2018 Calendar of Events & School Breaks and DLR

[figment_jii]

Updated the links for the 2018 Halloween and Holiday Superthreads.

 

[asunnydayinmay]

So is sept. 7 officially the first day of halloweentime? I’m thinking of a trip for sept. 13-14?

 

[figment_jii]

So is sept. 7 officially the first day of halloweentime? I’m thinking of a trip for sept. 13-14?

Yes, according to the information that DLR has released, HalloweenTime is slated to start on 9/7. That means things like HMH, SMGG, Carsland overlays, and the decor should be in place (there is always the chance that things will be delayed, but it doesn't seem to happen very often). The only thing that won't have started yet for certain is MHP. So, if you go on 9/13-14, HalloweenTime should have started by then. It's a lot of fun!

 

[asunnydayinmay]

Yes, according to the information that DLR has released, HalloweenTime is slated to start on 9/7. That means things like HMH, SMGG, Carsland overlays, and the decor should be in place (there is always the chance that things will be delayed, but it doesn't seem to happen very often). The only thing that won't have started yet for certain is MHP. So, if you go on 9/13-14, HalloweenTime should have started by then. It's a lot of fun!

So I'm planning a trip for someone who's never been to Disneyland who's INSISTING no crowds. Though I am reminding her to lower her expectations, I'm assuming this would be an ok time to go? Or would the crowds increase due to it being the 1st/2nd week of Halloweentime?

 

[Geemo]

So I'm planning a trip for someone who's never been to Disneyland who's INSISTING no crowds. Though I am reminding her to lower her expectations, I'm assuming this would be an ok time to go? Or would the crowds increase due to it being the 1st/2nd week of Halloweentime?

Whoaaaa Nelly.... "INSISTING no crowds"

Crowd levels are next to impossible to predict now!!
The consensus is, the parks are busy most days. There are NO more slow days.
With the park crowds growing as the day goes on.

Good Luck!

Geemo

 

[figment_jii]

Crowd levels are a matter of perspective, but as Geemo said, there really aren't any "no crowd" days anymore. My instinctive guess is that the Thursday crowd levels will be okay/manageable for the most part, but Friday crowds, especially towards evening, will be fairly substantial. This will be the last Friday evening when local AP holders can go to see the nighttime entertainment in DL (e.g., F!, fireworks) until after HalloweenTime ends (once MHP starts, those are held every Friday evening, which means DL will close at 7:00 pm to non-party guests and there is no nighttime entertainment in DL). There will also be crowds due to locals that wanted to avoid the kick-off weekend for HalloweenTime. I would advise your friend to get to the parks at rope drop to make the most of the time when crowds are likely to be the lowest and don't expect crowds to taper off that much towards closing, especially at the attractions with overlays. It's still an okay time to go, it's just that HalloweenTime is very popular, so go expecting crowds.

 

[asunnydayinmay]

Whoaaaa Nelly.... "INSISTING no crowds"

Crowd levels are next to impossible to predict now!!
The consensus is, the parks are busy most days. There are NO more slow days.
With the park crowds growing as the day goes on.

Good Luck!

Geemo

Crowd levels are a matter of perspective, but as Geemo said, there really aren't any "no crowd" days anymore. My instinctive guess is that the Thursday crowd levels will be okay/manageable for the most part, but Friday crowds, especially towards evening, will be fairly substantial. This will be the last Friday evening when local AP holders can go to see the nighttime entertainment in DL (e.g., F!, fireworks) until after HalloweenTime ends (once MHP starts, those are held every Friday evening, which means DL will close at 7:00 pm to non-party guests and there is no nighttime entertainment in DL). There will also be crowds due to locals that wanted to avoid the kick-off weekend for HalloweenTime. I would advise your friend to get to the parks at rope drop to make the most of the time when crowds are likely to be the lowest and don't expect crowds to taper off that much towards closing, especially at the attractions with overlays. It's still an okay time to go, it's just that HalloweenTime is very popular, so go expecting crowds.

