Mid-October advice please?

[CapnJacksGirl]

We are planning our first ever visit to Disneyland for October of this year. I have been searching websites for crowd predictions (similar to what is so readily available for WDW) and it's confusing the life out of me! We are planning to go to the parks for three days during the week of Columbus Day, October 12th. One site predicts that Tuesday and Wednesday are lower crowd days and Thursday and Friday are crazy packed while another site says the exact opposite.

I know it's not an exact science and I don't expect to go and find the parks looking like ghost towns at any point these days, but I'd like to feel like I'm giving us the best possible chance to enjoy our days there. Planning for Disneyland is really kind of scary for me since I've never been and everything I read tells me it's exactly the opposite of what I'm so familiar with at WDW. I expect this will likely be our one trip to Disneyland and I don't want to screw it up!

Does anyone have any educated advice for me? Which days would you choose to go during that week and why? Thanks in advance for the help! I really appreciate it!

 

[Elk Grove Chris]

Everyone experiences the parks a bit differently, but for us, October is just behind the major year end holidays for crowds. I have had a trip in October the last five years, prior to last year, we did three years in a row with Halloween parties. I would look to see when the Halloween parties occur, some people will string together a long weekend on either side, so it can be really hard to predict the crowds-If I was worried mainly about crowds I would try to avoid the weekends (though you may be missing out on some of the entertainment).

This year, I had a conference nearby and hit the parks solo for parts of 2 days, a Wednesday and Thursday evening-it was packed. Previous trips were with the kids and involved weekends-also packed. Even when it is packed, getting to the parks at rope drop will still allow you to be able to do a lot of things. You will just need to plan your afternoons a bit, watch for crowds at parade times/ fireworks/fantasmic, etc.

I think you can still have a great time even when it is crowded, just plan for it, and let your group know it will be busy at times. I would ask someone else about the Halloween Parties-we just won't do them any more-feel quite crowded for a paid event.

For the five trips I took in the last 12 months-most crowded to least crowded were:

Mid October-mid week-Solo
September (Dapper Day weekend)-Solo
Early August (included a weekend)
January (MLK Weekend)
Late May (included a weekend)

 

[figment_jii]

Every year is different, so there is really no way to know for sure how the week will play out this year. Assuming 2015 is similar to 2014, crowds are likely to be high on the weekends (Fri-Sun), and more manageable on weekdays (normally Mon-Thu, but with a holiday in there, I'd say Tue-Thu). It also depends on conferences and conventions, school holidays, and any number of other events happening. We don't yet know what will be happening at that point. I've been trying to keep a list of the major events (I'm sure there are things missing) as they get mentioned.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3358090

Historically, Columbus Day weekend Sunday is when CHOC walk happens in the parks. So it makes the parks very busy on Sunday. Monday is a holiday, so high crowds are also expected at that point. I would expect a little carry over into Tuesday, but probably huge crowds.

If you're going to be there for three days, I would probably opt for Wed, Thu, and Saturday. There is likely to be Mickey's Halloween Party on Tue and Fri (assuming the schedule from last year holds, which is a big question mark because there are rumors that MHP is going to change, so it could be over at DCA, there could be more nights, etc.). However, assuming MHP has a similar schedule, the park will probably close early on Friday night for the party (which I'd look into attending if you can - it's a lot of fun). So I would probably forgo Tuesday and Friday, just because DL tends to have shorter hours (closes at 6 or 7 pm, depending on when MHP is starting) and then DCA becomes busy with a fair number of non-party goers hopping to that park.

I added in a Saturday, even thought it will be crowded because during October, the weekends are the only chance to see the night time entertainment (e.g., fireworks, F!). The parks also tend to be open longer on weekends, so that may be something worth taking advantage of.

If you are going during HalloweenTime, come on over to the HalloweenTime SuperThread! That is where all of the latest information about HalloweenTime is posted and where there are discussions about all things HalloweenTime at DLR, including Mickey's Halloween Party!
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3270919

 

[CapnJacksGirl]

Thanks so much for the information! We will definitely do the Halloween party since we did our first such party at WDW last October and are hooked. I like your plan of Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday. We'll add one of the MHPs in too so that should be a good amount of time, even if we have larger-than-we'd-like crowds. I'll hop on the super thread for more info there.

