November Crowds? 11/8-11/10

[Marty Moose]

Need some advice from some DL experts!

Thinking of taking the kids to DL in early November as they have a 5-day weekend for the NJEA convention and Veteran's Day. Coincidently, Monday the 9th is my son's birthday so I figured I'd try and work that free park admission into the fold!

I grew up in CA and my father is still in Mission Viejo (about 1/2hr away). I found great airline rates from PHL to San Diego so my plan is to fly out, spend a few days in SD with my mom (who would be flying down from the Bay Area) and then head up to OC to stay with my dad and go to DL!

My questions:

I'm assuming DL does not experience the same influx of "Jersey Week" crowds that WDW does...but how crowded is it during that time?

I've heard crowds are large on Veteran's Day...but is that the actual day (11th) or the Monday that it is usually observed by schools?

Originally, I had thought of hitting DCA on Sunday and then surprising my son with a night at one of the hotels and spending his b-day at DL. But I've read that Sunday is the busiest day at DCA? Am I better off going Monday and Tuesday instead? Will it really make a difference in crowds? What about hotel rates?

Any input, tips, etc. would be greatly appreciated!

TIA!!

 

[Marty Moose]

Anybody?

 

[LavenderPeach]

Well, my b-day is on Veteren's Day and I've gone several times in the past around that time of year. The crowds haven't been bad but this year has been crazy in general with crowds. It's been really crowded on days that should be slow and slow on days that should be crowded so it's hard to say.

I think if you've heard that Veteren's Day is crowded, they mean on the Monday it's observed and not the actual day. I think as far as holiday weekends go, that one probably isn't as bad as say Memorial Day or Labor Day but it might still be more crowded than a regular weekend. I think Tuesday would be less croweded than Sunday but I don't know about Monday if that's the day VD is observed. If you get there right when the parks open then you'll have several hours to get in lots of rides with minimal waits and also collect FPs. Locals tend to sleep in and show up around 11 or 12.

Hope that helps!

 

[Marty Moose]

Thank you!

I figured it meant that Monday, but everyone keeps mentioning the 11th so I wasn't sure. It's one of those holiday's where I've never personally had off but I'm guessing all schools, banks, etc. do!

"Locals tend to sleep in and show up around 11 or 12."

lol...that one of the reasons I want to stay a night there! My dad is a local and whenever we go to visit and hit DL we never get there until 11 or so! Drives me crazy as I have gotten into the habit of hitting the park opening when down in FL!!

Thanks again for responding!

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

Here the schools actually observe the 11th, and are out that day. So if that's the case there, it might mean bigger crowds on that day, and not on Monday.

 

[Marty Moose]

I just checked the Anaheim & Saddleback Valley School District Calendars (as well as the school district in No. California that I graduated from) and they all have that Wednesday off! I'm wondering if that is the case in all of CA?

I guess if that's so, I just need to figure out how bad the crowds at DCA really are on Sundays? I've only got a handful of "must do's" for that park. Really, I just want to check it out and get a feel for it. I'd much rather get up early and hit DL on Monday for ds's birthday!

Thanks Jen for the input!

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

I "think" they changed Vets Day to a "non-observed" holiday, where you are off ON the 11th. I remember some stink about it several years ago.

Also, since you are going for several days (and getting a PH I assume), DS can get the fun card instead of free admission.

Previous calendars show extended hours on the 10th and 11th of November, with Fireworks both nights.

 

[Marty Moose]

We'll only be there for 2 days (one at DCA, one at DL). I hadn't decided on ph's...it would be cheaper to just buy single day tix for each park (even without the free b-day admission).

Do most people take advantage of the ph? We never have at WDW (got them our first trip and never hopped!). Plus, I figured if we end up going to one of the parks with my dad he'll probably spring for the tix!

Do they not have fireworks every night?

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

We'll only be there for 2 days (one at DCA, one at DL). I hadn't decided on ph's...it would be cheaper to just buy single day tix for each park (even without the free b-day admission).

Do most people take advantage of the ph? We never have at WDW (got them our first trip and never hopped!). Plus, I figured if we end up going to one of the parks with my dad he'll probably spring for the tix!

Do they not have fireworks every night?

Disneyland and California Adventure faces eachother, very closely. We hop back and forth all day, and there is some very cool things to do and see over at DCA. Toy Story Mania for one, I would not want to miss! So yes, I think hoppers is a good idea!

They do not have fireworks every night in November. That is considered a non peak time and only have them on weekends.