First Time to DL-going in October 2011

[taben]

Well, we are planning on going in October...from what I have been reading as far as crowds, it will be lighter because the kids will be back in school.

FIRST TIMERS HERE...DW VETERAN (live in St. Louis so much closer to that park)

Questions below:

1. Is October a good time to go? When? Crowds get heavier closer to Halloween? Thinking about doing the Halloween Party out there...been to it in DW and thought that would add to our experience out there....is it worth the $$?

2. Since it is a smaller park, don't want to miss out on anything and that includes the big rides and fireworks, so when do they usually close down the rides to make over for Halloween? Don't want to go and find out that Haunted Mansion is closed or Small World...the more popular rides. This is our first trip to California and want to get the most out of it.

3. I am trying not to compare to DW because DL is unique in its own way...escpecially since Walt built it and walked there in his footsteps which is very special. I have read the crowds are very heavy because of the locals and the lines are brutally long (probably in the summer months I would assume). What about the fireworks? Heard they only have the shows on the weekends??!!! Not everyday like DW. Guess it is because DL is located in such a congested area???

4. Weather...Yeah, it is CA but a dumb question coming your way...Can you use the pool in October out there?

5. We are thinking about staying at Candy Cane Inn...see there are a lot of good reviews on Tripadvisor. Any tips/advice on this place?

6. ANYTHING you can tell me or help me with. I will still be researching this site for more information. We want to go to the beach one day and maybe do a tour of Hollywood or a back lot tour of some kind too. Wish Tron would still be out there in October! : (

Please send any and all your thoughts my way. Not booking this trip yet...too far off but doing my research now.

Thank you all and God Bless!

 

[Goofy_Mom]

I love DL in October!! Not so busy during the week, weekends can be a bit busy but nothing like summer or christmas crowds. I personally think it's too cold to use a pool in October, but I've seen many people enjoying the pool during this time.

Check out the Halloween time superthread, lots of info and pictures of the Land. Haunted Mansion had a Nightmare Before Christmas overlay and IASW should be up and running. It usually doesn't go do for christmas overlay until early November.

Somewhere around here, Hydroguy as a DL for WDW vets thread. Very handy

 

[Sherry E]

Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy will be up and running in October when you are there. IASW does close down towards the end of October (sometime in the last week - I would guess this year it will shut down on 10/23 or right after) to get its Christmas overlay, which opens in mid-November.

I think the Halloween party is worth the $$$ at least one time. It's a lot of fun. I think it complements the Halloween season in general and adds to it.

Yes, crowds are busy at the beginning of October and until Columbus Day. Then they taper off a bit and get busy again right before Halloween.

This is the Halloween at DLR Superthread that Goofy_Mom was talking about (thank you for the referral, Kirsten), just in case you hadn't already seen it. The first two posts on page 1 have tons of info, and there are all kinds of photos and helpful people in that thread. Feel free to jump in there and ask questions at any time, or at least subscribe to that thread so you can stay updated when the latest HalloweenTime info comes in.

 

[DizNee Luver]

Anything about the Halloween time can be found in this thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2560082

Info on crowds, weather, party, etc. Lots of pictures & people discussing their upcoming trips........definitely check out the first page!!

Also on the top of the threads, look for Hydroguys tips.......tons of very helpful info there!!

 

[TheColtonsMom]

First read Hydroguys DL tips for WDW vets http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

then everything in Mary Jo's Sticky for newbies http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1072276

As far as October goes it is usually busyiest from the beginning through Columbus Day weekend (2011 that is the 8th through the 10th)
then it slows down mid month until it gets closer to Halloween. Weekends are busier than weekdays all month.

All the Haloween overlays IE Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy and Haunted Mansion Holiday should be in place by the start of the season... on September 16th this year. IASW doesn't normally go down for it's Christmas overlay until nearer the end of the month.


We swim in October..we are from Montana so it is warmer there and feels great. However be aware October is a fickle
weather month in California...it can be hot or cold...so I recommend packing layers.


Some October Specific Threads

The Halloween Superthread http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2560082 all your October experts hang out here and there are lots of great pictures

The Trick or treat party check in thread w/ costume pics and ideas http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2638955

After you get all that light reading done... Anything else we can help you with?

Have a great trip!

 

[smiles33]

I will defer to the DL vets on your other questions, but I thought I would chime in that it is not too early to book your hotel for October. Many of the vets seem to have booked 10+ months in advance. I just booked our room for mid October a coule weeks ago but only had a choice of 1 type of room (2 queens) at the Howard Johnson (highly recommended, across the street, great service). I would have preferred a King suite or Kids suite but those are already gone.