We're Eastcoasters....best month/time to visit DL?

[kimmar067]

...my DS is surprising his GF for her birthday/Christmas with a 3 or 4 nite visit at DL. When would be a slower time during the beginning of 2018? TIA

 

[gottalovepluto]

There is no slow time anymore. If looking at the beg of 2018 they should go whenever it fits their schedule and be ready for big crowds.

 

[tnzzz]

In January avoid the first couple days that SoCal AP passes are unblocked. In February avoid the weekend and week following President’s Day. In March, avoid the days leading up to Easter and probably a couple weeks after.
This doesn’t necessarily mean others times will be slow, but you’ll have a better chance at seeing more moderately busy crowds instead of extremely busy crowds.

 

[countofmc]

I think there is a week or two sometime in February that's packed due to local schools being out, but otherwise January and February are pretty chill. We've gone 2-3 times/year over the last 4 years, and I do think think there are definitely slow times. We target that January/February time and early September as slower times.

 

[Geemo]

...my DS is surprising his GF for her birthday/Christmas with a 3 or 4 nite visit at DL. When would be a slower time during the beginning of 2018? TIA

As mentioned there are no know slow times in the parks.

I'll give you a few links to check out and see what you think as you plan.

Figment_jii's thread of activities that may effect park attendance.
https://www.disboards.com/threads/2018-calendar-of-events-school-breaks-and-dlr.3635162/

HydroGuy has a thread of Historical hours for DLR. This can be handy to forecast what the park hours might be for dates you're interested in.
During the beginning of the year the parks are know to open late and close early.
https://www.disboards.com/threads/hydroguy-tips-compilation.1520483/

If you are planning to stay on-site, you might benefit from one of Disney's Room Promotions.
https://disneyland.disney.go.com/offers-discounts/

Off-site places are listed in this thread originally from 2011 but edited/updated Jan 2017
https://www.disboards.com/threads/w...-list-w-discussion-details-of-hotels.2796786/

Tick-Tock, Tick-Tock....... 16 days to Christmas!!

Have fun

Geemo

Forgot an important one. This can change at anytime.
http://www.wdwinfo.com/disneyland/plan.htm#rehab

 

[kimmar067]

....wow, thanks guys, for the responses....I had heard that DL (vs. WDW) doesn't have 'slower' times due to more 'locals' visiting, as opposed to more 'tourists, or out-of-towners' visiting WDW....any truth to that?

 

[kimmar067]

Figment_jii's thread of activities that may effect park attendance.
https://www.disboards.com/threads/2018-calendar-of-events-school-breaks-and-dlr.3635162/

HydroGuy has a thread of Historical hours for DLR. This can be handy to forecast what the park hours might be for dates you're interested in.
During the beginning of the year the parks are know to open late and close early.
https://www.disboards.com/threads/hydroguy-tips-compilation.1520483/

If you are planning to stay on-site, you might benefit from one of Disney's Room Promotions.
https://disneyland.disney.go.com/offers-discounts/

Off-site places are listed in this thread originally from 2011 but edited/updated Jan 2017
https://www.disboards.com/threads/w...-list-w-discussion-details-of-hotels.2796786/

Forgot an important one. This can change at anytime.
http://www.wdwinfo.com/disneyland/plan.htm#rehab

...thanks for the links!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Don't forget that "slower times" can equal more refurbs and shorter hours. Sometimes it can actually be better to visit during a peak time, like summer, when Disney plans for crowds with longer hours, more rides open and running at capacity, more CMs staffed in the parks, and nightly entertainment. With good planning and organization (and positive attitudes!), peak times can make for really good trips.

 

[V.I.N.CENT.]

My family is more concerned about the weather now. Give me a crowded day at 70-80 degrees over what we experienced in Sept 2015, low crowds but 105 temp. We manage our expectations about crowds now, and use Maxpass

 

[kimmar067]

Don't forget that "slower times" can equal more refurbs and shorter hours. Sometimes it can actually be better to visit during a peak time, like summer, when Disney plans for crowds with longer hours, more rides open and running at capacity, more CMs staffed in the parks, and nightly entertainment. With good planning and organization (and positive attitudes!), peak times can make for really good trips.

....that sounds reasonable....however, it is not easy for them to get the summer months off....

