Which of these dates?

[*RJ*]

I'm having such a hard time pinning down a date for our 2018 trip! We originally wanted to go the first week of May, but that's not possible anymore. So here are our two options -

1) May 16 - May 20 (Wed - Sun)

OR

2) first or second week in August (M-F)

I've always wanted to go to Disneyland in May. I know there isn't really an "off-season" anymore, but I thought the weekend after the marathon/Mother's Day and before Memorial Day might be manageable? I'm not concerned about shorter hours or lighter entertainment, as we'd be there over a weekend too.

I've gone in early August before and had a blast, but myself and my kids don't do all that well in SoCal heat! But I guess some AP's are blocked at that time right? So that affects crowds I assume...

I'm open to any thoughts!

 

[MacMama0930]

I'm having such a hard time pinning down a date for our 2018 trip! We originally wanted to go the first week of May, but that's not possible anymore. So here are our two options -

1) May 16 - May 20 (Wed - Sun)

OR

2) first or second week in August (M-F)

I've always wanted to go to Disneyland in May. I know there isn't really an "off-season" anymore, but I thought the weekend after the marathon/Mother's Day and before Memorial Day might be manageable? I'm not concerned about shorter hours or lighter entertainment, as we'd be there over a weekend too.

I've gone in early August before and had a blast, but myself and my kids don't do all that well in SoCal heat! But I guess some AP's are blocked at that time right? So that affects crowds I assume...

I'm open to any thoughts!

If Disney doesn't do the whole discounted So Cal resident ticket again this year, I would shoot for May, especially since you'll be there over a weekend for the nightly entertainment. The heat can be tough, I get it. I'm bad in the heat but planning a trip with a friend for next month, but I would avoid hot times with my kids because that just puts it on a whole nother level!! We stumbled on 100 degree heat in october the first time we took the kids and it just wasn't fun!

 

[cruisehopeful]

I think it was really crowded on the "off days" this past May. August can be very hot, but you can also stay relatively cool by doing the water rides and air conditioned rides. I know I didn't really help, but those are a couple things to consider. It shouldn't be as crowded next May as this past May because there will be more walkways open and more rides open (Tom Sawyer, the Disneyland Railroad, etc). The crowding issues this past year have been really bad partly because there was a lot less places for people to be.

 

[GabrielMom]

Those dates are similar to what we did this year, one week Monday thru Friday before memorial day. The weather was great. Howver, I wasn't aware there was a southern California special that was so popular that expired the Thursday we were there. The Monday and Tuesday were very crowded, Monday was difficult to even find space to walk in Disneyland. The Friday before Memorial day was awesome (the day after the special expired) My son got to do all his favorite rides multiple times. I recommend finding out if they have that special again and then go after it expires.

 

[MacMama0930]

I don't believe they offer that discounted ticket every year - especially at that kind of price. Everyone I knew decided to go to Disneyland when that special came out. It was too good to pass up! It brought Californians out in droves. They may offer this next year but I doubt it.

 

[*RJ*]

I wasn't aware of the discounted tickets...how far in advance do they offer that? And it's not an every year kind of thing?

 

[MacMama0930]

I wasn't aware of the discounted tickets...how far in advance do they offer that? And it's not an every year kind of thing?

This year they were offering So Cal Residents 3 day tickets for $150ish, $180ish for park hoppers. The tickets were good from Jan-May, excluding Spring Break. Seems like everyone waited til the last minute and showed up in May!

 

[juxtapose]

This year they were offering So Cal Residents 3 day tickets for $150ish, $180ish for park hoppers. The tickets were good from Jan-May, excluding Spring Break. Seems like everyone waited til the last minute and showed up in May!

Do you know what month they announced that deal this past time? We want to go in May, but I want to wait until they expire if they're offered again next year. We have several schedules to coordinate so it'd be nice to be able to select dates in the next few months if we could.

 

[MacMama0930]

It was right after the holidays, I believe. Someone correct me if I'm wrong....

 

[MacMama0930]

Do you know what month they announced that deal this past time? We want to go in May, but I want to wait until they expire if they're offered again next year. We have several schedules to coordinate so it'd be nice to be able to select dates in the next few months if we could.

If you have to plan earlier, I'd shoot for the beginning of May. We actually went for my sons birthday mid-May and while it was crowded, it wasn't excruciating by any means, and if you start early, use FPs and can splurge on some preferred dining or viewing for a show or two, you'll be fine either way!!