WDW regulars doing DL for the first time Oct 2023

[firsttimer4]

We are WDW regulars and love it! We have done several Oct trips. This year we have decided to do DL. I feel like a Disney newbie all over again.
Please be nice about October…I’ve already heard it’s Terrible!!
-any positives about October? We’re going the 6-10th
- we plan on attending OBB
- looking at the fantasmic dining package
- we have 4 days of park tickets with genie + ( thinking we’ll do 2 and 2)

Please any suggestions would be great. Dining, must do’s, Oct strategies, etc.

Our travel party is Me (40), my two kids (12 & 15) and my Nanny (godmother/Aunt 65)

 

[Smugpugmug]

From what I've read on these boards from locals who go often, October is quite possibly the worst time to go. I'm not sure if you should go for the first time during that month. If you decide to go, pack your patience. October in Disneyland is a whole different beast compared to October in WDW.

 

[bsmcneil]

What's wrong with October - I hadn't heard?

 

[firsttimer4]

What's wrong with October - I hadn't heard?

Apparently it is really crowded

 

[Summer2018]

Also a frequent visitor to WDW, we went to Disneyland for the first time in April 2019. Because of Covid, we haven’t been back to either.

I can’t tell you how October is, but we did go the week before Easter, spring break. It was busy but nothing like WDW.

I actually prefer Disneyland to WDW now. It’s very walkable. Everything is close. We stayed at the Disneyland Hotel and loved walking through Downtown Disney every day to the parks. We took the monorail into Magic Kingdom. We rode rides that don’t exist in WDW.

There’s much less planning required. No worries about getting dinner reservations. It’s much more laid back.

You won’t be far from beaches. The Pacific Ocean is breathtaking. We had a blast watching the surfers.

We felt the spirit of Walt Disney in Disneyland a lot more than we do in WDW. It’s way more magical IMHO.

Have fun!

 

[BrianL]

The one thing that I always advise is to check out the various versions of the rides - even things that seem the same often arent. Pirates for one is way longer at DL and Space Mountain is a completely different ride, though the Matterhorn might actually seem familiar to you if you've been on Space Mountain at MK. Of course, in Occtober you shoul dhave Haunted Mansion Holiday - don't miss that! Also, be sure to ride the DL Railroad as there are actually some cool things to see in the Fantasyland to Mainstreet leg of the circuit.

The rides that are actually identical are Star Tours, Rise of the Resistance, Smuggler's Run, Soarin', and Toy Story Mania. I believe that Runaway Railway will also be an identical copy when it opens. Everything else has at least a slight difference (in some cases very slight, but noticeable).

 

[alleighboo]

We went for the first time to DL (only been to WDW before) October 10-14, 2022 and had the BEST time. It was crowded but we got everything done we wanted to, plus some. I also didn't think the crowds were as terrible as I had read/been expecting. The longest we waited in line for a ride was maybe 30 minutes (had Genie+). We also did Oogie Boogie and it was great!

What really helped was using rope drop/EE if you're staying on property, we had one dining reservation a day and that gave us some structure, and also planning out what you want to eat (or an idea at least) and mobile ordering. We took midday breaks every day since everything is so close. It's so cozy and laid back at DL compared to WDW!

Make sure you try to ride and experience everything that is unique or different in DL. The different Fantasyland rides, HMH, the canoes, Pirates, Space Mountain, Matterhorn, RSR, Guardians, etc. Tower of Terror is my favorite WDW ride, but I loved Guardians even more, and RSR more than that!

As another October newbie to another, have the best time! I just booked another trip to DL for June

 

[sophy1996]

That is Columbus Day weekend. It’s going to be very very crowded. Possibly to the level of hard-to-walk-through-parts-of-the-park crowded, unless it happens to rain. Rope drop will be your best friend.

OBB will likely be Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday nights. Be alert for when tix go on sale in the summer—last year all parties sold out in a matter of days.

When thinking about costumes remember that October is still hot in Southern California.

We often go in October because it’s a birthday month, and it’s entirely doable if you pack patience and hit rope drop.

 

[fly girl]

There’s much less planning required. No worries about getting dinner reservations. It’s much more laid back.

Sadly, that is not the case anymore. It has become even more challenging than WDW reservations because unlike WDW, DLR's don't drop like clockwork.

OP, if you want a dining/package reservation, book as soon as you can (typically 60 days out). If you really really really don't want to miss anything - I suggest getting a monthly Mouse Dining text notification subscription right before the 60 day window. You can get free notifications, but that is through email and it is very likely by the time you open it the reservation is gone. Just an FYI.

OP, are your tickets hoppers? Get the hoppers if you can. The parks are so close, and with G+ it is nice to be able to hop back and forth after 1pm.

Don't miss WOC! It is a fabulous show. If you don't like standing or are vertically challenged like myself, I do recommend the WOC Dessert Party. It isn't cheap, but it is always our DLR splurge.

