Will the parks close for capacity on July 17th?

[Luckymommatoo]

We have friends coming from out of town, and guess what -- they want us to meet them in Disneyland that weekend. Wouldn't have been my first choice! So trying to figure out a reasonable plan.

Do you think we could meet up with them after 4 p.m. on the 17th? Will some of the crowds have dispersed by then, or is there a chance we'd be shut out?
thanks,
-e

 

[SMD]

I think there will be periodic closures throughout the day. With new fireworks and a third nighttime show in DL I think people will stay later than they did on the 50th. Are you set on DL park or would you be open to starting in DCA is DL is closed when you get there?

 

[Luckymommatoo]

Hmmm... that's a good question. Doesn't really matter to us b/c we're local. I'll have to ask the friends.

 

[SMD]

Do you have premium APs? In the first phase of closures APs aren't blocked. And even closures don't last very long. It would also depend. Like if you can't get there until 4pm and have a 5pm ADR, that's cutting it close.

 

[taniahappy]

New fireworks and new third show? Are these the same that will premier on May 22?

 

[superlarz]

New fireworks and new third show? Are these the same that will premier on May 22?

The new parade and fireworks will debut one week from today. July 17th will most likely have a few other special events throughout the day. It is a pretty important day for American pop culture. I think they park will reach capacity that day so get there early!

 

[Luckymommatoo]

Do you have premium APs?

DH is a cast member, so we'd be using the Parkhoppers that CMs get yearly. (I haven't checked, but I am certain our Silver Passes will be blocked that day!)

I think I'm moving on to plan B. We might be able to meet them Saturday evening, which HAS to be better than Friday. Thanks!

 

[Fantaluminishes]

I don't expect any capacity closures on July 17th. I believe some people will stay away because of anticipation. If there is going to be a capacity closure, I'd expect it to be this Friday for the kick-off.

 

[sheetz]

I'd be surprised if the parks were anything close to capacity with all but premium APs blocked out.

 

[taniahappy]

It is now marked on my calendar!

 

[Disneyland4TmB]

I can't go to Disneyland on May 22, but will definitely be the for July 17!!

 

[GusGus77]

Ok, I feel really dumb, but what is July 17th?

 

[coaches24]

Ok, I feel really dumb, but what is July 17th?

DLs 60th birthday. It opened on July 17 1955

 

[GusGus77]

Thank you! I feel silly! I guess I had the May date engrained in my head and didn't really think about it!!!!

 

[Fantaluminishes]

DLs 60th birthday. It opened on July 17 1955

Disneyland opened to the press and VIPs on July 17. This is the day on the dedication plaque on Main Street as well. But the park didn't open to the public until July 18. I'm not correcting you. Just pointing out a fact that many people are unaware of...

Thank you! I feel silly! I guess I had the May date engrained in my head and didn't really think about it!!!!

Speaking of unaware, don't worry. Many, many people think May 22 is Disneyland's anniversary because of the kick-off to the celebration. The same thing happened ten years ago, when the kick-off was on May 5, and the park was closed the entire day before.