Would You Choose Late September, or Early October?

[Mugglemama]

My choices are most likely: September 21-25 (M-F) or October 5-9 (also a M-F).

Any reason you guys can think of to choose one over the other? I haven't been in so long, and with all the changes since our last visit, I feel like my knowledge base for DLR-timing is outdated. (we'll have 5 day PH's, one MM, and staying off-site but within walking distance).

 

[figment_jii]

In terms of crowds, I think that September 21 to 25 will probably be better. October 5 to 9 may be slightly busier because some schools are on Fall break (there may be some on fall break in September as well) and it's the week between Gay Days and Columbus Day/CHOC walk. There might be some residual crowds from Gay Days and some early three-day weekenders showing up throughout the week. I've been tracking some events and school breaks in the 2015 Calendar of Events & School Breaks and DLR thread.

We don't know when HalloweenTime will start this year, but it should have begun by September 21st, so that probably isn't going to be an issue (in terms of HMH, SMGG, etc.). The big question is MHPs. For the last few years, the first party has been on the last Friday in September, which would mean they should start on September 25 this year. However, there have been rumors that the MHP will see changes this year, but no one knows for sure if that means more parties, an earlier start to the parties, the parties moving to DCA, etc. I doubt there will be fewer parties or that they will start later, but if you're interested in MHP, I would go with the October dates because you're more likely to have more dates to choose from during that period.

 

[Mugglemama]

Thanks for the help, Figment! I appreciate it!

We're *not* interested in MHP...so I think I'll start focusing on that week in September. I was thinking we might be dealing with heavier crowds that September week because of its proximity to the start of the overlay for HM - but that's still probably better than going in between two special event weekends. Crowds aren't a deal-breaker, and we're going to have a blast no matter what (have I mentioned we need this vacay like nobody's business?!! lol...), but a few years ago, the stories of people being in gridlock on Main Street during the Halloween season made me a little uneasy about visiting during that time.

 

[figment_jii]

I haven't really experienced the Main Street Grid Lock (except after fireworks) during the Halloween-season for all of my trips there, but perhaps I don't feel it as much because I don't have to push a stroller/wheelchair. Crowds will be high on the weekends and any holiday, but the weekday crowds are generally manageable. It doesn't mean walk-on for all attractions, but I've found that there is generally enough time to get a lot done.

 

[Imdboss]

Last year we went the Wed before Columbus Day and our last day at DL was Mon. Based on that Wed was amazing, the crowds were really low, we only waited in line 15-20 minutes for rides. Starting Thursday there was a noticeable increase in crowds, lines were more like 30-45 minutes and Friday was MHP which we attended so we didn't arrive in the park until 4 so not sure what the crowds were like earlier in the day. I think Sept would be the better option for the reasons that figment pointed out.

 

[kungaloosh22]

I was thinking we might be dealing with heavier crowds that September week because of its proximity to the start of the overlay for HM - but that's still probably better than going in between two special event weekends.

When are the overlays for GG and HM typically in place? I'm thinking about visiting early on after those are ready.

 

[Mugglemama]

When are the overlays for GG and HM typically in place? I'm thinking about visiting early on after those are ready.

If I'm not mistaken, for the last few years at least, the overlays have been in place by the 20th of September. Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[figment_jii]

For the last few years, HalloweenTime has started around the second Friday in September. This year, that would mean HalloweenTime would start on September 11, but given the significance of that date, it seems somewhat unlikely that Disney would opt to start a festive "season" on that date. So the guessing is that HalloweenTime will official start somewhere between September 12 and 18 (my guess is closer to the 12th than the 18th).

 

[kungaloosh22]

If I'm not mistaken, for the last few years at least, the overlays have been in place by the 20th of September. Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong.

For the last few years, HalloweenTime has started around the second Friday in September. This year, that would mean HalloweenTime would start on September 11, but given the significance of that date, it seems somewhat unlikely that Disney would opt to start a festive "season" on that date. So the guessing is that HalloweenTime will official start somewhere between September 12 and 18 (my guess is closer to the 12th than the 18th).

Thanks Mugglemama and figment_jii. That's very helpful.