DLR QS is vastly superior to WDW. Bengal BBQ, Jolly Holiday, Rancho del Zocalo, Pym Test Kitchen, Cozy Cone to name a few.

You're going to love DLR!

 

[firsttimer4]

We went for the first time to DL (only been to WDW before) October 10-14, 2022 and had the BEST time. It was crowded but we got everything done we wanted to, plus some. I also didn't think the crowds were as terrible as I had read/been expecting. The longest we waited in line for a ride was maybe 30 minutes (had Genie+). We also did Oogie Boogie and it was great!

What really helped was using rope drop/EE if you're staying on property, we had one dining reservation a day and that gave us some structure, and also planning out what you want to eat (or an idea at least) and mobile ordering. We took midday breaks every day since everything is so close. It's so cozy and laid back at DL compared to WDW!

Make sure you try to ride and experience everything that is unique or different in DL. The different Fantasyland rides, HMH, the canoes, Pirates, Space Mountain, Matterhorn, RSR, Guardians, etc. Tower of Terror is my favorite WDW ride, but I loved Guardians even more, and RSR more than that!

As another October newbie to another, have the best time! I just booked another trip to DL for June

This gives me hope!! We are usually early risers and park closers so rope drop will be the plan.

I can't wait to try all the new rides.

 

[firsttimer4]

That is Columbus Day weekend. It’s going to be very very crowded. Possibly to the level of hard-to-walk-through-parts-of-the-park crowded, unless it happens to rain. Rope drop will be your best friend.

OBB will likely be Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday nights. Be alert for when tix go on sale in the summer—last year all parties sold out in a matter of days.

When thinking about costumes remember that October is still hot in Southern California.

We often go in October because it’s a birthday month, and it’s entirely doable if you pack patience and hit rope drop.

We have done WDW the week of Mardi Gras break and the week of columbus Day and fought those crowds with no big issues. Hopefully DL won't be much worse

We're from Louisiana where it is always HOT! LOL

Thanks for the info on OBB. Looks like the sunday will be our best choice.

 

[Mle8308]

We are WDW regulars and love it! We have done several Oct trips. This year we have decided to do DL. I feel like a Disney newbie all over again.
Please be nice about October…I’ve already heard it’s Terrible!!
-any positives about October? We’re going the 6-10th
- we plan on attending OBB
- looking at the fantasmic dining package
- we have 4 days of park tickets with genie + ( thinking we’ll do 2 and 2)

Please any suggestions would be great. Dining, must do’s, Oct strategies, etc.

Our travel party is Me (40), my two kids (12 & 15) and my Nanny (godmother/Aunt 65)

I went this past October 16 - 21st. It was quite busy, and hot. It was about 92 each day that week, temps dropped down into the low 80's after we left. The monorail was closed a few days due to the high temperatures! It did open back up in the evening when it got cooler, it doesn't have A/C like the monorails at WDW do. Good call on buying Genie+ , you can do a lot more with it at DL/DCA than at WDW. I would also recommend hoppers since it's a 3 minute walk between the two parks and it will help maximize Genie+. I heard all sorts of negative things about going in October, too. It was not as bad as people made it out to be, especially compared to WDW right now. DL is also open until midnight each night, so that helps. I did find getting in early and doing the attractions in Fantasyland that do not have Genie+ was a good option. And definitely get the churro toffee, you will not regret it! It's a really great experience and I can't wait to go back.

 

[ktlm]

Be sure and keep an eye open for the dates OBB tickets go on sale. They sold out extremely fast last year. We have been to WDW that week many times, and in 2021 we went to DLR that same week. DLR was insane- way more crowded than we expected and way more crowded than WDW that same week. OBB was wonderful though. It was by far the best evening of our trip. If they had it twice during our trip, I would have wished we had done it both nights- but we flew home on Sunday.

Fantasmic dining package is fine-- we have done it many times and it is the only way we do Fantasmic, but be aware you are sitting on the ground for Fantasmic-- there is no seating like you have at WDW. If you are talking about the River Belle Terrace package where you sit at the restaurant, know that you have a seat, but the view is not great. You might think about doing the World of Color dessert package-- for that one you get a table and seat and a good view. If you do a dining package as opposed to the dessert package for WOC- the viewing area is standing only. In 2021, WOC wasn't back yet, so there was not one during OBB. The also did not do the Halloween version in 2022. I don't know if they will have a Halloween one during OBB this year or just be doing regular nights. We have only done the regular night one.

You might consider getting hoppers- hopping is a 5 minute process at DLR and when it is that extremely crowded you might find yourself looking at the wait times app and wanting to switch parks.
You absolutely need to be there at opening during that time-- at DLR, because of the locals the shortest lines are always first thing in the morning. We have been in the summer many times and usually the first 2 hours are great-- in October 2021 it was only about 30 minutes to an hour that was decent before the crowds picked up.
You will be there on the weekend-- if you can get the Lamplight Lounge Brunch (only done Fri, Sat and Sun) we did that October 2021 and it was the best meal we have ever had at DLR-- we loved it.

