Thank you so much-by the look of your trips you look to be a veteran. If you have any info/tip you'd like to share I'd love to hear it. (Best place to stay, meal plan vs no meal plan, best type of ticket (8 nights-2 adults, DD18 and DS15)
we went mid Oct. in 2001 and the weather was PERFECT!!!! and we got to see the haunted mansion holiday makeover which is SUPER!!!!!! be sure to see it if you can, and watch the nightmare before chistmas 1st. the ride is still great if you have not seen the movie (I have not and I loved it), but I think my kids liked it more because they have seen the movie!
I wish I could answer some of your questions, but we have CA annual passes, and just stay for 2 nights with our AP discount. Actually, if you are going to the parks more than 4 days, the Deluxe AP might be an option, but I don't pay any attention to ticket or package specials that may be a better deal. The AP is $165 and there are no blackout dates in Sept or Oct. And you get discounts at the resort hotels.
We always stay at the Disneyland hotel and really like it. The rooms are large and the surroundings are wonderful. I wanted to stay at Gr Ca on our last trip, but there were no rooms avail with our AP discount, so it was double the rate than staying at DL hotel. Maybe next time!
That's great news about the weather, the weather in England in October, I can guarantee will be cold, raining and miserable so roll on California, we are going in October and can't wait, have not been since 98 so it's been a long time coming.
We're from Canada-so weather here is also pretty cold and wet in October (about 50-50 you'll get an Indian Summer extending into October). Bring on the sun!!!