Crowds in August

[CamAnd]

Hi DL vets,

We are going to visit DL for the first time this August. It will be a short 3 days on the tail end of our San Diego vacation.

Never having been there and have no clue when the best time to go is, how are the crowds at this time of year ? I also chose weekdays vs. weekend to tour the parks. I read that more locals visit DL because the area around is more populated.

Normally, we go to WDW in early May where there is lower to moderate crowd levels. The weather is very nice with lower humidity and less rain. We avoid summer at WDW due to crowds and high humidity. What can I expect the weather at DL the last week of August?

 

[mrswh]

You should definitely read Hydroguy's tips (I think there is at least one link for summer visits) - they are at the top of the page with the stickies.

The last week in August is likely to be painfully crowded, since school isn't back in yet, and the AP holders are no longer blocked out. (If I recall, they are allowed to come back starting on the 22nd this year.)

As far as weather goes, it's likely to be quite hot (90s, maybe even 100s!) but you never know. We were bracing ourselves for the heat last August and wound up with perfect weather (70s). On the other hand, we went in late September a few years ago and the temps were in the 90s most of our trip. I would hope for cooler weather but be prepared to swelter.

 

[HydroGuy]

Hi DL vets,

We are going to visit DL for the first time this August. It will be a short 3 days on the tail end of our San Diego vacation.

Never having been there and have no clue when the best time to go is, how are the crowds at this time of year ? I also chose weekdays vs. weekend to tour the parks. I read that more locals visit DL because the area around is more populated.

Normally, we go to WDW in early May where there is lower to moderate crowd levels. The weather is very nice with lower humidity and less rain. We avoid summer at WDW due to crowds and high humidity. What can I expect the weather at DL the last week of August?

Crowds are likely to be worse after August 22 because of AP blockout lifting - see "Understanding AP Blockouts and Impact on Crowds" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2365983 and World of Color Superthread.

It is easier to avoid the heat at DLR if you make some smart choices about hotels, afternoon breaks, and Magic Mornings. Even so DLR's summer heat is nothing compared to WDW. See "Getting The Most Out of a Summer Visit To DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1345319

Also see "Detailed Weather Data for DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=23004158

 

[PrincessShmoo]

You should definitely read Hydroguy's tips (I think there is at least one link for summer visits) - they are at the top of the page with the stickies.

The last week in August is likely to be painfully crowded, since school isn't back in yet, and the AP holders are no longer blocked out. (If I recall, they are allowed to come back starting on the 22nd this year.)

As far as weather goes, it's likely to be quite hot (90s, maybe even 100s!) but you never know. We were bracing ourselves for the heat last August and wound up with perfect weather (70s). On the other hand, we went in late September a few years ago and the temps were in the 90s most of our trip. I would hope for cooler weather but be prepared to swelter.

AP holders may not be blocked, but our school (Orange County) starts August 20 this year.

 

[lulubelle]

I hope you are going in early to mid August. Late August is not so good. Hot and crowded. I mean of course it will be wonderful because you are in DL, but not an optimal time to be there.

That said, I hope you have a magical trip.

 

[PinkBudgie]

We are going the first week of Aug. The hotel rate was cheaper than July but Socal APs are still blocked out. We have gone at the end of July before and like that. It was hot, but I like hot. Never humid. I've been back east one summer and in Hawaii a few times and I've never felt it here like that.

 

[Stefan]

With the local schools starting back on August 20th, regardless of AP blocks etc would that not indicate that during the mid-week of August 21st that it should be somewhat quieter with school in?

BTW my first post here...!

Reason is that we will be ther August 21 - 28 this year.

 

[HydroGuy]

With the local schools starting back on August 20th, regardless of AP blocks etc would that not indicate that during the mid-week of August 21st that it should be somewhat quieter with school in?

BTW my first post here...!

Reason is that we will be ther August 21 - 28 this year.