I have a lot of research to do over the next few months. Who'd have thought that being a DL newbie would be scarier than WDW!

Thanks again for the help!

 

[figment_jii]

I have a lot of research to do over the next few months. Who'd have thought that being a DL newbie would be scarier than WDW!

Just a note, but DLR doesn't typically announce information all that far in advance. Operating hours aren't usually announced until about 45-days in advance, with entertainment and such often not showing up on the calendar until 30-days or so. I don't want to discourage you, so, by all means, go ahead and start doing some research now, but keep in mind that it's very likely that we won't know much about HalloweenTime until mid-summer. Some folks get frustrated/worried when they don't know what is going to happen, so it's worth keeping in mind that DLR operates on a much shorter information schedule than WDW (where you need to know things 6+ months in advance!).

 

[corinne76]

Everyone experiences the parks a bit differently, but for us, October is just behind the major year end holidays for crowds. I have had a trip in October the last five years, prior to last year, we did three years in a row with Halloween parties. I would look to see when the Halloween parties occur, some people will string together a long weekend on either side, so it can be really hard to predict the crowds-If I was worried mainly about crowds I would try to avoid the weekends (though you may be missing out on some of the entertainment).

This year, I had a conference nearby and hit the parks solo for parts of 2 days, a Wednesday and Thursday evening-it was packed. Previous trips were with the kids and involved weekends-also packed. Even when it is packed, getting to the parks at rope drop will still allow you to be able to do a lot of things. You will just need to plan your afternoons a bit, watch for crowds at parade times/ fireworks/fantasmic, etc.

I think you can still have a great time even when it is crowded, just plan for it, and let your group know it will be busy at times. I would ask someone else about the Halloween Parties-we just won't do them any more-feel quite crowded for a paid event.

For the five trips I took in the last 12 months-most crowded to least crowded were:

Mid October-mid week-Solo
September (Dapper Day weekend)-Solo
Early August (included a weekend)
January (MLK Weekend)
Late May (included a weekend)

Wow. so in your experience, you'd put October as more crowded than late may?
Last year, we visited the first week of june (left hawaii 11pm May 31st)
we are thinking of going the first full week of October this year because DH is hoping to avoid some of the crowds. Now I'm not sure which is better

edit: I just realized that it's the 60th anniversary. I mean I knew, just put it out of my mind. I'm guessing that first week of June will be pretty crowded this year because of the celebrations.

 

[figment_jii]

Wow. so in your experience, you'd put October as more crowded than late may?
Last year, we visited the first week of june (left hawaii 11pm May 31st)
we are thinking of going the first full week of October this year because DH is hoping to avoid some of the crowds. Now I'm not sure which is better

I can't directly compare the first week of June, but based on the schedules from the last few years, it's worth noting the Gay Days typically happen on the first weekend in October. The crowds will start arriving late in the week (Thu) and remain there through the weekend.

For my semi-recent trips, this is how I would have ranked them in terms of crowds.

• Late-May: Wed and Thu were okay, but Friday was the kick-off to the summer season and the 24-hour day, so it was very busy. The rest of the weekend remained very busy.
• Mid-December: Wed and Thu were okay, but it was the last weekend before the AP Blockouts went into effect so it was very busy on the weekend.
• Early October: I've been a few different times in early October and the weekdays (Tue-Thu) were generally okay and the weekends were busy. The first weekend is Gay Days, which results in large crowds from Thu to Sun. The second weekend is Columbus Day weekend, which also includes CHOC walk. So Tue to Fri was okay, but the weekend was very busy. I have had one anomalous Tuesday in early October when the park was really busy for no obvious reason. It was fine on Wed, but no idea what happened on Tuesday.
• Late September (W-Sun): Wed, Thu, and even Fri were pretty good. Sat and Sun were busy, but manageable.
• Mid-November: Sat and Sun were very busy due to the Avenger's Marathon, but the weekdays were very quiet and we were able to get a lot done.
• Early March: Pretty quiet, even on the weekends. More crowded than the weekdays, but still able to get a lot done.

