What is the slow season for Disneyland?

[Minky]

Just curious, east coaster here, we always go to WDW, was thinking about a trip to CA but was wondering when the best time of year is to avoid big crowds? Thanks!!

 

[Albertan mom]

I don't think there is any anymore!!

Supposebly it is January, beginning of february, begin of March, September, October, Begin of Nov, beginning of December.

Check Disneyland.com in FAQ.......

 

[CalGal]

The slow season is when every school in the country is in session and there is no 50th anniversary celebration. The lightest crowds during the next year will likely be most of January, early or late Feb. (but not around President's holiday week), and perhaps mid Sep. through early Oct.

 

[LucyKate]

This is (was?) a good guide http://www.scottware.com.au/theme/feature/crowds.htm

We went first week of December last year and it was empty.

 

[scoutsmom99]

I'm glad someone asked this. I keep thinking about a trip out to DL for the 50th.

 

[Albertan mom]

We went first week of December last year and it was empty.

Thats what I want to hear!!!!

(though I imagine it will be busier this year because of the 50th)

 

[disney-super-mom]

I'm with you on that Albertan Mom! That's music to my ears!

Let's cross our fingers that it'll be like that the first week of Dec. this year too.

I just wanted to add that last year we went the 2nd week of November, and it was also fairly empty then too. I think the longest we stood in line was 10 or 15 minutes, and that was for Splash Mountain, Autopia, and Peter Pan. Some rides we could practically walk right on, like Star Tours, anything in Fantasy Land (except Peter Pan), Small World, and Pirates. It was GREAT!

I've always been curious...is there a capacity limit at DL, and if there is (and I would think there must be for safety reasons) what is it?

Maybe I'll do a google search on that one.

 

[Albertan mom]

Check this out:

www.scottware.com.au/theme/feature/crowds.htm

Nice!!

 

[nursemelis374]

I am an AP and go all the time. I went the Friday after Labor Day this year and it was emptiest I had seen it in a long time! It was also nice and warm, so I would say that is a good time. I always find it interesting that people think December is empty. I have never felt that way.

 

[LucyKate]

always find it interesting that people think December is empty.

How would you describe being able to walk straight on to Splash, be the only person in the log, and not have anyone in the ones ahead or behind you? Or walking straight into Haunted Mansion one night when I had a few minutes to spare.

We were there for 5 days and the longest queue we had (in fact, come to think of it, just about the only ones) were 20 minutes on a Sunday for Peter Pan and about 230 minmutes for Saorin (which we bypassed with an instant fastpass which had a return time about 10 minutes after it was issued). This was very early December, but on the Wednesday we arrived I counted about 20 people in the whole of Main Street and we got front row seats for the parade at the hub by walking up to the kerb as the Parade started. We also got dinner at a riverside table at Blue Bayou with no reservations on a Sunday night.

 

[Dale-n-Chip]

I think the most important thing to remember about this year is:
"Slow" is relative.

I totally know that the reason I'm dragging (ha ha) the whole fam to DL in December is the 50th celebration. And, although I'm as egocentric as they come, I can manage to recognize I'm not the only brilliant mind in the world to come up with this idea. (I'm brilliant--I don't have to be original! )

Is this December going to be as slow as last December? I doubt it. But it's going to be a whale of a lot less crowded than Spring Break, Thanksgiving, Christmas and the 4th of July. I say attendance is going to be up for all 18 months of the celebration, but the relative comparisons will hold true.

That's my brilliant analysis. Class dismissed!

 

[Albertan mom]

Dale-n-Chip--I agree with your brilliant analysis. And that is why we are going in December too!!

 

[Dale-n-Chip]

Dale-n-Chip--I agree with your brilliant analysis. And that is why we are going in December too!!

Great minds think alike!

 

[abby]

Any quesses on how the last weekend of January will be, crowd and weather wise?

 

[Albertan mom]

Just got back from the travel agent, and lots of the good neighbor hotels are completely booked!! Whats up with that??!!! It is supposed to be not busy in December!!!!!!!!!

 

[lark]

The last two years the second and third weeks in September have been very slow during the weekdays. By very slow I mean no wait more than 15 minutes, walk on to many rides, easy to find a decent parade spot at or near the last minute, and short waits for counterservice food. It was a little busier this year than last year, which I attribute to the 50th, but still a piece of cake. The park hours are pretty lame though -- which is the trade off.

 

[Califgirl]

I was there two weeks ago, mid week, and it was as busy as a summer mid week day. I really don't think there is a slow time now. Especially not in the winter as folks will come for the 50th celebration and all the Christmas decorations. Just don't plan on Disneyland being as 'empty' as years past.

 

[cmputerdazed]

Disney-super-mom, I have wondered about the capacity also. Does anyone know where we could find it?

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

I was there on Thursday for awhile & Friday, and it was pretty crowded. I don't know if there will really be a "slow season" this year. Disneyland has been steadily busy since the 50th kick-off.

 

[Albertan mom]

Disney-super-mom, I have wondered about the capacity also. Does anyone know where we could find it?

This may help a bit

/www.scottware.com.au/theme/feature/crowds.htm