Tentatively planning

[*Seanaci*]

We've had lots going on in our household (that I'd rather not go into here). I'd like to take my mom and son to DL for Halloween. We've always wanted to go see it all decked out in the Nightmare Before Christmas stuff. Do they still do that? When will we need to go in order to see that?

Also, provided my mom can get off for 2 days then, where do you recommend staying? I am not opposed to non-disney hotels...though would like to avoid renting a car or paying for taxis while we're there (aside from obviously the trip to and from the airport). I'd like to try and keep the total between hotel, park tickets and airfare under $3000 (if possible). All help and suggestions are welcome!

Thanks in advance!

 

[iHEARTflorida]

You don't need a car for DL, and non-Disney hotel are a good choice. Disney has what they call 'Good Neighbour Hotels', hotels they don't own, but recommend staying in. All the hotels in the Disneyland area, are within walking distance - so no need for a car.

The Howard Johnson (Hojo) seems to be a favourite choice on here, about 5-10 walk to DL, with a great restaurant across the street, Mimi's!

Sorry..can't help with the Halloween part, check out the info above 'DL Events', and allears.net, here's some links

http://www.wdwinfo.com/Disneyland/Events/Halloween.htm

http://www.wdwinfo.com/Disneyland/Events/Halloween.htm#halltreat

Also check kayak.com for airfare

 

[oc_tony]

I'd like to take my mom and son to DL for Halloween. We've always wanted to go see it all decked out in the Nightmare Before Christmas stuff. Do they still do that? When will we need to go in order to see that?

The Haunted Mansion's Nightmare Before Christmas overlay usually starts during the last week of Sept. In 2009, I believe it opened on Sept 25 and ran through just after New Year's. 2009 was also the first year that Space Mountain had a Halloween overlay, called "Ghost Galaxy."

The parks also sport lots of Halloween decorations throughout October, and California Adventure hosts Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween party. This is a separately ticketed event that costs anywhere between $26-42 depending on when you buy your ticket and what discounts are available to you.

 

[PHXscuba]

The Halloween stuff starts the last weekend of September and runs through the weekend of Halloween. Last year, they had the Nightmare Before Christmas stuff (Haunted Mansion Holiday), the Halloween Screams fireworks every night, and the Space Mountain: Ghost Galaxy overlay. All were fantastic. They even have Jack and Sally out signing autographs near the HM. No guarantees they will have the exact same offerings this year, but given the crowds they attracted, I can't see them doing less!

The weekends got really busy last year -- if your days are flexible I'd try for mostly weekdays. Columbus Day weekend saw a couple of capacity days.

Can't help with the budget other than adding that if you stay at the Hojo they have an Entertainment rate that is a smokin' deal on many selected days. There are several places to get multi-day tickets cheaper than gate price. I believe you can do the Give-A-Day Get-A-Day one-day ticket and upgrade it once you get there for a multi-day ticket as well.

Best of luck,
PHXscuba

 

[*Seanaci*]

Thanks everyone for all the info! I'll def keep everything in mind and check on what they'll be doing for Halloween this year!