DL Newbie needs help planning

[paper1225]

Ok, I am going to make the plunge, DH cannot believe it! He has been begging for a trip other than WDW, so I offered DL(with a side trip to his friends in Tuscon).........We are thinking right after Halloween-is this a good time for DL? Weather/crowds? We just went to WDW at Christmas and do not think we could bare another Disney trip with such crowds! I am currently in nursing school, so my schedule limits us. I have time off at the end of June and the beginning of November-November would be better for us, more time to plan and budget. Ok, here is another big part, DH will not fly! Nope, he just cannot do it-even if it is cheaper.......so we have to drive the entire way with 3 children(6,12,13)-is this really doable and still feel the love afterwards? Also, this will be our first time, I have been reading posts on this section of the board-but if anyone knows of a must see or do-please share!!

 

[DesertBell]

I can't say much about how DL is in november, since I've never been at that time, but I am sure it's less crowded than it is in June. A side thought- Tucson in November will also be far more welcoming to those not used to the kind of heat we endure in the summer. I hope you have fun!

 

[paper1225]

thank you Desertbell-had not thought about the summer in Tucson.......I think I would LOVE it, but maybe not the rest of the family.........I love the heat, cannot take the cold-this winter has been so harsh too up here in Missouri!

 

[ScooterL]

Early November should be a good time - the crowds mid-week will be light except on the Veteran's Day holiday (November 12), when it will be quite crowded.

The weather should be really good - we don't usually get rain that time of year. We could have temps in the 80s, but most likely it'll be in the 60s. So plan to dress in layers. Even when it's sunny during the day it can get pretty cool at night - the humidity makes it feel quite chilly sometimes.

If it were me I would try to plan my trip that week of November 12-18, since at that point you should be able to experience most of the holiday decorations. If Disneyland follows the same schedule they have for the last several years, then Haunted Mansion Holiday will be open, and "holiday it's a small world" will open on Veteran's Day weekend, and the holiday fireworks show will start that weekend. Most of the Christmas decorations will be up by then, too.

If you want to see Disneyland in more of a non-holiday mode, then come right after Halloween, and leave before November 9...Haunted Mansion Holiday will be running, and they will be starting to do some Christmas decorations. BUT "small world" will be closed since they will be putting the holiday decorations into it.

I sure don't envy you the drive from Missouri...hope you can plan some interesting stops along the way to break it up. Though a lot of that area in between isn't especially scenic! All that desert!

Hope that helps.

 

[XTinabell]

Like scooterL said November 12-18 will be a good time to go. My Dh and I will be going at the same time and I've been going that time everytime i go to DLR. Last year in November the temperatures were in the 90's and it was very hot. I wore a light sweater in the evenings because I like doing splash mountain at night and the water is cold when there is no sun to dry you up.

The christmas decorations will be up and you can do the holiday tour which I strongly recommend. It's a great way to learn the park and bypass a few lines and get VIP front of the rope viewing of the parade.

 

[HydroGuy]

This link might help you:

"A DLR Guide for WDW Vets"
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599