Off to DL and don't know what to expect...

[Love the Mouse]

We are heading to DL for our first trip as a family. DH lived on the west coast when young, so he has been to DL, but DD(3) and I have never been. We will be going in Oct. and I have purchased the Halloween Tickets. Are they worth it? What can we expect? We have been to WDW for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, but I have no idea what this will be like.

We are also planning on doing some character breakfasts, lunch or dinners. Is the Disney Princess one at Ariel's Grotto any good? Any other ones that stand out?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Also, we will be going Oct 8-12...is that an off time to go in DL.

Thanks

 

[HydroGuy]

We are heading to DL for our first trip as a family. DH lived on the west coast when young, so he has been to DL, but DD(3) and I have never been. We will be going in Oct. and I have purchased the Halloween Tickets. Are they worth it? What can we expect? We have been to WDW for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, but I have no idea what this will be like.

We are also planning on doing some character breakfasts, lunch or dinners. Is the Disney Princess one at Ariel's Grotto any good? Any other ones that stand out?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Also, we will be going Oct 8-12...is that an off time to go in DL.

Thanks

Never been at Halloween or done a character meal at DLR, so cannot help there.

Oct 8-12 is low season. The Oct calendar is very late in coming out (it is not up yet and here we are at the end of August).

You will have some challenges seeing entertainment that week so be aware of that. See "What You Should Know About Off-Season at DLR"
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18462889

Here is some other info you may find useful:

"A DLR Guide for WDW Vets"
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

Have a great trip.

 

[CoolPool]

The truly great thing about DL compared to WDW is its manageable size and that the weather is usually more agreeable. You'll find it easier to do more with a young one. Have a great trip...welcome to the west coast!

 

[NVDisMom]

Be prepared for lots of fun!

We have not done Halloween at DL, so no help there.

Character meals...We have done Goofy's kitchen and Story Tellers. LOVED them both. My kids are a little older (10 and 8). Goofy's will probably have characters your 3yo will know and the atmosphere is fun. Try to get a seat close into the food. Goofy and others will come out and play games and such during your meal. Lots of fun.

Yes, Oct is off season. Entertainment is probably going to be weekends, and a few rides may be down. But you will have very light crowds. Which means short lines, lots of rides, and room to breathe. DL and CA will be closing earlier too, but that can be a good thing. You won't feel pressured to sty up too late!

 

[IASWAM]

We have taken both of our DD's (now 10 and 13) two years in a row to DL where we did the Breakfast with Minnie (at The Plaza Inn) and Dinner at Ariel's Grotto, and they loved it both times. The breakfast is really good (all you can eat) and the dinners at Ariel's are really good with HUGE proportions.

 

[Love the Mouse]

Thank you all so much for the information. I am glad that I am finding out now that it is off season and some things may not be open, etc. I am really hoping that there is at least a parade or something...some fireworks.

We have made several reservations for the character meals. My daughter just loves Disney and she loves all of the characters, so she is going to be in for a real treat!

Thanks again

 

[fairycat]

The big thing is DL decks things out for Halloween and you get to do the Haunted Mansion Holiday which is fantastic!

I have heard that the Mickey's Not so Scary Event is fairly similar at both parks, either way I have heard it is a lot of fun for kids and adults!

 

[disneyfan4ever54]

We are heading to DL for our first trip as a family. DH lived on the west coast when young, so he has been to DL, but DD(3) and I have never been. We will be going in Oct. and I have purchased the Halloween Tickets. Are they worth it? What can we expect? We have been to WDW for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, but I have no idea what this will be like.

We are also planning on doing some character breakfasts, lunch or dinners. Is the Disney Princess one at Ariel's Grotto any good? Any other ones that stand out?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Also, we will be going Oct 8-12...is that an off time to go in DL.

Thanks

I have attached a link to last year's October entertainment schedule. Fireworks are usually only on weekends that month, but it looks like they had them on that Monday, the 9th (the same Monday that you will be there) since it was Columbus Day. The parade was scheduled every day that week too.
Fantasmic won't be running during the off-season, but it looks like you should be able to see at least the parade and fireworks.

http://www.laughingplace.com/Guide-Cal-DLR2-200610.asp

 

[mariezp]

You are in for such a treat! Your first trip will be amazing, especially with a wee one. Watching the face of your child is such a part of the Disneyland magic!

Our first 5 trips were in October. The weather is fantastic! Nice during the day but do be sure to bring light jackets as it does get chilly after the sun goes down.

You do get shorter hours with it being off season. The park , I believe, closes at 8:00. However, with the lighter crowds you will be able to get just as much done in the shorter hours. With a 3 year old you will probably be glad that the park does not stay open any later. Be sure to take a mid day break so she doesn't have a melt down. We skipped naps one year and my child was horrible. Never skipped a mid day break since.

We had a good time at the Ariel's character meal. Character interact was good, as well as the food. Chip & Dale at Storytellers was also a really good one. More relaxed with a few less characters but their interaction was great and they had very good food. Minnie's at Plaza Inn is a good one for little ones also. We probably saw the most characters at this one. However, our last time there were so many characters that they seemed rushed to get to every table. Goofy's for us has been hit and miss on the quality of food and character interaction. Very chaotic atmosphere when we went last time.

Have a safe and wonderful trip!