Hahaha thanks for your input! I’m a frequent visitor and former AP holder to Disneyland so I’m aware and don’t care about crowds (like you said, perspective). Unfortunately, a good many people that I work with (live in Utah now) just don’t see the appeal when all they hear is long lines and crowded places. So I want to show her why so many people come but I keep reminding her to not expect no crowds or low crowds and that if you have an educated plan and a good perspective, Disneyland is magical regardless of crowd levels

 

[Geemo]

Holiday Overlay Removal Closures, 2018
01/08-01/18 (Mon-Thu): Haunted Mansion Holiday Closed for Removal of Holiday Overlay
mm/dd-mm/dd (): Jingle Cruise Closed for Removal of Holiday Overlay - Overlay Did Not Occur in 2017
01/22-02/01 (Mon-Thu): It's a Small World Closed for Removal of Holiday Overlay

Holiday Overlay Installation Closures, 2018
mm/dd-mm/dd (): Space Mountain Closed to Install Ghost Galaxy Overlay
mm/dd-mm/dd (): Haunted Mansion Closed to Install Holiday Overlay
mm/dd-mm/dd (): Jungle Cruise Closed to Install Holiday Overlay
mm/dd-mm/dd (): It's a Small World Closed to Install Holiday Overlay

Mickey's Halloween Party, 2018
Party dates were announced on Thursday, May 17 via the Disney Parks Blog. Tickets go on sale to DLR Annual Passholders, DVC, and Disney Rewards Visa Card Holders (phone only) on Tuesday, June 5 and to the general public on Tuesday, June 12. The dates when the MHP tickets sold out in past were tracked in these posts for 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017.

Pricing is listed as (Discount/Regular) Price.
Sep 19 (Wed) ($95/$105)
Sep 21 (Fri) ($115/$115)
Sep 24 (Mon) ($95/$105)
Sep 26 (Wed) ($95/$105)
Sep 28 (Fri) ($115/$115)
Oct 2 (Tue) ($115/$115)
Oct 5 (Fri) ($115/$115)
Oct 9 (Tue) ($115/$115)
Oct 12 (Fri) (t$115/$115) - Sold Out Online Tuesday, July 10
Oct 16 (Tue) ($115/$115)
Oct 19 (Fri) ($130/$130)
Oct 23 (Tue) ($115/$115)
Oct 26 (Fri) ($130/$130)
Oct 29 (Mon) ($130/$130)
Oct 31 (Wed) ($130/$130)

Note that costume guidelines changed for 2016. The new guidelines can be viewed on the MHP page of the Disneyland.com website.

Disclaimer: Even if the date is listed as sold out online, it is possible that tickets may still be available via the phone or in person at the ticket booths (this occurred in the past, but it is not known if it'll happen again in 2018). A limited number of tickets may also be available for "day of" purchase for onsite hotel guests, but it is not known if that will be the case again this year. It also looks like they stop selling tickets to MHP online on the day of the event. So if you want to purchase tickets online, be sure to buy them at least one day in advance.

Sneak Peaks at DCA (Bug's Life Theater) and DL (Tomorrowland Theater), 2018
DLR uses the Tomorrowland Theater (DL) and Bug's Life Theater (DCA-BLT) or Sunset Showcase Theater (DCA-SST) to preview upcoming movies.
Feb 9 (Fri) - Mar 6 (Tue): A Wrinkle in Time (DCA-SST) [Move Opening: Mar 9] (AP Preview: Feb 8)
May 18 (Fri) - ??? (???): Incredibles 2 (DCA-SST) [Move Opening: Jun 15] (AP Preview: May 17)
June 8 (Fri) – Jul 1 (Sun): Ant-Man and the Wasp (DL) [Movie Opening: Jul 6] (AP Preview: ???)

