Picking the right time to visit

[Elmo007]

I am thinking of a quick (2 days) visit to DLR and DCA. Based on crowds, costs, weather and whatever else is important which of these is the best time to visit in 2010? (Yes I am a slave to school calendars )

Sept 9-10 (Jewish Holidays)
Oct 10-11 (Columbus Day)
Oct 31-Nov 1 (Halloween-Election Day)
Nov 12-13 (Veterans Day)

Any input is appreciated. Thanks

 

[Princess Row]

I am not sure if it matters to you but if you went those two days in september he park would be normal w/ no decorations, if you went the first date in october it would be Halloween the second date in october rides close November first usually to put christmas decorations up and if you go the November dates Christmas Decorations would eb up. Like i said i'm not sure if any of this matters but decorations are always amazing. I hope this information is correct. If not please feel free to change it.

 

[DLR29]

Sept 9-10: The lowest crowds of your dates. However, that will mean shorter park hours and some rides might be closed (such as Haunted Mansion).

Oct 10-11: The highest crowds of your dates. That weekend has recently been PACKED! However, that means longer park hours. Also the Halloween decorations and special fireworks will be up as well as Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain: Ghost Galaxy (the rides are rethemed just for the holidays)

Oct 31-Nov 1: Very crowded also and you will get all of the above (Halloween decorations). Crowds might actually rival the dates above because it will be the last weekend of the Halloweentime promo.

Nov 12-13: Crowded. Veteran's day is historically one of the most crowded weekends. A lot of rides might be closed though. Also the parks will be in limbo between taking down the Halloween stuff and putting the Christmas stuff up. However, the long weekend means longer park hours.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Oct 31-Nov 1: Very crowded also and you will get all of the above (Halloween decorations). Crowds might actually rival the dates above because it will be the last weekend of the Halloweentime promo.

I beg to differ. We went this weekend last year and were surprised that it wasn't crazy busy...It wasn't as low as September, but definitely doable. We did most of both parks in 2 days including the Trick or Treat Party.

 

[aprincess@mail.com]

We have done Disney in the middle of October for the Trick or treat party and it wasnt crazy busy either. but this was two years ago.
Definately try to get the halloween ticket for DCA. Have a great time!

 

[MVBowers111]

I would think that if low crowds are what you looking for then take the Sept. dates. But, as people have already said, the hours may be shorter and some things not running. If it were me, I'd take the earlier October dates and have a good touring plan in hand. The Halloween decorations are amazing and the park hours should be longer. I wish we could go this year, my kids loved the Halloween season at DL. Good luck planning your trip!

 

[heatherleigh]

Definitely Sept. We did Oct. a couple yrs back, and it was a zoo.

 

[Elmo007]

I was originally thinking September as I am not a big fan of crowds. Howver, I would hate to get there and then find out that World of Color or Capatain EO are not running. Without those two, I may as well stick with WDW. (although I have not seen the Nemo Subs or Indy Ride but I dont know if that makes it worth the trip all the way to Cali)

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

I was originally thinking September as I am not a big fan of crowds. Howver, I would hate to get there and then find out that World of Color or Capatain EO are not running. Without those two, I may as well stick with WDW. (although I have not seen the Nemo Subs or Indy Ride but I dont know if that makes it worth the trip all the way to Cali)

I'm not sure how long Eo is running, and WOC would only be running on Fri-Sun if it's anything like F! and fireworks (but that's no matter which dates you choose in the off season). We went both Sept (11-16) and Oct (30-11/1) and Sept was by far less crowded, but I love the Halloween decorations!

Typical ride closures:
Sept: HM (post Labor Day until Halloween opening,last Friday in Sept)
SM (to put up SMGG assuming it returns, but I expect it to only be down for a day or so just prior to Halloween opening)

Oct: IASW (mid/late Oct to Xmas opening)

 

[mystic_path]

Ive done Disneyland in October and the crowds have been NUTS!!! As much as I love Disneyland, I would never suggest going in October if you are really trying to stay away from crowds.

September is probably your best bet. Even though there "May" be shorter park hours, the crowd level will be a bit lower and it will take less time getting on rides and seeing attractions, which packs more into your day.

Also holidays like Veteran's day, Mothers day, etc are gonna be a bit busier being a holiday as people (Even locals) have that time off, and flood into the park.

 

[femommy]

UEA , school holiday, (other wise know as Utah Evacuates to Anaheim) is October 14 and 15 this year. It makes for a really busy time. So if you go the 11-12 you will be getting a head start on the crowds.