Which month is the best to go to DL?

[c&m]

After figuring out that it might be a little cool to go to DL in Jan. (also wanted to hit the beaches as well), we are pondering whether to go in March, April, or May.

Can anyone tell us which is the best month (out of the three) in terms of less crowds and warm weather?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Sonya in Boise]

We were at Disneyland this past March (10-15th) and it was WONDERFUL. It was the best family vacation we have ever had. There were very little crowds and the weather was great.

Be warned that March is in the Rainy time for SoCal, but we had no problems. It was high 70's during the day and mid 50's at night.

Honestly we rode rides back to back without ever getting off because the crowds were so low. We went Sunday-Thursday and the busiest day we waited 15 minutes for Dumbo and that was the longest wait.

End of March, April and beginning of May is spring break for schools so crowds are busier during those time, but the park is also open later.

Disneyland was open 10-8p when we were there and DCA was 10-6pm, but we had no problems seeing everything we wanted. My girls loved the Bugs life area of DCA and we must have rode the Chew Chew Train 25 times in 5 days.

There were no fireworks or F! (might have been that the ROA was drained at that time, but I don't know. We saw all the Princesses and most everyone else we wanted. I had the autograph book two of the five days and we collected 25+ signatures.

I think March will be our Annual Family trip to Disneyland. We loved it. (could you tell )

 

[c&m]

Thanks Sonya in Boise! We're OK with rain, as long as it's warm and it's not that crowded. We will most likely schedule our trip during the timeframe you suggested.

Any other opinions out there???

 

[ADisneyPrincess]

I've had mixed experience going in March. I've had it be very sunny and warm and also pouring down rain and freezing. The last time I went in March it poured almost the entire trip and it was so cold. Major thunder and lightning storms as well. The hotel parking lot was flooded and the thunder was setting off car alarms. I think April is less rainy and as long as it isn't Spring Break shouldn't be too crowded. Early May would be even better.

 

[Grog]

We went for six days this past April. It was warm during the day (warm enough that there were plenty of people at the hotel pools and it felt really nice to ride Splash and GRR), but cooled off enough for a light jacket or sweater at night. There was no rain the whole time we were there. On the weekdays the crowds were good, not too heavy. Between FP and the light crowds in the Stand By lines we never waited more than about 20 minutes to get on any ride. Crowds got a bit heavier on Saturday and were heaviest on Sunday. We were planning on trying to go this coming February or March, but with Indy possibly going down for rehab in January for a couple of months we will probably go again in April.

 

[lulubelle]

I live very close to DL and if I had my pick, it would be the first of May. March can be cold and rainy or nice and sunny. I wouldn't want to chance it. It is never warm and rainy in March. April is pretty busy due to Spring Break. Everyone has a different week off. But May, ahhh, all the kids are in school and you are almost guaranteed warm (not hot) weather. I am sure you will have fun whatever you choose

 

[Disney-a-gogo]

I go to Disneyland every Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend and believe it or not we have a wonderful time. The crowds are generally lower even though these are major weekends.

I have taken daycare kids with me for the past 7 years two or three times a year and I have found that these two holidays are great! This past Memorial Day Weekend 2003 I took 4 kids by myself and it was not hard at all. Generally I can take two 5 year olds and we have a great time.

I've also gone in February but it rains alot at that time. However, if you can take the rain, the park is virtually empty and it's fun. Just don't worry about the hair. haha

Labor Day is just around the corner and I'm heading down again. I figure 3 movies and nap and we're there.

Hope your trip is fun!

 

[Elly]

I would recommend May. The weather is very nice, but not too hot. Check schedules to see if you can time your trip so that some shows/parades etc will be happening at least on some of the days of your trip. Also pay attention to rehab schedules during off peak trips. I do not, however, recommend Mother's Day or Memorial Day weekend. I have been there both those weekends and it is packed. Last time I went on Mother's Day there were 70,000 people there, yikes!

 

[c&m]

Thanks for reminding me about Mother's Day. 70,000 - Yikes!

I am currently torn between March and May now. Because we'd like to go for 2 weeks, it'd be nice to have the holiday coincide with my DD's spring break in March. She's going into Gr. 3 and I don't want her to miss too much school. Missing 1 week is fine, but 2 weeks seem a bit much. On the other hand, May is more appealing in terms of weather.

Sighhh...what to do...???

 

[silence]

We always have gone "off-peak", usually in the fall. This year we also took a trip in May.....we went the week after Mother's Day.

We never go on weekends, we learned that lesson years ago, but the park was VERY busy, at least to us. For the first time we utilized FAST PASS for the big rides to avoid lines.

The weather was GORGEOUS though in May.

OH, also, that was the last week of those 2 for 1 So Cal passes so they said the parks were busier with guests using up their passes. However when we talked to a CM at the park, they said it was just a typical May...??? So I don't know....

 

[minnieandmickey]

November!!! The weather is good, and the Christmas decorations are up, and the crowds are low. Its our favorite time of year.

 

[c&m]

Yeah, we'd love to go in Sept/Oct/Nov. Three years in a row, we've hit the Sept/Oct timeframe at DL. And was it ever nice -- no lineups, empty restaurants...

Unfortunately for me, I can't leave town till after Dec. 31. I am busy running my business and am basically stuck. I'd rush to go in Jan., however, the weather wouldn't be as appealing as going in May. But waiting for May is too long! This is why I'm contemplating March.

 

[dsnylndmom]

November is my absolute favorite time due to all the holiday stuff. The weather is hit or miss then(one year it was perfect the whole trip the next it was rainy two days and hot two days) BUT if you can't do november April can be good!

We went the weekend/week before EAster this year(friday after school got out we were gone!)and it was wonderful! Saturday, Sunday and Monday were great, no lines and there were parades and fireworks! (even though it rained monday)Tuesday it started to get busy. We had a wonderful time in April and would defitnely go again.

In may of this year we went the 18-20 and it was packed the whole time.

In July we went the 17-19 and it surprisingly wasn't too bad, crowds wise at all!

We're going back in 10 days(Labor Day Weekend)for my son's 9th birthday. We've been Labor day before and it was surprisngly uncrowded(except on Labor Day proper)

 

[Gottaluvthemouse]

Any of the months you have mentioned are really fine. Normally any rain we will get here in So. Ca. is in Feb., then it seldom rains again until August.
I would say it really depends on your personal schedule more than anything.
April is the month for Spring breaks here. They run almost all month since not all schools let out at the same time.
DLR hours are still shorter during these months. You may want to check the website site to see if there are any special events that you may be interested in & plan to visit at that time. Whatever you decide upon you are sure to have a magical vacation!