Which option?

Fanatic Father

Earning My Ears
Joined
May 9, 2007
Messages
11
We're a family of four (kids 4 and 8), and we have two options for when to visit the park. The first option is August 25 through 31. The advantage to this is that my son will get to celebrate his 8th birthday in the park. This will be a five day parkhopper with a six night stay at Hojos.

The second option would be October 9th through 13th. This would be a four day parkhopper and a five night stay at Hojos.

I realize that August is the hotter, busier time. I did notice that the park's hours were reduced slightly on this last week of the month. I'm hoping this is in correlation to the crowds they're expecting.

So should we fight the crowds but have a longer stay in August, or should we go for the reduced hours and shorter (but less crowded) trip in October?

Thank you very much for your input!
 
I'd go in August. More rides open, greater hours, generally, summer shows/attractions likely to still be there. Plus, longer trip and the ability to celebrate your son's b-day there.
Many schools do go back to school that last week of August, so you might have less crowds than you'd think. With the amount of time you'll have, even if it's crazy, you'll have enough time to do everything you want. We went during spring break. It was insane, and we still go to see just about everything we wanted to in 3 days. We would have seen everything we wanted to had my kids not demanded to do favorite things over and over.
 
I agree, go in August. Up here in Northern CA, the 1st day of school is August 23rd.
 
Octobers have been busier the last couple of year. You probably wouldn't see a big difference in crowd size between the last week of August and any week in October.
 

I'd have to agree and a birthday at Disneyland is special. I don't think the weather will be much different between your two dates as Fall tends to be warm in S. Cal. If rides are going to come down for refurbishment, it's more likely in the Fall than Summer and you get one extra day so that's a plus right there!

Either way, have a great time!
 
I say August, as well. Just about all AZ schools will be back in session. Many are back as early as July and most back second week of August. I am still considering a trip the weekend of the 25th for my dh's birthday!
 
I agree with the other posters, go in August. You child's b-day will be extra special celebrating with all of the Disney Magic. It will be hot, so plan accordingly, lots of water, afternoon breaks, and of course a Dole Whip or two. ;) You will appreciate the full schedule as we have gone when the park closes earlier and the extra shows were not showing, which was a bummer. Take full advantage of the summer schedule. Have a magical time. pixiedust:
 
I really appreciate everyone's help! Just to mix things up a bit, what if I said we could swing the Disneyland Hotel for our stay in Oct.? Would that change anything?

Thanks again.
 
If you can find it I highly recommend reading HydroGuy's Rule about High Season v. Value Season. It gives a detailed list of the pros and cons of each, which may sway you one way or the other. (I thought there was a link in the stickies above, but I couldn't find it.)

High season has later hours and more attractions offered more often, but also heavy crowds. Value season has lower crowds, but some attractions are closed or offered only on weekends, for example. Some of the attractions are down for predictable timeframes (refurbishment), so you could time your trip in value season to make sure you don't miss any must-sees, though.

We have two small children (ages 6 and 3), and really hate crowds and long lines, so we went last year in September, and will likely go again in the same timeframe. But one of these days I want to go when I can see the Haunted Mansion! :)
 
I really appreciate everyone's help! Just to mix things up a bit, what if I said we could swing the Disneyland Hotel for our stay in Oct.? Would that change anything?

Thanks again.

Typically DL runs 4th night free in October for the three disney hotels - not sure if that would swing your vote either way.

While I am sure the people in AZ can not make that much of a difference - I know we will be in school in August - and off for you dates for fall break - I know I will see the mouse the 7th - 11th in October.

I also do love the Halloween decorations - so that could be another consideration if you would prefer to see the park in its natural state or dressed up for Halloween.
 
I vote October, that's my favorite time and the decorations are spectacular. Plus staying at the hotel adds a bit of magic. Pools are also heated so that's another nice perk. Even acclimated to CA temps, we always swim.

The other reason - how can you have one child's birthday at Disneyland and not do the other as well? I mean, you would still do a special birthday for the other one and maybe even participate in the Disneyland Birthday party while you're there. I personally would find it hard to do one and not the other and you know they'll remember that when they're 30 and remind you of how they're neglected (lol...my BIL did that to my MIL and FIL for the past 10 years - until we surprised him by bringing them along in February when we all met.)
 
That is a hard choice. Normally I would always choose the longer stay, but if I had to loose a day but stay at the DLH, I probably would do that. Plus I would love to see DL all decked out for Halloween. You could also see the HM with the NBC overlay.

But a b-day party at DL would be awesome. I couldn't imagine a better place to enjoy it.

I would think you are going enough days during either time to see everything you would want, so I wouldn't worry about that in making the decision.
 
Hummmm, tough choice. But I vote for October. And if you can stay on-site, for sure October. We have been both times and August is more crowded - we were there the last four days of August last year and it was packed. The only drawback to Oct in my opinion is shorter hours and no fireworks/parades except on weekends. Oh, and the fact that you have to wait two more months to experience the magic;) Good luck deciding, I am sure you will have a wonderful time either way.:thumbsup2
 
One of the things that might sway me towards August is not having to take my 8 year old out of school for a week. Also, DL Hotel might be too much of a stretch. Especially compared to the $54 per night Hojo's entertainment rate.

FF
 


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