How Crowded is the week After Gay Days?

[Rainforest_Elf]

So, we picked the week we did (october 6th through the 12th) because all the travel books i read said it was one of the least busy times of the year, which is the first full week in october, right after Gay Days weekend. We avoided the gay day weekend because we knew that the crowds would be higher than average, although even still, some of the books I have said they didnt even notice a difference in crowds during gay day weekend. I guess I'm wondering what type of crowds to anticipate the week after the Gay Days celebration. Maybe 3 months early is a bit soon to ask, but since there are special hotel rates and special ticket prices, I assume it's going to be a bit more busy than my travel books made it out to be. What has y'alls experience with the week RIGHT after gay days, been?

 

[JimmyJam838]

Last year it was very busy the Mon/Tues after Gay Days. From what I understand, there are some schools from either Utah or Arizona have that week off.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

were gona be there too.. i have heard it wont be to bad. I hope not. see you there hehe

 

[bumbershoot]

That weekend is Columbus Day weekend.

Or what people are REALLY celebrating...my birthday. But the calendars do insist on writing Columbus instead of Molly...silly calendars.

 

[DangerMouse]

Many AZ school districts have that week off for Fall Break.

 

[audrabolster]

With the breaks, and the people that take an extended holiday for gay days, the beginning of the week will probably be busy.

 

[amyamya]

Hi! We picked this week, too after a ton of research. I only go to the park during off season, and while it won't be as slow as say, the middle of January, I am really hoping during the week we have fewer crowds. That week there are NO breaks for Utah, that comes later in October. There may be some spill over from Gay Days, but the two official days are Saturday and Sunday. I'm crazy about picking the right time to go and we will be in parks Tuesday thru Thursday which I am guessing will be the least active.

On the other hand, a lot of DISers will be there that week and the Halloween Time stuff has become really popular so I may be totally wrong and crying into my Dole Whip by Wednesday...

 

[DangerMouse]

Well, if the price of gas is the same or worse in October, and the economy continues to go sour, I would guess that many AZ residents may choose to stay home for Fall break instead of taking their annual trip to DLR.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

Gas prices be damned, this AZ resident is driving to DL the week of October 5th- 9th.

We were there the Monday after Gay Days last year and the crowds were manageable. We could still walk on several rides with 30 to 40 minutes being the top wait time. Mid week should be the best. I am hoping to be able to see fireworks Sunday night. Columbus day is the following Monday (10/13).

 

[Mililani Mouser]

Last year it was SUPER busy. AZ and UT schools were out (CA was in school). DLH was sold out!! We were in line for EE and the lines were backed up to the california sign fronting DCA. I'm never doing that week again!!

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

We were there last year the 9th-13th. It was a nightmare, it was so crowded, and got worse as the week went on. Never gonna go at that time again. Far from a slow time now!

 

[kylieh]

We were there last year the 9th-13th. It was a nightmare, it was so crowded, and got worse as the week went on. Never gonna go at that time again. Far from a slow time now!

We'll be there that week. From my research I found that Gay Days is the weekend before Columbus day this year. I have also read that most of Utah's and Arizona's hols are during the Columbus Day week.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

well the school i was looking at putting my son in was the week after columbus day.
we are going 6-12th no matter what even if gas hits high..were taking bus and if prices go up from what i have budgeted i understand why..dumb gas. but i really think it wont be as bad as ive seen.
It will get crouded on fri and sat while im there, from what I see witch is normal for weekends.

see you all there

 

[LMO429]

oh boy! we will be there from the 8th until the 12th as well...kinda of scared of the crowds now!

 

[avalon451]

We're going the 12th-16th. I understand the Utah teacher's conference is on the 16th-19th, and that's when the place is supposed to be mobbed with Utahns on fall break, Thurs-Sunday. With Columbus Day that Monday, it's likely to be busy, but I hope not completely mobbed!

 

[disneykins]

We were planning on one day at DL post cruise (NCL). That day was Sunday Oct. 5. Now I'm thinking that is one of the "Gay days"?? How gay are the gay days? Like some of the over the top pride parades? Or are they Disneyfied? We were hoping for a quiet day at the park without kids, but now we're not so sure. No problem with gays ("not that theres anything wrong with that") but dont want to be overwhelmed with crowds.

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

We'll be there that week. From my research I found that Gay Days is the weekend before Columbus day this year. I have also read that most of Utah's and Arizona's hols are during the Columbus Day week.

Well I can only tell you what we experienced. Personally I have no desire to go near that place in October again. Just wasn't as fun when you couldn't move around, and the lines were ridiculously long! I think it varies from school district to school district in the states that have Fall Breaks. With so many schools going to year round and track schedules, odds are there will be some that are out. It seems DL is the place to go for them too!

Just wasn't worth it for us, we've gone in July and it wasn't that bad. LOL

 

[ScottShaft]

We were there about the same time last year (Oct 0th - 14th). I didn't find it all that bad, but it definately was busy. Maybe I was expecting the worst or it could be that Ridemax really did make a difference.

They did, however, keep the park open an extra hour on the Thursday we were there because of the large crowds.

 

[julw]

We are going that exact same week. We were there last year for Gay Days and it was very busy. We left on Sunday, so I don't know how the Monday or Tues. after Gay Days was for crowds.

I'm thinking it will still be quite busy though. I'm in Northern CA, and all the schools in my district have that week and the next week off for fall break. I know also there are a lot of school districts who are on a modified traditional school calendar that get fall breaks as well.

Plus, with all the activities now that go on in October with Halloween Treat, it has made October much busier than in the past.

 

[WendyT]

We will be there too! My goodness there are a lot of Dis folks going that week! Myself, DH, DD15, DD13, and DS12 will be there the 7th thru the 10th. We are banking on the midweek thinning of the crowds and hoping for the best. That being said, we had a blast when we were there during Christmas 2007 so we will have fun no matter how many people are in the parks!!!!