Disneyland in mid October..several questions

[Coconut36]

We have a trip planned for mid October (14th-16th) and I was curious what the crowds are like since I know they have Halloween specific activities and wasn't sure if that increased the crowds greatly. My previous experience has been during the summer months so I am wondering how this will compare.

Also..how is the weather usually? I got the impression it is cool at night (light jackets/pants needed) and low 80s during the day..is that about accurate for that time of year? Trying to plan already how to pack for it

Another question..all the Halloween activities at Disneyland..do we have to do anything additional for this? We have 3 day Park Hopper passes so I assume we don't need to do anything else but I have never been there this time of year so I wanted to be sure everything is "included".

 

[skiingfast]

You should attend the Halloween Party on Friday night. It will officially start at 7pm and all regular guests will be directed to the exit. You will get special and superb fireworks that night. A small special parade. Trick or treating, and many rides. You can also wear costumes.

On Friday crowds may be a surprise. Regular morning, slightly busy late afternoon, at 5pm watch out it's going to get busy because of party guests. Saturday and Sunday will be busy but not like summer.

If you buy party tickets you could use them and not your park hopper to enter at 4pm. This is why it will get busier late afternoon.

Otherwise your whole trip you will be able to see the decoration and enjoy special themed Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain, ride these early they will get insane lines.

You are right on weather, probably nice days, cool nights.

 

[Sherry E]

We have a trip planned for mid October (14th-16th) and I was curious what the crowds are like since I know they have Halloween specific activities and wasn't sure if that increased the crowds greatly. My previous experience has been during the summer months so I am wondering how this will compare.

Also..how is the weather usually? I got the impression it is cool at night (light jackets/pants needed) and low 80s during the day..is that about accurate for that time of year? Trying to plan already how to pack for it

Another question..all the Halloween activities at Disneyland..do we have to do anything additional for this? We have 3 day Park Hopper passes so I assume we don't need to do anything else but I have never been there this time of year so I wanted to be sure everything is "included".

The Halloween at DLR Superthread will give you a good idea of what the Halloween season is all about. Page 1, Posts #1 and #2, have all kinds of information and photos, and then, if you'd like, feel free to join us in that thread as you plan for your trip.

The only thing that you would need to buy a separate ticket for during the Halloween Time season would be Mickey's Halloween Party, if you wanted to attend. There will be an MHP taking place on 10/14, so that's an option for you. The party includes trick or treating for all ages, a mini-parade/cavalcade of characters, special character photo spots and the popular Halloween Screams fireworks (see the Halloween Superthread Table of Contents, Post #2, for links to photos of the fireworks).

Otherwise, the general Halloween decorations, souvenirs and treats will be available to the general public.

October weather in SoCal is very unpredictable. It could go in several directions. It could be cool and blustery. It could be dry, warm and windy (and that causes wildfires, which then causes bad air). It could be rainy. It could also be terribly hot. I've experienced all of these weather situations in Octobers past! More likely than not it will be warm in the daytime and about 20 degrees cooler at night. Bring a light jacket just in case for the evening, but you may not need it. Be sure to check sites like accuweather.com for the 15-day forecasts and such, so you will be prepared before you go.

There is a link to HydroGuy's weather thread in Post #1 of the Halloween Superthread.

Since you'll be at DLR on a weekend, it will be crowded. Weekends are always crowded. That doesn't mean it will be unbearable or unmanageable, though. Just expect that it will be somewhat crowded. The crowds are expected to taper off a bit right after your weekend, through the second half of October.

 

[Coconut36]

You should attend the Halloween Party on Friday night. It will officially start at 7pm and all regular guests will be directed to the exit. You will get special and superb fireworks that night. A small special parade. Trick or treating, and many rides. You can also wear costumes.

On Friday crowds may be a surprise. Regular morning, slightly busy late afternoon, at 5pm watch out it's going to get busy because of party guests. Saturday and Sunday will be busy but not like summer.

If you buy party tickets you could use them and not your park hopper to enter at 4pm. This is why it will get busier late afternoon.

Otherwise your whole trip you will be able to see the decoration and enjoy special themed Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain, ride these early they will get insane lines.

You are right on weather, probably nice days, cool nights.

What do you mean all regular guests will be directed to the exit at 7pm? I am not sure if we are ones that will be asked to leave or will be able to stay.