No, the AP holders far dominate whatever schools are doing. See "Understanding AP Blockouts and Impact on Crowds" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2365983. The AP blockout starts to lift on Aug 22. Not trying to scare you, but the reality is it will be extremely busy that week.

Plus, SoCal has 20 million people and schools start anywhere from August 20 to early September after Labor Day. So there will still be lots of kids out of school in late Aug.

BTW, congrats on your first post!

HTH

 

[CamAnd]

Crowds I was hoping for a different answer. Crowds start to lessen towards the end of August at WDW compared to summer peak season. Wish it was the same for DL.
We are going the last week of August 24-28th. Guess I'll have to utilize strategies like rope drop, fast passess etc.... As for the heat, maybe we'll need to take midday breaks from the park & go back to hotel rooms for a swim, then back to the parks in the evenings. It's nice that there are so many good neighbor hotels to choose from within walking distance of the parks.

Thanks for HydoGuy's links. Looks like good reading.

 

[Stefan]

Thanks Hydro Guy..

One follow up, is the park still operating full opening hours last week of August?

 

[HydroGuy]

Thanks Hydro Guy..

One follow up, is the park still operating full opening hours last week of August?

Sometime yes and sometimes no. Usually hours are trimmed but not that much.

See "Historical DLR Park Hours, Entertainment and Refurbs" - www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2291124

 

[blackjackdelta]

We were there last August when the AP's were unblocked and it was a nightmare. We took longer afternoon breaks than on previous August trips and the crowds hung later into the evening. This year we are doing a week earlier just to avoid that specific situation.

Jack

 

[HydroGuy]

We were there last August when the AP's were unblocked and it was a nightmare. We took longer afternoon breaks than on previous August trips and the crowds hung later into the evening. This year we are doing a week earlier just to avoid that specific situation.

Jack

Jack your input is invaluable, but I can see where this goes. The PP responds to your post "Oh no, maybe we should cancel if it is going ot be a nightmare!". Then you and everyone else jumps and says, "No, don't cancel! You can do it!". So be careful what you say.

 

[blackjackdelta]

Jack your input is invaluable, but I can see where this goes. The PP responds to your post "Oh no, maybe we should cancel if it is going ot be a nightmare!". Then you and everyone else jumps and says, "No, don't cancel! You can do it!". So be careful what you say.

What I post is honest and I really do not care where it goes. And it is everyones right to give their opinions of what they think is within in reason and we are all not "politically correct" that is why this is such a good board.

I do not make their decisions for them and hopefully they do enough research to make an informed decision, if not, who's fault is it.???

Just link the Fastpass thread. Are people really that ignorant, or do they just really do not care? Maybe they like lines, not planning(I do not mean overplanning which just as bad.)

Jack

 

[Disney Dreams]

Stefan, welcome to DIS! Yes, some schools will be back in, but in exchange for the students that will be gone, there will be AP holders that have been waiting for their blockout window to end that will be attending the Park similar to yourself.

If those dates work for you, just know it will be busy and plan accordingly. You're still at Disneyland!

With the local schools starting back on August 20th, regardless of AP blocks etc would that not indicate that during the mid-week of August 21st that it should be somewhat quieter with school in?

BTW my first post here...!

Reason is that we will be ther August 21 - 28 this year.

We were there last August when the AP's were unblocked and it was a nightmare. We took longer afternoon breaks than on previous August trips and the crowds hung later into the evening. This year we are doing a week earlier just to avoid that specific situation.

Jack

Jack your input is invaluable, but I can see where this goes. The PP responds to your post "Oh no, maybe we should cancel if it is going ot be a nightmare!". Then you and everyone else jumps and says, "No, don't cancel! You can do it!". So be careful what you say.

Okay, but in fairness to blackjackdelta, Stefan asked about crowds the last week of August. Jack was there during that time period and was sharing first-hand experience. If Stefan chooses to re-arrange an entire vacation on that, that's his (?) choice. You posted that it will "be extremely busy that week. Why can't Jack post his view (which seems to be the same)?