 

[corinne76]

I can't directly compare the first week of June, but based on the schedules from the last few years, it's worth noting the Gay Days typically happen on the first weekend in October. The crowds will start arriving late in the week (Thu) and remain there through the weekend.

For my semi-recent trips, this is how I would have ranked them in terms of crowds.

• Late-May: Wed and Thu were okay, but Friday was the kick-off to the summer season and the 24-hour day, so it was very busy. The rest of the weekend remained very busy.
• Mid-December: Wed and Thu were okay, but it was the last weekend before the AP Blockouts went into effect so it was very busy on the weekend.
• Early October: I've been a few different times in early October and the weekdays (Tue-Thu) were generally okay and the weekends were busy. The first weekend is Gay Days, which results in large crowds from Thu to Sun. The second weekend is Columbus Day weekend, which also includes CHOC walk. So Tue to Fri was okay, but the weekend was very busy. I have had one anomalous Tuesday in early October when the park was really busy for no obvious reason. It was fine on Wed, but no idea what happened on Tuesday.
• Late September (W-Sun): Wed, Thu, and even Fri were pretty good. Sat and Sun were busy, but manageable.
• Mid-November: Sat and Sun were very busy due to the Avenger's Marathon, but the weekdays were very quiet and we were able to get a lot done.
• Early March: Pretty quiet, even on the weekends. More crowded than the weekdays, but still able to get a lot done.

If we go in October, we would get in Saturday and it will likely coincide with Gay Days.

If we go in June, we'll probably leave May 31st again. The summer vacation will give us more time (DD is only off for one week in October so we have a limit on days). Weather is iffy so I can't count on Oct being cooler.

IDK what to doooo!!!!!!

 

[Sherry E]

If we go in October, we would get in Saturday and it will likely coincide with Gay Days.

If we go in June, we'll probably leave May 31st again. The summer vacation will give us more time (DD is only off for one week in October so we have a limit on days). Weather is iffy so I can't count on Oct being cooler.

IDK what to doooo!!!!!!

I wouldn't stress yourself out about it. I would just go during the time when you will have more days, and that sounds like June.

Often times I think that people may focus a bit too much on exact time frames that will be less crowded than others -- and it's getting harder and harder to predict and narrow down, or the difference in crowds between two days might not be significant enough to notice. Within a one-week time span there could be huge crowds and lower crowds. Just remember that everyone who is trying to avoid crowds will ultimately crowd up the non-crowded times, so there will never really be any slow times unless there is just nothing interesting happening at DLR at that point!

 

[corinne76]

I wouldn't stress yourself out about it. I would just go during the time when you will have more days, and that sounds like June.

Often times I think that people may focus a bit too much on exact time frames that will be less crowded than others -- and it's getting harder and harder to predict and narrow down, or the difference in crowds between two days might not be significant enough to notice. Within a one-week time span there could be huge crowds and lower crowds. Just remember that everyone who is trying to avoid crowds will ultimately crowd up the non-crowded times, so there will never really be any slow times unless there is just nothing interesting happening at DLR at that point!

Thanks SherryE. Interesting point about all the crowd avoiders ending up going at the same time. Makes sense though.

Either June or October would give us 5 days and an extra day for Legoland. Well, June would allow us even more extra days. October we could do 5 days PLUS MHP and Legoland if we leave Friday night, get in saturday morning and hit one of the parks that day. I'm all for taking the red eye. It's a 5 hour flight from Hawaii, and my kids barely sit still in a 2 hour movie. I can't imagine a morning flight when they are all wired up and excited.

 

[Geemo]

I use to worry when would be the best crowd wise.

Over the years I have learned to pick the dates that work the best with our personal schedule. Of course while avoiding state and school holidays.

