Please help me one more time! *Please*

[ErinsMommy]

We're stuck between 2 separate dates/time periods as well as confused by some of the "touristy" attractions and Ihoping you all can help answer these last few questions!

Our dates are likely going to be 10/31 to 9/7. So here's our questions:

1. DL's Halloween Party - does it get as packed as DW's Halloween Party? We've done DW's MNSSHP and the last 2 times we went we fetlt that the "value" of paying extra $ and deal with very heavy crowds just wasn't worth it. Another option is possibly Univeral's Halloween Horror Night, but one of the teen girls is easily scared - is it as scary as people say it is (DH was saying he read zombies and clowns chase or follow you with chainsaws.)

2. We'll be taking a couple of "pool breaks" during our stay. Can you recommend "fun" hotels (water slide) on BOTH the Universal Side AND Disneyland Side that's still walking distance to DL and Universal (we'll be doing 4 days in Anaheim; 4 days in Hollywood) as well that are reasonably priced and close to restaurants or fast food chains). We wilL NOT have a car so will be Uber'g or walking wherever we need to go and do.

3. One of the parents wants pics in front of the Hollywood sign, or as close as you can get to it. Is the only option the Griffith Observatory?


Thanks so much!

 

[cruisehopeful]

1. DL's Halloween Party - does it get as packed as DW's Halloween Party? We've done DW's MNSSHP and the last 2 times we went we fetlt that the "value" of paying extra $ and deal with very heavy crowds just wasn't worth it. Another option is possibly Univeral's Halloween Horror Night, but one of the teen girls is easily scared - is it as scary as people say it is (DH was saying he read zombies and clowns chase or follow you with chainsaws.)

It is worth going. You cannot do everything in one party, but you can prioritize what you want to do the most. Some people want the short lines for rides, some want pictures of characters and some just want to trick or treat. Figure out what's most important to your group and focus on that for a the first couple hours. If you are trick or treating and a line is long, just come back to it later on.

2. We'll be taking a couple of "pool breaks" during our stay. Can you recommend "fun" hotels (water slide) on BOTH the Universal Side AND Disneyland Side that's still walking distance to DL and Universal (we'll be doing 4 days in Anaheim; 4 days in Hollywood) as well that are reasonably priced and close to restaurants or fast food chains). We wilL NOT have a car so will be Uber'g or walking wherever we need to go and do.

Great Wolf Lodge has in indoor waterpark. It's near Disneyland but not walking distance. There are a couple outdoor waterpark slides at chain hotels walking distance to Disneyland. I think Courtyard Marriott is one, but others here will be able to tell you for sure.

The other waterpark in the area is at Knott's Berry Farm, but it will be closed in October because it's considered too cold at that time.

3. One of the parents wants pics in front of the Hollywood sign, or as close as you can get to it. Is the only option the Griffith Observatory?

There are hikes you can take to get next to the sign. They are fine for people in shape or those who are active. I wouldn't recommend for a couch potato. https://www.hikespeak.com/california/la/griffith-park-hollywood-sign-hikes/

 

[mouschievous]

Yes, the Universal Halloween event is that scary. Yes, there are zombies and clowns chasing you with chain saws. I haven't done it myself, but one of my students went this past year and said it was the scariest thing he'd ever done.

 

[cruisehopeful]

Yes, the Universal Halloween event is that scary. Yes, there are zombies and clowns chasing you with chain saws. I haven't done it myself, but one of my students went this past year and said it was the scariest thing he'd ever done.

I meant to add that, too. It's very scary and gross. I visited during the day a couple years ago when it closed early for the Halloween event. I watched the crowds from my hotel room. It looked way more crowded than the Disneyland Halloween parties. The next day, I heard the lines for all the mazes were an hour long or longer.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

We're stuck between 2 separate dates/time periods as well as confused by some of the "touristy" attractions and Ihoping you all can help answer these last few questions!

Our dates are likely going to be 10/31 to 9/7. So here's our questions:

1. DL's Halloween Party - does it get as packed as DW's Halloween Party? We've done DW's MNSSHP and the last 2 times we went we fetlt that the "value" of paying extra $ and deal with very heavy crowds just wasn't worth it. Another option is possibly Univeral's Halloween Horror Night, but one of the teen girls is easily scared - is it as scary as people say it is (DH was saying he read zombies and clowns chase or follow you with chainsaws.)

2. We'll be taking a couple of "pool breaks" during our stay. Can you recommend "fun" hotels (water slide) on BOTH the Universal Side AND Disneyland Side that's still walking distance to DL and Universal (we'll be doing 4 days in Anaheim; 4 days in Hollywood) as well that are reasonably priced and close to restaurants or fast food chains). We wilL NOT have a car so will be Uber'g or walking wherever we need to go and do.

3. One of the parents wants pics in front of the Hollywood sign, or as close as you can get to it. Is the only option the Griffith Observatory?


Thanks so much!

1. Do you mean 10/31 - 11/07?
Yes, we think it is worth attending. Very fun, lots of options for everyone -- just make sure to prioritize what you want to do since it isn't possible to do everything in one night. By the way, just so you know, the Oogie Boogie Bash is at DCA, not DL. Here is this year's Halloween Time superthread for more information (keep following this for updates): Halloween Time Superthread 2020: Oogies back! and other Halloween Time Information.
Here is last year's superthread (see the first page for info on the OBB and what events were offered and when, ticket prices, etc.): Halloween Time Superthread 2019: "Oogie Boogie Bash" Party to Be Held in DCA ONLY! and Other Halloween Time Information. Cruise through this thread -- especially the descriptions of the parties and the reviews -- for very helpful information!
Universal's HHN is pretty scary. We know families who choose Disney's party over Universal's because HHN is too intense for their kids/teens. Also, costumes at Disney's parties tend to be more family friendly, which is something we appreciate.
2. Courtyard Themepark Entrance is a newer hotel, walking distance to the gates (about 10+ minutes, depending on how fast you walk) with a great waterpark area. Gets very good reviews on this board. Walking distance to restaurants on Harbor, in GardenWalk (a small shopping center on Katella), and in DTD.
3. The Hollywood Sign is on private property, so you cannot hike right up to it for a photo. You can get great photos from the Observatory.