Need help with dates for Surprise Trip

[heather_sue_98]

We are going to Vegas Tuesday, September 27th through Tuesday, October 4th. I'm wanting to do a surprise trip to Disneyland with my five-year-old daughter. We would do three days. I'm debating doing it before or after, and am wondering about crowds for these dates:

Saturday, September 24th-Monday, September 26th: At first I thought probably not since it's the weekend, but SoCal AP's are booked on the 24th and SoCal Select AP's are booked on the 24th and 25th.

OR

Tuesday, October 4th-Thursday, October 6th-It is the middle of the week, but would it be more busy with no AP's being blocked? What would we miss out on with entertainment and park hours by going during the week?

Neither of these dates coincide with any Halloween parties, so that won't be an issue.

Thanks for your help/opinions!

 

[skiingfast]

I would always put DL at the end of a trip when you have a choice, it's like finishing a meal with dessert.

I'd go with the earlier dates. In both September and October weekdays are short hours with no night entertainment in DL, weekends are long hours with full entertainment. Either way you will see it in Halloween decorations.


The one problem with going earlier when it spans the weekend is the weekend will be much more crowded. But it will surely make you appreciate finishing on a Monday when the park will feel quiet.

 

[BELLEDOZER]

Having been down to DL during the October dates you mentioned, I would recommend the Sept dates. You will be able to see all the Halloweentime decorations without having to deal with shorter hours because of the MHP, although it sounds like with your dates you will be in between the parties. It will be heavier, but doesn't get that way till around noon, so my best suggestion if you decide to go in Oct is to get fast passes and go on the rides first thing in the morning, then spend the rest of the day taking advantage of the passes you got in the morning and explore the parks. DL at Halloween definitely worth seeing, as the villains come out to play, and there's lot's of entertainment, even during the week. Either way you are going to have lot's of fun no matter which decision you make. Have a great trip!