When in June/July would be best to visit?

[Keyser]

We are planning a family trip to Southern California next summer, in either June or July. We are planning to go to Disneyland for part of it, and it seems that maybe that will be the biggest factor in our schedule.

I know that no one knows when Carsland will be open yet, but is there even an idea of when we might know? Assuming we won't know for a while, what would you all suggest as the best time in either June or July to plan to travel? The only time that is out is the very end of June; we could go in early June or almost any time in July.

We might even be fine to miss Carsland, especially if it would mean significantly better crowds. The one time I visited Disneyland, more than 20 years ago, I had a horrible experience. It was so crowded that I got to see almost nothng (Star Tours was new, and I remember spending 3 hours - not an exaggeration! - to see it). I'd rather not repeat that experience. Do you all think the crowds will be so bad after Carsland opens that we'd be better off going early? I don't have a good sense for exactly what it means, practically, in terms of larger crowds, and whether these would be in both parks, or just in the Carsland area.

 

[skiingfast]

I don't think you will miss crowds by going earlier, I think you are taking a big risk that they would be bigger.

I would aim for mid to late July. It's very likely that Carsland will have been open and the initial rush over with. It will be very busy but the rest of the parks calmed back to normal.

It is best to go midweek and avoid Fri-Sun.

Prepare for crowds never the less by being in the park at opening and at night. Use FastPass.

 

[HydroGuy]

We are planning a family trip to Southern California next summer, in either June or July. We are planning to go to Disneyland for part of it, and it seems that maybe that will be the biggest factor in our schedule.

I know that no one knows when Carsland will be open yet, but is there even an idea of when we might know? Assuming we won't know for a while, what would you all suggest as the best time in either June or July to plan to travel? The only time that is out is the very end of June; we could go in early June or almost any time in July.

We might even be fine to miss Carsland, especially if it would mean significantly better crowds. The one time I visited Disneyland, more than 20 years ago, I had a horrible experience. It was so crowded that I got to see almost nothng (Star Tours was new, and I remember spending 3 hours - not an exaggeration! - to see it). I'd rather not repeat that experience. Do you all think the crowds will be so bad after Carsland opens that we'd be better off going early? I don't have a good sense for exactly what it means, practically, in terms of larger crowds, and whether these would be in both parks, or just in the Carsland area.

I don't think you will miss crowds by going earlier, I think you are taking a big risk that they would be bigger.

I would aim for mid to late July. It's very likely that Carsland will have been open and the initial rush over with. It will be very busy but the rest of the parks calmed back to normal.

It is best to go midweek and avoid Fri-Sun.

Prepare for crowds never the less by being in the park at opening and at night. Use FastPass.

I agree with Ski.

Regarding having a horrible experience with crowds, I do not know your specific circumstance of course but for most people it is has far more to do with the poor touring choices they make and classic mistakes.

Here are some simple ideas that make a huge, huge difference on how much you experience crowds:

1. Stay close by - preferably at a walking distance hotel

2. Arrive early (30 minutes before park opens)

3. Focus on rides for the first 2-3 hours of each day

4. Learn how to use FASTPASSES and collect them early and often (they did not have these 20 years ago or even 10 years ago

5. Eat at off-peak times

6. Take an afternoon break to rest and even nap

7. Come back to the parks late afternoon or early evening and stay late

8. Go on slow loaders in the morning and save fast loaders for mid-day

This also may help - "Getting The Most Out of a Summer Visit To DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1345319