Where to start?

[mydisneyanytime]

We are thinking about a trip to DL around the first of July. I have been to DLR twice - the last time in 2013 for my son's Make a Wish Trip. He is turning 13 in October and we wanted to do something special for this event so we are looking into DLR again. Even though we were there only 6 years ago I know that things have changed a lot. We aren't sure of the dates and I am really concerned for the SWGE opening around the time we are there. We are frequent visitors of WDW but planning for DLR is making me a little nervous.... Any suggestions on where to start? We don't have a hotel plan but am going to start looking for that soon.

 

[nikerbokers]

I would start on a date first. It's pretty likely it will open June 21st or around that time. So just know, it will be absolutely insane at the parks for probably 6 months AT LEAST (that's when WDW will probably open and will take some of the crowds going for Star Wars exclusively). If you're okay with crowds, I would start checking flights and hotel. Honestly, you don't need to plan as intensively for DLR and you would WDW. Just be sure to make your ADR's 60 days in advance. Check for shows or dining packages you may like first. Check hours as they come available.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Here are some threads with helpful information:
A DLR Guide for WDW Vets
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=23004158 (weather data for DLR)
www.disboards.com/threads/choosing-the-right-hotel-for-you.3656512/
www.disboards.com/threads/maxpass-fastpass-an-overview-and-some-strategy.3726246/
Surviving Summer 2019 at Disneyland!

Look through the above thread for good planning information. Then come on back with more specific questions! July doesn't have to be a bad time for a DLR trip -- yes, it will be very crowded because of SWGE. But the parks will be super prepared for those crowds. There should be longer hours, more staffing, rides running at full capacity (and DLR is trying to get as many things as possible refurbed now before SWGE opening), more entertainment and a full entertainment schedule, etc. When the parks are prepared for crowds, things run much more smoothly and you don't really feel the crowds as much as you do when the parks aren't prepared. Bob Iger said in a recent interview that the opening month for SWGE will be June, so it will be open by your dates. Agree with the pp, pick the dates that work best for your family, then come back here to start planning.