October vs. November - When are the shortest lines?

[sas_mk]

Hi Everyone!

I love this board and have gotten so much useful information for my trips to DL. My DH just gave me the go ahead to start planning a trip for October or November of this year!!

I have two dates that will work, and I am just trying to decide which one will give me lower crowds and shorter wait time for the rides and attractions.

Date #1: October 18th-24th = we would probably visit DL on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday of that week. I hear the halloween decorations and fireworks are awesome, and it would be fun to see them.

Date #2: November 1st-7th = we would also probably visit DL on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday of that week. I might be able to see the park begin the Christmas transformation -- that would be cool.

So.... if you had the luxury of choosing either week, which would you choose and why???

Also, does anybody know what the chances are of Costco coming out with another AP deal before these dates???

Thanks for your help and opinions.

 

[sas_mk]

Any opinions? I just can't make up my mind!!

 

[J. Galt]

Well... I can't comment on the Oct. dates, but we went the first week in Nov. last year (and we are going that same week this year) and we experienced minimal lines. I think the only real lines we encountered were at Toy Story (maybe 20 minutes) and the fairy meet and greet (again, maybe 20 minutes). The weekends got a little busier, but during the week it was very, very manageable.

We also got a taste of both Halloween and Christmas as every day a few more Halloween decorations would come down and a few more Christmas decorations would go up. We didn't get to experience any holiday to the fullest... but we did get to see a bit of each.

 

[jernysgirl]

With all the reports of Oct being busy the last few years, I would definitely think that Nov would be less busy.

Two things to think about though, that might influence your choice:

1. The CHOC Walk is on Oct 18th, the first day of your first possible set of dates.

2. The Christmas Parade taping is scheduled for Nov. 7th, the last day of your second set of dates.

Either way, you'll have fun!

 

[sas_mk]

Thank you both for the extra information. It gives me something to think about.

I am really leaning towards the October dates, but I have read about the increased crowds in October and it scares me! That is why I started to think about November as a possibility.

Hmmm... I wish every decision I had to make was this fun!

 

[jernysgirl]

We are going in Oct this year, and I am really looking forward to seeing all of the really cool decorations. Our decision to go at this time was largely based on the fact that it was a birthday present for me.

If I had the choice between your two dates though, I would probably choose Nov. I would love to see the parade taping, since it is a very unique experience.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

If we weren't going to DLR this weekend and WDW early Oct. we wouldv'e gone to DLR 10/19-10/21 or 22

I'm sure either of you dates would be fine ~ especially week day visits.

 

[specialks]

If lines are your only consideration then I would pick the Nov dates. The October dates might start filling up because of the never been seen Halloween fireworks & Ghost Galaxy Space Mountain. Not sure about local school schedules so I don't know if there are any non-school days during your dates that might cause an influx of locals.
If you want to have a few extras to experience then choose the Oct dates -- could you do the Mickey's Trick or Treat party on one of your nights??
Going during the week is probably going to be to your advantage on either of your dates. Just remember Tues & Thur are Magic Mornings.

 

[sas_mk]

Thanks again for all of you advice, information and help.

I wish I had a crystal ball to see how either of the dates will work out, but since I don't, I will just have to trust that being in Disneyland will be enough to bring some magic to our family!

 

[snickerboo]

We're going Nov. so I'm interested in this too (not that I can change it since it's booked LOL)

 

[Brady's Mom]

Something to think about is that Halloween Time ends on Nov. 1. So I would assume that Space would be closed on Nov. 2 to take down the Ghost Galaxy. If riding Space is a big part of your plans - choose the Oct. dates. If you could take a pass on Space - go with Nov. That's when we'll be there!

And the Halloween fireworks will probably not be running either - I think you would be right in between Halloween and Christmas and that could be a big bummer if you are looking forward to fireworks and Fantasmic and Space Mt.

Have fun choosing!

 

[Spacepest]

If I had the choice between your two dates though, I would probably choose Nov. I would love to see the parade taping, since it is a very unique experience.

Yes, I suppose a parade taping could be called that.

While I haven't been to a parade taping at Disneyland, I was present for one at Disneyworld for one of their Christmas parades.

I thought it was totally cool, the parade was going full force, and then right in the middle of it the director of the event called cut for a retake, and then when the entire parade was as a standstill, he yelled over a loudspeaker at some of the performers to "look like you're awake this time!" And then started the parade over again. And again. And again. After an hour of watching this I couldn't take it anymore, and left to go on some rides. It was too much parade at once! LOL