1 Day at DL, no Party ticket - Oct. 29 - what do I need to know?

[erincon23]

I'll be in the LA area meeting friends for an event, and we thought it would be fun to come down and go to Disneyland just for the day on Saturday, Oct. 29. I realize this is probably a poor choice, with the Halloween party going on, but that's all we have. What do I need to know? I assume one of the parks closes early for the party - which one, and does the other stay open in the evening? I'm a WDW veteran, but haven't been to DL since 1995, so I know nothing! Are there any legit places to get 1-day ticket discounts? Thanks for any help you can give!

 

[Astylla]

Did you mean SUNDAY October 30th because that's CHOC walk and I'll just say this..You couldn't pay me to ever go to DL another choc walk weekend. Regardless it will be crazy..

http://choc.convio.net/site/TR/Even...nal&fr_id=1130&type=fr_informational&sid=1331

 

[erincon23]

AH, Calendar challenged! I'll edit.

 

[tzeitel]

Weekends are crazy, especially during Halloween time. DL closes early for the party, have not seen any discounts on a 1 day ticket. I would suggest getting to the park super early and then move to DCA after 6PM (although this is what everyone not going to the party will do, so DCA will be busy). If not getting a hopper, you could go to dinner at DtD or one of the hotels - Trader Sam's is very cool but gets full fast!

if this is your only time going to DLR I would get a hopper - the parks are literally across a plaza from each other, nothing like WDW!. I would even splurge on the WOC dessert party. No need to worry about spending time saving a spot for the show.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

If you get a park hopper and you would like to have a TS meal (maybe a WOC dining package?), make your reservation now. That will give you a respite from the non-party crowds, a nice meal, and maybe even FPs for WOC. If you don't park hop, but want to eat in DtD, make your reservation now. With a park hopper ticket, you could get a FP or two in DCA to use after DL closes. Keep checking the DLR app (free download) for FP return times to know when you should send a runner for the FPs.

 

[dorchrislen]

We'll be there that day too. Hopefully the crowds from CHOC won't be as bad Sat morning. DCA will be SUPER crowded after 6 when DL guests get the boot. So if you want to do any rides at DCA that they don't have at WDW (RSR, Soarin', CA Screamin'), I would suggest doing those first at DCA then hopping over to DL to get your first fastpass. At DCA the WOC FP are disconnected, so you can also grab that FP if you want to go back and watch that later w/o doing the Dessert party. You might want to get FP for Indy first since that's unique to DLR. Also, SM is better than at WDW. And do Matterhorn SR.

 

[Skyegirl1999]

Honestly, this is going to be a really rough day to do Disney, but you can still have a lot of fun if your expectations and timing are good. The essential thing will be to be IN the park at rope drop, which typically means parking at least 45 minutes before rope drop (an hour is better).

If you're there right when it's opening, you're guaranteed a couple of good hours. I would predict that by 10-11, it will be quite crowded. By the time the partygoers are allowed in at 3 or 4, it will be slammed. DCA will be crazy once DL closes at 6. Just be aware so you aren't surprised. I'd probably do a hopper and stay at DL until early afternoon, then head to DCA.

Who's in your travel party? Any must-dos for you?

 

[erincon23]

I've been to WDW many times, but not to DL since '95. There would be 3 adults, none of us are big ride-doers, going for shows and decorations, so I'm not too worried about crowds. We're looking at alternatives, but Disney is first choice. I've never been to DCA, so I'd definitely like to see that, and I think one of our party, if she goes, may never have been to anything Disney.