriend]

Thanks for the good advice - I appreciate it.

We are spending 3 nights in San Diego, then 2 in LA, then finally 4 at Disneyland. It's a lot of moving around, but we have to take care of the business with shipping the car anyway, and will do that in-between hotels.

We'll definitely plan to use the bus/monorail as much as possible at the Zoo. Good idea - ride up, walk down - I must remember that next summer.

And the overseas move we will be making next summer is to Oahu! First time for us to be in Hawaii at all. It should be a 3-6 year assignment for us. We were quite in shock at first, but are slowly becoming excited. We're househunting now over the internet, in fact. (Hey, any advice for looking for a house? We're looking in the Ewa Beach/Kapolei area right now, considering buying one of the new houses out there.) Have you always lived in Hawaii?

Thanks again!

Disneyfriend

 

[LuvTigger]

Hey Disneyfriend,

Just wanted to let you know I sent you a PM regarding your move to Hawaii!

 

[Sonya in Boise]

As far as DL goes, getting there early is the key. If you are spendig 4 days at DL, you should be able to see every attraction you want in the first few hours each day. We were there during the World Series on a Saturday. We got right in at rope drop, did all of Fantasyland (every ride except mad hatter), then were able to get in Pirates and Jungle Cruise between 8-10 am, then we went to DCA and rode the Flik's Fun Fare rides.

If you are there early every day you can send Dad to get a Indy/Splash Mountain/Space mountain... while you take the kids to Fantasy land and ride the rides, then use your fast pass, get lunch and head to the hotel for a nap/swim. Go back to the park later in the day for the night time parades, or spend the afternoon/evening in DCA where there is always less crowds than DL.

Before your trip become very knowledgeable about FastPass and how to use it efficently. (I posted a few weeks ago about this, maybe you can search for the post, or I can repost it when I get back from DL next week, we leave tonight) It will save you lotsof time.

You can also use the Parent Switch passes if one of the kids doesn't want to ride a certain ride, that way you all won't miss out.

Crowds will be big, but you can plan around them. Disneyland.com will list the schedule a few months before, try to plan you days around the parades and try not to be crossing Main Street after a parade.