Halloween or Christmas at DLR?

[ImarriedGrumpy]

We are trying to decide when to go to DLR this year, and are trying to decide if we should go for an early Halloween or an early Christmas trip. We can be flexible on dates, and usually go down for Sat-Wed (travel Sat and Wed, spend Sat aft & eve in the park plus all day Sun, Mon, Tues). It will be 3 (possibly 4) adults and 2 kiddos - 6 yr old girl and a 3 yr boy (turns 4 in Dec '11). We've all been to DLR at other times of the year, usually off season (Feb for the last two trips), and don't mind having a few things closed, but Small World MUST be open (DS3 talks about it constantly and would ride it for hours if the rest of us could stand it ).

Initially we were thinking we'd go for an early/mid Oct trip to see all the Halloween decorations (esp. the Nightmare Before Christmas makover at HM) and do the Halloween party. But now we're considering going later to see the Christmas decorations and experience the holiday spirit at DLR.

I know there must be many opinions on both holidays on the DIS , so any thoughts/advice/opinions/suggestions to pass on that might help us make this decision? Anything that you'd say makes one or the other extra special or not to be missed?

TIA!

 

[sonnyjane]

If I had a choice between the two holidays, Christmas would win every time! Also, the Nightmare Before Christmas overlay will still be up at Christmas time (it runs from late September to early January), so you'll be able to get the best of both worlds in that regard. The only thing you should be aware of is that even though Small World will be open at Christmastime, it will be the Christmas overlay. Not that it's a bad thing, but if you're wanting to see it in the traditional form, it won't be.

 

[LisainCalifornia]

Christmas!

 

[DTDkettleCORNfan]

My sister has done both, and although she really enjoyed Halloween, she said that nothing can compare to Christmas. During the Christmas season, they show the holiday parade and fireworks nightly. As of last year, the Halloween fireworks were only shown a few times a week to those who bought tickets to the Halloween party (that took place after Disneyland closed early). You never know what Disney might do.....hopefully they continue to show the Christmas fireworks every night during normal operating hours. But at some point they might switch to a ticketed Christmas party. But for now....I say Christmas!

 

[Goofy_Mom]

You had mentioned that IASW is a must for the littlest one. That would neccessitate a Christmas trip because IASW is closed in the early fall for the christmas overlay. On the plus side, the soundtrack to that ride changes with the season also. And there's smells in HMH and IASWH. HMH has a gingerbread smell when you get to the party scene and IASWH has a peppermint smell as you go under the peppermint arch and a cookie smell (I can't remember where it was but I bet Sherry E would know). And you can't beat NOS during the holiday's, so gorgeous. There is a christmas super thread and a halloween superthread, though the halloween one you're gonna have to go back a page or two.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

christmas best time ever liked halloween but not two times now christmas every time

 

[Sherry E]

You had mentioned that IASW is a must for the littlest one. That would neccessitate a Christmas trip because IASW is closed in the early fall for the christmas overlay. On the plus side, the soundtrack to that ride changes with the season also. And there's smells in HMH and IASWH. HMH has a gingerbread smell when you get to the party scene and IASWH has a peppermint smell as you go under the peppermint arch and a cookie smell (I can't remember where it was but I bet Sherry E would know). And you can't beat NOS during the holiday's, so gorgeous. There is a christmas super thread and a halloween superthread, though the halloween one you're gonna have to go back a page or two.

Even though I must say that I did not smell the peppermint on my last few rides on IASW Holiday, I know other people did (you said you smelled it when you rode on this last trip, if I recall, Goofy_Mom). It's right when you pass under an arch and hit that room that has the candy canes and other candy dangling in the air. Like as soon as you see the pink colors coming up ahead and you start to enter that room, that's when you're supposed to smell the peppermint. Sometimes it's stronger than other times.

Anyway, my vote is for Christmas. I love Halloween Time at DLR and I wish they would do even more with it in terms of decor, but the holiday season is so much more immersive at DLR, covering all 3 hotels, Downtown Disney, the shops and restaurants, etc. It's in the colors, it's in the scents, it's in the music, it's in the lights... Halloween Time is not as extensive and thorough, and just doesn't cover as much ground, unfortunately. (I hope that will change in the next couple of years.) Both seasons are worth experiencing but if you only can choose one, I think the dollars will be better spent on a holiday trip.