 

[Sherry E]

What do you mean all regular guests will be directed to the exit at 7pm? I am not sure if we are ones that will be asked to leave or will be able to stay.

If you don't buy a ticket to the Halloween Party (see my post above, where I explained that would be the only thing you would need a separate ticket for), you will have to leave Disneyland at 7 p.m. But California Adventure stays open. Your regular Park Hopper won't allow you to stay for the party, and you would have to leave at 7 p.m.

 

[Coconut36]

The Halloween at DLR Superthread[/URL] will give you a good idea of what the Halloween season is all about. Page 1, Posts #1 and #2, have all kinds of information and photos, and then, if you'd like, feel free to join us in that thread as you plan for your trip.

The only thing that you would need to buy a separate ticket for during the Halloween Time season would be Mickey's Halloween Party, if you wanted to attend. There will be an MHP taking place on 10/14, so that's an option for you. The party includes trick or treating for all ages, a mini-parade/cavalcade of characters, special character photo spots and the popular Halloween Screams fireworks (see the Halloween Superthread Table of Contents, Post #2, for links to photos of the fireworks).

Otherwise, the general Halloween decorations, souvenirs and treats will be available to the general public.

October weather in SoCal is very unpredictable. It could go in several directions. It could be cool and blustery. It could be dry, warm and windy (and that causes wildfires, which then causes bad air). It could be rainy. It could also be terribly hot. I've experienced all of these weather situations in Octobers past! More likely than not it will be warm in the daytime and about 20 degrees cooler at night. Bring a light jacket just in case for the evening, but you may not need it. Be sure to check sites like accuweather.com for the 15-day forecasts and such, so you will be prepared before you go.

There is a link to HydroGuy's weather thread in Post #1 of the Halloween Superthread.

Since you'll be at DLR on a weekend, it will be crowded. Weekends are always crowded. That doesn't mean it will be unbearable or unmanageable, though. Just expect that it will be somewhat crowded. The crowds are expected to taper off a bit right after your weekend, through the second half of October.

I started to read the Halloween thread after I posted this but wasn't sure where to begin..this helps me out.

Will we have to leave the park if we don't have the separate tickets and if so when would we have to leave? I know my sons would love the fireworks..if we don't buy passes we can't see it or we don't get special seating for it? We are staying at Paradise Pier hotel if that is relevant to what we will be able to see or do.

Since my only experience with DLR is summer (often weekends then too) I am wondering how it will differ...I expect it to be crowded but summer crowd vs fall crowd I am not sure of.

I am from Phoenix so anything below 110 sounds like heaven right now..I am dreaming of cooler weather and have my hopes set on pleasant days.

Thanks for the info!

 

[Sherry E]

I started to read the Halloween thread after I posted this but wasn't sure where to begin..this helps me out.

Will we have to leave the park if we don't have the separate tickets and if so when would we have to leave? I know my sons would love the fireworks..if we don't buy passes we can't see it or we don't get special seating for it? We are staying at Paradise Pier hotel if that is relevant to what we will be able to see or do.

Since my only experience with DLR is summer (often weekends then too) I am wondering how it will differ...I expect it to be crowded but summer crowd vs fall crowd I am not sure of.

I am from Phoenix so anything below 110 sounds like heaven right now..I am dreaming of cooler weather and have my hopes set on pleasant days.

Thanks for the info!

Don't be intimidated by the size of the Halloween Superthread. Just look at the very first page of it, Page 1, Post #1 (The Intro) and Post #2 (the Table of Contents) to start you off - that will give you a whole bunch of information (and show you photos) about everything you can expect to experience during the season. Then, if you want to jump in and join us in the thread, feel free to post!

You'd have to leave Disneyland at 7 p.m. on Friday if you don't buy MHP tickets. The Halloween Screams fireworks are awesome, but they are a party exclusive, unfortunately. You wouldn't be able to see them from the PPH. But you can go over to California Adventure, as that will stay open for those not attending the party.

Maybe buying the separate MHP tickets for 10/14 would be worth it, for the trick or treating and the fireworks, as well as for the character photo spots?

Last year we did have a fluke heat wave of 113 degrees in SoCal in September (and I think it was 118 or so in Anaheim), but most likely you will not get that kind of heat this year! I'm sure it will be much lower than what you're used to in AZ!!

