October crowds?

[Goofy_Dave]

My family is thinking about a trip to DL in early October. We're big on going during off-peak times to avoid the crowds. Recently it came to our attention that October 8th is Columbus Day. In my experience, not many people get that day off, but was wondering if anyone had experienced heavier crowds during Columbus Day week?

 

[minniebeth]

This is the week that we are going, and I would love to know this as well...on the east coast, many kids get a fall break over Columbus Day...what about CA?

 

[ubaisore]

According to reports, Columbus Day weekend is usually very busy.....

 

[mystic_path]

Yes columbus day is known to be busier, as mentioned on the boards. I went last year during the first week of october, we were told its usually alot slower during that time and in some respects they were right. Monday, Tues, & Wed during the week werent too too bad as we got a whole lot done with min waits, but nearing Columbus Day for us there were 5 conventions going on, Gay Days (An annual event during the first week of Oct. So take that into consideration), A Jewish holiday of some sort where some of the schools were out for a long weekend, and it was the first time Halloween was decked out in the parks & the Haunted Mansion holiday overlay just opened. Then we hit Columbus Day and the weekend there was insane. We were on the bridge by Pirates of the Caribbean and the traffic was so bad we got stuck and couldnt move for over 20 min. They ended up roping it off for traffic flows.

So to give you a tip, please go to the Anahehim Convention center website and look at their calender to see how many conventions are going on during the time you want to go, also look into the gayday dates as that goes on during the first weekend in Oct with Columbus day and the park gets a little extra crowded.

The first week would proabably be a bit slower for you as most people in October wait for the Trick or Treat events which usually start around the 13th. But if Trick or Treat sounds like an option for you then I would look into it.

Maybe i just didnt have any luck last year during the first week, especially with all those conventions

 

[bumbershoot]

We went during the week before C'Day last year, and it was fine. I bet it really only affects the weekend and that Monday...

The other crowd-causer at that time is going to be Gay Days on the 5th through 7th.

We went last year before Columbus Day, and we went the year before in the last week of September. Our day in September was much lighter in attendance than the day in October...going from that, you might think about going *before* the 5th, if crowd avoidance is high on your list. Though I must admit that it was mainly the huge rainstorm that started around 10am the September day that kept the crowds away. Yay rainstorm!

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

We will be there the 9th-13th in October. I wanted to by pass the Columbus Day weekend and the crowds there for the Gay Days event. I think those days will be pretty crowded also.

I believe some schools are out for a "fall break" around then also.

Then there's the Halloween events drawing crowds. We went I believe in 2003 in October and it was pretty crowded. I'm not sure that there are many months left that aren't with all the different school schedules.

 

[pindecisive]

October 5-7 are Gay Days at Disneyland.

It's pretty crowded and some people have said they were uncomfortable going at that time.

 

[victorandbellasmom]

We were there sep 29-oct 4 2005 and for off-sesason it sure was busy. We wre ery glad that we booked through aaa and got enhanced fast pass. The weather was wonderful, warm & sunny. Obviously weekends were busier than weekdays.

 

[Mom2micayla]

A lot of the year round schools in AZ get 2 weeks off in Oct. Which means a lot of those kids head to DLR.

We've been the last 2 years in Oct. and found it to be actually pretty busy. A lot of AZ people, a lot of locals and a lot of people coming to see the halloween stuff and do halloween parties. Weather is pretty nice then though.

If you're really wanting to go during a down time, I'd probably suggest the first or second week of Nov. Just be sure to avoid Veterans weekend and the week of Thanksgiving. Perfect weather in Nov, low crowds and the xmas decorations are up.

 

[mystic_path]

A lot of the year round schools in AZ get 2 weeks off in Oct. Which means a lot of those kids head to DLR.

We've been the last 2 years in Oct. and found it to be actually pretty busy. A lot of AZ people, a lot of locals and a lot of people coming to see the halloween stuff and do halloween parties. Weather is pretty nice then though.

If you're really wanting to go during a down time, I'd probably suggest the first or second week of Nov. Just be sure to avoid Veterans weekend and the week of Thanksgiving. Perfect weather in Nov, low crowds and the xmas decorations are up.

Yep this is exactly what im going to do next time. 2nd week of November. After next weeks trip that will be my next go back to disneyland trip. After doing the october thing and seeing how busy it was I think im gonna attempt November.

 

[Goofy_Dave]

Wow. Thanks for all the input everybody. We're definitely leaning towards the last week of September or first weeks of November now.

 

[Mom2micayla]

Wow. Thanks for all the input everybody. We're definitely leaning towards the last week of September or first weeks of November now.

If crowds are your main concern, I think that's a smart decision. Sept. will be a little less crowded than Nov., but it'll be hotter and no xmas decorations. So it's just dependent on what is more important for you. But bottom line is anytime is a good time to be at DLR.

 

[diznynut]

How do the mid October crowds compare with Spring Break crowds in March? Are they the same or is October less cowded? We are planning to go the 15th-20th? Sorry to highjack this thread, but since it was already discussing October I thought it would be the best place.