Columbus Day Crowds

[Girimama33]

Glad I found this thread. DW and I are going from 10/6-10/12. We more than likely won't be doing a park on 10/6, since that's the day we arrive; and we won't be doing a park on 10/12 since that's the day we leave. I also have some questions about the crowds.

Since it seems Gay Days is 10/4-10/6, how will crowds be during the week? After Gay Days is over and leading up to Columbus Day weekend? Crowds will be lower, but it will still be busy. Several AZ schools have fall break at that time.

What about the days for the Halloween Party? How are crowds on these days? Would it be feasible to do DL in the morning and DCA at night? You can, but keep in mind that everyone that does not have a HP ticket will likely go to DCA in the evening. Like most days, it will be manageable in the morning, and busier once they start letting the HP ticket holders in (3 or 4pm depending on day).

How will crowds be on the Friday going into Columbus Day Weekend? Fridays are usually pretty busy. Getting there at rope drop is your best advice. Utilize the early hours to get a lot done. Take a break at the hotel if necessary, and go back to enjoy the evening. After F! and Fireworks, the crowds lessen.

TIA

Hope that helps.

 

[Thumper_Man]

Hope that helps.

DW and I went last year the week before Labor Day. We were wondering what it might be like this trip.

Thanks for the help.

 

[bcla]

Since it is no longer a federally recognized holiday (replace by MLK day in the 80s) many schools no longer take it off, but some still do. I'd imagine it has some impact, but not as much as say MLK or even Presidents' Day.

It's still a federally recognized holiday. Banks close, some city/state governments close, some cities have meter holidays, etc. Post offices close and mail deliveries don't occur. However, I've never gone to a school that recognized it as a day off, and I've never had an employer recognize it as a holiday.

http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/snow-dismissal-procedures/federal-holidays/#url=2013

2013 Holiday Schedule Date Holiday
Tuesday, January 1 New Year's Day
Monday, January 21 Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Monday, February 18 * Washington's Birthday
Monday, May 27 Memorial Day
Thursday, July 4 Independence Day
Monday, September 2 Labor Day
Monday, October 14 Columbus Day
Monday, November 11 Veterans Day
Thursday, November 28 Thanksgiving Day
Wednesday, December 25 Christmas Day

Check that. I have had an employer that recognized columbus Day as a holiday, but only that one. We also didn't get it as a day off per se. At that company we accrued combination holiday/vacation hours, and for certain holidays it would automatically be debited as 8 hours from the bank of vacation hours unless we sent a message to HR that we weren't taking the day off. Pretty much everyone showed up for work.

 

[pittypat]

We were there last year over Columbus Day and it was quite crowded. Enough so that, given an option, we would not go again during that time.

 

[disneyfreak202]

I noticed you said your other option is the 1st-5th of January. If I remember correctly the 3rd on is usually not as crowded compared to Columbus weekend. Someone can correct me if I am not correct

 

[Girimama33]

I noticed you said your other option is the 1st-5th of January. If I remember correctly the 3rd on is usually not as crowded compared to Columbus weekend. Someone can correct me if I am not correct

I would expect it to be very crowded until Monday the 6th. We were there last year after NY and it was very crowded. We still had fun though...and got to enjoy the holiday decorations.

 

[bumbershoot]

Having done that weekend twice, and not particularly enjoying the crowds, I would still go that weekend vs Jan 1-5! Definitely.

I just wouldn't plan to end up having to go into the park on the holiday Monday, after the crowds have shown up. Gah. So jealous that DH and DS were swimming and I wasn't....