Help timing fall 2012 trip

[Rhonna]

Hi,

We haven't been able to travel for several years. We were at DL 4 years ago. We hope to go in fall 2012. I have a few notes from a couple of threads over the past several months. We would normally go in October on most any trip. It always seems to be a good month for us. However, now they have the halloween parties every Friday night and shut the park early. We don't want to go to the party. So we are wondering about early November. Hopefully it would still be nice weather?

Is this correct:

- end of Oct is last Halloween party
- approx. Nov. 14 holiday decor starts for x-mas

We like the fall (not winter) and prefer to avoid the crowds, ride closures, excessive holiday theming and shortened park hours because of the holiday parties.

So it sounds like the first two weeks of Nov. are good, just avoid Veteran's Day.

Also, we would really like to wait long enough so we get to see all of CarsLand. Should it be finished by then? Not sure if they are putting in anything else new?

Any attractions down for lengthy rehabs? Some we would hate to miss like Pirates, ToT, etc.

Are there usually deals for that time of year? We would be traveling by plane (from PDX to SNA) and staying onsite for maybe 4-5 days? Just two adults. We don't belong to Costco or AAA. Does AARP have any deals - one person qualifies. Sometimes at either WDW or DL we have bought one AP because the room discount alone was worth it.

Am I missing anything else during that time frame that would affect us?

Thanks!

 

[skiingfast]

So we are wondering about early November. Hopefully it would still be nice weather?
It's a gamble on weather, though it should be mostly nice.

Is this correct:

- end of Oct is last Halloween party
- approx. Nov. 14 holiday decor starts for x-mas
Yes that is usually how it goes. No extra Halloween parties. Holidays start 2nd weekend of November.


We like the fall (not winter) and prefer to avoid the crowds, ride closures, excessive holiday theming and shortened park hours because of the holiday parties.
Little crowds, check. Ride closures, are semi likely at that time. Hours will be shorter.


So it sounds like the first two weeks of Nov. are good, just avoid Veteran's Day.
A good time crowdwise.

Also, we would really like to wait long enough so we get to see all of CarsLand. Should it be finished by then? Not sure if they are putting in anything else new?
I doubt you would miss Carsland anytime in the Fall, chances are so low for a delay on something that is getting finish work right now.

Any attractions down for lengthy rehabs? Some we would hate to miss like Pirates, ToT, etc.
You never know, but I would expect it as that get ready for Christmas crowds.

Are there usually deals for that time of year? We would be traveling by plane (from PDX to SNA) and staying onsite for maybe 4-5 days? Just two adults. We don't belong to Costco or AAA. Does AARP have any deals - one person qualifies. Sometimes at either WDW or DL we have bought one AP because the room discount alone was worth it.
Deal are quite common during low crowd periods. Look into Cosco or AAA somtimes membership is less than the savings.

Am I missing anything else during that time frame that would affect us?

During slow times there is often, private parties, and conventions that can effect hours and crowds.

 

[HydroGuy]

So we are wondering about early November. Hopefully it would still be nice weather?

See "Detailed Weather Data for DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=23004158

 

[Rhonna]

See "Detailed Weather Data for DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=23004158

Thank you! I bookmarked the link.

Another question since I got your attention I started thinking if the Halloween parties are ONLY on Fridays in Oct. then it seems like it would only impact us on one night with early park closures. Is that the case or are there more guests in Oct. in general? Meaning, does it fill up in Oct. with non local guests because of Halloween or does it just get busy on party nights mainly with locals?

We were thinking the very beginning of Nov. next year but I wonder how that compares to the very end of Oct? Does DL keep more attractions going through the end of Oct./Halloween and then shut some down for brief rehabs before x-mas? We don't want a lot of things closed on us if we go right after Halloween. We also want low crowds and are hoping for a discount. Thanks!

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Halloween parties are 2 nights a week. This year it's Tuesday and Friday. The Disney hotels have a considerable discount for guests 60+ so I'd look into that. But I think it's 30% which is also the public discount this fall. No ticket discounts usually.

