When to visit... April or October??

[neonderlyn]

Our first trip to disneyland was the end of this past April. We really enjoyed this time, we didn't find it too busy and not too many rides were shut down and the hours were decent. We don't have any other time of year to compare it to since we have only been the once but still we thought it was a pretty good time to go.

For your 2016 trip we are debating of going the same time again, the last weeks of April or going the middle of October since we would get to see it made over for all and we would be able to celebrate our daughters 5th birthday.

Any options on which is better or a more preferred time to visit? And why?

 

[figment_jii]

It depends on whether you want to experience Halloween at the parks or not. I very much enjoy Halloween at DL (especially MHP), but it's become an increasingly popular time, so crowds are on the rise. I think it'll be busier than in April due to HalloweenTime and some schools on Fall Break (UEA can have a fairly big impact on crowds in the parks). Operating hours will probably be comparable to late-April, but note that MHP will shorten DL's hours on specific days (DL closes at 6:00 pm or 7:00 pm for MHP, depending on the night).

 

[taniahappy]

Oct

 

[neonderlyn]

It depends on whether you want to experience Halloween at the parks or not. .

One of the main reasons for considering October is to experience Halloween at the parks and doing the MHP if it wasnt for those sticking with april would be a no brainer.

 

[fantasmicfantastic]

DW and I love October. The more Halloween the better...However, I do enjoy spring trips as well so we can do the original HM instead of the NBC overlay. Don't get me wrong, the NBC overlay is fantastic, but nothing can ever replace the original HM.

In short, I would choose Oct over Apr just to get the MHP and Halloween time fun.

 

[camouseketeer]

It depends on what you want kind of environment you want.

October:
Hot
Extremely Crowded
Wonderful Halloween theming
Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain changed for holiday themes (both negatives, in my opinion)
Mickey's Halloween Party

April:
Weather can be a range of cool and wet to warm and dry
Less crowded depending on when Easter falls (for 2016, you will be fine)
No special theming

If the theming is worth it to you, go in October. It will be more crowded and hotter in October, but the theming is wonderful.
Given the extreme heat and crowds, and the fact that my family dislikes Ghost Galaxy Space Mountain, we would go in April.

 

[meggles]

April. October is too crowded in my opinion. End of April is perfect!

 

[agamble]

Both times are good to visit as mentioned by others above. Late April has nice weather and some of the lower crowds. October has Halloween, often warmer weather, and is crowded. It really comes down to if you want the less crowded experience or the Halloween experience.

I will say that Halloween is nice at Disneyland. I know they cut back a little this year due to the 60th, but hopefully they'll have it all worked out for next year. Also, celebrating a child's birthday at the parks can be great. So if that is what you want to do, then do it. Just don't expect the nice crowds you had in April.

 

[sweethannah]

I've been in October and I'm going in April 2016. It wasn't super busy for us when we went but boy, was it ever hot! The theming is nice but I have a hard time appreciating Fall/Halloween decor in 100+ degree weather.

A catch to April 2016 is that Dapper Days has been pushed back and that might lead to increased attendance as the rates are from the 24 April on.

 

[pennym]

We go in either April or October too. We went in April this year, and October the year before. It's definitely more crowded at Halloweentime, and HOT!!! But I love Haunted Mansion Holiday, and you've really got to experience a Mickey's Halloween Party once, it's so much fun! If you do go in October, don't miss Halloween Screams and the Cadaver Dans. We are going in April next year though, as the second half should be a little less crowded with Spring Break over. You need to decide whats most important to you.

 

[neonderlyn]

Thanks for all the great feedback everyone.

If you visit mid week in october, like tuesday-friday do the crowds tend to be more manageable or are they always large during that month because of the halloween overlay and party?

 

[agamble]

Thanks for all the great feedback everyone.

If you visit mid week in october, like tuesday-friday do the crowds tend to be more manageable or are they always large during that month because of the halloween overlay and party?

As long as there are no school holidays the mid-weeks are not so bad during the early part of the day. Expect crowds to grow as people get off of work and head to the parks.

 

[Indiana Scott]

End of April or 1st week of May.
Great weather and low crowds. Plus, it's early spring and the park is gorgeous.

 

[carrierael77]

I went April 17th of this year for a week, and am going back October 17th. So, in about a month I can give you a comparison.

 

[neonderlyn]

I went April 17th of this year for a week, and am going back October 17th. So, in about a month I can give you a comparison.

That is the same week we went in april and I really enjoyed that time. I thought it was a great choice and crowds were very manageable that's why im nervous about an October trip! Please let me know you opinion after your trip!

 

[carrierael77]

That is the same week we went in april and I really enjoyed that time. I thought it was a great choice and crowds were very manageable that's why im nervous about an October trip! Please let me know you opinion after your trip!

Will do. Since we had the same experience in April it will be a good comparison.