Trip dates Oct 24-28 - anything I should know?

[SFMommy]

We are considering a trip from Wed Oct 24 - Sunday Oct 28. Park days Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Is there anything going on that I should know about before planning? Would you expect high crowds those dates?

What is the deal with Halloween parties on Friday nights? Is that a separate event with separate entrance tickets? I don't know anything about Halloween events at DL or DCA.


Thanks!

 

[Stephiebee]

I would be interested in knowing too!! I'm planning a trip around that time.

 

[ams1201]

I heard that's the sweet spot for October. I planned our trip for the 21-27th. So far I haven't heard anything bad about that week. Yippee.

 

[raftislander]

Halloweentime at DLR is very popular and very fun! Lots of decorations throughout the parks. Expect crowds in the afternoon/evenings when the locals with SoCal annual passes will arrive after school/work. One of SoCal passes is blocked both days of the weekend- the other is blocked on the Saturday. Deluxe and Premium passes have no block out dates during this time. As there are almost one million annual passes sold for DLR ( of various types) this can have a huge impact on the crowds. Your mid week mornings and early afternoons should be OK. I went to the party a couple of years ago - when it was at DCA- and had a blast. They moved the party to DL in 2010 because of all the construction at DCA. Not sure where it will be this year now that DCA will be finished. I would recommend it, if it is in your budget. The Halloween Screams fireworks show is Fabulous!!! Last year I think it ran only during the parties where as in 2009 it ran every night in October. Dont miss it. In 2009, they emptied DCA before letting partygoers in, so no entry before the start time of the party. I think that last year they let partygoers into DL prior to the start time of the party and then shooed non-partygoers out at the start time for the party. Check some trip reports from last year to verify this. Weather is usually nice in October but can rain or can be blazing hot. I would expect that you will need a light coat/jacket/sweatshirt after dusk.
Space Mt Ghost Galaxy is wildly popular so ride early in the am and/or use fast pass. The fast passes go quickly on this.

Hope this helps

 

[Stephiebee]

amazing! thank you!

 

[Daniellee725]

The Halloween party is a separate ticket fee, but is definitely worth it. It is a lot of fun, and the cast members are generous with the candy, whereas when I went to WDW's Not So Scary Halloween Party, they were hella stingy with the candy! Like it was coming out of their paychecks personally. I didn't get it. But Disneyland was great, you get a parade (kinda lame, because most of the costumes are recycled from the Pixar Play Parade that used to be in DCA, but still cute), different creepy Halloweeny music in the parks, you get to meet lots of villains, and it's just a really fun time. Definitely recommend it to someone who hasn't experienced it.

 

[Eeee-va]

SFMommy, there's a good chance you will miss It's a Small World (it may be down for its holiday overlay). Last year Pirates of the Caribbean was also down during this period for an extended rehab...barring something cataclysmic happening to the ride, though, that won't happen this year.

I found the Halloween party in 2010 more crowded than I expected, so if I'd had more realistic expectations I would have enjoyed it more. (I read that 2011 they moved the treat trails so it felt less crowded, so I'm sure that helped.) I would still definitely recommend the party if you like candy, villains, or dressing up in costume, though.

 

[disneyfan4ever54]

Here is the link for the Halloween Time at DLR superthread. It has a ton of into. on it.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2560082

 

[ashnjam]

Oh man i hope POTC isn't down im so looking forward to the DL version. I hear it's better if not much better.

 

[Piglet99645]

Also considering October 20-27. Thrilled this might be a "good week" to go, and it's a bonus for me if It's a Small World is closed. NOt my favorite. LOL

When will disneyland.com post the October calendar?

 

[IBLarsen]

We have been trying to narrow down our oct dates, choosing between Oct 10-14, or Oct 24-28.

I had been trying to get close to the beginning of October for the warmer weather. But would like to avoid the Columbus day weekend. Thanksgiving was a little too chilly for me. Now that our chosen dates are only two weeks apart, I can't imagine much of a weather difference, but thought I'd double check? Even here in Texas, it often seems like closer to Halloween it suddenly drops in the temp even from 2 weeks prior...

Any insight would be appreciated!