May vs October and more planning qs

[orangecuse]

Hi Disneyland folks! We are so excited to be planning our first ever trip to DLR! We are planning on going in 2021. We will have two toddler boys with us. We are very flexible on times so I wanted some help choosing:

1. We could go May 2021. My kids would be 21 months and 3.5. I like early May because its my husband's birthday and its before school lets out but after spring break. Is this a nice time at DLR?

2. We could go early October 2021. My kids would be newly 2 and 4. I like the idea of seeing some halloween decorations and my youngest being a little bit bigger to maybe get on a few more things.

3. We could do both! I’ve toyed with getting APs and making both vacays in 2021 centered on DLR/exploring CA. We’d probably do San Diego some and a little of LA or maybe fly up to SF. Or possibly even a west coast cruise. My husband is worried DLR doesn’t have enough to do for us to see it twice in the same year (based on kids ages). What do you think?

Other thoughts? Would November be better than Oct? I also have a work conference I can go to in April but I worry mid-April will have spring breakers still the week after Easter.

(Let me add here we have done WDW with an 12 month old and 18 month old and soon going with both kids again so we already get the touring restrictions of toddlers!)

 

[Steve Dixon]

Well if both is an option then that's a no brainer.

When my kids were around the age of your's we went every October. It is my favorite time to visit. Low crowds. Cool temps. Halloween decorations.

May is nice also but may be more crowded.

But once they went from little boys to playing football that killed October travel.

 

[califlorican]

If it were me, I’d go for both! I’ve only done Disneyland 4x (grew up an hour from WDW!) and I’m exhausted every time I leave, but literally the following week or so I’m wishing I was there again So I think you’d be happy going back again after 5-6 months.

I have heard that May has a lot of grad nights, so I’d check your dates and try not to get stuck during one (although I’ve heard a lot of schools now only do CA Adventure, or the night time only deal).

 

[becks59]

We went in May once and I was frustrated with the shorter hours and limited night time shows/fireworks. We have normally gone in the summer though and we never stay till close because of young kids, but I didn’t like having to leave at 8pm. So if longer hours are important to you i would look into the historical hours to see what you could expect for both times you could go.

 

[violina]

I've never been in May, checking back over the years, it seems I've always gone during September to November, so I can only really speak for that time. However I'd say that if you have the option to go twice, why not? I personally love the parks during Halloween time, since that's my favourite time of year. Going during May will give you a different feel of the parks and the hotels, based on what I can surmise from other's posts.

So you could potentially plan for two different kinds of experiences at the park which may be worth both trips? I guess it depends on what you're looking to do. May could have the option of taking it easy in the park and perhaps exploring the nearby area especially due to the limited hours. October gives you the chance to tackle a Halloween party (if that's something you and your family would be into).

If only one were an option, I personally would go with October but that's because it usually is the right timeframe for the people I travel with and it's my fav time in the park.

 

[midnight star]

When my kids were around the age of your's we went every October. It is my favorite time to visit. Low crowds. Cool temps. Halloween decorations.

Just FYI...October is no longer low crowds. Nice weather, yes. But crowds are pretty big. Even on weekdays. Many school districts in neighboring states have fall breaks, and they all migrate to Disneyland for them.

 

[midnight star]

I vote for both. More Disney=More fun Plus if you go twice, you can see more.

If I were to choose one though, I would pick October. Even with the big crowds, it's such a fun time to be at the park! There is special food, characters are in their costumes, and there are cool decorations. Plus you have the option of doing a Halloween party.

 

[Aurora0427]

May because the crowds in October are horrendous. If you and your husband are excellent planners and can work around the crowds, you could do October, but we are these people and still found it taxing. Early October was especially terrible this year, even during the week due to multi state fall breaks and Columbus Day. In my opinion, kids that young won’t benefit from the Halloween party that runs until midnight. Everything is decorated and that’s cute but the crowds..... October at Disneyland is dead to me after our trip last October. Obviously I’m still not over it.

Our Halloween trip will be in September this year!

November can be awesome, just avoid the first weekend the Christmas decorations are out if you’re looking to minimize crowds. Veterans Day falls mid week this year, so I’m wondering if the weekend before will be less busy.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

Just FYI...October is no longer low crowds. Nice weather, yes. But crowds are pretty big. Even on weekdays. Many school districts in neighboring states have fall breaks, and they all migrate to Disneyland for them.

^^^^This!!! October is extremely crowded! The Halloween stuff is fun but prepare for crowds if you come on October.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Some threads with good information for you:
A DLR Guide for WDW Vets -- start here!
** May 2020 Check In ** -- find out about news, events, updates, etc. for May here -- this will give you an idea about what to expect for next year
**Official** October 2020 Check-in! -- find out about all the news for October here -- the above posters are correct that Halloween Time (mid September through October 31st) is one of the busiest times (and most fun!) at DLR, so good planning is essential!
Halloween Time Superthread 2020: Oogies back! and other Halloween Time Information -- this is the thread that will have all the details and info on the Halloween party when the announcements are made
Halloween Time Superthread 2019: "Oogie Boogie Bash" Party to Be Held in DCA ONLY! and Other Halloween Time Information -- last year's superthread with descriptions and photos of what was offered, the OBB and party reviews, etc.
When in November were you thinking of visiting? Holiday Time can be a great time to visit DLR (2019 Holiday Time at DLR Superthread: 11/08/19 - 1/06/20!). It will be busy, too, but much less busy in November than in December.
If you visit twice, you'll find more than enough to do -- especially with two toddlers! With little ones, you'll be moving at a slower pace, so it will take longer to do things anyway. You'll find plenty to keep your family busy!