Are the weekends really busy at disneyland?

Show all answers

formerplaid

Yes, Disneyland is always busy on the weekends. Saturdays are more busy than Sundays. May is not a bad time of the year to go as far as crowds are concerned. On a Saturday, you are probably looking at an hour to an hour and a half wait for Space or Splash Mountain, 45 min for Pirates and Matterhorn, 30 for most dark rides and Mansion. Sunday, you can probably decrease those wait times by 10 to 15 minutes. This is barring any special events (i.e. pin trader events, etc.). That will make the lines longer. Check the website, www.disneyland.com for that info before you go. Generally Southern Califorina ticket promotions can make lines about 5 to 10 minutes longer.
The best day of the week to go is on a Wednesday if this is possible. If you have to go on a weekend, go on an off-peak time of year (May is good.) and make sure to get there early if you are interested in riding the major attractions and not waiting long. The lines are slower in the mornings, during parades and shows (like Fantasmic) and within an hour of closing. Utilize the FastPass system. It sounds corny, but it really saves a lot of time. I would get there at opening, get a fastpass for 1 major ride and go ride another. Some rides allow you to get more than one FastPass at a time. Most do not. Just try to get what you can.
Hope this helps.

Roger N

I've made that trip MANY times...It's well worth it for you to take off a couple days of work and make the trip.

h2opolocalgrl

Yes weekends are the busiest times at Disneyland especially during the warmest months. I live in so-cal and have been to Disneyland too many times to count. It would be better if you went during the week to avoid the huge lines. Wait times depend on the ride: the most popular (matterhorn, space mtn. pirates) might take between 2-3 hours. The kiddie rides might only take between 30min. to an hour. Lines are always shorter in the morning so get their early and make sure to do the most popular rides first. Also, you could try using fastpass to save some time but it isn't always worth it if lots of other people have already used it.

Threeicys

Usually, but I went on a school day, Thursday, once a few years ago and it was one of the busiest days they had in a longtime. Employees where baffled.

Tip: Plan on hitting the most popular rides before 11 am, most are an hour wait after noon.

Rose C

Modify your trip!!! I live about an hour away and I'm an annual passholder. I practically go to Disneyland more than anything, and I NEVER go on weekends unless I go with my friend who is in a wheelchair. I went last Wednesday and it was slightly busy, and I have no idea why, but I was with a friend and the most we waited in line was 40 minutes at T.O.T. I go with my friend on weekends because since she has a wheelchair, we can use the "back door" on any ride in Disneyland. However, C.A doeasn't work this way...they designed the whole park so anyone with a wheelchair can wait in the standard queue. I suggest goiung Mon-Thu, and go from open to close...it's not really a trip unless it's from open to close. But if you're looking for someone who knows the answer for sure...I'm the person. I practically live there!!! :o)

peace_love_granola

My Ex- husband worked at Disney so we had "Silver Passes" and could go anytime. Weekends are NUTS! Go on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday morning, as soon as the park opens. It's hardly busy at all during early morning hours.. The later you go, the busier it is. Avoid going Monday's too because Monday's are some people's "Sundays". Bring lot's of SPF too!

Lucky 13

Strongly consider going during the week, as weekends are always packed.

ron

even though were in the middle of yet another drought, rainy days often have fewer crowds.

sunshinegirl

Weekends are pretty busy at Disneyland, especially during holidays and the summer. Wait time for lines on weekends usually range from 30-90 minutes. Try to work the fastpass into your plan/schedule.

greennchic

Weekends are hell in "the happiest place on earth". The park is so overcrowded and lines are 1 1/2 to 2 hours long. So you only end up getting on a few rides all day, complaining, and paying close to $60 per person.

It is a fantastic place to go, but your best bet at enjoying the day there is going during the week.