Halloween time advice

[CourtGW]

My husband and I are planning on visiting Disneyland Sept 26-29.

We've only visited DLR once a few years ago during spring time. So I've been trying to figure out what the best scheduling for this time of the year is. I see that two of the nights we will be there will be Halloween party nights and I'm debating on if it would be worth it to go to a party on one of those nights. We've done the Halloween party in WDW a few times and enjoy it, but it's not a necessity for us on a trip.

The main reason for this post, and probably my biggest concern, is whether or not the crowd levels sky rocket in DCA during party hours. My preference would be to just spend party nights in DCA, so I'm wondering if that's doable or if I'd be making a huge mistake.

Any tips or advice would be appreciated! Thank you!

 

[figment_jii]

I haven't personally been over in DCA on a party night, but based on reports from others, yes, there is a considerable increase in the crowds once DL closes to the non-MHP guests.

 

[lcp9]

I have also not been to DCA on a party night...for good reason. I've seen a couple posts recently (search for the 2018 MHP threads) discussing how awful crowds are over there on party nights.

 

[tarheelalum]

The crowd levels do go up on party nights at DCA. When we were there for the 2016 party the crowd level didn't skyrocket for the week night party. It did get a lot more crowded than usual but it wasn't horrible. We went to the weekend night party so I can't say how much more crowded it would be then. Probably more so than a week night at DCA but weekends are often more crowded because most people are off work. Its always crowded at Disneyland so I wouldn't let that get in the way of going and having a good time.

 

[CourtGW]

When we were there for the 2016 party the crowd level didn't skyrocket for the week night party. It did get a lot more crowded than usual but it wasn't horrible. We went to the weekend night party so I can't say how much more crowded it would be then. Probably more so than a week night at DCA but weekends are often more crowded because most people are off work.

That's actually a fantastic point that I didn't even think of! The party nights are Wed and Fri, so if we do DCA Wed night and potentially do the party Fri night that might alleviate the scheduling worries I had. Thank you so much!

 

[tarheelalum]

That's actually a fantastic point that I didn't even think of! The party nights are Wed and Fri, so if we do DCA Wed night and potentially do the party Fri night that might alleviate the scheduling worries I had. Thank you so much!

That would be the best way to go to limit the crowds you have to deal with. We are planning on going halloween night this year but unfortunately I think its on a week night. But you are going to have a great time at the party. You will love the parade and the lighting on the rivers of America. Disneyland and DCA really do Halloween great. And the food Disneyland brings out for Halloween is incredible !!

 

[PHXscuba]

We were in DCA on a Friday MHP party day 2 years ago and it was crazy. I've been to DCA during almost every time and season the past few years and that evening was about the busiest I've seen it. Just packed with people overall. FPs for everything long gone. My friend and I contented ourselves with souvenir shopping, seeing the movie previews in the Muppet Theater and the Bugs Life theater, and doing Turtle Talk. They were about the only things without a long wait that evening. Even the 4 teen girls traveling with us voted to leave early that evening.

PHXscuba

 

[CourtGW]

We were in DCA on a Friday MHP party day 2 years ago and it was crazy. I've been to DCA during almost every time and season the past few years and that evening was about the busiest I've seen it. Just packed with people overall. FPs for everything long gone. My friend and I contented ourselves with souvenir shopping, seeing the movie previews in the Muppet Theater and the Bugs Life theater, and doing Turtle Talk. They were about the only things without a long wait that evening. Even the 4 teen girls traveling with us voted to leave early that evening.

PHXscuba

Yep, that pretty much solidifies avoiding DCA that Friday! Thanks for the info, super helpful!