mid-Sept or beginning of Nov?

[climber]

Help me choose dates! We are looking at a 5-day trip. Either Sep 18-23 (Dapper Day) or Oct 30-Nov 4 (Halloween party).

Anyone have insights on crowd levels or ride refurbs/closures? We have been twice before in the spring but never in the Fall. What is the Halloween party like? Crazy crowded? We wouldn't wait in line for candy, but I'm sure DS (5) would love to see the costumes and do some rides. We'd stay either at GCH or DLH.

 

[Sherry E]

This Mickey's Halloween Party FAQ post will lead you to lots of info about the MHP, along with links to DIS'ers' MHP reviews and other info - http://www.disboards.com/threads/ha...ut-halloween-time-2015.3270919/#post-51326916

We don't have any info about the 2015 parties yet, but unless there are drastic changes in store for this year most of the info should still be applicable for now -- or more or less the same.

The MHP may be going on during the September dates you've narrowed down too, by the way. There has been a rumor that more party dates could be added in this year, and that the party could begin earlier in September than usual. We will probably find out the MHP dates by June, at the latest, or possibly next month if there are any major changes coming.

As for crowds, a lot of people have stated that they feel the MHP is too crowded considering it is an exclusive event, with such a lofty ticket price. That's not to say that it is as crowded as a typical peak season day in the middle of the summer or anything, but the party is definitely not empty. I think that crowds gather in different locations around the park at different times, so some areas may seem really congested while others may seem reasonable. Some of the lines for rides are short, while others are long.

Also, I think that early weeknight parties (especially Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays) could possibly clear out earlier in the evening due to work and school the next day, whereas the Friday night parties and any party on a weekend would probably be really busy from beginning to end. I expect that a Halloween night party (Halloween is on a Saturday this year) would probably be quite busy.

 

[Fantaluminishes]

Help me choose dates! We are looking at a 5-day trip. Either Sep 18-23 (Dapper Day) or Oct 30-Nov 4 (Halloween party).

Anyone have insights on crowd levels or ride refurbs/closures? We have been twice before in the spring but never in the Fall. What is the Halloween party like? Crazy crowded? We wouldn't wait in line for candy, but I'm sure DS (5) would love to see the costumes and do some rides. We'd stay either at GCH or DLH.

The Oct/Nov dates are probably your best bet. It's a Small World and Jungle Cruise may be down for their holiday overlay installations. But crowds will be lower, especially after Halloween. MHP seems to sell-out on most nights. I haven't been to that yet, so I can't comment on what those crowds look like. I did hear that the fireworks were often canceled or shortened due to winds during last year's MHP's.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

I'd chose the oct nov dates out of the two you said in the OP.

 

[darcie2000]

The MHP may be going on during the September dates you've narrowed down too, by the way. There has been a rumor that more party dates could be added in this year, and that the party could begin earlier in September than usual. We will probably find out the MHP dates by June, at the latest, or possibly next month if there are any major changes coming.

Oooooh I have my fingers crossed! We are going to be there from the 13th - 23rd and that would really be the icing on the cake for us.

 

[starshine514]

I really enjoy Halloweentime at the park, but think Hallowween would be crazy crowded, so I would vote for mid-September. Beginning of November is transitional. I have been and would go again either time!.

 

[LALA8971]

Anyone have insights on crowd levels or ride refurbs/closures? We have been twice before in the spring but never in the Fall. What is the Halloween party like? Crazy crowded? We wouldn't wait in line for candy, but I'm sure DS (5) would love to see the costumes and do some rides. We'd stay either at GCH or DLH.

We have been to the Halloween party and had a blast. I think ours was on a Monday or Tuesday evening. The crowds were not awful, but we really didn't trick or treat, unless we saw a short line. We got 3 rides on Ghost Galaxy in that night. The fireworks were incredible (we are big Nightmare Before Christmas fans!) and the crowds really thinned after that.

 

[buglover]

Most schools should be back in by that time and Dapper Day is such a fun thing to do! It will still be hot most likely then. I was working main gate during last years Halloween parties and please if you do go then...get there EARLY. The lines waiting at the main entrance were beyond ridiculous. Also be sure to look for the lines that will be for the Halloween party tickets only, don't get into the regular entry lines. So many people had to change lines and I felt terrible for them.

 

[mariezp]

We sound like we are trading out vacations. lol! We have always taken all our trips to the park in fall but this year will be going in spring. Hoping we will like it just as much. I am sure you will find fall to be a pleasant time for your trip.

We have only been to the park once in September. It was HOT but it was earlier in the month than you are considering so I am sure you would be starting to catch cooler weather. I do think the Dapper Dan day would be such a fun day to visit.
Crowds in September were comparable to those in November which is our usual favorite month to visit the park. The weather is usually awesome.... perfect temps during the day and a light jacket in the evenings.

If it were me I would most likely choose the Oct 30-Nov 4 option although it may well be a little busier with the Halloween parties.

 

[D1sneyfam1ly]

We have gone the end of September and went to a Halloween Party. It was the first Party of that year and was a little crowded but we LOVED it! The atmosphere is amazing and all the costumes are sooo fun! My only suggestion is don't use your party day as one of your pass days. We felt like we wasted a day of our park hopper going in for only the morning before we wanted to go back to the hotel to take a break and let the kids nap so that we could enjoy the evening. You can get into the park at 4 with your Halloween ticket even though the party doesn't start until around 7.