 

[tink89]

My family is more concerned about the weather now. Give me a crowded day at 70-80 degrees over what we experienced in Sept 2015, low crowds but 105 temp. We manage our expectations about crowds now, and use Maxpass

Same here. I rather have crowds than heat. We went last summer and it was the first time we have gone in the summer and It just was not our most pleasant visit.

 

[tarheelalum]

It's always crowded but mid-june gives you the best balance of crowds, good weather, attractions open, fireworks/shows and long operating hours.

 

[gottalovepluto]

....wow, thanks guys, for the responses....I had heard that DL (vs. WDW) doesn't have 'slower' times due to more 'locals' visiting, as opposed to more 'tourists, or out-of-towners' visiting WDW....any truth to that?

Yes.

 

[lcp9]

I don't know, I think there are still slow (er) times...I guess it depends on your definition of "slow." But we have been multiple times in the last few years on strategic weeks where waits were minimal and it did not feel crowded. That said, we usually aren't there in the winter but you definitely want to check local school schedules, convention center event schedules, and look at hotel rates for a few different hotels by month. High rates/unavailability tells you something is going on. FWIW we are Marriott associates, and looking at the available associate rates, it looks like the best week in January at the moment is the 15th (blocked out for weekend of 24th), and the best week in February is 20th (it's blocked out for the weekend prior to the 20th, which I assume is presidents day?)

 

[Geemo]

I don't know, I think there are still slow (er) times...I guess it depends on your definition of "slow." But we have been multiple times in the last few years on strategic weeks where waits were minimal and it did not feel crowded. That said, we usually aren't there in the winter but you definitely want to check local school schedules, convention center event schedules, and look at hotel rates for a few different hotels by month. High rates/unavailability tells you something is going on. FWIW we are Marriott associates, and looking at the available associate rates, it looks like the best week in January at the moment is the 15th (blocked out for weekend of 24th), and the best week in February is 20th (it's blocked out for the weekend prior to the 20th, which I assume is presidents day?)

January 15th is MLK holiday. That weekend will be packed.
We started a trip at DLR on MLK once not realizing it. It was terrible!!! The parks didn't lighten up until Wednesday the following week.

To make for a more enjoyable trip we try to avoid any type of holiday or school break.
That's why I rely on Figment_jii's thread "Calendar of events and school breaks" for assistance in picking dates.

For a trip during the so called off-season, if we want to see fireworks or fantasmic we'll begin a trip on Sunday.
With the hopes the weekdays will see lighter volume in the parks.

 

[lcp9]

January 15th is MLK holiday. That weekend will be packed.
We started a trip at DLR on MLK once not realizing it. It was terrible!!! The parks didn't lighten up until Wednesday the following week.

To make for a more enjoyable trip we try to avoid any type of holiday or school break.
That's why I rely on Figment_jii's thread "Calendar of events and school breaks" for assistance in picking dates.

For a trip during the so called off-season, if we want to see fireworks or fantasmic we'll begin a trip on Sunday.
With the hopes the weekdays will see lighter volume in the parks.

Sorry, by week of the 15th I should have been more clear not to include the 15th. That Tuesday through Friday are the cheapest rates in January right now. I assumed most people would know MLK day isn’t a slow time

 

[HydroGuy]

This might help:

"Choosing When To Visit DLR: Summary of High and Low Season and When Each Happens" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36509602

 

[sunflare]

....wow, thanks guys, for the responses....I had heard that DL (vs. WDW) doesn't have 'slower' times due to more 'locals' visiting, as opposed to more 'tourists, or out-of-towners' visiting WDW....any truth to that?

That's definitely a factor. You can also see that phenomenon by the jump in crowds in the evening vs the morning...I know plenty of people who drop in after work just for a ride and a snack.

 

[Elk Grove Chris]

Do not underestimate the need for a recovery day or afternoon after that cross country flight. Biggest mistake we made with our first WDW trip was straight to the parks after a redeye from California. Even though our rooms were not ready we still could have taken it slower at DTD or hanging out in the lounge sipping coffee rather than straight off to the Magic Kingdom.

 

[kimmar067]

That's definitely a factor. You can also see that phenomenon by the jump in crowds in the evening vs the morning...I know plenty of people who drop in after work just for a ride and a snack.

.....wow, that's a whole different mindset....I cannot even imagine doing something like that....