In Nov 2003, I finally got my oldest son to approve a family trip to DLR. 3 generations, 7 people for a full week at DLR and the GCH. I picked the weekend my DS and DGD had their birthday. I figured it was the perfect place to celebrate her 6th birthday.

What I didn't realize during my planning was we were arriving on MLK weekend. Saturday evening was our first experience in DL. It was shoulder to shoulder people. I couldn't even find the lines. Talk about a Nightmare!!! I'll never do that again.

By Tuesday the mass volume was gone and we could really enjoy the parks.

Check "figment_jii" list for 2015 it might give you an idea of what's happening for the crowd level in the parks.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3358090

Find the dates that work for you and begin planning.

Geemo

 

[corinne76]

corinne76,
I use to worry when would be the best crowd wise.

Over the years I have learned to pick the dates that work the best with our personal schedule. Of course while avoiding state and school holidays.

In Nov 2003, I finally got my oldest son to approve a family trip to DLR. 3 generations, 7 people for a full week at DLR and the GCH. I picked the weekend my DS and DGD had their birthday. I figured it was the perfect place to celebrate her 6th birthday.

What I didn't realize during my planning was we were arriving on MLK weekend. Saturday evening was our first experience in DL. It was shoulder to shoulder people. I couldn't even find the lines. Talk about a Nightmare!!! I'll never do that again.

By Tuesday the mass volume was gone and we could really enjoy the parks.

Check "figment_jii" list for 2015 it might give you an idea of what's happening for the crowd level in the parks.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3358090

Find the dates that work for you and begin planning.

Geemo

Thanks Geemo! We'll probably end up doing October because DD loves Halloween. Plus it gives DS more growing time so he will definitely be over the 40" mark

 

[Geemo]

Thanks Geemo! We'll probably end up doing October because DD loves Halloween. Plus it gives DS more growing time so he will definitely be over the 40" mark

Watch for the Party Tickets to go on sale the end of July first of August.

Geemo

 

[CapnJacksGirl]

I added in a Saturday, even thought it will be crowded because during October, the weekends are the only chance to see the night time entertainment (e.g., fireworks, F!)

The flu aftermath must be clouding my brain! It's taken this long for that little tidbit to actually set in. So, all the night-time stuff is only on the weekends. WoC too? What a bummer.

 

[corinne76]

The flu aftermath must be clouding my brain! It's taken this long for that little tidbit to actually set in. So, all the night-time stuff is only on the weekends. WoC too? What a bummer.

Wait what? I totally missed that too. I want to know the answer now

 

[pharmama]

The flu aftermath must be clouding my brain! It's taken this long for that little tidbit to actually set in. So, all the night-time stuff is only on the weekends. WoC too? What a bummer.

No, WoC runs every night unless it's on refurb.

In the fall, Fantasmic! and the fireworks will only be on the weekends (Fri, Sat, Sun) EXCEPT that there will be fireworks during any midweek Halloween parties (but of course to get in park viewing you must be at the party). The Halloween party fireworks are great- and Zero flies instead of Tink or Dumbo.

 

[yeheyprincex2]

Hello we went on our second trip to DL end of last Septmeber. One thing to keep in mind were Fire work show are not during the week because of the school so make sure if you want to see fire works you check which night they will be on, think it was Friday/ Saturday night, if there is a Halloween party on that night you will have to go to party to see fire works show.

 

[CapnJacksGirl]

OK, now I get it. We're good with that. We're most interested in WoC and would make Halloween fireworks a priority, far more than regular ones. We'll plan accordingly. Thanks all for the info!

 

[Elk Grove Chris]

Wow. so in your experience, you'd put October as more crowded than late may?
Last year, we visited the first week of june (left hawaii 11pm May 31st)
we are thinking of going the first full week of October this year because DH is hoping to avoid some of the crowds. Now I'm not sure which is better

edit: I just realized that it's the 60th anniversary. I mean I knew, just put it out of my mind. I'm guessing that first week of June will be pretty crowded this year because of the celebrations.

See what Figment and Sherry added about that time last year-yeah it was packed!