New to DLR and planning

[nov02mom]

and I am a little bummed already!! LOL I read hydroguy (hope that is the right name) whole thread about DL for WDW'ers, and now I feel even more confused. We were planning on going in October for my sons Fall Break, but it looks like they basically don't have any shows/parades/fireworks during that season. Is that still the case?
When do they consider spring break season? Our spring break isn't at Easter so I'm wondering if it will be the same story.

We are flying from NC so we will be staying approx. 5 days- all weekday.

Basically- I would appreciate any thoughts or guidance for this Mommy. I'm ready to chuck the whole thing and go back to WDW!!!

 

[DLtorgo]

There are always shows during the weekends, even in the off seasons. Not sure when your fall break is, but DL traditionally has a parade during the weekdays. Also the Trick or Treat party. Here is last years calendar that could give you an idea of what to expect-

http://www.wdwinfo.com/disneyland/park-hours.cfm?month=10&year=2010


If you go to the above link you can click on the months to scroll to March and April to see what dates you are thinking of for spring break. Some weeks do have extended hours and they would have the late night shows running. Not sure if the new parade Soundsational will be out by then. I think I heard it got pushed back.

 

[jlmarr]

We were planning on going in October for my sons Fall Break, but it looks like they basically don't have any shows/parades/fireworks during that season.

You'll have the Nightmare Before Christmas Haunted Mansion overlay, the Aladdin show at DCA , and fireworks for the special ticket Halloween events (can't say which weekdays that would cover). Some info here: http://disneyland.disney.go.com/events/halloween-time.

 

[clairabell29]

I love going in October. We usually go one of the last 2 weeks of October. The decorations are WONDERFUL! The crowd levels have been pretty low, however they are increasing the last few years. The Trick-or-Treat party is fun and you see all kinds of villians you normally wouldn't. Fantasmic is the big show that probably will not be playing. They normally do have fireworks on the weekends, and sometimes parades on both weekends and weekdays. I always make sure to have at least 1 weekend night there. Usually the time the characters spend with you is increased too, on the weekdays. One year Woody played with my son for 15 min before someone else was there for a turn!

We have been to both Disneyland and WDW. I will say one of the best things about Disneyland vs Disneyworld is that you can walk to and from your hotel and you don't need to stay on site. You can also park hop a lot easier, as you walk out of one gate, go about 100 yards and walk into the other gate. You will find you don't have to walk as far to each attraction, either. There are some definate differences between the rides at DL and WDW so even if you rode them in WDW, ride them at DL as well!

As far as Spring Break being around Easter, they will probably be busier, which means more shows and longer hours. It also means more crowds. Both are do able as long as you follow the advice here in the boards.

When ever you do go, have a wonderful time, and enjoy the differences of the two parks! They are both wonderful in thier own ways!

 

[HydroGuy]

and I am a little bummed already!! LOL I read hydroguy (hope that is the right name) whole thread about DL for WDW'ers, and now I feel even more confused. We were planning on going in October for my sons Fall Break, but it looks like they basically don't have any shows/parades/fireworks during that season. Is that still the case?
When do they consider spring break season? Our spring break isn't at Easter so I'm wondering if it will be the same story.

We are flying from NC so we will be staying approx. 5 days- all weekday.

Basically- I would appreciate any thoughts or guidance for this Mommy. I'm ready to chuck the whole thing and go back to WDW!!!

Glad you took the time to read my guide. If you read carefully I do not say they do not have any shows in off-season. I do say that entertainment frequency is reduced and people should pay attention to the reduced schedules.

And others have said, October is a special case with Halloweentime.

See "Historical DLR Park Hours, Entertainment and Refurbs" - www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2291124