Disney Cruise Line Sailings Out of San Diego
The Disney Cruise Line has offerings that sail out of San Diego. Some of these cruises may include (optional) excursions to Disneyland before or after the cruise. The date listed is the date of departure (when it leaves San Diego). All cruises return to San Diego unless noted.
4/22 (5-Night Cruise)
4/28 (2-Night Cruise)
4/29 (5-Night Cruise)
5/4 (2-Night Cruise)
5/6 (5-Night Cruise)
5/16 (5-Night Cruise) - Ends in Vancouver, Canada
5/11 (2-Night Cruise)
5/13 (3-Night Cruise)
9/10 (4-Night Cruise) - Starts in Vancouver, Canada & Ends in San Diego
9/14 (5-Night Cruise)
9/18 (4-Night Cruise)
9/23 (5-Night Cruise)
9/28 (2-Night Cruise)
9/30 (5-Night Cruise)
10/5 (2-Night Cruise)
10/7 (7-Night Cruise)
10/14 (5-Night Cruise)
10/19 (14-Night Cruise) - Ends in Galveston, Texas

Disney's website has MHP Friday October 5th Sold Out now.

 

[figment_jii]

Thanks! I've updated the list.

 

[figment_jii]

Added the Holiday Season date!

 

[figment_jii]

Updated

 

[figment_jii]

Out of curiosity I went back through Disneyland Today's Twitter feed to see when the parking structures were full. I could only go back until April, but it was interesting to see the results.

