Best Time for Fall Trip?

[coopersmom]

We are looking to do a Disneyland trip this fall (2012) and was curious as to what the best time to visit Disneyland, crowd-wise, was. Is September a good month (i.e. low crowds) like at Disney World?

We have been on two recent Disney World trips (2010 and 2011) but have only been to Disneyland twice in my life; both were day trips and I've never been to California Adventure. This time we are hoping to spend 2-3 days in the parks and stay at the Disneyland hotel (a first) before spending the rest of the week in SoCal visiting family. We will be traveling with a (by then) five-year-old boy who is itching to experience Carsland and we may have one day (if we stay 3) where Grandma, Grandpa, Aunts and Uncle and maybe a baby cousin (San Diego locals), join us in one of the parks.

I know Carsland is set to open this summer, and I'm sure it will still be out-of-control crazy come fall, so any advice from Disneyland vets on how best to handle all of this would be greatly appreciated, including when best to book (i.e. should we wait until a certain time when special offers may be released?). I will add that we hope to travel on weekdays, and do rope drop, to at least ameliorate the crowds.

Thanks!

 

[Homemom]

First, I highly recommend reading Hydroguy's tips for WDW vets visiting DL. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

Now to answer your question, we prefer to go the last week of September. It's post Labor day and marathon and most schools are back in. Plus, we get to enjoy the Halloween decorations and maybe even a party. But, we don't go into October because that first weekend there is usually a convention and gay days that bring extra crowds.

 

[coopersmom]

First, I highly recommend reading Hydroguy's tips for WDW vets visiting DL. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

Now to answer your question, we prefer to go the last week of September. It's post Labor day and marathon and most schools are back in. Plus, we get to enjoy the Halloween decorations and maybe even a party. But, we don't go into October because that first weekend there is usually a convention and gay days that bring extra crowds.

Thanks. I had looked at that post. Is Haunted Mansion usually open by end of September? When do the Halloween parties typically start at Disneyland? We would love to see the Nightmare Before Christmas-themed Haunted Mansion.

 

[skiingfast]

Thanks. I had looked at that post. Is Haunted Mansion usually open by end of September? When do the Halloween parties typically start at Disneyland? We would love to see the Nightmare Before Christmas-themed Haunted Mansion.

HM and Space reopen for the start of the Halloween Season. This is likely to be the middle of September possibly Friday the 14th this year. Mickey's Halloween Party usually start the first week of October, so likely the first party will be Friday September 28th rather than waiting until the 5th. Firm dates for this coming Halloween Season should come out in June or July.

 

[BeckWhy]

I've never been to Disneyland, so I can't TRULY speak about the subject, but I can tell you what I've been told so far.

I'm planning on going in the fall 2012 too and this is what I heard.

If you want low crowds, September is the time to go. But with low crowds comes refurbs to the attractions. From what I've read and heard, it looks like end of August or beginning of September they will be closing: Alice in Wonderland, Indiana Jones and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad for refurbs. But with that being said, I believe they will be closed through September and October (even longer).

Obviously you know about the Haunted Mansion closing to set up Halloween/Christmas decorations. I believe Space Mountain will be closing for a short time too, to set up for Halloween. End of October, It's A Small World closes to set up for Christmas.

That's what I have for you! Good luck!

 

[Geemo]

There is so much to do. Attractions closed for refurbished hasn't really bothered us. It is disappointing when it's one of our favorites though.

During our last trip the Matterhorn and Grizzly River Run were the main ones closed. We did miss them but we were going non-stop for five days.

At least there is a history to when refurbishments are scheduled, it helps to know the trends when scheduling a trip.

It will be interesting how the new attractions will affect the crowds. My grandkids liked getting a peak at Cars Land from the top of Scream'n California last month.

 

[lolinmr]

We have gone in October a few times. Weather is good, crowds were Ok and the park was open until Midnight so lots of time to enjoy the park, head to the hotel for a swim and rest, then back to the park for more fun.

