When to go in 2010?

[Hoppypooh]

I have spent the last few years alternating between trips to WDW in Florida and DL in California. I would like to start planning for a first trip to DLP in
2010.

My understanding is that DLP is generally busier on the weekends and less busy during the week. But what time of year is best? I prefer to go when most of the rides will be open (not down for refurb) and when the parades, shows and fireworks are running (especially at night.) Weather is not super-important (I'm Canadian and used to wind, rain and snow) but I would prefer not to go during a really crowded time like school vacation.

Suggestions anyone?

 

[DLPdaft]

Hi Hoppypooh,
Elaine, Jackie, Elaine and Reid welcome you to the DLP DIS board

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Unfortunately, DLRP only typically has its firework shows in high vacation season (ie mid-July until end August), and New Years Eve (traditionally a very very busy day/night at DLRP). I've never seen the fireworks at DLRP, as I don't go there in vacation times.

However, if you plan well, others here tell me its perfectly doable to manage the crowds, and the extended opening hours in the parks in the summer vacation season, plus the evening parades and fireworks, may make it worth your while .

 

[thelittlemermaid83]

January is a great time to go but it is very cold, i would also recommended September as its quiet then plus the weather isnt too bad either.

 

[mommy2ash]

we went in october and as said above the only way to get the fireworks and nightime parade and late openings is during summer peak season. but october was great. it wasnt really busy and i loved all the decorations. we went in feb as well and although a bit cold we had a great time and the park was empty.

i guess it depends on what is more important to you

 

[eeyorefanuk]

My favourite time is when it is christmas season Maybe end of November or beginning December (mid week) so quite quiet

 

[Ware Bears]

I'd vote for August, we find it very manageable despite it being a busy time of year. We think the longer park hours with night-time parade and fireworks together with the lighter evenings far outweigh the crowds.

 

[FiFi Rose]

I love early October for the start of Halloween season. The theming is great and the parks look brilliant. You get all the Halloween shows as well. The weather has always been quite warm for us and the parks are relatively quiet. No fireworks and the parks close early during the week though.

 

[Kazzabelle]

Hi, We went mid July before the children's vacations started and it was not too busy and we still got to see the fireworks but we did go in september and although there was no fireworks i preferred it as the parks were more quiet and we could take more in and the weather was still lovely. We prefer to miss the weekends as it is much more busier especially taking my dd who is 2 and does not understand queuing.

Cheyenne July 2006
Cheyenne June 2007
Cheyenne sept 2008
Still planning 2009

 

[Ms Poppins]

I'd vote for August, we find it very manageable despite it being a busy time of year. We think the longer park hours with night-time parade and fireworks together with the lighter evenings far outweigh the crowds.

I agree with this. We've been in July twice, and although busy, if you're there for a few days (remember a lot of people will just be there for the day) then you can take your time to see what you want and work out when to get fastpasses etc.

Also, as the main park is open until 11pm you'll have much more time in general, and can afford to take a break in the afternoon, and head back to the parks in the evening when most of the day trippers are going home.

If you really hate big crowds, then avoid Bastille Day, which I think is 14th or 16th July. It is generally extremely busy with day trippers as it's a national holiday in France.

Have fun!

 

[Tillybud]

we've visited in June, August, September, October, November and December and my favourite time has to be October for the Halloween decorations August is too busy for me and June is lovely, we've always had great weather but the parks shut early so it probably wouldn't appeal to you. It was a while ago when we visited in September and my only complaint was the number of wasps (but that's just me !!!)

Have fun planning your trip

 

[lilacgems23]

we went in march and sept last year and must say we much preferred sept. It was quieter so wasnt spending all day queing and the weather was lovely, warm and sunny!

 

[stargatebarbie]

I work at a school so we have always gone in the summer Hols it is busy but we go for 4 days so fine, its easy to manage as the park is open late and all the shows parades fireworks are on I dont think anything has ever been closed when we have gone the weather is a plus as well .We always think we are getting huge value for our money as we dont miss anything ,also as the weather is nice we can take a pinic lunch to eat outside and watch the world go by and this saves us a few ££s oh and all our photos come out good as its sunny
<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y60/graceoneil/?action=view&current=DISNEYLANDPARIS2008LYNETTES063.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y60/graceoneil/DISNEYLANDPARIS2008LYNETTES063.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

 

[Belle's World]

Hi,

I have been in early December, mid jan and mid July all of which fit your criteria as having most of the shows rides etc open. July has longer opening hours but Dec and jan are cheaper.

Ro

 

[Roon]

I would love to go in the Christmas Season but also work at school so can't do that. We always used to do the February break. However, last year October school holidays (ours were before quite a lot of other schools I think) was the absolute best. Halloween season is FAB. Lots of atmosphere yet still quiet enough not to have mammoth queues. The weather was also quite good as well.

Summer I would think would be lovely. Disney is an extra though so I still love my sun sea and sand in the summer.

 

[Hoppypooh]

Thank you all for your suggestions. I think we are going to opt for a pre-Christmas trip (early-mid December.)