Which days to visit park during Halloween party time

[AuntieKels]

hi,

We’re visiting Los Angeles from September 15th to 23rd. We will have a five day park hopper and would like to possibility work in the Halloween party. We won’t be able to experience much of the party because our kids are young and can’t stay up late.

I was thinking we would do Monday, Tuesday, Halloween party on Wednesday and the rest of the day at the pool, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Halloween party is offered on Wednesday (the 1st party of the season) and Friday during our stay.

-I’m wondering if you think it will be foolish to waste a lower crowd day in the middle of the week by only doing the party?
-Is Saturday going to be so crazy we won’t be able to enjoy our last day? They will only have nighttime spectaculars on the weekend during this season and Friday is another party night so Saturday might be our only chance for fantasmic.
-Is the first party of the season usually pretty busy? I’m not sure what to expect for crowds and wait times.

Thank you!

 

[Mommy2PrincessAbby]

If it were me, I would do a park day on Wednesday, and the party Friday night... as Wednesday will be so much quieter. Then you have Saturday night for F! Remember to take afternoon breaks for naps so you don’t wear out the kiddos!

 

[AuntieKels]

Thanks @Mommy2PrincessAbby

We’re reconsidering the Friday party now. I wish the party started at 6pm on Friday’s too. I worry starting an hour later will really be pushing it for my 4 and 1 year olds.

 

[Mommy2PrincessAbby]

Thanks @Mommy2PrincessAbby

We’re reconsidering the Friday party now. I wish the party started at 6pm on Friday’s too. I worry starting an hour later will really be pushing it for my 4 and 1 year olds.

Naps are imperative! Hit the parks early, eat lunch early, and then spend the most crowded part of the day sleeping (1-4 pm), then head back out to the parks. It is not a waste of time and you will thank me later!

 

[figment_jii]

I really like MHP, but I don't think it's worth the price if you can't enjoy the full party. That being said, it does have an exclusive parade and fireworks show (usually around 9:30 pm), character meet and greets, and trick-or-treating. So if you could make it to at least 10:00 pm (after fireworks), then it would be something to consider. Otherwise, I would wait until your children are a little older and able to enjoy the party. We went with a 5 year old (she had a blast) and a 3 year old (he crashed the last hour, but had a good time otherwise).

I don't think Saturday is necessarily going to be crazy busy, but it will be busy (although lately, it seems likes Sundays are worse than Saturdays). If seeing F! is important, then Saturday is probably your only chance. I'd look into one of the dining packages; once F! goes to a weekends only schedule, it tends to be pretty popular/busy on the nights when it is scheduled.

In terms of the crowds at the party; almost all of the parties sell out. It'll be less busy than during the overlap period, but the attractions won't be walk on until towards the end of the party. The biggest drawback to the first party is that they're usually still working out the kinks. There are, inevitably, some glitches, but overall, the first party is still a lot of fun (I would guess that most guests won't notice any glitches or issues).

 

[Pamela M]

Don't plan on the week to be quiet - expect it to be busy! I think if you look at the historical park hours you'll find they are short ( 10am- 9pm for DL) Which means there really isn't time for afternoon pool time and the parks seem packed from about noon on.
I went the last week of September last year and during the week with the short hours and it was busy from about 11am until close. And by busy I mean it felt busier than any weekend at the park. Because of the short hours no one (including me) didn't leave the park for an afternoon break so there wasn't the regular ebb and flow of people that happens when the park hours are longer it was just long lines and lots of people.

Also note- I've found DL is quieter on a Park day so I'd plan on doing DL on Party days. People who only have 1 park tickets will go to DCA on party days so DCA will feel busier.

I would recommend the Wednesday party for the reason stated above.

 

[stickeymouse]

Since you are staying for 5+ days, I think you will have plenty of time for "pool time." I don't think you can go wrong no matter what you decide. Given the ages of your kids, I think it is a close call whether it is worth the added expense for party tickets. But then again, money is always relative!

 

[lcp9]

hi,

We’re visiting Los Angeles from September 15th to 23rd. We will have a five day park hopper and would like to possibility work in the Halloween party. We won’t be able to experience much of the party because our kids are young and can’t stay up late.

I was thinking we would do Monday, Tuesday, Halloween party on Wednesday and the rest of the day at the pool, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Halloween party is offered on Wednesday (the 1st party of the season) and Friday during our stay.

-I’m wondering if you think it will be foolish to waste a lower crowd day in the middle of the week by only doing the party?
-Is Saturday going to be so crazy we won’t be able to enjoy our last day? They will only have nighttime spectaculars on the weekend during this season and Friday is another party night so Saturday might be our only chance for fantasmic.
-Is the first party of the season usually pretty busy? I’m not sure what to expect for crowds and wait times.

Thank you!

We did the oct 31st party last year - at the time my kids were 6, barely 4, and almost 2. I forced 6yo to take a nap around 3pm - she did ok, but the 8:50 parade was pushing it and by the end of fireworks she was DONE. 4yo had an enormous meltdown around 5pm (going into the preparty) but rallied around 6. 2 yo is a moot point, I think he was asleep by 7.

That said, it was super fun and we're going again. If the money is a stretch, I might wait (even if you go on a 6pm start.) As it turned out, we had 3 day PH and the day of the party was our magic morning at 7am, plus a full day of parks, PLUS the party. The park was empty so it was awesome and I don't regret the way it all panned out, but it was a VERY long day. I'm not sure we could have pulled off a 7pm start. Could you do both party and park Wednesday? Wed being Wednesday plus a party day is pretty decent odds for lower crowds. It's a long day, but if your kids are stroller nappers (or the hotel is close) you can nap during the overlap between party and non-party people from 3-6pm and then go back.

All the parties have capped attendance and sell out, I didn't find it crowded other than getting a good parade spot (we got a decent curb spot at 7:15 for 8:50 start and it was one of the last front row spots.) Treat trails went fast and ride lines were pretty much walk on.

 

[azdisneylover]

Naps are imperative! Hit the parks early, eat lunch early, and then spend the most crowded part of the day sleeping (1-4 pm), then head back out to the parks. It is not a waste of time and you will thank me later!

Plus, this would be the perfect night to say yes to items that would keep the kids up, for example, yes, you can have candy, yes, an ice cream....

 

[AuntieKels]

Thank you for all the feedback so far!

We are lucky enough to do a 5 day visit about once a year but we’ve never been while the parties are happening. As a rule we always take a long midday break for naps. We also don’t stay out very late because we get to the gate at least 30 minutes before extra magic hour every morning.

I guess our “style” is pretty low key because we know what to expect with little kids and we’re ok with that. I just thought it would be fun to try a party because we got such a great deal on our DLH stay and flights.

For some reason I can’t stop waffling between Wednesday and Friday for the party and worrying I’m making a mistake going to the park on Saturday.