Predictions - how busy on Sept. 12th?

[Brudette]

So, our main consideration in planning our trip is crowds. We are booked for the week of Sept 8th-12th, the reasoning was that it would be after Labor Day week but before Halloween came into full swing. I assume that Mon-Thurs will be *somewhat* uncrowded. I also realize that Sept. 12th is both Dapper Day and the start of Halloween time. My workaround for that was to simply do DCA on that day, and pop back over in the evening for Fantasmic or fireworks (haven't decided which yet). But will a bunch of people be doing the same thing? Does anyone have a prediction of how busy DCA will be on Sept. 12th? Also, do you think I'm right in my assumption that Mon-Thurs will not be as crowded? I'm hoping I didn't inadvertently pick a busy week.

Also, we have 4 day park hoppers, not 5. The plan was to take Wednesday off for a break/beach day, but we could also add an extra day on and mostly take Friday off instead to miss the crowds and just come in the evening for a show.

Thoughts or suggestions?

 

[SMD]

My workaround for that was to simply do DCA on that day, and pop back over in the evening for Fantasmic or fireworks (haven't decided which yet). But will a bunch of people be doing the same thing?

Yep. If Fireworks and Fantasmic are running, people will hop to see them.

You do know that after Labor Day those 2 shows are only on weekends, right?

 

[figment_jii]

I generally think Mon to Thursday will be fairly manageable, but Friday afternoon/evening will be busy. As you noted, it's the first day of Halloween Time, which means HMH, SMGG, and BTR Jamboree will be just re-opened, so people will come in to see those. It's also Dapper Day, so all in all I do think it means that F! and fireworks will both be busy.

 

[Brudette]

You do know that after Labor Day those 2 shows are only on weekends, right?

Yes, otherwise we would avoid DL altogether on Friday, but it would be our only chance to see one of them.

 

[Disneyluvr2]

Another vote here for a busy weekend. Dapper Day is drawing larger and larger crowds with every event. A lot of us will be coming in Thursday and staying for the weekend. I can't wait! I just hope it's cooler than it was last Sept!

 

[Brudette]

I think my main question got kind of lost in the long-windedness of my original post. (My fault).

What I most want to know is if people think California Adventure will be busy on Sept. 12th. I had already assumed DL would be very busy.

 

[SMD]

I think my main question got kind of lost in the long-windedness of my original post. (My fault).

What I most want to know is if people think California Adventure will be busy on Sept. 12th. I had already assumed DL would be very busy.

Yes. People don't stay in one park. DCA has more space between attractions, so it won't be as crowded to move around, but the lines will be long.

 

[Melora]

We are planning on being there Wed - Fri.
I changed it from Tues -Thurs so we could at least go on Space Mountain and see the Haunted Mansion done up. But am worried we wont be able to enjoy Friday as much because of the crowd levels. Keeping my fingers crossed it wont be too bad. We've done WDW in August (twice) so I should be an expert on heat and crowds!
I also saw that California Screamin' was going to be down that week until Friday which is at least 2 of my traveling party loves! (Me, not so much!)

 

[superlarz]

It will be busy due to Dapper Day. The worst day that weekend will be Sunday though. If you have already done most of the things you wanted to do, you will be able to relax on friday, get to the park early, go on HHM and SMGG early and you will be fine. There will be parts of the parks that are not overwhelmed, so just enjoy those areas.

 

[SMD]

We are planning on being there Wed - Fri.
I changed it from Tues -Thurs so we could at least go on Space Mountain and see the Haunted Mansion done up. But am worried we wont be able to enjoy Friday as much because of the crowd levels. Keeping my fingers crossed it wont be too bad. We've done WDW in August (twice) so I should be an expert on heat and crowds!
I also saw that California Screamin' was going to be down that week until Friday which is at least 2 of my traveling party loves! (Me, not so much!)

Will you have APs or hoppers? You could buy 4 day tickets, go Tues-Thurs, then come back 9 days later on Saturday and use that last day in the 13 day window when HMH, SM and Screamin are up.

 

[VicMom]

Last year I was in CA on Dapper Day (not having a clue what it was or why people were so dressed up when it was so.freaking.hot outside) and I didn't find it any busier in that park than the other day we were in CA. I don't know about DL as we didn't go into it that day though-but it always feels busy.