Spontanious Trip Planning

[KirklandTutu]

So, DH and I are going to WDW in February for a week, but we've decided that we just can't wait for Disney! I just booked Sunday Oct 13-Monday Oct 15 at Disneyland. We go there every couple of years, and with WDW in February, I'm not too concerned with doing EVERYTHING.

So here's the question, what little things should we do that the average visitor doesn't?

Anything to do or not to do associated with October Halloween things?

We're staying at the Disneyland Hotel for the first time (stayed at GCH and PP before) anything to not miss there?

Finally....are we crazy?!?!

 

[ShawnaF]

See if they have a Mickey's Halloween Treat while you're there and get tickets RIGHT away for that, bring costumes! Decorate cookies at the (what is it called?) by the Petting Boo! Book a lunch at Carnation Cafe, dinner at Blue Bayou. The DLH - just enjoy the grounds, Goofy's Kitchen if you want, or a dinner at Hook's Point (I think called Steakhouse 55 now, is that right?)

Those would all be on my list!

 

[jemilah]

Hooks Point is still there a seperate resturaunt from the steakhouse 55 . Have fun Goofy's kitchen is so much fun too! Look at the comforter in the room for the rides on it and all the cool disney touches in your room.

 

[Alex2kMommy]

Mickey's Halloween Treats are on Thursday and Friday nights, so will not occur during your stay. However, there are lots of other things to see and do!

If you haven't already (I haven't either), be sure to see the Aladdin Musical in DCA; everyone raves about it, and I can't wait to see it!

Check out the Disney villains at DCA near Golden Dreams?

There are lots of Halloween decorations, and characters in Halloween outfits this time of year. If you like getting your photo taken, you might consider getting a photopass and hitting up the park photographers in scenic spots.

You might consider taking one of the tours at the park. I think I read there's a Halloween one...? I would love to do a tour, but my kids are too young to enjoy that. Maybe check out the new Segway tour in DCA!

 

[KirklandTutu]

oh, a Halloween tour you say? I will look into that.

I think we're going to try to hit the resteraunts we haven't been to. So, we won't try for Blue Bayou, Vineyard Room, Trattoria, Ariel's, or Hooks Point.

I suppose that leaves the downtown Disney ones. Are there any other sit down dining places in Disneyland other than Blue Bayou and Carnation Cafe? I thought one was being added, but wasn't sure if it was going yet.

 

[Alex2kMommy]

oh, a Halloween tour you say? I will look into that.

I think we're going to try to hit the resteraunts we haven't been to. So, we won't try for Blue Bayou, Vineyard Room, Trattoria, Ariel's, or Hooks Point.

I suppose that leaves the downtown Disney ones. Are there any other sit down dining places in Disneyland other than Blue Bayou and Carnation Cafe? I thought one was being added, but wasn't sure if it was going yet.

Definitely make reservations (priority seating arrangements) through Disney Dining for the restaurants you mentioned, especially Blue Bayou ~ It books up fast!

 

[KirklandTutu]

Well, we're giong to be doing Breakfast at Carnation and Cafe Orleans. We've never had breakfast in the parks before, so, yay, there's something new.

Also dinner at the Jazz Kitchen, Cafe Orleans, and Catal... all places that we've never been to. I'm excited to try some Chicorey coffee and beignets, always wanted to, but haven't had the opportunity.

Question though, one thing I've always wanted to do but just felt it was too cold for was eating at the Uva Bar. I love love love tapas. If you eat there and it's chilly, does it have out door heating? Or, what time does it open in the afternoon for a snack?

I was pretty surprised about how easy it was to get seating three weeks out. Got the first time frame for our first choices each time. Does that lead one to believe that it will be a slow weekend?

Oh, also. We've never been in October before. How cold does it get at nights? In December we always make sure to layer like crazy in the evenings, but how is October?

Thank you!

 

[BlueBayou]

We will be there the same time as you are. I was surprised at how easy it was to get PS for Ariel's Grotto. Last year we went the same week - and ended up with an odd 2:50 lunch time. This year it seemed to be wide open.

But the hotels really seemed to book up early (all the Disney hotels sold out before I got booked). So I am really wondering what the crowds will be like. I sure hope it won't be crowded!

 

[KirklandTutu]

I just booked the Halloween tour for Sunday. I've heard bad things about it in the past, so I figure if I go in expecting nothing more than to ride on TOT and BTMR, then I'll be happy. But again, I was surprised that I could get the tour booked, it always seems those special tour book up quickly.

But yes, re. the hotels. Not alot of rooms available, which doesn't jive with how easy it is to get PS.

 

[Alex2kMommy]

I suspect a lot of people are completely unaware of making PSes, and if it is busy during their stay, they may be disappointed because they can't eat where they want. For our last stay I booked only two character meals. We were lucky enough to walk in to seating at Carnation Cafe, but were disappointed when we couldn't book a meal at BB. I asked on the 2nd day of our stay, and they were totally booked for the next few weeks, not a single opening. Lesson learned!

Last time I just wasn't sure how cold it would get, so I packed pants and jackets; we never wore the pants, and DH and I never wore the jackets. Last year we went the last week of Sept., and this week we'll be there the 2nd week of Oct. I'm expecting temps to be similar, which for us meant t-shirt and shorts during the day, and a sweatjacket for the kids after dark.

We are planning to do MHT one night, and probably watch the fireworks another night, so will pack jackets again. But unless the weather forecast is calling for much colder temps, I won't bother with pants or long-sleeve shirts at all.