Small world always closes around October 24 to add the Christmas overlay. That'll definitely be closed. Anything else can't be forseen. This year POTC is down for a long refurb.

 

[Rhonna]

Halloween parties are 2 nights a week. This year it's Tuesday and Friday. The Disney hotels have a considerable discount for guests 60+ so I'd look into that. But I think it's 30% which is also the public discount this fall. No ticket discounts usually.

Small world always closes around October 24 to add the Christmas overlay. That'll definitely be closed. Anything else can't be forseen. This year POTC is down for a long refurb.

Thanks. I just found that it's Tues. and Fri. plus the actual day of Halloween. I think if we tried the end of Oct. it would curtail us for three nights that last week. (Party held Tues. Wed. (Halloween 2012) and Fri.)

We can live without SW being open. I just hope they don't close our fav. rides at the beginning of Nov.

We don't qualify for over 60 but thank you. I hope they have the public discount next fall.

 

[ArchOwl]

Thank you! I bookmarked the link.

Another question since I got your attention I started thinking if the Halloween parties are ONLY on Fridays in Oct. then it seems like it would only impact us on one night with early park closures. Is that the case or are there more guests in Oct. in general? Meaning, does it fill up in Oct. with non local guests because of Halloween or does it just get busy on party nights mainly with locals?

We were thinking the very beginning of Nov. next year but I wonder how that compares to the very end of Oct? Does DL keep more attractions going through the end of Oct./Halloween and then shut some down for brief rehabs before x-mas? We don't want a lot of things closed on us if we go right after Halloween. We also want low crowds and are hoping for a discount. Thanks!

I think others would agree that the Halloween party and accompanying promotion has made Disneyland very popular during October. And the parties this year are on Fridays and Tuesdays and on a Sunday (October 31st). Years ago October was considered "off-season", but now I don't think that exists anymore and definitely not in October.

I also think it will be hard to predict with certainty regarding refurbs. It used to be that refurbs only happened in the off season, but the lengthy refurb of POTC this year through Thanksgiving is an example of Disney's willingness to now permit refurbs during busier times. Another example of this is the Matterhorn, which was refurbed this year during summer. Something that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago.

One thing that will be down during your visit if you go during the first week of November next year will be It's a Small World, which has its overlay done this year from October 24 through November 10.

It seems as though you are looking for the perfect combination of low crowds, nothing down for refurb, and discounts. This is an almost impossible task to nail down these days. If Disney is okay with refurbs in summer or other busy seasons, I would not think it impossible for another major ride to be refurbed next year during the holiday season.

I would just go ahead and start planning for the days that work best for you. If you can be flexible, that's great. If not, you will still have a great time even if one or two rides is down.

 

[Eeee-va]

The first week or so of November should be good for avoiding crowds. The parks will close early on weekdays, but not due to the party. From the hours this year, you can tell Disney expects crowds for Veterans Day which should be a Sunday next year. I don't recall if those crowds materialize. There may be more little closures than Small World (this year they have It's a Bugs Life closed that period as well). Though at least it almost certainly won't be PotC next year. If the rumored Christmas overlay for Toy Story Mania happens next year, it is not IMPOSSIBLE that they might close it for a day or two in that period to set it up or get it ready.

If I recall correctly, I think they will be starting to put up some Christmas stuff as your trip progresses, so if you're absolutely adverse to all hints of Christmas, that's something to maybe ask about in the holiday thread here. By the time the season officially starts in mid-November, 90 or 95% of the decorations and holiday theming are up already, and they can't do it all overnight.

 

[Rhonna]

Thanks everyone. I just found HydroGuys Tips compilation thread so I will do some reading before I ask more questions.

 

[Rhonna]

The first week or so of November should be good for avoiding crowds.

I am getting totally confused after reading HydroGuy's tips and how AP holders swell the parks at times. It sounded like they are restricted on Saturdays (blockout) but then fill the parks right before and after their blackout days/holidays.

I just found out from my sister that her new job position is super busy the first week of every month, so I dropped the beginning of Nov. and thought maybe we could work around the Halloween parties in mid-Oct. - we have gone off season before so I know the parks close early, etc. But what are we going to encounter with SoCal AP holders?

