When to visit Disneyland in 2019?!?

[jenhelgren]

I am looking into planning a Disneyland trip for 2019 and need some regular visitor or local advice! We have only been to Disneyland one other time in late October 2015. My daughter was devastated because Small World was closed due to holiday overlays!! My kids do not follow a traditional school schedule and use a virtual school so we usually try to travel during slow times. Taking weather, crowds, and ride closures into consideration--what would your recommendation be for 2019? We will also be flying from Illinois, so flight prices may play into my planning some too, but I just don't know where to start at! I was thinking Jan-Feb to get us out of our winter weather but read that Small World is often closed during that time and my DD is not going unless Small World is open

 

[Skyegirl1999]

I’d probably come early May, making sure I included a weekend.

January, Small World will be down for awhile to change the overlay.

February is too popular now. Everyone thinks it’s “off-season” and shows up to find lots of refurbs and reduced entertainment schedules and hours.

March/April, you have spring break, which will be weird next year with the late Easter spreading Spring Break forever and ever.

By June (maybe as early as Memorial Day?), it looks like they are planning for Star Wars to be open (of course, subject to change/delay), so my normal recommendation of June is out.

So, yeah. Early May. It will likely be “off season” hours and entertainment, so keep a weekend for full hours and shows. Pay attention to the Grad Night schedule. There may be refurbs (especially as they try to get things in shape for Star Wars), but hopefully not a ton.

Alternatively, I might aim for sometime in March or early April (maybe first week of April?), when “spring break” will keep the parks running well (good hours/entertainment, low refurbs), but aim for a week that actually won’t be too heavy with Spring Break crowds.

Buuuut, of course, Disney could announce some sort of event or promotion that would make all predictions moot... so ultimately, pick a good time for you’re family, and then just roll with whatever happens!

 

[agamble]

Just pick a time that works for you. I know that doesn't sound helpful, but if you read Skygirl's post above you can see that there really isn't a perfect time to visit. One thing to note is that SWGE will be opening in June (my guess is the last week of June due to the complete DAP blockouts). Many people might put off their trip to see the new stuff. I actually think that early March may be a good time if you are okay with shorter hours and certain closures. Small World should not be closed at that time. This year Small World was closed January 22, 2018 to February 1, 2018. The first week of May as Skyegirl suggested would also be alright. Hours will likely be similar between the first week of May and March. May will see the beginning of Grad Nites, but in the past they have not occurred until the second week of May.

 

[jenhelgren]

Alternatively, I might aim for sometime in March or early April (maybe first week of April?), when “spring break” will keep the parks running well (good hours/entertainment, low refurbs), but aim for a week that actually won’t be too heavy with Spring Break crowds.

Thanks Skyegirl! My DH's birthday is March 27 which always falls during our local schools Spring Break here in Illinois. It will be a milestone bday for him next year and we are usually desperate to escape the cold weather by March! Any guesses as to how that week will be for 2019?

 

[limace]

It’s a big spring break week on the west coast too so I’m guessing it’ll be busy busy! On the other hand, that’ll mean almost everything will be open.

 

[disneyworldsk]

I decided to go november 2019 for our days off first week in november on east coast and get a jump on galaxy's edge on cali.I'm hoping it will be quiet. i wanted late august but with d23 no way.

 

[wareagle57]

March/April, you have spring break, which will be weird next year with the late Easter spreading Spring Break forever and ever.


Alternatively, I might aim for sometime in March or early April (maybe first week of April?), when “spring break” will keep the parks running well (good hours/entertainment, low refurbs), but aim for a week that actually won’t be too heavy with Spring Break crowds.
!

How is Spring Break at DL compared to WDW? At WDW I would never even consider going during that time. Our trip is April 14-21 and I thought Spring Break crowds would be over. It's our honeymoon so we didn't really have a choice in dates, but I still thought we would be ok.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

How is Spring Break at DL compared to WDW? At WDW I would never even consider going during that time. Our trip is April 14-21 and I thought Spring Break crowds would be over. It's our honeymoon so we didn't really have a choice in dates, but I still thought we would be ok.

DLR doesn't really work on the same mindset regarding crowds as WDW. Don't think "crowds vs. low/no crowds" -- that doesn't really exist at DLR anymore. Think crowded vs. very crowded (and the exception of super crowded, like the week after Christmas). The issue at DLR isn't really the crowds in and of themselves. The issue is how prepared the parks are to handle those crowds. There is a HUGE difference between crowds in DL and DCA prepared for those crowds with longer hours, more staffing, most/all rides running at full capacity, full entertainment schedule, etc. vs. crowds at DL and DCA not prepared for those crowds with shorter hours, lower staffing, ride refurbs and construction, weekend only nighttime entertainment, shorter restaurant hours, etc. So, for example, while Spring Break may be a very crowded time in the parks each year, it is also a better time to visit because both parks are prepared to handle those crowds. July is also another example of this. Summer crowds are what they are, but when the parks are prepared to handle them, it really doesn't feel so bad and things run pretty smoothly. The ideal days of visiting an almost empty park can happen, but they really aren't easily predictable any more.