Early September--any Halloween decor before official opening?

[marchfriend]

Hello, this is my first post and I'm so excited for your feedback!

I'm planning a trip for early September 2014 (right after Labor day) and I'm wondering (for those who've been at this time or those in the know), if there will be any Halloween decor up the first week of September (Sept 2-6)? Or I could possibly shift my trip to the 2nd week of September (Sept 7-11).

I realize that there is speculation that Halloween will officially roll out September 12th, but I'm wondering if some of the decor goes up a week or so before the official roll out.

I'd appreciate any other thoughts or advice for the 1st week of September versus the 2nd week of September. Low crowds are definitely a priority to me. (But I'd like to throw a weekend day in for shows and night hours--otherwise, I'm kind of afraid there will be almost no night time hours with the park closing so early.)

I could even do the 3rd or 4th week in September but--correct me if I'm wrong--I'm kind of under the impression that generally the later in the September, the heavier the crowds. (Or at least I've heard that opening Halloween weekend is crazy--I don't know about the week days after the opening though--maybe the days aren't bad, but perhaps they become heavy in the evenings from locals flooding in?)

Hope we have some September experts here! Thanks!!

 

[figment_jii]

I realize that there is speculation that Halloween will officially roll out September 12th, but I'm wondering if some of the decor goes up a week or so before the official roll out.

DLR doesn't have a lot of Halloween decor scattered throughout the parks; it's mostly concentrated at a few locations (e.g., Big Thunder Ranch, a little on Main Street, Haunted Mansion, and on the tram ride). Looking back through DisneyGeek's photos from last year, there was some Halloween decor up the weekend before HalloweenTime started. Some of the merchandise looked like it was already out, but none of the major activities (HMH, SMGG, or BTR) were open.

Honestly, I think the closer you get to the the start of HalloweenTime, the more likely you are to see some decor up, but it's still going to be only a small amount.

I could even do the 3rd or 4th week in September but--correct me if I'm wrong--I'm kind of under the impression that generally the later in the September, the heavier the crowds. (Or at least I've heard that opening Halloween weekend is crazy--I don't know about the week days after the opening though--maybe the days aren't bad, but perhaps they become heavy in the evenings from locals flooding in?)

I think the end of September is more likely to be busier than the start of September, but I don't think we're talking mid-summer crowds in either case. The weekends after HalloweenTime are going to be busy (especially Fri PM to Sun), but the weekdays are probably okay. If you get to the parks at rope drop, you can still get quite a lot done.

It is worth noting that once Labor Day rolls around, fireworks and Fantasmic drop down to happening on weekends only (Fri, Sat, and Sun nights). In terms of hours, I would expect the DL to close around 8 pm on weekdays and towards midnight on weekends.

In the end, if it were me, I would wait to go until after HalloweenTime starts. Yes, the crowds will be heavier, but then Halloween will be in full swing. Lower crowds are nice, but I'd miss seeing HMH and SMGG and checking out the pumpkin carving at Big Thunder Ranch. As long as you have some weekdays thrown into your schedule, I think you can still get a lot done.

 

[Mouseketeers4]

We arrived on Labor Day last September and hit the parks Tuesday-Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. There weren't any Halloween decorations up while we were there. It wasn't crowded, but I wouldn't say that the crowds were low. If I were you, I would choose dates between the 7th and the 18th. You can get the great Dapper Day hotel rates and discounted park tickets, and you have a better chance of seeing the Halloween decorations. Additional Dapper Day info here.

 

[marchfriend]

We arrived on Labor Day last September and hit the parks Tuesday-Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. There weren't any Halloween decorations up while we were there. It wasn't crowded, but I wouldn't say that the crowds were low. QUOTE]

Wow! You wouldn't say the crowds were low on Tues-Thurs after Labor Day last September? Really? That's crushing me! My driving force behind going in early September was the hope for super low crowds (otherwise, it seems like might just be hot days with short park hours).

 

[GusGus77]

Looking at these times as well. Will world of color also only be on the weekends after Labor Day? That's the only one we really want to see! Also, does it get very crowded at the parks for dapper days? And the BIG question- does small world close for an overlay in September? There would seriously be a mutiny if that ride is closed during our trip (if we end up going, that is...still not sure we can do it $ wise)

 

[figment_jii]

Looking at these times as well. Will world of color also only be on the weekends after Labor Day? That's the only one we really want to see! Also, does it get very crowded at the parks for dapper days? And the BIG question- does small world close for an overlay in September? There would seriously be a mutiny if that ride is closed during our trip (if we end up going, that is...still not sure we can do it $ wise)

Assuming this year is similar to last year, WoC will run nightly in September. Of the night time shows, it's the most likely to be running on weeknights.

No, Small World does not have a Halloween overlay. It only has the Holiday overlay. That installation usually begins at the end of October.