If we want to go sometime in the second/third week of Oct. are we going to deal with the SoCal AP "rush"? Are they restricted at all in Oct?

Are they going to flood CarsLand even during weekdays in Oct?

I read that they have filled the parks early in Nov. before their Thanksgiving blockout dates, even though early November is supposed to be slower.

Then there are the shows.

If we did do any shows it would probably only be two of them: Fireworks - I guess that means we'd have to stay through a Saturday night since Friday nights are taken up by the Halloween parties. And ELP - if it's still there next fall?

We don't really want to deal with the logistics of Fantasmic! and WOC. I am almost wondering if it's worth it to stay into a weekend or if we should just forfeit the shows and do weekdays only?

I love fireworks at WDW but it isn't a pain to see them. How good is the regular fireworks show at DL (not on Halloween party nights)?

All of the sudden, WDW planning isn't sounding as difficult as DL. When did this happen?! Nevermind, I read enough to know the answer to that question.

Someone tell me when to go?

 

[skiingfast]

If we want to go sometime in the second/third week of Oct. are we going to deal with the SoCal AP "rush"? Are they restricted at all in Oct?

You are way overthinking APH effects. Don't worry about them during that time of year.

Are they going to flood CarsLand even during weekdays in Oct?
Carsland is looking to be very popular. It's coming E ticket attraction Rock Spring Racers may have long lines, forever.

I read that they have filled the parks early in Nov. before their Thanksgiving blockout dates, even though early November is supposed to be slower.
Locals always fill the parks, not nessarily APHs, on weekends. Early Nov is not very busy, period.

Then there are the shows.

If we did do any shows it would probably only be two of them: Fireworks - I guess that means we'd have to stay through a Saturday night since Friday nights are taken up by the Halloween parties. And ELP - if it's still there next fall?
Fireworks, other than during the part should run Saturday and Sunday. They may not run the first weekend of November. ELP has been gone from DLR for a few years so there are now only rumors it may return.

We don't really want to deal with the logistics of Fantasmic! and WOC. I am almost wondering if it's worth it to stay into a weekend or if we should just forfeit the shows and do weekdays only?
Plan to come over a weekend for sure when visiting during slow periods so you can get the night show and long night hours in the parks. They are pretty at night. Do plan on seeing F! and WoC, it may seem tough but they are incredible shows.

I love fireworks at WDW but it isn't a pain to see them. How good is the regular fireworks show at DL (not on Halloween party nights)?
Much better than the show at WDW.

All of the sudden, WDW planning isn't sounding as difficult as DL. When did this happen?! Nevermind, I read enough to know the answer to that question.

I think you are just worrying too much. Plan one thing at a time. You are looking for low crowds so include a weekend. Just decide if you would rather want decorations in the park, and if you want warmer weather.

 

[ArchOwl]

I think maybe you are overthinking it a bit. SoCal APers do not have lots of blockout days in October, just Saturdays for the regular SoCal Ap and Saturday and Sunday for SoCal Select APs.

I think you will definitely have lower crowds in the second and third weeks of October. Lower crowds meaning not busy like summer, that does not mean walking on every ride with no wait. There are a few things that make the parks crowded during October. The first is Columbus Day, which will probably be busy. The second is that the Halloween Party will make DCA more crowded at night as people who don't have a ticket flock to that park. The third is the Utah Education Association convention which is (iirc) the third weekend in October.

It sounds like October is better for you. I would plan sometime after Columbus Day and before the third weekend in October. Plan on at least one weekend day for fireworks. World of Color runs everyday.

It is too early to worry or really have any helpful tips about Carsland/DCA crowds as no one really knows right now how this will shake out. I would take my best shot at the days in October that work for me and just keep updated as necessary. And relax, you will be at Disneyland!

 

[HydroGuy]

Ski and Arch gave the same advice I would. To all of their great advice I would add:

The best way to deal with all the concerns you have is to plan extra days at DLR. If you have a week at DLR that makes up for tons of crowds and reduced entertainment because you have so much time to backtrack.

