newbie visit for DL. HELP

[dizneyprincess1]

My 23 year old son and I are going to DL for the first time in Sept or oct 2012We are wanting to do the Halloween party so we can see Jack and Sally. When is the best time to go that will have low crowds? When does the HM decorate for the holidays? Are there many hotels by DL and are they walking distance. We are also going to Knots berry Farm and San Diego zoo, so would a week be sufficient for all of this? Any help or advise for a newbie going to DL would be so much appreciated. Thanks

 

[figment_jii]

Haunted Mansion Holiday is usually up and running from mid- to late-September through the Christmas holiday (it is usually removed in January). I think it's normally open by the first Halloween party (it was this time).

I didn't see Sally out during the day when I was there (9/30-10/2), but Jack was out during the day. He was over by the Haunted Mansion and, occassionally, in New Orleans Square.

From what I can tell, based on my experience and this year's trip reports, the crowd levels at the party seem relatively uneven. Halloween and Friday nights are probably the most busy, so you're best bet for "low" crowds would be one of the Tuesday night parties (assuming the schedule is the same next year).

As for crowds in the park, it seemed to me that Friday through Sunday were pretty busy and Monday had a noticable drop in crowds. You're bets bet is to probably go on a weekday, but the park hours might be shorter and there might not be any nightime shows (e.g., fireworks, Fantasmic, etc.).

 

[ichabody]

Last year we saw Sally and Jack near the dock for the Tom Sawyer island rafts then again during a Friday night Halloween party right outside the entrance to the Haunted Mansion.

When we stay off property we like to stay at the Fairfield Inn right across from the east entrance on Harbor Blvd. If you book now you can get a room for around $140. There are other hotels that are cheaper in the vicinity.

 

[skiingfast]

Jack and Sally could be considered a mainstay of DLR's Halloween season because the Haunted Mansion gets a Nightmare Before Christmas overlay.


As far as setting dates, it may be July again when we hear about official dates. The season may begin the 2nd or 3rd weekend of September, with parties possibly the last weekend of September.

For planning do read the DLR guide for WDW vets.

 

[HydroGuy]

My 23 year old son and I are going to DL for the first time in Sept or oct 2012We are wanting to do the Halloween party so we can see Jack and Sally. When is the best time to go that will have low crowds? When does the HM decorate for the holidays? Are there many hotels by DL and are they walking distance. We are also going to Knots berry Farm and San Diego zoo, so would a week be sufficient for all of this? Any help or advise for a newbie going to DL would be so much appreciated. Thanks

Do be careful trying too hard to miss crowds. There are downsides.

"What You Should Know About Off-Season at DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18462889