- Dreams

 

[jerseygal]

It was pretty crowded!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nevertheless, the weather for us here on the east coast was GORGEOUS!

We did 3 nights, San Diego...We stayed on Coronado Island and absolutely loved it...

We stayed at the Grand Californian Hotel which was AWESOME for 4 night..The dates I believe were Aug.16-Aug.20th!!!!

We were quite lucky though...We were there on our youngest sons birthday..
Last yr there was a special promo going which allowed I believe 5 passes for the entire family(family of 4) to have immediate access to the attractions if you were born on that day and had all the "birthday documentation"

It was SO AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I "fell in love" with San Diego area!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Loved loved the climate....
We are going back to WDW this summer, but next summer,
possibly como trip to San Diego, DL again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hope you have a blast like we did! ENJOY!

 

[HydroGuy]

What I post is honest and I really do not care where it goes. And it is everyones right to give their opinions of what they think is within in reason and we are all not "politically correct" that is why this is such a good board.

I do not make their decisions for them and hopefully they do enough research to make an informed decision, if not, who's fault is it.???

Just link the Fastpass thread. Are people really that ignorant, or do they just really do not care? Maybe they like lines, not planning(I do not mean overplanning which just as bad.)

Jack

Okay, but in fairness to blackjackdelta, Stefan asked about crowds the last week of August. Jack was there during that time period and was sharing first-hand experience. If Stefan chooses to re-arrange an entire vacation on that, that's his (?) choice. You posted that it will "be extremely busy that week. Why can't Jack post his view (which seems to be the same)?

- Dreams

Apparently my post came across in the wrong way. I wrote it quickly at an airport right before boarding a plane and did not think about it too much.

What I was trying to convey was an aggregate of threads on AP holders over the last several months where we (we as in me too ) tell people how busy things are going to be and really scare them. Then we (me too) come back and say they should go ahead with their visit.

I do not think in reality any of us are trying to scare people - we are just trying to share experiences - including some that are negative. Some newbies get freaked out and want to cancel or postpone or something.

All of us regulars just want folks to know what they are getting into. We do not want them to cancel! And if they have date flexibility to reconsider dates.

I personally would go to DLR any day of the year no matter how busy - if my dates were inflexible. But like most of you I choose dates that will help me avoid the worst crowds.

 

[Stefan]

Great links Hydroguy thanks for the efforts.

Nope won't be changing plans just planning our changes. Meaning mid day breaks, get in early in the AM and fast passes. We are with our in-laws and I am sure my MIL will appreciate a break at the house we have rented to relax and have a dip in the pool. I am just not a 'crowd' guy. Having last been in Sept '07 it will be a rude awakening as when we last attened shortly after the labour day weekend, it was EMPTY in the parks, mid day walk ons to most rides, amazing. Except Nemo 2 hour waits as it had recently re -opened !!

 

[jacksdaughter]

Great links Hydroguy thanks for the efforts.

Nope won't be changing plans just planning our changes. Meaning mid day breaks, get in early in the AM and fast passes. We are with our in-laws and I am sure my MIL will appreciate a break at the house we have rented to relax and have a dip in the pool. I am just not a 'crowd' guy. Having last been in Sept '07 it will be a rude awakening as when we last attened shortly after the labour day weekend, it was EMPTY in the parks, mid day walk ons to most rides, amazing. Except Nemo 2 hour waits as it had recently re -opened !!

We never change our plans just our tactics. Last year Dad made the mistake of booking during the week all the AP were unblocked and it was a different experience compared to other visits.

H

 

[jenpace]

We never change our plans just our tactics. Last year Dad made the mistake of booking during the week all the AP were unblocked and it was a different experience compared to other visits.

H

We were there during the exact same time frame last year. Our youngest was turning 7 so we took a trip to DL to celebrate. I was absolutely shocked at the crowd levels and won't hesitate to warn anyone about that factor when planning a summer trip during the week that SoCal Ap's are un-blocked. I hadn't fully considered how much impact it would have but believe me, we won't ever make that mistake again!