Sept/Oct Crowds and other ?s.

[becks59]

We are planning to go to the parks sept 29, 30, and oct 1st with 3 day park hoppers. We have almost always gone in early June and have really liked it and crowds never seem too bad. What can we expect crowd wise for this upcoming trip?

Are hours typically long like during the summer or are they shortened?

Also, we are considering getting a hotel beyond walking distance where we would be parking at the Mickey and friends parking structure. We have always stayed walking distance. What are some realistic expectations to have when driving and parking there?

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Some threads with helpful information for you:
Halloween Time Superthread 2019: "Oogie Boogie Bash" Party to Be Held in DCA ONLY! and Other Halloween Time Information -- Last year's Halloweentime Superthread -- look through this for all kinds of info on what to expect during your trip dates, what crowds were like, how people dealt with crowds, etc.
Halloween Time Superthread 2020: Oogie's Back!! And Other Halloween Time Information -- This year's HalloweenTIme Superthread -- keep following this thread to keep up to date with what will be offered, when, where, etc. -- Halloween Time is one of the busiest times of the year at DLR (and for good reason!) -- keeping yourself up to date will be important!
* DLR Info/Links - Maps, Hotels, DISer Reviews, Hydroguy's tips, NEWBIE INFO here! -- From the sticky threads at the top of the first page -- SO much great information here!
From that sticky thread:
HydroGuy Tips Compilation -- A treasure trove of helpful threads!
From that link:
"Historical DLR Park Hours, Entertainment and Refurbs" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2291124 -- Look for the historical park hours for your trip dates, but know that things could change -- so keep checking as your dates get closer -- your dates technically fall during low season -- so expect possibly shorter hours and less nighttime entertainment (e.g. F! and fireworks on weekends only) -- the OBB will mean shorter hours in DCA on party nights for non-party guests
"HydroGuy's Hotel Rule" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199862
"Choosing the Right DLR Area Hotel for You" www.disboards.com/threads/choosing-the-right-hotel-for-you.3656512/ -- Lots of very helpful information about finding the right hotel in the right location
"Hidden Time Losses When Using a Car At DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1381580

 

[mouschievous]

Parking is $25 per day, and many of the hotels also charge a parking fee. Unless you have another reason for needing a car, I think uber or Lyft would be both easier and cheaper.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Parking is $25 per day, and many of the hotels also charge a parking fee. Unless you have another reason for needing a car, I think uber or Lyft would be both easier and cheaper.

But if the OP will be needing car seats and/or boosters, ride share may not be a practical option. If the kids are old enough for boosters, travel booster seats might work, e.g. Mifold and Bubblebum. Posters here give good reviews for both those using ride share.
OP: it looks like your last day will be the first day of the annual Gay Days Convention (usually the first weekend in October every year). That is a big, unofficial event that brings in about 40,000 participants every year. Expect crowds to go up on your last day.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

Halloween time is busy! Seems busier than summer to me sometimes. But it’s also super fun with lots of fun decor and treats. Could you go to a Halloween party?

I’m a day tripper. Parking is such a hassle! I’d avoid it if you can.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

... Parking is such a hassle! I’d avoid it if you can.

I agree with this! If you've stayed walking distance before, is there a reason why you want to stay further away and drive this time?

 

[midnight star]

It's a fun time to visit! Busy! But fun!

Def check out the threads @theluckyrabbit posted. Also, some things to be aware of during fall
- Entertainment such as fireworks and fantasmic are only Friday-Sunday. In the fall, we get a lot of winds, so fireworks can be a little iffy. I believe World of Color is everyday though.
- Pay attention to what days have Halloween parties and plan around those if you aren't doing them
- There can be some heavy crowd days, but don't let them scare you. Just plan accordingly.

 

[midnight star]

I’m a day tripper. Parking is such a hassle! I’d avoid it if you can.

AMEN!! Just today, it took 2 of my friends over an hour to park, and they live less than 20 minutes away. I would avoid parking if you can.

 

[becks59]

Thanks for all your replies. We did look into Uber, but with 4 kids (one is a baby in a car seat) and my mom it just was not really saving any money, which is a reason for having to drive and park. The main reason for looking into a different hotel that is a little farther away is because of the price. But, I definitely prefer the closer hotels! Maybe as our kids get older and we don’t need to take breaks and Uber will be easier without car seats then we can save money on the hotel.

 

[midnight star]

Thanks for all your replies. We did look into Uber, but with 4 kids (one is a baby in a car seat) and my mom it just was not really saving any money, which is a reason for having to drive and park. The main reason for looking into a different hotel that is a little farther away is because of the price. But, I definitely prefer the closer hotels! Maybe as our kids get older and we don’t need to take breaks and Uber will be easier without car seats then we can save money on the hotel.

What about candy cane inn? I heard they have free parking and breakfast and are close. That way you can have a car but not deal with parking

 

[Bossy22]

We looked into staying farther away but when we added up the price of driving to and from, parking, etc the cost was really nonexistent. We stay at DI&S and find it to have really good prices and we don't drive for the week we are there!!!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Thanks for all your replies. We did look into Uber, but with 4 kids (one is a baby in a car seat) and my mom it just was not really saving any money, which is a reason for having to drive and park. The main reason for looking into a different hotel that is a little farther away is because of the price. But, I definitely prefer the closer hotels! Maybe as our kids get older and we don’t need to take breaks and Uber will be easier without car seats then we can save money on the hotel.

Have you looked at some of the hotels on Harbor in Garden Grove? Those hotels can be just a mile south of the parks and have shuttles so that you wouldn't need to drive or use car seats. Look at the Embassy Suites Garden Grove, Hampton Inn and Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, and any hotels around there. Also look at hotels near the Toy Story lot -- if you can walk to the TS lot, you'll be able to use the free shuttles to/from the parks. The hotels south of the TS lot can have lower rates. The Clementine by GardenWalk used to be a Residence Inn -- that is on an ART route and is technically walking distance -- someone posted about a great rate on Expedia. And there are larger suites there. That poster had a great stay there.