September trip

[Jimbo1229]

So going for the first time in 12 years and taking my 3 yr old daughter. We picked September as it looks to be slower month. We are going the 10th-16th and I was wondering when they plan on doing the Holiday changes to the haunted mansion and space mountain? Also what is the weather like that time of year, I know in northern California its very hot. I sure hope the rivers of America and the railroad are back online, ive heard that its been so crowded due to those being closed down

 

[SMD]

They haven't announced Halloween yet, that's usually in late July or early August. It's possible they will be closed during the first few days and open while you're there. I wouldn't plan for any month to be a slower month these days, that way you won't be disappointed. Last year during the time between summer and Halloween Disney ran an AP Days promotion which was very popular and brought crowds. I'd expect to see that again. I don't think that ROA and RR being down is the primary cause of the crowds, it's the fact that there are actually more people going now than there were a few years ago. Especially at DCA compared to 12 years ago.

 

[SMD]

As far as weather, it can fluctuate 30-40 degrees within a week or sometimes a day. In September I'd expect it to be over 100 at least a few days during the month. Before the forecasts are out, plan for 75-90 range.

 

[maltdizzy]

A couple of things... after Labor Day, park hours will shorten noticeably during the week and fireworks traditionally move to weekends only.

I would expect the Halloweentime will start while you are there, but Mickey's Halloween Party traditionally start later in the month.

 

[Jimbo1229]

That's what I was afraid of about the weather,I don't do well in heat. Guess we will be hitting the pool during the day.
The shortened park hours are kind of a bummer but how long can a 3 year old really go? The wife is hoping for some Halloween decorations as its her favorite time of year. It will be different, as last time I went I was 23 and was more worried about how many rides I could hit rather than taking my time. Now it will be a whole lot slower pace

 

[StormyCA]

IIRC (and if I'm wrong I'm sure I'll be corrected) Halloween Time starts the second weekend in September. And I concur about the weather. I grew up in So Cal and we always had a few +100 days in September (and even in October).

 

[maltdizzy]

That's what I was afraid of about the weather,I don't do well in heat. Guess we will be hitting the pool during the day.
The shortened park hours are kind of a bummer but how long can a 3 year old really go? The wife is hoping for some Halloween decorations as its her favorite time of year. It will be different, as last time I went I was 23 and was more worried about how many rides I could hit rather than taking my time. Now it will be a whole lot slower pace

Just remember, DL usually doesn't have the high humidity that WDW gets.

And when it does get humid, even the locals wilt (they aren't used to it either). I grew up in the South, to me humidity is summer — 100°F at 95% humidity just reminds me of childhood summer vacations — but it didn't take living long in LA to get acclimated to the dryer weather.

 

[StormyCA]

Just remember, DL usually doesn't have the high humidity that WDW gets.

And when it does get humid, even the locals wilt (they aren't used to it either). I grew up in the South, to me humidity is summer — 100°F at 95% humidity just reminds me of childhood summer vacations — but it didn't take living long in LA to get acclimated to the dryer weather.

Very true about the humidity. But what I do notice at DL is that if it's a 'heavy crowd day' any heat can feel much hotter surrounded by all those warm bodies. I think it's because the usual coastal breeze can't get through the crowd!

 

[maltdizzy]

Very true about the humidity. But what I do notice at DL is that if it's a 'heavy crowd day' any heat can feel much hotter surrounded by all those warm bodies. I think it's because the usual coastal breeze can't get through the crowd!

I would guess when it's hot there are no coastal breezes, but maybe the Santa Ana's blowing east from the deserts.

 

[AuntieKels]

We were there that week last year and are thinking about a return trip this year because it was so great. I was 6 months pregnant and we had our 2.5 year old with us. The park hours were pretty short but because of our situation it was actually pretty nice. We never felt the pressure to wake up early or stay up late. We stayed at DLH so we always took advantage of EMH but those didn't even start until 8am.

The weather was very nice. We all wore shorts and brought light sweatshirts for first thing in the morning and after the sun went down. I recall our daughter getting really cold pretty quickly when we tried to swim in the early afternoon and we only got super hot one time when waiting in the afternoon sun for a character meet and greet. I've been to the parks in the grueling heat and cold rain before. This was by far our favorite weather.

They had pretty much all the Halloween decorations up and all the characters were in their Halloween costumes but there weren't any parties. We could tell it was kind of an in-between time at the parks. They didn't have any special evening parades or fireworks and DCA closed at 6pm one night for a private event which made DL veeeeeeery crowded. It was also the first or second week after they ended the 60th anniversary so that may have had an effect on the feeling around the parks.

Nightmare before Christmas haunted mansion overlay had just opened the Friday before we got there which I believe was September 9th. Definitely get fast passes. Our daughter was okay with the ride because we had her hold her ears and we held her tightly during the elevator and she was able to bury her face the whole time. Now she claims it's her favorite ride and it will be her baby brothers favorite ride too .

I hope you have a great time!

 

[Jimbo1229]

Good to know the weather was good. Im going to be bummed that the holiday lay overs will possibly be affecting our trip as space mtn and the haunted mansion are my favorite rides. id prefer the originals by the videos I have seen on youtube. That's also a bummer that we may not get to see any night time parades or fireworks. Were staying at the Fairfield so we should be able to hop back and forth fairly quick for naps and relaxation time

 

[SMD]

Space has a Star Wars overlay right now with no announced end date. It only takes a few days to change over, unlike HM. So if Halloween starts later, like the 13th or 14th, it's possible it could still be up on the 10th before going down for a few days. But, as of now I'd probably assume it will be the Hyperspace overlay and not the classic version.