What is the best time of year to visit Disneyland and Southern CA?

[RockyMtnMaria]

I am envisioning the perfect mesh of low crowds, low prices, and perfect weather, lol! We are looking to go sometime in 2008, but prefer sometime between Jan.-May. We homeschool, so our timing is completely flexible. We simply prefer the first half of the year, because any longer would feel like too long in between vacations (we just returned from a cruise).

 

[HydroGuy]

You will have a better chance at good weather in April/May. For lowest crowds during April/May you will have a better chance after Spring Break ends (mid-April) up until Memorial Day.

If you are not aware, there are downsides to going to DLR when the crowds are lower. When there are less people Disney takes rides down for refurb and significantly cuts back on shows. See "HydroGuy's High Season/Off Season Tradeoff Rule" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199852. During late April to May you will likely have minimal show schedules on weekdays. If you go on weekends to catch the shows (Fri/Sat/Sun) then you will see crowds which look a lot like high season.