(Wed) December 19 (6:15 pm - 8:10 pm) M&F [Last Day before SoCal AP Holiday Blockout]
(Tue) December 11 (5:25 pm - 6:20 pm) M&F [Last Day before SoCal Select AP Holiday Blockout]
(Mon) December 10 (3:55 pm - 5:15 pm, 6:15 pm - 6:50 pm) M&F
(Fri) November 30 (4:15 pm - 8:35 pm) M&F
(Sun) November 25 (2:00 pm - 4:30 pm) M&F
(Sun) November 18 (1:30 pm - 3:15 pm) M&F
(Fri) November 16 (5:45 pm - 8:20 pm) M&F
(Thu) November 15 (5:00 pm - 8:15 pm) M&F
(Sun) November 11 (1:40 pm - 4:10 pm) M&F, (3:00 pm to 5:40 pm) TS, (3:00 pm to 4:10 pm) All Lots
(Sat) November 10 (2:10 pm - 3:50 pm) M&F
(Sun) November 4 (1:40 pm - 3:25 pm) M&F
(Sun) October 28 (2:35 pm - 4:15 pm) M&F
(Sat) October 27 (2:00 pm - 3:30 pm) M&F
(Fri) October 26 (5:45 pm - 7:05 pm) M&F
(Thu) October 25 (6:45 pm - 7:45 pm) M&F
(Sun) October 21 (1:50 pm - 3:30 pm) M&F
(Sat) October 20 (12:12 pm - 3:00 pm) M&F
(Fri) October 19 (4:00 pm - 5:00 pm) M&F
(Sun) October 14 (1:00 pm - 3:15 pm) M&F
(Fri) October 12 (4:00 pm - 7:15 pm) M&F
(Thu) October 11 (6:45 pm - 8:00 pm) M&F
(Wed) October 10 (6:10 pm - 7:30 pm) M&F
(Mon) October 8 (2:05 pm - 3:30 pm) M&F [Columbus Day]
(Sat) October 6 (1:00 pm - 3:15 pm) M&F
(Sun) September 30 (4:20 pm - 5:15 pm) M&F
(Sat) September 29 (3:35 pm - 6:00 pm) M&F
(Fri) September 28 (5:35 pm - 7:40 pm) M&F
(Sun) September 23 (2:30 pm - 4:45 pm) M&F
(Sat) September 22 (3:45 pm - 5:30 pm) M&F
(Fri) September 21 (6:00 pm - 7:30 pm) M&F
(Wed) September 19 (3:25 pm - 5:35 pm) M&F [First MHP]
(Sun) September 16 (3:30 pm - 4:45 pm) M&F
(Sat) September 15 (7:15 pm - 8:00 pm) M&F
(Fri) September 14 (6:35 pm - 8:45 pm) M&F
(Sun) September 9 (2:10 pm - 3:30 pm) M&F
(Fri) September 7 (6:20 pm - 8:25 pm) M&F [First Day of HalloweenTime]
(Mon) September 3 (1:00 pm - 3:45 pm) M&F, (3:00 pm - 3:45 pm) TS [Labor Day, Last Day of Pixar Fest]
(Fri) August 31 (7:45 pm - 9:30 pm) M&F [Last Friday of Pixar Fest]
(Sun) August 26 (2:15 pm - 3:25 pm) M&F
(Sat) August 25 (1:30 pm - 5:40 pm) M&F, (6:30 pm - 8:35 pm) M&F
(Thu) August 23 (3:45 pm - 5:00 pm) M&F
(Wed) August 22 (6:00 pm - 7:15 pm) M&F
(Tue) August 21 (6:00 pm - 7:15 pm) M&F
(Mon) August 20 (6:52 pm - 8:00 pm) M&F [First Day After SoCal/SoCal Select AP Blockout Ended]
(Sat) August 18 (6:30 pm - 7:45 pm) M&F
(Wed) July 4 (7:25 pm - 8:15 pm) M&F
(Sun) June 24 (1:00 pm - 3:00 pm) M&F
(Wed) June 20 (7:15 pm - 8:10 pm) M&F
(Mon) June 18 (4:04 pm - 5:35 pm) M&F
(Sun) June 10 (1:25 pm - 2:30 pm) M&F
(Wed) June 6 (6:15 pm - 7:30 pm) M&F
(Sun) June 3 (2:10 pm - 4:30 pm) M&F
(Mon) May 28 (2:25 pm - 4:15 pm) M&F
(Sun) May 20 (1:10 pm - 3:45 pm) M&F, (2:00 pm - 3:45 pm) TS
(Sun) May 20 (9:00 am - 9:35 pm) M&F
(Fri) May 18 (6:45 pm - 8:45 pm) M&F
(Sun) May 13 (3:05 pm - 5:10 pm) M&F
(Fri) May 11 (7:15 pm - 9:00 pm) M&F
(Fri) May 4 (8:15 pm - 9:00 pm) M&F
(Sun) April 29 (2:05 pm - 5:00 pm) M&F
(Sun) April 22 (3:05 pm - 3:50 pm) M&F
(Sun) April 15 (2:25 pm - 4:05 pm) M&F, (2:35 pm - 4:25 pm) TS
(Sun) April 8 (4:00 pm - 5:05 pm) M&F
(Sun) March 18 (1:20 pm - 5:15 pm) M&F, (2:40 pm - 4:20 pm) TS
(Fri) February 2 (7:30 pm - 9:00 pm) M&F
(Sun) January 7 (2:15 pm - 4:45 pm) M&F
[This is as far back as I could go]

 

[lindyv321]

Wow!

 

[Geemo]

FYI for you

FYI - there is now a November Check-in started
https://www.disboards.com/threads/november-trip-check-in.3702491/

 

[figment_jii]

Thanks!

 

[smchristy]

Is there a 2019 thread?

 

[figment_jii]

I'm in the process of developing the 2019 thread.

 

[smchristy]

I'm in the process of developing the 2019 thread.

That’s great!! I really appreciate you keeping this information updated and available!! Thank you!!!

 

[Pdollar88]

This really helps me get a sense of what to expect! Thank you for this!

Looking forward to the 2019 thread as I begin thinking about a mid-September or early October 2019 trip.

 

[figment_jii]

The 2019 Thread went live over the weekend!