When do kids go back to school in California?

[Safari23]

We're still trying to plan a visit. This week fell through I was wondering if kids in California go back to school in August like in some other warmer southern states. And if they do, is the end of August is generally quieter at DL.

 

[DLgal]

It varies, but most are back in school by the last week of August. The problem is, the AP summer blackouts are lifted around Aug 20, and then the parks become PACKED, which will be especially true this year as it will be many AP holders first opportunity to visit Star Wars land. If you can plan a trip for the first or second week of August, you will be much better off.

 

[cruisehopeful]

As above poster said, go early in August. When the AP blocks are off at the end of the month, it get packed. In addition to that, Haunted Mansion will go down to do the holiday makeover. When "tourist season" ends, Disney starts working on everything and you are at the mercy of most closures.

 

[BeyondNeverland]

Depends really, but August.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

Definitely visit before the AP blockouts are lifted!

 

[Safari23]

Thanks! That helps. I forgot to check the AP block outs. I’m sad this week didn’t work. We keep trying to plan a trip and something always seems to get in the way!!!

 

[MillauFr]

Agree with others. School calendars don't matter. Annual pass calendars do

 

[Elle23]

EEK. We are scheduled September 8-14. We plan on being in the parks Monday-Friday and avoiding the weekends, but now I’m worried.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

As pp have noted, end of August brings the end of the lower AP blockouts. Also, end of August brings the return of the non-peak schedule: shorter hours, less staffing, more refurbs, rides running at lower capacity, nighttime entertainment on weekends only, less entertainment in general throughout the parks, etc. HM will be down for the NBC overlay until the start of Halloween Time. Earlier in August (before the third week, to be safe) is better.
CA has different school calendars: traditional, year round, and home school. This means there is always someone going on break, coming back from break, or on a totally flexible schedule. Don't plan a trip banking on the school breaks -- look at what works best for you, then double check the dates here. (And check that AP calendar!)

 

[theluckyrabbit]

EEK. We are scheduled September 8-14. We plan on being in the parks Monday-Friday and avoiding the weekends, but now I’m worried.

Weekends don't have to be bad and Mondays can be very busy. Check that AP blockout calendar -- it really affect crowds in the parks. Halloween Time begins on Sept. 6th -- that will affect crowds the first weekend as locals flock to the parks to see the decorations and themed rides.

 

[Elle23]

Weekends don't have to be bad and Mondays can be very busy. Check that AP blockout calendar -- it really affect crowds in the parks. Halloween Time begins on Sept. 6th -- that will affect crowds the first weekend as locals flock to the parks to see the decorations and themed rides.

Thanks. And here I thought we were all set!

 

[Elle23]

How is the weather in August? I’m from Texas and used to August being 1000 degrees.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

How is the weather in August? I’m from Texas and used to August being 1000 degrees.

I think you're going to find that August at DLR is noooo problem! Last August was excessively warm and humid for us (think humidity between 30-40%, and we were all dying!) -- you should be fine! Bring sunscreen, hats, maybe light jackets for evening -- especially if you'll be watching nighttime shows (waiting around by the water can be chilly).

 

[csgsu]

I was planning on going one day before D23 expo....is there a day that has the lowest crowds? Also will D23 expo change the operating hours of the park?

 

[disneycat321]

CA is a huge state with a wide variety of school calendars. I'm in northern CA, and most districts around here go back early to mid August. In southern CA, it can be anywhere from mid August to after Labor Day, depending on the district. The immediate vicinity around DLR tends to be closer to Labor Day.

But I agree - AP block outs matter more than the school calendars.

How is the weather in August? I’m from Texas and used to August being 1000 degrees.

You will likely be very pleasantly surprised. Orange County has lovely weather, generally. (Partially why people pay the big bucks to live there!) It often is very hot in August, but you won't have the oppressive humidity to contend with. It is very, very unlikely to rain in August.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

I was planning on going one day before D23 expo....is there a day that has the lowest crowds? Also will D23 expo change the operating hours of the park?

Try asking this in the D23 Expo Superthread on this forum. There are Expo vets there who have lots of experience with past Expos and how they affect the parks.

 

[smartlabelprint]

EEK. We are scheduled September 8-14. We plan on being in the parks Monday-Friday and avoiding the weekends, but now I’m worried.

Monday’s are often the busiest day of the week.

 

[Elle23]

Monday’s are often the busiest day of the week.

I have read that and find it very interesting, especially for a locals park.

I think we are just going to take our chances and stick with our September dates. August just doesn’t really work for us.

It is my 22 year old’s first time at any Disney park, so I hope crowds don’t keep him from having a good time!

 

[smartlabelprint]

I have read that and find it very interesting, especially for a locals park.

I think we are just going to take our chances and stick with our September dates. August just doesn’t really work for us.

It is my 22 year old’s first time at any Disney park, so I hope crowds don’t keep him from having a good time!

I’m not local but it’s been this way for over a decade. I have noticed it on our trips. Then I remembered when planning our first trip a very experienced DLR friend had told me to avoid Mondays. I obviously didn’t.

 

[Karin1984]

You get me worried!

So, moving my trip to the end of August to get a better rate for the Disney cruise we will do after visiting DL was not my best idea? I forgot about D23 probably being the weekend before we arrive.

Plan is now for 2020:
Arriving at DL Sunday evening August 24th, leaving Thursday evening 28th.

We could switch some things around. We planned to go to SFO and LA first, as I would like to see the Walt Disney Family museum before going to Disneyland (I think knowing more of the history of the man who started it will give the DL visit an extra vibe).

We could start our trip in DL, arriving afternoon/evening on the 18th, Tuesday, and leave on Saturday (22nd) evening to LA, then SFO and then the cruise.

Any insight? Or with 4 full days and 1 half day, Maxpass and a plan we will be fine to face the end of August crowds?