Sept or Oct for the best experience?

[crazymama]

Hi everyone. Just discovered this forum and it looks really helpful! Our family is planning a trip to DL for fall 05. Is there any difference between Sept or Oct for the "crowd" factor or ride closures? We can go either month. Thanks!

 

[disney-super-mom]

Hi Crazymama,

For light crowds and fewer ride closures, I recommend going anytime after Labor Day in September through mid October.

Most schools will be in session after labor day, so crowds should be light. Also, I think that they start the winter holiday makeover on some of the rides (Haunted Mansion and Small World) in late October and early November.

Hope this helps with the vacation planning. Where will you be staying?

Everyone on the boards here are very helpful, and have given me super advice and tips, so you definately came to the right place!

 

[lap3]

Also, you might want to avoid the weekends. It's not as crowded during the week as it is during the weekends.

 

[iceskatejen]

If they are doing Haunted Mansion Holiday next year, it will go down the day after Labor Day and reopen probably Sept. 30 since I believe that's a Friday. I'd recommened waiting at least until early Oct so you can see it. Plus the weather is better (Sept can still be really hot). Small World, though, goes down for the Holiday makeover in Oct and reopens in early Nov.

 

[missmulan]

avoiding weekday crowds is a misnomer. there will be crowds EVERYDAY. foreign visitors and tour groups visit DL & DCA during the week. Annual passholders (close to a million of us) visit as often as we can. school schedule out here in southern california is not a traditional school year. it's year round which means 3 months on, 1 month off. 4 different groups (or tracks) takes turn for that one month off so just because it's a sept or oct, doesn't mean school is in session for some. another thing is that if there is no crowds, there's GOTTA be a reason why...like ride closures or renovations in some parts of the park. my advice, just come when it's right for you....or if the discount for air/hotel/transfer is greater on one rather than another week. enjoy!

 

[disney-super-mom]

Originally posted by missmulan
avoiding weekday crowds is a misnomer. there will be crowds EVERYDAY. foreign visitors and tour groups visit DL & DCA during the week. Annual passholders (close to a million of us) visit as often as we can. school schedule out here in southern california is not a traditional school year. it's year round which means 3 months on, 1 month off. 4 different groups (or tracks) takes turn for that one month off so just because it's a sept or oct, doesn't mean school is in session for some. another thing is that if there is no crowds, there's GOTTA be a reason why...like ride closures or renovations in some parts of the park. my advice, just come when it's right for you....or if the discount for air/hotel/transfer is greater on one rather than another week. enjoy!

I don't get it. I've been to DL/DCA many times at all different times of the year, and there is a difference between weekday and weekend crowds. There is always many people at DL/DCA, I give you that, but there is a difference between standing in line for 10-20 minutes vs. 30-45 minutes, and during a weekday in mid-September or October, the wait in line is usually only 10-15 minutes for most attractions.

Also, even if a few local schools could possibly be on a break at that time, most of the schools in the rest of the country, and for that matter in California, will be in session after Labor day.

I stick to my advice I gave earlier. Go after Labor Day and you will enjoy lighter crowds. No doubt about it.