Dates Consult

[tellemarie]

Hi everyone! Many time WDW-er, first time DLR-er

I've tried to find info about this on the boards/Unofficial Guide/DRC but can't get any concrete info. We're wanting to visit DL for the Halloween Party but don't want to miss out on the bigger rides (HM, Pirates, Small World). I couldn't find any planned refurbs/overlays for them in later Sept or October so I thought I'd ask you knowledgable people for some opinions!

We're looking to either go 9/26-10/3 or 10/10-10/18 and stay at VGC or DLH on points. If you were wanting lighter crowds and needed those rides to be (foreseeably) open, which would you choose? I did see on Touring Plans that the September dates would likely be less crowded but I'm also concerned about the rides and temperatures a bit!

Thanks in advance for the help!!

 

[figment_jii]

Assuming 2015 is similar to past years, baring some unforeseen breakdown, Haunted Mansion should be open in late-September/October because it will have its holiday overlay in place (Haunted Mansion Holiday). Small World usually closes in mid-October to have the holiday overlay installed. In both cases, you should be okay with either date for both rides. Pirates doesn't have a seasonal overlay, so if it's closed, it would be for a refurb or unexpected repair.

In terms of the crowds, you're the latter half of your first set of dates overlaps with Gay Days (usually the first weekend in October). It is a big event, so an uptick in crowds on Fri-Sun is expected.

Your second set of dates overlaps with Columbus Day weekend. It's also been historically when CHOC walk has happened (Sunday) and the parks are typically crowded due to the walk (on Sunday) and for the weekend (because it's a three day weekend for a lot of folks).

Personally, if you're looking for the best chance of low(ish) crowds, with the rides open, I would probably opt for the earlier date set.

 

[Nonsuch]

We're looking to either go 9/26-10/3 or 10/10-10/18 and stay at VGC or DLH on points.

We have visited the first week of October the past 3 years, it's a great time to visit

Gay Days is October 2-4, which makes those days quite busy. However, all weekends in October are quite busy.
Gay Days has some excellent hotel rates: GCH $229, DLH $194, PPH, $184
In prior years we have used points to stay at VGC during Gay Days, so friends joining us could take advantage of the low hotel rates. This year we will just stay in GCH and save our points for other visits

October 12 is Columbus Day, so that 3 day weekend will also be crowed.

There will be Halloween parties every Friday, and also Tuesday (or Monday and Wednesday).

 

[Lauren in NC]

Refurbs will probably be light since it's the 60th anniversary. DL doesn't announce them anywhere near in advance like WDW does, though. HM and Space Mountain both go down for holiday overlays - Space Mountain turns into Ghost Galaxy for Halloween and Haunted Mansion gets the Nightmare Before Christmas overlay. I'm not sure when those usually happen, though, but I'd bet it's before any of the Halloween parties, so if you're specifically going on one of those dates, you should be fine.

Coming from Raleigh - you shouldn't have to worry about the temps While it can be hot, it's nowhere near as humid as NC!

 

[figment_jii]

tellemarie - I forgot to mention a few things...

As a first time DLR visitor, but a WDW vet, I highly recommend taking a look at HydroGuy's DLR Guide for WDW Vets.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

Also, given that you are planning on going during HalloweenTime, please join us on the HalloweenTime SuperThread! That's where the latest information will be posted (as it come available) and it's a great place to chat about HalloweenTime.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3270919