AboutMaryJo Mellado Willey Expertise I live fairly close to the Disneyland Resort, and have an annual pass, so I visit the Disneyland Resort quite often.
Experience I have visited the Disneyland Resort several times each year for several years, and have stayed in each of the hotels. I have a pretty good understanding of the parks, hotels, and Downtown Disney.
Question QUESTION: Hi,
My husband and our children ages 10 and 7 were trying to plan a trip to Disneyland with my parents - who are in their 70's. They have never been to Disneyland and want to go with us. I am a teacher and can only go on school breaks. How crowded does the park get on spring break? Our break this year is the week following Easter. I found out that most LA schools are taking their break this year the week before Easter. I don't want to go and have it be so busy that we don't enjoy ourselves - and this will probably be the only time my parents go, so I want it to be a special time - but my availability is limited. Any advice?
Thanks...Marie
ANSWER: Hi Marie,
Disneyland will be very busy at the time you go. The only time it is busier is the weekend of Thanksgiving and the week between Christmas and New Years.
It will be especially busy because a new night-time show called "World of Color" will be opening in Spring of 2010 at Disney's California Adventure.
Having said that, you can still enjoy your visit to Disneyland. During this time, the parks are usually open later to accommodate the larger crowds. I would recommend getting to the parks at opening, using the busier times to relax and watch shows, and use Fastpasses, which will cut your wait time in line.
Also, if you are staying offsite, I highly recommend one of the properties on Harbor Blvd, across the street from the entrance to the parks so you do not have to rely on the ART, which is a shuttle that goes from the hotels to the parks. If you want a higher end hotel, then I recommend the Sheraton Anaheim that has its own shuttle, beautiful grounds, and large rooms. If you want suites, I recommend the Residence Inn Maingate, or Staybridge if you want a two-bedroom suite.
Best Regards,
Mary Jo
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi,
Thanks for the info! Would we be better off going right after school gets out - around June 7th?
Thanks, Marie
Answer Hi Marie,
Going in June is a nice option, but then you run into year-end school trips and Grad Nights, which usually are on Thursdays. When there is a Grad Night Disneyland will close earlier.
Having said that, there is a new show called World of Color. I expect the crowds to be insane when that first opens (spring 2010), so if you can put off your vacation to June, I think that would work better for your family.
Just check the schedule ahead of time so you are prepared for the days the park might close early.
Let me know if you have any other questions. I am happy to answer.
