anneofingleside

Is it practical to go to Disneyland in the summer on a weekend with small kids? Is it like a zoo--too crowded, long lines? That's the only time we can go.

jayinla

I recommend you go only if you've led an evil existence and you want a foretaste of the afterlife.

Alice

It's not actually all that bad. Try to find out when year round schools are in session and go during those weeks - so many kids now don't get a summer vacation. Also, lots of those kids that do have vacations have parents that work during the week and can't get away. DO NOT go on the weekend. Don't try to overdo it. Fastpass the really popular rides. Go to the popular ones first thing out of the gate and do the kiddy ones during nap time or late evening when most kids are in bed if yours are old enough to stay up. Plan downtime for snacks, go to those rides where you sit for awhile (Small world, Jungle Cruise, etc). And finally, if you can, take those walkie talkies and tag team the lines. One parent takes the kids on a ride with a shortish line while the other parent waits in a longer one. When you're done with the first ride go join your partner at the front (or close) of the line at the other ride. Works wonders for kids who can't stand still for long periods of time. And remember those people who give you dirty looks for doing it would also be giving you those same looks if your kids was squirming, whining and being generally annoying all over the line if you had done it the long way.

curmudgeon

Sure, lots of people do it and survive. Yes it's crowded and there are some long lines. If you go there trying to hit every ride, and rushing from place to place, it won't be much fun for anybody.

If you can, one of the best ways to do the park is to be there at opening, spend 4 or 5 hours, then LEAVE (getting your handstamp/re-entry) and go back to your hotel for naps/relaxing. Come back around 5pm, and pick up from there, staying until the kids start to get tired. You miss the heat of the day and the peak crowds. Summer evenings are generally very comfortable, and the park is open late.

logandog

Curmudgeon offers excellent advice. We have annual passes and visit frequently. The morning is the time to go.

Scarlette_019

Well, I have a 2 year old (his b-day was today, *sniff, sniff*!) and I would rather gouge my eyeballs out than take him to Disneyland when its crowded! If you're talking 5 years old "young" then it shouldn't be too much of a problem cause they're old enough to understand "waiting their turn." But under 5 years, I'd rather wait until I could go during the week in an off season. Or at least have a "designated" adult to take them back to the hotel if they get cranky. Toon Town may not have as many crowds because only very young kids can go on the rides. So maybe thats an option. Catch Fantasyland first thing in the morning, then go to Toon Town when it starts getting busy. Also, could you "hire" a teen to go with you to take care of the littler ones so you can keep going with the older kids? A lady I know does this with her teen niece. Good luck and have fun!