I haven't been to DLR in Summer in ages so I can't make that crowd comparison. Fall used to be off-peak season with low crowds. However, Halloween Time as a season has gotten much more popular. It's not the same off-peak that it used to be. Some folks have said that October crowds now seem very much like December crowds. I have been in early October and in the latter portion of October and felt it was pretty crowded. I have not yet done a mid-October trip like when you will be going.

If I were to venture a guess, I would say that your weekend may be less crowded than a typical weekend in the middle of Summer, but it will still be pretty crowded because it's a weekend and because it's Halloween Time. It'll be lots of fun, though!

 

[Coconut36]

Thanks for all the help..it has been so long since I have been there and this is the first time with my children (7 y/o and 4 1/2 y/o) I want to know as much as I can and make the most of the experience. I wasn't aware that there was anything "exclusive" going on then..it looks like Monday they do it again if I read the dates correctly. I am torn on buying the tickets as we are arriving on Friday..we have to be at the airport in Phoenix at like 6am (and that means we have to leave our houses by 5am-5:30am). I have no idea if the kids are going to be all revved up and able to do the Halloween party of they will need to crash since they will have to get up super early on Friday to be dressed and out the door for the airport. Going to have to really think on that one..I LOVE Halloween and all things related to it, my boys enjoy it but my DH and parents (they are taking us...celebrating Dad's 60th birthday) are not so into it and with Friday being such a long day they might want to head back to the hotel by 7pm anyway.

 

[Eeee-va]

I went right around that weekend last year (Halloween party only on Friday; parkhopped on Saturday). The crowds were bigger than I expected. Some parts of the park (and if I recall correctly, everything we did in DCA) were just fine on Saturday, but New Orleans Square was close to gridlock in the afternoon.

The last time I'd been to Disneyland was in early-to-mid-June 2010 (the weekend World of Color premiered) and during that trip in June 2010, the parks were much less crowded than I expected. So I think I was spoiled by those low crowds. If you are used to a crowded part of summer, the crowds should be about what you expect.

I was really surprised at the crowds for the Halloween party in particular --I'd expected close to walk-on conditions for big rides, but it was much more crowded than that. At least 20 minutes each for Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy (which isn't so good since both those rides offer Fastpasses during regular hours). And if I saw correctly, at one point the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad line seemed to be out of the queue? The parade, meet and greets (we only did one), and fireworks were all more crowded than I'd thought they'd be.

My brother, sister-in-law, and their friend went separately from us and thought the party was great! But I thought it was very crowded, again, probably because of my last uncrowded trip.

EDIT: Your kids are young enough, if they wanted to dress up, they could dress up during normal park hours. So unless you really want/need to dress up at the parks (I really wanted to!)--or if you can make it work so that you don't use a hopper day on Friday along with the tickets...I'd actually probably skip the party if I were in your shoes. It's fun, but I don't think it's worth an extra $50+ per person if you already bought admission to the parks that day. And with the age of your kids I'm not sure you'd get your money out of the midnight closing time.

I think the next party after that Friday is on Tuesday?

 

[Coconut36]

That really helps regarding the party...I am really struggling with the cost of tickets on top of the park tickets and knowing it will be a loooong day for all of us I am just not sure we would really get our "money's worth" out of the Halloween party tickets.

I assume with the park hopper you can go back and forth between parks as often as you desire each day? If that is the case if they are still raring to go we can check out California Adventure for a few hours before bedtime but I am leaning heavily towards NOT getting the Halloween party tickets.

It's been many years since I have been to DLR...I know Downtown Disney and California Adventure didn't exist last time I went if that says anything!

 

[Eeee-va]

I assume with the park hopper you can go back and forth between parks as often as you desire each day? If that is the case if they are still raring to go we can check out California Adventure for a few hours before bedtime.

Yes, yes, yes! Obviously you won't be the only people going over to DCA after DL closes to the general public, but you can definitely cross over to DCA.

Are you doing nighttime shows? If you think your party will be up for World of Color, you could probably get Fastpasses for the early show fairly early Friday morning (if you go to the park soon after you arrive in Anaheim). You probably wouldn't get back to your room until after 10, assuming a 9 PM showtime, though, so that might or might not be too long of a day for you.

