Halloween 2012/hotel ideas

[canadian_ehngel]

My husband and I are planning a surprise birthday trip to Disneyland for our 2 daughters (we'd go right in between their 2 birthdays which are the end of Sept and the end of Nov). We're trying to firm up the dates. We plan on 8 days total (6 day park hoppers). Our original thought was to fly out Oct 25, come home Nov 1. Does anyone know how busy it might be those days? Rides that might be closed, etc? We were there spring break/Easter in 2010, and it was pretty busy. Comparible to that time? Any other days in mid October that might be better? Also are there any birthday ideas? Like something at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, and/or character dining? Anything else I should know?

Also, we were looking at the Quality Inn (behind Howard Johnson). It looks like we could get it for around $100 cheaper (overall vacation price) than HoJo. Any insight on that? Or should I be trying to talk him into spending the extra $100? Obviously we're trying to travel as cheap as possible.

Thanks in advance!

 

[tamiandryan]

Look into the Hojo "retro" rates. That might work out to be less expensive than anywhere else. Rooms start at $59 and go up to $129 a night for the Kids Suite.

 

[nbliss]

We went last October, Monday -Friday (24th-28th), and I thought the crowds were low. Monday-Wednesday was best, Thurs and Fri were more crowded, but still great in my eyes. I would recommend weekdays if you can, that's when the crowds are are lower. Most wait times were 20 minutes or less. We stayed at HOJO, with the entertainment card rate. They have the rates available for late October currently, but they are always taking away/adding dates, so it's best to book when you see them. Here is the link:

http://www.boards.hojoanaheim.com/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=14

 

[nbliss]

Oops, forgot to add, I would choose Deluxe room or higher. We stayed in the standard room several years ago, and that is in building 1, which is right next to the freeway. It was so loud, we had to buy earplugs (and I've lived near freeways all my life). Deluxe is farther from the freeway, and it was wonderful. We had a garden pool view room.
DL only had fireworks on Halloween party nights (which were Tues and Fri last year), and during the weekend, so midweek, you miss out on that unless you pay to go to the Halloween party. Pirates was down for a 3 month refurb, and It's a small world was down because they were getting it ready for it's Christmas decor. Hours are shorter. I thought it was all worth it, though, for the low crowds. We have an 8 year old and a 6 year old, did it as a suprise, too, and they did wonderfully. We were at the parks all day, every day, and they did the walk to and from the HOJO, all around DL, no problem. They were just happy to be there!

 

[Sally_fan]

I would definately go for the HoJo if you can get the retro rate! We are doing similar dates (Oct.27-Nov.4) & are staying at the HoJo. We love the premium Disney view rooms in building #1 ($89 with the retro rate). I am not sure how old your girls are but they might really enjoy the little water park? My kids are older now so that's not a big factor for us but they sure enjoyed it when they were younger!