When are there low crowds?

[tzuhouse]

We know that September, early November, January, etc. tend to have lower crowds at WDW, but what about Disneyland? We may be going next year and I'm trying to narrow it down to when we should go. January? February? Early March?

Any experienced out there who can tell me when NOT to go during this timeframe? Obviously, we'd be going about a week after New Years if we went in January and very early March, before Spring Breaks begin.

Thanks in advance.

Mary

 

[DLR29]

In January, February, early March for crowds (only) I would avoid:
-New Years (and the week following)
-Martin Luther King Weekend
-President's Weekend and week
-Any weekend

However, if you want to experience any of the night entertainment (fireworks, fantasmic) you will need to schedule at least one (I recommend 2) weekend days because they aren't usually shown during the week during lower seasons.

 

[tzuhouse]

Hmmm. Okay, let me play with these dates some more. The way the trip is planned, we'd be at Disney on a Mon, Tues, and Wed.

Mary

 

[tzuhouse]

We would actually be arriving on a Sunday afternoon, after doing a whale watch in Ventura, so we could see fireworks on that Sunday night, 2/8? And then the crowds would be down during the week for 2/9-2/11? Or, do you think that might be affected by Valentine's being on 2/14?

Mary

 

[audrabolster]

I doubt you'll be affected by V-day. I think you'll find very low crowds for a mon-wed trip!

 

[nunzia]

It seems like this year alot of people were complaining about high crowds a good bit of February, all around President's day/week, as it looks like alot of kids are now getting a whole week off around that time. I think Disney has done a very good job of bringing in people at what used to be low times, and I hate to say it, but I don't really think there is a low time anymore. Maybe lower than crazy, but not the lower I remember from many years back.

 

[Eeyore's Wife]

Whenever you go it will be:

1. Packed beyond reason for no apparent reason.

2. Unseasonably Hot/Cold/Wet/Windy/or Suffering from the smoke drifting into the park because all of Southern California is on Fire.

3. The week just after or just before a week of perfect weather, low attendance, and Everyone in the entire park getting Dreamed!

In all seriousness, planning a vacation requires you to make time committments long before we can be sure about unseasonable weather or huge troops of Brazilian soccer teams swarming the property. I suggest you pick the week that works best for your family and then purchase RideMax software to help you plan for your special time at Disneyland.

I have done Disney in the midst of heat waves, cold waves, and rain that seemed like tidal waves, and each time was magical in its own way.

If we didn't have cold waves, then we would miss out on the joy of holding onto a hot chocolate for dear life while waiting for the fireworks.

Without really hot weather, the Dole Whip can't be a spiritual experience.

In the times when the park is empty, it seems reverential, but when the place is packed and you decide to enjoy the experience (and have planned ahead with RideMax, have I mentioned RideMax, BUY RIDEMAX!!!!) it is amazing as well.

--Eeyore's Wife

 

[MMSS]

Great attitude - make it the best you can -I like it!

 

[audrabolster]

Whenever you go it will be:

1. Packed beyond reason for no apparent reason.

2. Unseasonably Hot/Cold/Wet/Windy/or Suffering from the smoke drifting into the park because all of Southern California is on Fire.

3. The week just after or just before a week of perfect weather, low attendance, and Everyone in the entire park getting Dreamed!

In all seriousness, planning a vacation requires you to make time committments long before we can be sure about unseasonable weather or huge troops of Brazilian soccer teams swarming the property. I suggest you pick the week that works best for your family and then purchase RideMax software to help you plan for your special time at Disneyland.

I have done Disney in the midst of heat waves, cold waves, and rain that seemed like tidal waves, and each time was magical in its own way.

If we didn't have cold waves, then we would miss out on the joy of holding onto a hot chocolate for dear life while waiting for the fireworks.

Without really hot weather, the Dole Whip can't be a spiritual experience.

In the times when the park is empty, it seems reverential, but when the place is packed and you decide to enjoy the experience (and have planned ahead with RideMax, have I mentioned RideMax, BUY RIDEMAX!!!!) it is amazing as well.

--Eeyore's Wife

That is so true!

 

[HydroGuy]

In January, February, early March for crowds (only) I would avoid:
-New Years (and the week following)
-Martin Luther King Weekend
-President's Weekend and week
-Any weekend

However, if you want to experience any of the night entertainment (fireworks, fantasmic) you will need to schedule at least one (I recommend 2) weekend days because they aren't usually shown during the week during lower seasons.

Absolutely correct. This is discussed in more detail here:

"What You Should Know About Off-Season at DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18462889

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

It seems like this year alot of people were complaining about high crowds a good bit of February, all around President's day/week, as it looks like alot of kids are now getting a whole week off around that time. I think Disney has done a very good job of bringing in people at what used to be low times, and I hate to say it, but I don't really think there is a low time anymore. Maybe lower than crazy, but not the lower I remember from many years back.

I don't know- it was pretty darn empty on Monday- and it was a warm 80 degrees and sunny! Whenever the FP machines aren't even ON is to me, a low time! It was great. We were there Sunday as well and it was also pretty low crowds, especially for a sunny day following a drizzly cloudy Saturday. I think the crowds that happened around Lincoln's birthday were kind of flukey. President's weekend is always fairly busy. Plan that any day Deluxe passholders are blacked out will be busy, and you should be fine!

 

[tzuhouse]

Thanks, everyone, for your responses. We are going on MLK day, but won't be at Disney until the following Sunday. I'll look into RideMax. Not familiar with that. Wish there was a TGM for Disneyland!

I appreciate all of you taking time to write.

mary