Which time of year is better--September or November?

[Karebear]

My husband is not a fan of crowds--that is why I take him to Disneyland All kidding aside, I do need some advice please. Which time of year would be best in terms of low crowds? The last week in September (checking in on 9/26 which is the start of the Halloween festivities) or the week in November prior to Thanksgiving week. It will be myself, my husband and our 2 children. I really want him to have a good time so that we can go back! Thanks for any input!

 

[shoppingmom]

We love November! The last 4 trips have been November! Yes the Thanksgiving time can be crazy so we usually go on or before Nov 11, the weather has always been hot, the crowds not so bad and the Christmas decorations up!

 

[JadeDarkstar]

go in mid of nov or the end.
you will get to see most of the Christmas decorations an the weathers nice an crowds less

 

[tiffntwins]

I'd pick November as well.The holiday decorations make the visit extra special.

 

[Sherry E]

The Christmas decorations usually "officially" go up - meaning the start of the official DLR holiday season - on the Friday before Thanksgiving - so that will include the opening of IASW Holiday (can't be missed - it is gorgeous), the light show from the Winter Castle, up Main Street, to the giant Christmas tree, the 'snow,' Santa at the Reindeer Round-Up and at all 3 DLR hotels, the carolers strolling around the resort, etc. Prior to the official start date, there are decorations that are up throughout the parks, but the things I just mentioned are part of the commencement of the official season beginning date. So if you can swing getting to DLR the week before Thanksgiving and stay through that Friday (November 20th), I think you will be quite pleased. Halloweentime is fun, that's for sure, but nothing can compare to the holiday season at DLR - it is very special and magical and not to be missed, and the whole resort is immersed in seasonal food, music, decorations, lights, merchandise throughout every square inch, including all the shops and all the restaurants, all 3 hotels and all of DTD too!

 

[specialks]

My husband and I both HATE crowds. Me even more than him. We went last year in September and have our tickets booked to go again this September. We really enjoyed it and the crowds were very minimal. Our kids had very few waits and we had little to no stress. Things just worked and we never felt like we were wasting our time in lines. We would like to go in November and see the holiday decorations but September just works well for us. Also, we wanted to experience the "normal" Disneyland for our first time as opposed to the holiday version.

A note -- according to most travel guides & websites the least busiest time at Disneyland is from after Thanksgiving weekend until the week before Christmas. The next least-busiest time is September (after Labor Day) thru the weekend preceding Thanksgiving.

Make sure you look at a convention calendar because you can get caught with conventions during your off-season trips and it can make getting a hotel room difficult. You can check the Anaheim-Orange County Convention Center for dates of large conventions.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[Sherry E]

The crowds will not be that bad one week before Thanksgiving, which is when OP would be there if they choose the November dates over late September. The first day - Friday - of the holiday season will likely be crowded, but the days leading up to it will not be that bad. It is very manageable, and when you see the holiday stuff in full swing and soak in that atmosphere, you realize why it is so worthwhile and special to be there.

 

[Karebear]

OP here. It looks like the majority say November. Thanks for all of your input! My kids are very excited to go!