October planning...Gay Days questions!

[Tinker1972]

I've heard October is now a very busy time to go to Disneyland, but I"m wondering if it is usually busier at the beginning or the end of October? We have tentative plans for September 28-October 9th(nothing set it stone yet!). Can anyone tell me what the crowds might be like? I know Gay Days is the first weekend in October, but I've heard some people say they really don't notice a big difference in crowds, just normal busy weekend crowds. Is that true, or are the crowds much bigger during Gay Days? We want to attend one of the Halloween parties too. Does it get super crowded during the party? I have these visions of wall to wall people, and 90 minute+ ride waits!

 

[JadeDarkstar]

i was there an gay days really wasnt that bad i thought it was gona be bad but i barely noticed crowd levels an the few ppl i did see that mighta had shirts showing there gay well most were there with family an just having fun like us. I use to be a little more not likeing gays but ive gotten over it more also my real brother is gay. an I just tend to not worry about it they were all nice when we saw them. I normaly go in off times (nov-dec) an this was my only oct visit an it wasnt any diffrent to me

 

[liesel]

I was there Sunday October 3 during Gay Days and it did seem like the typical weekend crowd levels. Space had by far the biggest wait time since it had the GG overlay, I think it peaked at 75 min at least and fastpasses were gone early. The other headliners such as Splash and IJA were at about 45-60 minutes in the afternoon. We adopted the typical touring strategy of getting there early and collecting fastpasses and were able to accomplish many attractions and shows, including the second F! and fireworks (my first time seeing RDCT!) and also lunch at Cafe Orleans. I did notice many groups had meet and greets at some of the TS restaurants, so I would advise making a PS if you want to eat at a sit down restaurant that weekend. I think the number of people there specifically for that weekend versus the number of people who avoid that weekend due to perceived crowd levels or other issues balance each other out. It was such a fun day, a very friendly and fun atmosphere. Lots of groups and families who love Disney and are there to have fun. I saw FAR fewer child meltdowns that day versus a regular weekend. I can't speak to the parties or other weekends, I hope someone can help you with that. I've heard Columbus Day weekend is quite busy.

ETA: Those peak wait times also apply to HMH, there were many people there to see the Haunted Mansion Overlay. Fastpasses come in handy for this one!

 

[mvf-m11c]

I was at DL during Gay Days last year and I thought the crowds were just a typical busy weekend at the DLR. It was also the first day of MHP and it was kind of crowded on Friday October 1st. I would say that weekend during Gay Days is close to a summer weekend at the DLR but maybe smaller than summertime. The longest line I have seen was SMGG at almost more than 70+ minutes later during the day. When DL did the first MHP on Oct. 1st, it was very crowded when the MHP guests are allowed in the park at 4pm. It was like a train wreck with the regular park guests and the MHP guests all in at the same time. But when the party started around 7pm, the park started to get way less crowded and it was easy to walk around the park at night. I would never go to the park as soon as it opens at 4pm since you'll have to fight the regular crowds and the MHP guests for the first three hours. Most of the ride wait times went up a lot when the MHP guests were let in.

 

[Tinker1972]

Thanks for the replies everyone! sounds like an amazing time to go, even if its busy!! Do the crowds lighten at all during the week following Gay Days, or does it stay busy for the rest of the month? We're hoping we get a couple of less crowded days in during the week following...but will be prepared just in case!

 

[liesel]

Thanks for the replies everyone! sounds like an amazing time to go, even if its busy!! Do the crowds lighten at all during the week following Gay Days, or does it stay busy for the rest of the month? We're hoping we get a couple of less crowded days in during the week following...but will be prepared just in case!

I've heard that the weekdays in the first part of October are considerably less crowded than the weekends, but they also have shorter hours. I second not going to the first offered party of the season: the crowd reports were a little crazy from last year.

I completely forgot to recommend the Halloween at DL superthread: its fantastic! Lots of pics and all kinds of information. There is a handy table of contents at the beginning which can direct you to pictures, special treats, and a great FAQ about the parties. Check it out!

 

[alivingxerox]

We went October 6-10 2 years ago and it was pretty crowded, but it was crowded everywhere we went (Sea World etc) I think it was because of the Halloween stuff going on. But that has changed now (DCA to DL) so it might be less crowded.