Best time to visit with large group fall/winter of 2006

[simon]

This is the first time I have posted, but i have been reading everyones great advice.

I am organizing a giant family trip to the disneyland resort sometime at the end of 2006 and was curious to what you all thought would be the best time to go. There will be around 20 adults and 10 kids (ages 13-1). We are planning on booking with AAA, and also planning on staying at one of the resort hotels (probably the disneyland hotel) We want to go at a slower time to enjoy the park with the younger ones and shorter lines. Also we are planning on staying one week.

So what do you think? When is the best time to go? Any other advice would also be appreciated.

Thank you in advance

[Piglet]

Well, the period following Labor Day until before Thanksgiving is pretty quiet, so crowd-wise I don't think you'll have much of a problem. However, the park will close early during the week during this time and there will likely be refurbs going on then--especially Haunted mansion, which will close for about 2 weeks in mid September to install Haunted Mansion Holiday. Then in late October through early November, It's a Small World will close to install It's a Small World Holiday. The holiday decorations will go up sometime in early November, and the park is really pretty at this time of year. Last of all, the 50th celebration is scheduled to end November 5, 2006, so if you want to see the new fireworks show (it is AMAZING!) and the Parade of Dreams as well as the 50 years of Disneyland exhibit at the Opera House and all the 50th decorations, you will want to go before Nov. 5th. My advice to you is prioritize what you all want to do and what rides are the most important to you, and then make a decision. Your trip sounds like a blast! You guys all need to get those matching Disney sweatshirts =) Have a great time and I hope this helps you!

[Piglet]

Oh, and welcome to the boards, SIMON! Be sure and introduce yourself in the Entry Plaza =)

[simon]

wow, that helps alot! so now we just have to decide between the 50th or holiday festivities.