When to go if going for first time

[croach]

We are considering going to DL next year(from Virginia). When is the best time of year to go so that you can experience everything? I read that somethings are shut down(parades, Fantasmic) during part of the year. Also how many days do you need to do everything in the two parks?

 

[LuvTigger]

For your first time, I would stay away from major holidays (Easter, Christmas, etc.). As far as being able to see all the shows and things, Summer is probably best, though it can be quite crowded. I would guess that either early or late summer would be better, when some schools might be in, but that question might be better answered by a CA resident who frequents DL. In summer, there are more shows, fireworks, etc., and the park hours are longer, but there are more lines. In off-peak season, there are fewer lines, but some attractions may be closed for refurbishment and there are fewer shows.

If you go during the summer, my guess is that weekdays would be slightly better than weekends.

I would allow a minimum of 3-4 days to experience everything in DL. I was there last October (relatively slow season), we stayed there for 4 days and we were able to cover everything in a very leisurely manner (taking breaks, having sit-down lunches, etc.).

Also, since you're coming from VA and if you don't think you'll make it back to CA in a while, you might want to consider doing things like Universal Studios (pretty different from Orlando's), Knott's Berry Farm, and if you have time, a couple days in San Diego to go to Sea World and the Zoo.

 

[Planogirl]

Hi! We recently returned from our first trip to California. The first week of August turned out to be a good choice IMO. We spent three days at the parks and that was enough for us. Disneyland was very crowded each afternoon but DCA wasn't so we would head over there or to Downtown Disney every day and then return to Disneyland for two of the three evenings. We made liberal use of FastPass and saw everything that we wanted to see.

I heartily recommend Knott's if you have the time and San Diego is absolutely gorgeous with tons to do. In fact, we plan to devote more time to San Diego during our next trip. We never did make it to Universal so I can't comment on that.

 

[supercarrie]

Regarding summer - I would either suggest early June (the first week or so) or the last week of August. Most OC schools don't get out until around June 15ish. I believe Fantasmic starts up again after Memorial Day, so you should be able to see it.

 

[mike80124]

we just got back from a week at disney 8/24 to 8/30 and crowds were light to me saw everything in both parks waits for indy 15 to 25 min miday splash was 30 to 40 but alot of the rides had very short waits and almost walk on in the morning or night parks were still on summer hours so they were open late great weather and all the rides were open . last week of aug was a great time to go

 

[almostGoofy]

Just did DL and DCA 8/29 & 8/30. According to the map/schedule I picked up, Fantasmic was only running Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the final week of August. You may want to note that this is also the Labor day weekend. I believe the week before, Fantasmic was running all week long (someone, please correct me if I'm wrong.)

Thought you'd liked to know if during your trip you wanted to include Fantasmic.

 

[year2late]

What is the makeup of your family? Any very young kids?

Have you been to WDW?

 

[nwdisgal]

I have visited DL at different times throughout the year and the best time during my visits ( crowd and weatherwise) was early May and the last week of August.

There is one time that I would never return and that is in February. That month tends to be their rainy season and I remember coming off Splash Mountain in a freezing cold downpour with rain blowing horizontally.