9 nights in October/November

[Meemoo]

I thought now might be a good time to ask, but in regards to October/November next year! Perhaps this will be a once in a childhood trip for my kids to Disneyland (maybe WDW next time!) so I am trying to plan our vacation next October or November. We are doing our best to avoid crowds and hot weather, and hoping for the hotel rates to be considerably off peak rates. I have heard about Halloween, Xmas tapings, Marathons, Veterans Day and of course Thanks Givings bringing large numbers so when do you think I could slot 9 nights within the least busy time around this time of the year?

 

[Luisa]

Last year I was there the Thursday to Sunday before Thanksgiving and found the crowds quite low, although it did start to get busier on the Sunday. The weather was really good, nice mild days (tshirt and jeans weather) and only one day when it rained but it wasn't cold, nights cooled significantly though. From memory I thought the hotel prices were pretty good at that time too, I know I paid under $100 a night at the Ramada Maingate, there was definitely cheaper but I'd stayed there before and as I was solo I was more comfortable staying somewhere I knew. I'm also planning 2015 and looking at going back that same week before Thanksgiving.

 

[Meemoo]

Thanks for the insight. Here I am posting on the DL Californian thread thinking some locals would help me out, then someone from Melbourne does - thank you I wondered about the week leading to thanks giving, thinking perhaps people would take an extra week holiday and it might make things busier but I have been watching the hotel rates this year and Nov is certainly seeming cheaper than October. Then I was thinking pumpkins for Halloween or Xmas Trees. I worried about all the parades converting to Xmas parade, as we don't get there often I'd like to see some of the original shows too but Xmas does look magical

 

[Luisa]

You're welcome! Personally I love the holiday season and find the parks extra magical at that time of year, that's why I thought it would be a perfect time for my mums first visit, lower crowds and beautiful Christmas theming. I can't link to it on the app but if you can look up mvf-m11c and his trip report Our 3rd Annual Holiday Trip to DL in November- November 22nd - 25th 2013, he was there at the same time and has lots of info and photos so you can get an even better idea of what it like then.

 

[SMD]

I can answer the weather question for you. It was over 80 degrees by 10am yesterday and I heard it eventually reached over 90, but the last time I checked was around 1:45 and it was 86. Don't plan a trip around weather, it's unpredictable.

 

[theparsons]

I agree, don't plan around weather because we've been there when it's been 90 one day and 70 the next. And it can vary 10+ degrees in the same day even. It can get a little warm, but seldom will fall be scorching hot.

The week before or the week after Thanksgiving are wonderful, crowd wise. The week before less crowded, but the holiday decorations won't ALL be up by then so the week after Thanksgiving is our personal choice. Still low crowds, holiday decor. The parade taping can make Main Street and the Castle rather crowded, but if that doesn't interest you, then weave your way past and you'll find that the rest of the park is pretty decent crowds, because everyone else is up front!

Thanksgiving week is really crowded, as would be expected. We arrive the Saturday after Thanksgiving, and only hang out at DTD that first evening. Sunday is decent crowds and by Monday they are really good levels. So that first day we soak in the atmosphere and wander around doing low line rides, knowing we can get the headliners on much better lines the next day.