So I think you get more bang for your buck with the holiday season, when it comes down to it.

As Goofy_Mom suggested, check out the Halloween superthreads and the Christmas superthreads (the links to which can be found in the main DLR Info sticky at the top of this page). There is tons of information (and photos!), with links to help direct you. That way you can kind of see what both seasons have to offer and make up your mind.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

if you never been id say go to both lol just do two small trips in stead one huge trip lol

 

[Halloweenqueen]

HALLOWEEN, or course!

I actually try to go to both, but I LOVE Halloween time at DL. I think there are many more opportunities to see Christmas decorations than Halloween elsewhere.

I also think Halloween was less crowded than Christmas time.

 

[ImarriedGrumpy]

Thanks for the input...keep it coming! It's great to hear what everyone likes about each holiday at DLR! We've already been browsing the Halloween and Christmas superthreads - I think they almost make the decision even harder because we get to see all the great things for both.

Good tip about knowing when IASW will be closed for the Christmas overlay. DS3 has only been to DLR twice (14m and 26m), but between the photos, videos, and the Disneyland Sing-a-Long video, he still talks about IASW at least once a week. I often wake up to him singing the song over the monitor (sometimes with his own unique lyrics! ). I had no idea there were unique scents to go with the decorations! (how very Disney! Love it!)

I've been to WDW at Christmas time, so I remember how amazing that was...but I don't think anyone else in the crowd coming has been to DLR or WDW for any holiday.

More opinions and feedback welcomed!

Any special treats/food stuff that is only out for either Halloween or Christmas that you think shouldn't be missed? Other details that really tip the scale for you towards one or the other?

 

[Sherry E]

This post pretty much outlines all of the holiday food items available during the Christmas season and the Halloween season (scroll all the way to the bottom for specific Halloween items). Many of the items, as you will see, are available during both holiday seasons.

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=39197550&postcount=3


I love the gingerbread cookies with mouse ears, and those can be purchased as soon as the Summer season ends in late August, all the way to when the Christmas season ends in earlyJanuary. So at least I won't miss them if I go for one season and not the other. I also love the peppermint ice cream and various shortbread cookies that come out for Christmas. Other people love the yule logs and the tamales. Some love the gingerbread beignets (also available during both Halloween and Christmas time).

 

[where's_my_prince]

this time last year, i would have said Christmas for sure, but after going to Mickey's Halloween Party last october, i prefer Halloween!!! it was just so much fun!!!! all the characters are out ans the giant mickey jack o lantern is just amazing!!!

 

[BELLEDOZER]

Halloween!!! I was there during Halloweentime last Oct, and had a blast! DL at Halloweentime as a completely different feel and vib to it. The villians are more apt to come out and pose for photos, and I found there was alot more in regards to parades, and lots of different entertainment. I found the crowds heavy, but manageable, and so long as you go on rides first thing in the morning before the parks starts to get full around noon. The MHP is a treat in itself, with lots of entertainment, and the trick or treating is fun itself. There are lots of character interactions, and the price is worth it for the price of the fireworks alone. SIGH!!! Wish I could go and experience it again.

 

[ironpig70]

Just got back from Christmas and absolutely had a blast and would do it again but not actually be in the park on Christmas day.

With that said I wanna go now on Halloween. I'd like to see every holiday at Disneyland.

 

[PHXscuba]

This is a hard one! I was there in October 09 and December 10. I think some of it might depend on whether DLR starts doing a separate-ticket Christmas party like they do with the Halloween party. I was lucky enough to be there the year they did Halloween fireworks for everyone, and last year the Christmas stuff was still done every night. If they are only doing the Christmas stuff (parade, fireworks, snow) during a Christmas party and you wouldn't be attending, I'd say that takes Christmas down a notch. The hard thing is not knowing when/if Disneyland will announce its plans.

But Christmas is still much more immersive -- there's literally days worth of decorations to look at and things to buy. I like Halloween and love Christmas, so I'd say pick your favorite holiday. Since you appear to still have the ability to pick your travel dates, find some weekdays in either season to avoid the crowds.

PHXscuba

 

[ImarriedGrumpy]

Thanks, everyone, for all the links, tips, opinions, etc.!

So far we haven't decided one way or another, but everything here will be helpful in guiding our discussions.

As for myself, I'm now determined to get my hands on some gingerbread beignets!