when to go

[nutty4wdw]

finding it difficult to pick a time to go since i am not familiar with DL and this is our first time. been to WDW many many times. figured i'd ask the DL experts. if you had to choose a warm month (we want to use the pool) and want to avoid crowds which month would you recommend. any advice for this DL rookie
is appreciated. TIA

 

[HydroGuy]

DLR (Disneyland Resort - "DL" is short for Disneyland the park) has a few wrinkles that make it different than WDW regarding seasons.

1. Avoiding crowds

If you try too hard to avoid crowds you may miss more than you expected. See "What You Should Know About Off-Season at DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18462889
IMO May is your best bet to miss crowds and have good weather. However, DLR is rolling out some big things the next couple years in May or maybe early June - the new Little Mermaid ride, the updated Star Tours ride and Goofy's Sky School. In 2012 it will be a new Land at DCA called CarsLand.

I myself really love DLR in the summer. It is busy but it is easier to work around crowds at DLR than at WDW and the summer weather is much more tolerable.


2. Crowds and AP holders

DLR has a far greater base of AP holders than WDW of which most are local to SoCal - and they can really swing crowds - even in times that are considered off-season.

See "Understanding AP Blockouts and Impact on Crowds" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2365983


3. Understanding DLR's Seasons

See "Choosing When To Visit DLR: Summary of High and Low Season and When Each Happens " www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36509602


Finally, for general info check out:

Mary Jo's great sticky thread * DLR Info/Links - Maps, Hotels, DISer Reviews, Hydroguy's tips, NEWBIE INFO here!

and this one

"A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599


Have a great trip!

 

[hayanyujah847]

This thread has been extremely helpful! I, like the OP, am a WDW regular but am planning my first trip to DLR. Thanks so much!!!

 

[DLR29]

I would highly second Hydroguy's opinion about "crowded" seasons. I personally love going during summer as well. The park hours are super long every day (DL:8AM-12AM, DCA:10AM-10PM) and the weather is much more bearable than WDW during the summer, and believe me, I've visited DLR in June, July and August and WDW in June and July.

Again, an added bonus this summer will be the new Little Mermaid ride, Star Tours II, a whole new revamped part of Paradise Pier in DCA, and a new parade for DL! Although it may be more crowded this summer because of these 4 new offerings all opening around the same time, this is probably one of the only times in DLR history that so much new stuff will be introduced all at once, and I would not miss it.

 

[mystic_path]

I go to Disneyland every single year end of May/Early June, just before all the schools start getting out in the area, as well as out of state or country. The weather is always soooo warm, and if you go around the 28th of May the park hours extend to 11pm every night for DL and 9 for DCA during the week, and Midnight and 10 on weekends. Pools are always open for all hotels unless under referb, and they are a nice referesher in the afternoon.