September?

[Jozymouse]

Hello,

The last time we were in California is 1995 so I have a few questions (!).

We are considering going to Disneyland in September 2008 and were wondering if that was a good time of the year to visit Sounthern California?

Also, a very important thing for us would be to see Fantasmic and the Main Street Electrical parade. Does anyone know if those 2 shows usually run at this time of the year? Another thing, does Disneyland have a special Halloween event like MNSSHP in WDW? Does it usually start late September?

Thank you so much for your help and happy new year to all of you!

 

[DangerMouse]

DEP will only run through Labor Day. It will be dark from the day after Labor Day until peak Christmas season.

This past fall F! showed on Fri and Sat nights only.

DCA has Mickey's Haloween Treat, but it usually doesn't start until October.

HTH.

 

[mariezp]

We went this past September and loved it. We were there Sept. 3-13. Crowds were not too bad but it was still pretty hot. It sure did make the water rides a lot of fun! We managed to catch the last day of the ELP, which was one of my main goals. Also, don't know if it makes much of a difference to you but be advised that Haunted Mansion does go down for it's overlay for part of the month.

 

[nunzia]

Yep, we missed the Haunted Mansion last time because of this..and we hit the Marathon! You may want to watch out for that. If you want something special for Fantasmic, consider the desert buffet. Pricey, but after a long day, the price was worth just being able to sit down

 

[Jozymouse]

Thank you for all the great replies. Does anyone have the 2007 dates of the Haunted Mansion closing dates? mariezp, was the HM down during your vacation?

If not, your vacation dates could work out!!!! Thanks again!
Jozy

 

[Jozymouse]

Nunzia, thanks for your reply. If you dont mind me asking, how much is the Fantasmic dessert package and what does it include exactly? Do you get a great view of the show? Thanks!

 

[cruzindon]

Don't remember which day it closed but it re-opened on Sept. 20th.

 

[mariezp]

Tha Haunted Mansion went down Sept. 4th which was the day after Labor Day and the day after we arrived. I believe it opened back up Sept. 20th. We made our plans in hopes to catch it and did by one day!

We also did the Fantasmic buffet. I have to agree that it was a special treat and so wonderful to sit down without having to camp for hours! Prices last year were $59 adult, $49 child 3-9. You can call to book 30 days in advance. You do get great seats and a dessert box full of about 8 assorted treats and drinks. We were front row. You do have to sign in 2 hours early and then return probably 20 minutes before showtime. My husband loved it even better than I did even though I enjoyed it too.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

Mariezp do you happine to rember the 8 items? (I know i saw an old pic of a box a while ago lol but just woundering what it had? Were doing thins in oct for sure.
Darn I was sure hoping to ctach the elp. I will have to make sure my mid dec trip has it sometime.
i heard that last year the last week september had the halloween party so u might look and see

 

[mariezp]

Let's see... there were Mickey rice krispee treats, raspberry filled cookies, biscotti , macaroons, and chocolate covered strawberries. Plus you could choose, hot chocolate, coffee or soda.

It seems to be tricky to catch the ELP unless you go during peak season. I am torn between trying to catch it again at Labor Day or opting to try to catch the very beginning of the Christmas season in November. (decisions, decisions) Out of 8 years, I have only managed to see it 2 times and it is my FAVORITE parade!

 

[Jozymouse]

mariezp: I checked the November/December 2007 DCA schedule and the Electrical Parade only started running on Dec 23! I am torned too! I am debating between going in late August/beginning of September and catching the Electrical Parade OR going in October and missing the parade but seing Haunted Mansion Holiday and the Halloween event. Then theirs also the option of going the week before Christmas and trying to catch the parade + seing Haunted Mansion Holiday + Small world Holiday and the xmas parade. But going the week before xmas might be more expensive and obviously much more crowded.

HELPPPPPP!

 

[mariezp]

I guess it is a toss up trying to decide which offers the best options. We have bounced around all over the fall months trying to find the perfect time! Well, here we are going for year 8 and still debating! I guess it just comes down to the process of elimination.

I have ruled out October for us because we are not that much into Halloween. So as they have begun to have more activities to draw more crowds they have helped us make a decision to not go that month, if for no better reason than it is getting so crowded!

I have now pretty much ruled out December for us as well. Don't get me wrong. It is an absolutely wonderful time to go, probably one of the best we ever had. But when we got back I felt like we had missed the Christmas season here at home. I don't think I have ever heard anyone else come back feeling this way. I guess we are just old home bodies.... at least at Christmas.

So that leaves us with September and November. We went last year during September. The crowds were great but there were a few really hot days which made me lean towards November, plus I really missed seeing the holiday decorations. I am hoping to time it where we catch at least some of the decor but miss some of the crowds and are home way before Christmas!

About the time I made my decision my teenage son comes in and tells me he really likes the time of year we went last year. UGH! What's a girl to do? He's probably over ruled because dad and I like the cooler weather! But it leaves me with just a shadow of doubt about my decision..... think I 'll make a spare ressie just in case I change my mind.

Anyway, since we are at the mercy of the schedules being changed at anytime I guess maybe a toss of the dice would be simpiler, no? Let's just hope they don't throw in any major refurbs! Good luck making that decision, Jozymouse! One thing is sure, whenever you go you will have a great time!

Thank heavens for the board to help keep us sane whilst we do all our research and planning.