Wow--a lot has changed since you went, but you'll still love it! And a lot of DL is the same.

 

[Coconut36]

Yes, yes, yes! Obviously you won't be the only people going over to DCA after DL closes to the general public, but you can definitely cross over to DCA.

Are you doing nighttime shows? If you think your party will be up for World of Color, you could probably get Fastpasses for the early show fairly early Friday morning (if you go to the park soon after you arrive in Anaheim). You probably wouldn't get back to your room until after 10, assuming a 9 PM showtime, though, so that might or might not be too long of a day for you.

Wow--a lot has changed since you went, but you'll still love it! And a lot of DL is the same.

True..I expect at least a portion of the crowds will cross over with us if we do that

We were not/are not sure of the shows at this point but I heard good things from a friend that recently went and saw Word of Color.

So much has changed!! I don't remember Fastpass options either so I had to go look that up and see what it was..so anyone can do this? I had no idea and what a great way to try to manage some of those long wait rides and the time spent waiting..I wasn't sure how the kids would deal with that.

I just did some looking as I remembered Indiana Jones was pretty new to DLR when I last went..so it was likely around 1996 or so when I was last there. I am looking forward to the "classics" as much as the new/changed aspects of DLR.

 

[Eeee-va]

So much has changed!! I don't remember Fastpass options either so I had to go look that up and see what it was..so anyone can do this? I had no idea and what a great way to try to manage some of those long wait rides and the time spent waiting..I wasn't sure how the kids would deal with that.

FPs are free for everyone! You can hold several Fastpasses at once (once you get a FP, you have to wait until your "window" opens or 2 hours pass before getting a second one). You can have FPs for DCA AND in Disneyland at the same time. World of Color FPs don't count against your ride FPs. And for rides, you can almost always (99.999% of the time) use your Fastpass after the "window" is up. I've only read maybe 3 negative posts about people having problems using their FPs after the window--though I'm not sure I'd try doing it for Star Tours at this point.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483 has some good tips in general.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1186052 shows just how to get a Fastpass, if you want visuals.

http://micechat.com/forums/disneyland-resort/142390-joy-fastpass-2010-edition.html (off-site) has all of the gory details of how to best use Fastpasses.

 

[Sherry E]

Wow - it's been about 15 years or so since you were last at Disneyland? You have so much to see, do and look forward to!

I can relate. I've never been away from the park for quite that long of a stretch of time in one sitting, but I once had a 5-year absence and then another 6-year absence, which, for me, were monumental because I had been going to Disneyland since 1972 or so, and many times more than once in a year. Even after 5 & 6 year 'breaks,' which are not nearly as massive as a 15-year break, I found I really had to get re-acclimated and reacquainted with Disneyland, as well as familiarize myself with California Adventure (DCA), which was a whole new world!

It was a bit odd at first. And, like you will be doing, I made my grand return to Disneyland Resort during Halloween Time. So not only was I trying to get a handle on this whole new, second park, I was also trying to take in all the Halloween stuff.

I didn't quite take to California Adventure at first. After so many years of only loving Disneyland, it felt odd to suddenly have this other park there, which didn't have the same kinds of magical details about it that Disneyland has. California Adventure grew on me over time, and I began to really like it.

I wonder if the same thing will happen for you? I wonder if you will immediately like DCA or if it will have to grow on you. I think there are elements of it that are great, and then there are elements of it that are really dull and bland. I am hoping that this billion dollar makeover (which will be complete next year) will somehow make it more cohesive. I can't skip DCA on a trip to the Resort because it's got two of my favorite rides there - Toy Story Midway Mania and Soarin' Over California, not to mention the Monsters, Inc. ride, which is really cute.

But you will have your hands full just getting a handle on what's new in Disneyland itself, let alone California Adventure and all that it has to offer! When you were last at Disneyland, there was no Downtown Disney. There was no Grand Californian Hotel (which has a gorgeous lobby for relaxing and resting). The Disneyland Hotel was totally different - there were more restaurants, more shops, more land, there were waterfalls and koi ponds...now, that's all gone. And the Paradise Pier Hotel was, I think, at that time called the Disneyland Pacific Hotel or some such thing.