The good thing about DLR is everything is walkable. You can get from the back of DL to the back of CA in 10 minutes, we have done it. Also, if you are a Nightmare Before Christmas fan, the Haunted Mansion overlay is terrific. Last year the line looked awful and the posted time was over an hour and both times we rode it we were in line about half of what was posted. Genie + hadn't launched yet-- so that could affect it. Also, you might have a better trip than we had last October since there is Genie +. Last year there was no fast pass and no max pass and we said we weren't going back without it-- hopefully you will have a great trip!

 

[BrianL]

We have done WDW the week of Mardi Gras break and the week of columbus Day and fought those crowds with no big issues. Hopefully DL won't be much worse

We're from Louisiana where it is always HOT! LOL

Thanks for the info on OBB. Looks like the sunday will be our best choice.

The thing about DL though is that is is significantly smaller, so it may feel more crowded. Plus there are choke points in the pathways at certian places and the line queues can spill out very far from the official entrance. CA is a little better, but can still get clogged with people. One thing though is that it can seem super busy, but wait times won't be that bad - it's just the size.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

If you can switch your dates to later September I highly recommend it. Or at least not Columbus Day weekend. It’s really just a bad, bad time, so crowded in October, especially that weekend.

 

[ComeToSocialize]

October is crowded but I wouldn't worry about it. As others have noted, it won't be as bad as WDW in terms of standby wait times. It will feel crowded in places like Fantasyland, Adventureland, and New Orleans Square because there just isn't enough room for everyone, but the wait times themselves, particularly with G+, won't be that bad.

If you need areas to get away from the crowds, Cars land, particularly the areas between cars land and Pacific Wharf, and between Cars land and Avengers Campus are generally pretty sparse, have nice scenery, good place to hang out. DCA in general feels way less crowded except for Avengers Campus. You'll be fine crowd wise.

I think World of Color dining package would be better than Fantasmic, although DL's Fantasmic is better than WDW. World of Color will be even more unique for you.

DLR's Table Service options aren't as good as WDW, but Lamplight Lounge and Carthay Circle are nice in DCA (Carthay can be a bit pricey). Craftsman Bar and Storytellers Cafe (buffet) are good in the Grand Californian.

In terms of rides, the must-dos for a WDW-vet but first time DLR would be:
Indiana Jones, Matterhorn, Radiator Springs Racers (same ride system as Test Track but way better), Space Mountain (way superior to MK), Guardians of the Galaxy (same ride system as tower of terror but lots of fun), Buzz Lightyear (better than WDW), Pirates (better than WDW), and the unique fantasyland rides: Alice, storybook boats, Snow White, Mr Toad. Splash Mountain is the main ride that I think is "worse" at DLR but I think it'll be closed for the Princess and Frog refurb anyways.

 

[Chickinvic]

What's wrong with October - I hadn't heard?

Extremely crowded.

 

[ktlm]

Not to be a downer-- and hopefully Genie+ will help alot - but when we were there in October 2021, the line for Small World was consistently an hour. Never seen that before. Mermaid was consistently half an hour or more and we usually walk on it or wait a maximum of 10 minutes. The wait times for everything were way longer than we are used to seeing at DLR in June or July which is when we usually go. But, there was no Genie + for us, so you might have great luck with it.

Also while the table service options aren't like WDW-- in our opinion CS at DLR is WAY better than CS at WDW. No way could I do a vacation at WDW on only CS, but I easily could at DLR. There are a lot of CS options. Also, if you like Beignets, you don't want to miss the seasonal Mickey beignets at the Mint Julep bar in New Orleans Square. 2021 they were Chocolate Strawberry and they were wonderful- 2022 they did Pumpkin Spice and I heard they were also wonderful. Also, if the crowds get to you, CA still has the Animation Academy (which we miss at WDW) and it can be a lot of fun to sit and draw characters. Also the single rider line at RSR can be extremely helpful--even in insane October we were able to ride it multiple times with the single rider line--- even the single rider line was longer than we were used to, but definitely manageable. Also-- if you like Smuggler's Run, Galaxy's Edge really clears out at night--- DD did the single rider line 6 times in a row walk on- and the standby line was only 15 or 20 minutes. Oga's was taking walk ins too. There are bright spots- even if it is insanely crowded.

 

[jesskeys91]

Extremely crowded.

Do the crowds last the whole month or does it get better the closer you get to November?

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

Do the crowds last the whole month or does it get better the closer you get to November?

It gets worse the closer you get to Halloween. Halloween itself is usually not too bad, especially not in the morning/afternoon. The few days after Halloween have historically been pretty low crowds but that was not the case this year. It remained busy through Veteran's Day weekend (usually the second weekend in November).

Good to note that Dapper Day event is usually the first weekend in November, and this can also draw crowds, though in my experience it's nothing like the October/Halloweentime crowds.