February vs. October for Spooky fans?

[Raya]

We haven't been to Disneyland since 2017 - and are huge Haunted Mansion fans. We love pretty much all things spooky and villain, *except* Nightmare Before Christmas.

Are we better off going in February, when the Haunted Mansion will be dressed in all her original glory or taking a trip in October when the NBC overlay is on (which we hate) but there's the Oogie Boogie Bash, the Dia de Muerto events, and general Halloween spookiness?

If we did October we'd have 4 days - arrive late night Thrusday before Halloween, leave the Tuesday morning after Halloween - in Feburary we could spend more time. We'll be flying from the East Coast, and don't have anything to see except the park.

 

[FeistyDisneyMom]

I really love the Halloween theming, but of course going over Halloween itself the parks will probably be very busy. I'm also always a fan of spending more time.

But comparing Feb to Oct is really almost apples and oranges. More risk of rides being down for refurb, Grizzly likely down, cooler weather, more chance of rain, and shorter park hours in Feb. Plus Presidents Day week gets crowded. October means warmer weather, more crowds in general than Feb, but fewer rides under refurb.

 

[katyringo]

It really depends on what you are willing to give up in February in exchange for more time.. You are more likely to see more ride closures, refurbishments, shorter hours and possibly less entertainment. I personally prefer a busier park with all the offerings that I navigate with some strategy then slower times with less.

 

[maverik85]

Also depending on how spooky/scary you like, could take one night to go to Knott's Scary Farm if you go in October. We are working on a fall trip in the next year or two to hit Disney and Knott's for that.

 

[Littlebitofsunshine]

I used to go in Jan/Feb for the lower crowds. But I agree with PP’s that the rides under refurb during that time was a bummer, and the shorter hours. I’ve been going in Sept the last several times because of it. The dates you mentioned will def be really busy tho!