when to go?

[kcromley]

First time trip to Disneyland planned, and I'm debating when to go-the books say it is better before Memorial Day (last week in May, perhaps) but the week after would be better for our schedule. It looks like California schools don't release that early-any advice on a late May or early June trip?

 

[DLR29]

Early June is still fine. While some schools are out, the majority of the local schools won't be and the locals make up a lot of the DLR visitors.

 

[HydroGuy]

First time trip to Disneyland planned, and I'm debating when to go-the books say it is better before Memorial Day (last week in May, perhaps) but the week after would be better for our schedule. It looks like California schools don't release that early-any advice on a late May or early June trip?

Just be aware that some people say that low crowds are the best to go, and others say high crowds are the best time to go. Why would someone say the latter? Because when it is more crowded then DLR makes sure to have all the rides running and the maximum entertainment schedule.

In any case, the time period you are considering will likely have minimal entertainment and shows on weekdays, so you should try to plan in at least one if not two weekend nights. Other than that, I am not sure there is a big difference between pre and post-Memorial Day other than after Memorial Day you will have a higher likelihood of having more rides out of refurb because it precedes the busy summer season.

 

[MATTERHORN]

We have gone the first week in June the last 3 years in a row and I love it!!! The schools aren't out yet, but entertainment is in full swing!!


Andrea

 

[HydroGuy]

We have gone the first week in June the last 3 years in a row and I love it!!! The schools aren't out yet, but entertainment is in full swing!!


Andrea

I was surprised to see your comment, and looked at what Laughingplace showed for entertainment this June. Here is a link:

http://www.laughingplace.com/Guide-Cal-DLR2-200706.asp

Fri-Sun June 1-3, full entertainment (as I would expect)
Mon-Thurs June 4-7, no fireworks, no DEP, no BPB
Fri-Sun June 8-10, full entertainment (as I would expect)

Looking back at my post, I should not have used the word "minimal entertainment", but instead should have said "reduced entertainment".

In any case, Fantasmic was dark because of the work on TSI but my guess is that Fantasmic would not have shown on June 4-7 anyways as its schedule usually parallels the fireworks.

My personal opinion is that the major entertainment offerings at DLR are the following:

RDCT
POD
Fantasmic
DEP
Aladdin (always dark on Mondays and Tuesdays regardless of season)
BPB

I would expect four of these six to be dark the first week of June next year on weekdays, with the caveat that BPB is reportedly moving to WDW and a new daytime parade is coming to DCA.

Would you expect something different?

 

[MATTERHORN]

Actually, we were there the 7-12 now that I think back, so I guess we were the the end of the first week/beginning of second week! We had fireworks everyday, 2 parades, etc. But the previous years we were there earlier, and I find if you add in atleast one weekend night, you are pretty much set with entertainment and low crowds for the majority of your trip.

I have come across flukes though, like EP being offered every night the last week of April last year (way after Spring Break rush) so you never really know what will be going on!

Andrea

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

We usually go the second week in June, when there is all the entertainment, and the crowds are still low. We love it that time of the year. It's also not TOO hot yet. Couldn't pay me to go in July or August again.

 

[Nora94]

are all the rides running that second week in June?

 

[DizneyMommy]

Yes, almost all the rides are usually running by June 1st if not earlier. Our local schools get out at varying times starting with the second week in June, so my vote would be for the 1st week if you are stuck on June. Colleges tend to get out mid to end May so they start bulking up the crowd a little (you can tell by all the Greek symbol attire) Also, the first 2 weeks of June are notorious for school class trips for all different ages, think chains of kids linked hand in hand 10 across! A lot of our 8th graders in the local area get to go to DL the week of graduation. Personally, as a local, I avoid June-Aug all together, May is lovely there though! There are really not too many rides down towards the end of May, if any.

Just to give you an idea, last year by mid May the only things closed were due to Tom Sawyer's Island refurb (Riverboat and the Island mainly), and Nemo construction (Railroad), plus a short maintenance on Toad and a huge refurb just ending on Splash Mtn. Splash won't need another 6 month refurb this year so that won't be an issue and Nemo and TSI are both open now so those rides should not be affected this year at that time again.

 

[Disneyenthusiast]

We prefer toward the end of June. By then, all of the night fireworks, Fantasmic and so forth are on the schedule. The weather is warm enough for the wet rides then, also.