 

[RedRosie]

We have been early Nov (6-10th) and late Sept (21-24). Sept crowds were low but Nov crowds were zero. Truly amazing in early Nov. Sept was still quite warm while Nov had some chilly days (and one slightly rainy morning). In Nov, the only ride closed was IASW for Christmas overlay. The official Christmas opening was 2 days after we left, so a little bit of Christmas decoration appeared each morning we were there. In Sept, the big rollercoaster in CA Adventure was closed. For both times, HM was decorated for Nightmare before Christmas. In Sept, Space Mountain had the Ghost Galaxy overlay which is too scary for a 5 year old. I would do either time again. Have a great trip!

 

[rosie2283]

We have been early Nov (6-10th) and late Sept (21-24). Sept crowds were low but Nov crowds were zero. Truly amazing in early Nov. Sept was still quite warm while Nov had some chilly days (and one slightly rainy morning). In Nov, the only ride closed was IASW for Christmas overlay. The official Christmas opening was 2 days after we left, so a little bit of Christmas decoration appeared each morning we were there. In Sept, the big rollercoaster in CA Adventure was closed. For both times, HM was decorated for Nightmare before Christmas. In Sept, Space Mountain had the Ghost Galaxy overlay which is too scary for a 5 year old. I would do either time again. Have a great trip!

I'm so glad to hear you say this! We are planning our second family Disneyland trip for this November. We are low crowd people...although I hope that the rumors about BTMRR and Indy aren't true about both being down at the same time. Those are our families two favorites...or if they do go down, hopefully they are up by the time we go...or at least one of them! Can I ask what the weather was like when you went? Short weather or pants? We are from Northern Sask so our short weather tolerance may be a little different than SoCal locals. Yes, we are the crazy short wearing people if there is no snow on the ground!

 

[Maddysdaddy]

Our usual family trip to DL is around the 20th of September. We love it, since the crowds are low and the weather is still nice. For us, the trade-off of not having to deal with summer or holiday crowds versus having a few rides down for refurbishment is a no-brainer.

Funnily enough, we just got back from DL last week, and it was the first time we had ever been through the Haunted Mansion without the Jack Skellington/X-mas overlay. Gotta say, we all like it much better with Jack.

 

[isisisme]

We go every year for Halloween week. The last couple of years, the weekend before Halloween was busy. The week days before Halloween were mildly busy (except that crunch time on party days between the regular day guests leave and party guests arrive). But Nov 1st on is very quiet! It is amazing! I would assume the following week will be the same, but the Halloween decorations start coming down. Space Mountain will be closed on Nov 1st to take out the Ghost Gallaxy overlay, but open again on the 2nd (at least that seems to be the pattern).
The Mansion will still have its overlay until after the Christmas season.

 

[Rhonna]

From what I've read and heard, it looks like end of August or beginning of September they will be closing: Alice in Wonderland, Indiana Jones and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad for refurbs.

But with that being said, I believe they will be closed through September and October (even longer).

Can anyone confirm these closures and give a more definite time frame? If they are happening for certain, will they be closed into Nov?

We have to change our May trip to the fall and we really wanted the beginning of November for many reasons. If all three of these attractions are closed then, that's not so great for us.

 

[LizzyS]

I am so torn on whether to go in September or November this year! Decisions, decisions!

 

[BeckWhy]

Can anyone confirm these closures and give a more definite time frame? If they are happening for certain, will they be closed into Nov?

We have to change our May trip to the fall and we really wanted the beginning of November for many reasons. If all three of these attractions are closed then, that's not so great for us.

I got the information from another post here on Dis. Nothing is confirmed and from my understanding (though I could be wrong), we may not know they are closing until they release the monthly schedules for the fall.

From my understanding, BTMRR and Alice will be big and will take months to refurb.

 

[RedRosie]

I'm so glad to hear you say this! We are planning our second family Disneyland trip for this November. We are low crowd people...although I hope that the rumors about BTMRR and Indy aren't true about both being down at the same time. Those are our families two favorites...or if they do go down, hopefully they are up by the time we go...or at least one of them! Can I ask what the weather was like when you went? Short weather or pants? We are from Northern Sask so our short weather tolerance may be a little different than SoCal locals. Yes, we are the crazy short wearing people if there is no snow on the ground!

We are northern CA people so used to hot weather. In November, we wore jeans and T-shirt, no jackets until 4:30 pm when it got very chilly. Sept had some hot and oddly humid days.