Also, the last time you were at Disneyland, there was no Finding Nemo submarine ride (in fact, were the regular subs closed in 1996?). Indiana Jones opened in 1995. There was no Haunted Mansion Holiday or Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy. There was no Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters. There was no Princess Fantasy Faire. There was no Winnie the Pooh ride (although I can't recall what year that opened) in 1996. There was no Jedi Training Academy. Star Tours had a totally different film experience that what it has now. And I am only scratching the surface - there are lots of other things that have been added, removed or altered in the last 15 years.

Yep - I'd say that between the Halloween stuff and all the things you have to 'get caught up on,' you will have your hands full during your October trip!

 

[Coconut36]

It has been forever! Hubby thought maybe summer 1997-1998 as we know prior to that last trip we had gone in July 1993 when I was 18 and it was the summer prior to our wedding He was thinking it was 4-5 years between visits not 2-3..he might be correct regarding the time. Even if it was '97-98 it has been a long time..as I said no Downtown Disney and no California Adventure and I can't remember there even being talk about them when we last went. Pretty sure the subs were closed when we went that last time. It's part of why I initially was just overwhelmed with questions and trying to obtain info as so very much seems to have changed since then but everyone here has been very helpful and I feel like I am starting to get my bearings and organizing a plan..I am relentless when I travel and try to squeeze as much in as possible in the time I am there..not always fun or relaxing so since we are with the kids and it is for my Dad's birthday I am trying to be informed but not over plan things.

I would say at this point our biggest disappointment (and it is a big one) is that Pirates is closed during our visit..it is hand's down my Dad's absolutely favorite ride and since this is really all for him and to celebrate that is a letdown. Hopefully with everything else he will not be too disappointed though. The birthday thing leads me to another question(s) that I will post separately.

 

[Sherry E]

It has been forever! Hubby thought maybe summer 1997-1998 as we know prior to that last trip we had gone in July 1993 when I was 18 and it was the summer prior to our wedding He was thinking it was 4-5 years between visits not 2-3..he might be correct regarding the time. Even if it was '97-98 it has been a long time..as I said no Downtown Disney and no California Adventure and I can't remember there even being talk about them when we last went. Pretty sure the subs were closed when we went that last time. It's part of why I initially was just overwhelmed with questions and trying to obtain info as so very much seems to have changed since then but everyone here has been very helpful and I feel like I am starting to get my bearings and organizing a plan..I am relentless when I travel and try to squeeze as much in as possible in the time I am there..not always fun or relaxing so since we are with the kids and it is for my Dad's birthday I am trying to be informed but not over plan things.

I would say at this point our biggest disappointment (and it is a big one) is that Pirates is closed during our visit..it is hand's down my Dad's absolutely favorite ride and since this is really all for him and to celebrate that is a letdown. Hopefully with everything else he will not be too disappointed though.

...And Pirates is yet another thing that has been altered (you just reminded me), although you won't get to see it. There was no Jack Sparrow in Pirates the last time you were there! Now he is in 3 different places in the ride, and Barbossa makes an appearance too!

Tom Sawyer's Island was still Tom Sawyer's Island the last time you were there. Now it's Pirate's Lair!!

If you get time during your trip, take your dad over to the Grand Californian (you can turn into it from Downtown Disney) to sit in the lobby or by the fire for a while. It's a very comfy, cozy environment, and people grab snacks or beverages and just sit and rest or chat. It's very nice, and it's a gorgeous hotel!

If you take the 'short cut' from the Paradise Pier, you will have to pass through the Grand Californian lobby anyway, so you will get to see it. The short cut consists of going out the front entrance of the Paradise Pier, crossing the street at the crosswalk, and cutting through the Grand Californian lobby to get to Downtown Disney, and eventually the gates of Disneyland and California Adventure.

If you don't take the short cut through the Grand, and instead follow the signs on the Paradise Pier property as to how to get to the parks, it will be a much longer walk! The short cut is the way to go!

 

[flores]

Halloween @ Disney is Awesome. Don't miss it. Once I accumulate 10 post I'll post some pics!

 

[Sherry E]

Halloween @ Disney is Awesome. Don't miss it. Once I accumulate 10 post I'll post some pics!

flores -

We've got a whole Halloween at DLR Superthread for Halloween photos and info (to which I already directed the OP of this thread). We'd love it if you would share your photos in the Superthread!

 

[flores]

Thanks I'll get right on it!!!