Disneyland most important info?

[chloelovesdisney]

We go to WDW most every year and I am very comfortable there but I just found out we are going to a family event in October in L.A. and I figure we may as well sneak in an extra day and go to Disneyland! I haven't been there in over 20 years.

Any Disneyland specific must know tips?

Also any recommended hotels within a reasonable drive? Doesn't have to be a Disney resort, we will have a rental car.

Thank you, any info appreciated!!! In shock with very little time to plan.

 

[SMD]

If you're only going for 1 or 2 days I'd say the most important tip is check the hours. In addition to closing early for Halloween parties, they can and do close early for events between Labor Day and Thanksgiving.

 

[Girimama33]

Hotels we like are Park Vue Inn, Candy Cane Inn, HoJo, Red Lion and Fairfield Inn
Most important tip is get to the park in plenty of time to be there for rope drop. If you only have one day, you can get a lot done the first few hours.
Avoid a Halloween Party night, if possible.
Try and see the DL Forever fireworks.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

Thanks, we plan on Friday, October 2nd but I will check out the schedule. We could also do the afternoon/evening on Thursday, I will have to check out the ticket options. Thanks!

 

[Girimama33]

I would avoid that weekend if at all possible.
There will be a Halloween Party, so DL will close at 7pm. It is also the beginning of Gay Days Anaheim, which brings in a lot more people.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Do as much research and prep as you can (remember, these boards are here to help!), then relax and enjoy your visit. Always have a plan B, just in case your first plan doesn't work out. Sometimes going with the flow can be the most magical experience, so be open to that possiblity. There are lots of hotels that don't require any drive (e.g. Candy Cane Inn, many of the hotels across DLR on Harbor, etc.) -- you can find reviews on these boards -- and some in Garden Grove (about a mile south of the parks) that have lower rates. Look on Trip Advisor and the hotel's websites, then come here with any questions. Have your tickets ahead of time (buy online, at AAA, at the Disney Store, etc.) so that you don't waste time at the ticket booths on your first day. Yes, check the schedule and the hours! That way you won't get caught off guard. And read the Halloween Time Super Thread (first post) to see if MHP might be something you'd like to do.

And this superthread will provide lots of helpful info: A DLR Guide for WDW Vets.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Agree to skip the 2nd if you can. Gay Days can bring up to 40,000 extra guests to the parks for the weekend. The party on that first Friday of Oct. always sells out. And that weekend has been very hot for the past few years, if I'm remembering correctly.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

Well it's that weekend or no weekend, we're flying in for a family event from New York and can't change the date. I want to fly in a couple of days early to add on Disneyland unless you think it's a total waste of time.

I checked online and don't see any hours posted for October.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Even a couple of days earlier may really improve your experience. The Halloween Time superthread's first post does have a listing of events in October so you can see when, historically, the really busy times are. October hours won't be up until about 6 weeks before your dates.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

If we can only do Thursday afternoon/evening and Friday do you think we should even try given the crowds? Do both parks close early for the party? Thanks.

 

[Sherry E]

Only one day... hmmm... Well, I agree with Girimama33 to try to avoid the Halloween Party day, which would be 10/2 (or any other party day). Or, get a regular Disneyland ticket for earlier in the day on 10/2, and then get a party ticket so you can stay in Disneyland from 7 p.m. until midnight (which is probably not the most cost effective thing to do).

 

[Sherry E]

California Adventure stays open after Disneyland closes for the Halloween Party at 7 p.m.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

Even a couple of days earlier may really improve your experience. The Halloween Time superthread's first post does have a listing of events in October so you can see when, historically, the really busy times are. October hours won't be up until about 6 weeks before your dates.

Thursday is the earliest we can arrive due to school. Oh well, it seemed like a good plan. I can't believe the schedule doesn't come out till 6 weeks ahead, how does anyone plan on such short notice.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

What if we just get tickets to the Halloween party, would that be crazy???

 

[Sherry E]

Well, if you got Halloween Party tickets for 10/2 you'd be able to enter Disneyland at 4 p.m., even though the party begins at 7 p.m., so you'd have 8 hours. Would that be worth it to you? Most rides -- with a few exceptions -- are open during the party, and some of them have shorter lines.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

I think that may work out for us! With the time change I don't think it will be that bad for us with the late evening and I really want to fit in some DL time. I think we would all enjoy the Halloween party.

Given the short time we would have I'd just try for a handful of attractions and a party event or two if possible. I don't expect to do it all.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

I think it depends on what is most important to you. If you just want to experience the parks and are fine going with the flow, then crowded or not, you can still have a great time. After all, a crowded day at DLR is better than a crowded day anywhere else! But if your priority is low crowds and lots of rides, then this might not be the best time for you to visit. The party will have lower crowds than a high crowd summer day, but that party always sells out, so it will still be somewhat crowded. If you do decide to attend that party, buy your tickets soon.

ETA: if you really are happy not trying to do it all, then MHP may be a great compromise for you. Again, get your tickets soon, so you aren't disappointed when they sell out.

 

[Sherry E]

I think that may work out for us! With the time change I don't think it will be that bad for us with the late evening and I really want to fit in some DL time. I think we would all enjoy the Halloween party.

Given the short time we would have I'd just try for a handful of attractions and a party event or two if possible. I don't expect to do it all.

That's great! You'll be able to experience Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy (those are open even outside of the party); Halloween Screams fireworks (party exclusive); and you can see the Paint the Night parade (new for the 60th anniversary) if you like nighttime parades!

 

[Girimama33]

If you decide to attend the party, get your tickets now. That party will sell out sooner rather than later.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

Great, I think this will work out. We went to WDW in February and are going back in May for a week so I am really just trying to squeeze in a fun Disney fix while we are there and have really wanted to return to DL after all these years. I might get one day tickets for the other park there on Thursday (afternoon/evening), go to a resort character meal for a late breakfast Friday and then the Halloween party.