It is not possible to avoid crowds, avoid refurbs, have time to see all the shows, get great weather and do it all in a short trip. Add a couple days. If you just can't do that then relax about the trip, choose the best dates you can, and then come here often to read and ask questions and get a thorough game plan in your head.

Finally, once you are there, RELAX AND ENJOY YOURSELF!

 

[Rhonna]

There are a few things that make the parks crowded during October. The first is Columbus Day, which will probably be busy. The third is the Utah Education Association convention which is (iirc) the third weekend in October.

Thank you for these two points. Didn't think about the first one and didn't know about the second one.

We decided on a road trip down the coast with some stops and so would hit DL on a Monday. Will decide later if we will stay clear through to Friday or even Sat.

Now I just read the new post about the new Cirque show (Iris) at the Kodak theater. I hope it's not too far to drive from DL because that show is now a top priority on our list.

The only thing that might change it all is if we can manage a springtime trip and that would open up a whole other set of questions about timing, LOL! For now it's tentatively next Oct.

THANKS EVERYONE! Any other little pointers like the ones above are welcome!

(We may or may not try for Fantasmic! I love it at DL but it can be a pain for us unless we spring for paid seating. As for WOC - I've read a LOT on these boards, watched the whole video of it, thought about our impressions of the water screens at Fantasmic! and the water ballet at Bellagio. It just isn't our kind of thing. If the fireworks are top notch, THAT I would make sure we see!)

 

[Rhonna]

The third is the Utah Education Association convention which is the third weekend in October.

I just looked on the calendar and if we go the dates we had planned and stayed at DL through to the weekend for the shows, our weekend would be the 3rd weekend of Oct. - the same as the Utah Ed. Conv.

So how many people does the convention bring into the parks that weekend?

 

[skiingfast]

As for WOC - I've read a LOT on these boards, watched the whole video of it, thought about our impressions of the water screens at Fantasmic! and the water ballet at Bellagio. It just isn't our kind of thing. If the fireworks are top notch, THAT I would make sure we see!)

Do you what you deem best, but remember we all make mistakes.

So how many people does the Utah Ed. convention bring into the parks that weekend?

UAE bringing crowds is terribly overstated.
Why?
People compare a day with minimal crowds to one with mild crowds forgetting what it is like during summer an actual busy period.
Utah has about a tenth of the number of people as SoCal. So a Friday with visitors from Utah is like 10% more than the Friday before. The Saturday with 10% more is only 10% more than the Saturday a week before.

Similiar things can be said about Columbus day. DS had off but I didn't it's not a major holiday. It's a small thing to keep in mind because only some people have it as a free day.

 

[Rhonna]

Do you what you deem best, but remember we all make mistakes.



UAE bringing crowds is terribly overstated.
Why?
People compare a day with minimal crowds to one with mild crowds forgetting what it is like during summer an actual busy period.
Utah has about a tenth of the number of people as SoCal. So a Friday with visitors from Utah is like 10% more than the Friday before. The Saturday with 10% more is only 10% more than the Saturday a week before.

Similiar things can be said about Columbus day. DS had off but I didn't it's not a major holiday. It's a small thing to keep in mind because only some people have it as a free day.

LOL - your remark about WOC. I think we will survive, but thank you! (We 'gasp' hate Fantasmic! at WDW and that will bring a lot of anger if posted on the WDW board!) We just know what we like. Since someone said WOC is every night, not just weekends, it might work but it won't be a priority for us. Nor will we fight or wait a long time for the best viewing area.

Good to know about the amount of increase to expect with those two specific dates/groups.

 

[ArchOwl]

WOC is a much better show than Fantasmic in my opinion (many others disagree). But I know that WOC can be hit or miss depending on the view you get. So if you don't want to invest the time, it is probably better for you to skip it, or stroll up to the fire hydrant a few minutes before show time to see if you get lucky.

As far as UEA, it is noticeable enough to mention, but not a reason to cancel the trip or anything. It is just that you seemed very crowd conscious and I wanted you to be aware of anything that will increase crowds at all. I hope you have a great time!