When to go?

[Donald is #1]

Hi! I posted a thread this past spring and people gave me some great advice on when to visit DL. Well I would like to actually decide now. So, I would like your advice. From my previous thread, I plan to fly in on a Saturday so that I can see either the fireworks or Fantasmic that night. Then I would spend the next 3-4 days at the park. It will only be me so I don't have to worry about school schedules. Also, I don't want to go during the summer because I may be taking my nephew on a different vacation during the summer.

So, my current thoughts are April, May, September or October. So please give me your recommendation. If you have another month in mind, please let me know.

Also, I will welcome any suggestions.

 

[ParkHoppa]

the wensday after thanksgiving, nearly emp ty

 

[ter-moo]

I voted "other" because I would recommend sometime in early to mid December. You just have to be careful to avoid the Candlelight Processional weekend. Coming in at the END of Thanksgiving weekend (Sunday) is a good time, because they still have weekend schedules. Then the park clears out until Christmas break (during the weekdays, that is).

The decorations are lovely, the hours are shorter, the park is UNcrowded and it makes for a very relaxing trip.

 

[Alex2kMommy]

I think any of the months you have listed would be fine crowd-wise, keeping in mind to avoid holidays, spring break time, etc. You might also check to see if any major conventions would be going on in your selected timeframe, that tends to increase attendance at DL as well.

I have been in early February, late April - early May, late September, and early October. I think the April trip was the only time we've been blocked out on weekends (we have deluxe APs). Weekends are always super crowded, it's a dramatic difference from weekdays. The temps drop quickly after dark in Feb. and Oct., though the days were still gorgeously sunny. The September trip did have several really hot days (this was in 2006, not sure if that is abnormal to have upper 90F days in late September.)

We're going in early December this year, in order to see all the holiday decorations and parade/fireworks shows. I was disappointed to see that two nights during our stay DL will close at 6PM instead of 8PM (for employee holiday parties, is that right?) And I have no idea what the Candlelight Processional is, that worries me a bit since I've read to avoid that date(s) more than once now...

 

[wazowskiLOVER:)]

I say October only because for me personally, I LOVE the holiday. Though, if you don't really like Halloween, I liked May. It was perfect weather and not too crowdy either

 

[CrazyDuck]

You need another selection: [X] Everyday

 

[disney-inspired]

I voted for September. I just went on Wednesday and it was DEAD! All rides were walk-on!

 

[JadeDarkstar]

nov late or early dec

 

[Donald is #1]

You need another selection: [X] Everyday

 

[Donald is #1]

Everyone, thanks for the opinions and advice so far. Please keep them coming!

 

[tinkerbellmom1]

I voted other and to specify, my vote would be February. We had reservations yesterday for Spring Break. We've never been at Easter time and heard that the crowds were just shy of Christmas/Easter. This morning we changed them to February. We've gone 8 out of the last 9 years in February and never had a bad day of weather or a crowded Disneyland! We didn't want to chance the April crowds!

 

[Soccermom-Cheri]

I'm likin' the "everyday" choice....

October is fabulous. but don't tell anyone! shhhh

 

[ADisneyPrincess]

I just got back from the week following Labor Day and it was fabulous!! Even the weekend was pretty quiet; but by the time we got to the following Monday and Tuesday, no lines!! It was great!!

 

[Gisele]

Sorry, do not mean to hi jack, however, I was wondering what anyones thoughts are regarding late March, early April? I know to avoid the week of Easter, like one would avoid the plague. And the year before last, in April, it was very nice, not large crowds, and decent weather. TIA

 

[Gisele]

I voted for April, again, DO NOT GO DURING THE WEEK OF EASTER! UNLESS YOU LIKE HUGE CROWDS, LONG LINES, AND STINKING HOT WEATHER!

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

I voted for September, but I think May would be good too.

I wouldn't go in April or October. April is all prime Spring Break month, and October has gotten packed with Gay Days, Columbus Day, fall breaks, and all the Halloween festivities!

 

[Alex2kMommy]

Sorry, do not mean to hi jack, however, I was wondering what anyones thoughts are regarding late March, early April? I know to avoid the week of Easter, like one would avoid the plague. And the year before last, in April, it was very nice, not large crowds, and decent weather. TIA

Maybe somebody with more knowledge will reply, but my understanding was that is right in the middle of the spring break crowds. My impression is that the spring break time is roughly mid-Feb. through 2nd or 3rd week in April...

 

[PRINCESSplazola]

I say October only because for me personally, I LOVE the holiday. Though, if you don't really like Halloween, I liked May. It was perfect weather and not too crowdy either

i agreeeeee! i couldnt think of a more perfect time to go! halloween and fall are the best!!!

i also like going in jan/feb....its cold and rainy (when we went it was) but the lines were super short!

 

[wazowskiLOVER:)]

i agreeeeee! i couldnt think of a more perfect time to go! halloween and fall are the best!!!

i also like going in jan/feb....its cold and rainy (when we went it was) but the lines were super short!

Me TOO !! I LLOOOOVED January. We got to see the decorations up still and it only rained for one night. It didn't hurt that it was Kase's b-day and all the lines were short

 

[Donald is #1]

Hmmm, so far September and May are tied. Everyone thank you so much for your suggestions! I am still making up my mind.

On the December suggestions, I think that I may have another idea for December. You see, depending upon which resort for this trip I pick, I will probably have some DVC points left. I am also going to my first Mousefest this December. So let's see, December, DVC points, where could I go?