Help with park days in October

[tnzzz]

I’m probably overthinking this, but torn on our dates for 4 days in the park. Anyone care to weigh in on what sounds best? I know crowd predictions are hard right now but with the new Magic Keys, I’m second guessing my original choice. Here goes…

I have October 4-7 (mon-thurs) booked, but I see now that those are the days the lower two passes (sorry, Keys) are available for that week. Then the SoCal tier is blocked the entire next week. So I’m debating switching to October 2-5 (sat-tues) with the hopes that the weekend might be lighter on crowds. That sat-sun is blocked for the lower Keys.

Either option works fine for my family. So would it be worth switching to the weekend to get away from some of the new Keys? Or should I just accept that it’ll be crowded either way and leave my dates alone?

 

[Becca1007]

I’m probably overthinking this, but torn on our dates for 4 days in the park. Anyone care to weigh in on what sounds best? I know crowd predictions are hard right now but with the new Magic Keys, I’m second guessing my original choice. Here goes…

I have October 4-7 (mon-thurs) booked, but I see now that those are the days the lower two passes (sorry, Keys) are available for that week. Then the SoCal tier is blocked the entire next week. So I’m debating switching to October 2-5 (sat-tues) with the hopes that the weekend might be lighter on crowds. That sat-sun is blocked for the lower Keys.

Either option works fine for my family. So would it be worth switching to the weekend to get away from some of the new Keys? Or should I just accept that it’ll be crowded either way and leave my dates alone?

Double check what days have Halloween parties... as those will change the crowd levels (people with single park tickets will choose DL on those days; if you have oppers it is less of a concern)

 

[FeistyDisneyMom]

Do fireworks run during the week in October? Or are those only weekend nights? I'm not sure, but that would definitely play a role in my decision.

 

[V.I.N.CENT.]

I firmly believe there is absolutely no way to predict crowds at the moment. Too many new factors, Tuesdays seems the busiest now for crying out loud! The only thing I would point out, the days with more key access should be lower predicted attendance, that's why Disney opened them up. If it's during the work week, crowds will be worse in the evening. However over the next few month, who knows if people will be taking a day or two here and there to return?

 

[tnzzz]

I firmly believe there is absolutely no way to predict crowds at the moment. Too many new factors, Tuesdays seems the busiest now for crying out loud! The only thing I would point out, the days with more key access should be lower predicted attendance, that's why Disney opened them up. If it's during the work week, crowds will be worse in the evening. However over the next few month, who knows if people will be taking a day or two here and there to return?

Thanks for your reply and yes, there may not be much point to trying to predict crowds right now. I’ve decided to stick with my original dates unless there is some clear indication that the new SoCal Key will make a big impact on crowds in the next few weeks.

 

[clb79]

I was starting to 2nd guess my starting parks for our trip too and wondering if I needed to make adjustments before Magic Key reservations start hitting the system. We are in the parks on 3 day hoppers Fri, Sat and Sun in Oct. I originally picked DL, DCA and DL, but the last day is a OBB party so I am debating switching the last 2 days to knock out any DCA stuff in the morning and then head to DL at 1pm until we leave. Then I get nervous about the party drawing people to DL and not being able to get in since nobody knows what the capacity limits are…

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Do fireworks run during the week in October? Or are those only weekend nights? I'm not sure, but that would definitely play a role in my decision.

From the Disney Parks Blog: Fall Favorites Return to Disneyland Resort with Wickedly Wonderful Magic For All Ages

At Disneyland Park
As you stroll down Main Street, U.S.A. you’ll be greeted by the familiar grin of the Mickey Mouse jack-o-lantern and the cleverly carved pumpkins of the Main Street Pumpkin Festival. Disney characters will be photo-ready in their Halloween best. In New Orleans Square, Haunted Mansion Holiday will feature a merry makeover of the beloved eerie estate, inspired by “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.” And every night from Sept. 3 – Oct. 31, in Walt Disney’s original park, you will enjoy a dreadfully delightful treat in the form of “Halloween Screams,” a supernatural projection and special effects show. On weekend nights, “Halloween Screams” will take to the skies and enhance the mischief with fireworks.*

* Performances are subject to change or cancellation, including due to weather.