Hey there..., new here @ the forum...
I want to surprise my family w/a Disneyland Vacation, but I'm trying to decide when to go...
We are all pretty flexible, however, I still want to schedule everything a couple months out at the least...
I was thinking of two times that we could make it out there for a week...
Either - a week around Halloween in October... (10/29 - 11/2 OR 11/3)
OR
A week prior to Thanksgiving... (11/19 - 11/23)
I was hoping that someone could give me a little information about these times of year...
How busy is Disneyland at these two times...?
AND
What is the weather typically like at these two times...?
Are any of the rides typically shut down during these times of the year for seasonal servicing...?
Is anyone aware of any deals/specials that may be available for these times of year...?
Any and all information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks;
Jason
Jason -
I neglected to welcome you to the forum yesterday!! I'm glad you've joined us here!
I didn't have time to post these links when I moved this thread, but you may find these threads (below) of interest. Don't be scared off by the size of the threads - it's mainly the first few posts on Page 1 that have all the basic and essential information.
On Page 1 of each thread, there's lots of information, covering all aspects of both Halloween Time and the Christmas holiday season at Disneyland Resort. It may help you decide which holiday season your family will enjoy more:
Halloween at DLR Superthread (see Page 1, Posts #1 and #2)
Disneyland at Christmas Time Superthread (see Page 1, Posts #1, #2 and #3)
I actually think that weekend at the end of October will be quite crowded, as that's Halloween weekend and there's a Halloween party on 10/31. But after 10/31, crowds will likely drop off.
The week leading up to Thanksgiving is said to be pretty crowded as well, as lots of people are out for the whole week on breaks.
Weather-wise, either month could be warm. October is probably more likely to see higher temperatures, whereas November will be slightly cooler. November could range from the 60's to the 80's in temperature, and be rainy, dry or windy! More than likely, November will be comfortable in the daytime and cool at night.
It's a Small World will shut down in mid-to-late October to receive its holiday overlay. So it will be closed if you choose October 29 as your trip start date.
BUT, It's a Small World Holiday - which is gorgeous, especially at night - will be open as of November 14 (if not a day or two prior to that), and I think that's worth seeing.
Pirates of the Caribbean will be closed all through October until right before Thanksgiving (in fact, I think POTC will be open on 11/23?), so you will miss POTC if you arrive in October, BUT you will be able to catch it on your last day (if not a day or two earlier) should you choose the November trip.
The Christmas decorations will begin to go up, little by little, even before the Halloween decorations come down, so if you choose the late October date you will see an interesting "crossover" period between the two holidays. However, the full array of decor and entertainment of the holiday season does not officially begin until 11/14, and after that you get the holiday parade, the holiday fireworks, the snow falling on Main Street, Santa's Reindeer Round-Up, etc.
So, just based on the sheer volume of things to see and do, I would say that the November dates are better, even though the crowds will probably be a bit heavier. This way, not only will you get IASW Holiday and all the holiday offerings (inclding holiday treats!), you will also be able to ride POTC towards the end of your trip.
If you choose to start the trip in late October, you will not be able to ride POTC or IASW, but you will be there for the tail end of Halloween Time season, you'll have the option to attend Mickey's Halloween Party on 10/31 (if you choose to), and you will get a couple of uncrowded days (probably 11/1 and 11/2) of the crossover period, as traces of Halloween Time disappear and the holiday season starts to take over.
When you ask about deals and specials, do you mean for the hotels or for tickets? Some hotel discounts last into Fall, but I don't think there will be any ticket discounts beyond October.
