Disneyland questions! End of October - early November About This Page:

[choccieaddict]

We've booked a 10 night stay in Anaheim and plan on spending a few days seeing Disneyland and California Adventure. Hopefully we'll have 3 day park hoppers, hoping that will be enough as we'd like to experience as much of L.A. as possible.

We're coming from the Uk and it will be our first time in California (I was lucky enough to visit some 30 years ago but don't really remember anything). I'm afraid I have alot of questions, so please bear with me

I'm hoping we've picked a good time to visit...we fly into LAX on the 24th October and fly out on the 3rd November.

Can anyone tell me what crowd levels I can expect? We're used to WDW in mid August, so are no strangers to lines and hitting the big rides first and getting to the parks for opening. We'd try not to hit the parks on a weekend. Will Halloween affect the parks? Do US kids have this week off school like our UK kids do? Will we need to grab Fastpasses early on?

Also, what about the weather? Is it shorts or jeans weather? Hot or just pleasantly sunny?

We're staying at the Hyatt Orange County and will be using their shuttle bus. How soon before park opening do you think we should be at the bus stop? Is the ride very long? And (see, told ya I have lots to ask ) would the shuttle bus take us to Downtown Disney, or could we walk to and fro the two parks and DTD?

Sorry for so many questions on one thread, figured it would be easier on everyone if I didn't clutter the boards with individual questions!

[chezp]

Hello neighbour! I just realised we're just down the road from you.

We were there around the same time in 2008 - from memory about 25-28 October and it was a perfect time to visit. The crowds were low and the weather was amazing. Actually, in truth, it was too hot - it was into the 90s, but I know from the friend we were visiting Disneyland with that that was unseasonably hot.

[Teresa R]

I was just at Disneyland last year at Halloween and the crowds were not bad at all except for the weekends. Even when we went to MNSSHP the crowds were a nice level. The weather was in the 80s the whole time. I don't know how long the shuttle ride is from your hotel though.

You can easily walk between Disneyland, California Adventures and Downtown Disney. In fact DL and DCA are just across from each other and DTD is right there as well.

[DebiDebiDebi]

I have stayed at the Hyatt Regency and it is less than a mile from the Parks. The shuttle was efficient, and I believe it came round a couple times an hour. Their website should have information on the schedule.
You an walk between the two parks as they are separated by a courtyard. DTD is situated in between the two parks as well.

[w-steele]

Originally Posted by choccieaddict

We've booked a 10 night stay in Anaheim and plan on spending a few days seeing Disneyland and California Adventure. Hopefully we'll have 3 day park hoppers, hoping that will be enough as we'd like to experience as much of L.A. as possible.

We're coming from the Uk and it will be our first time in California (I was lucky enough to visit some 30 years ago but don't really remember anything). I'm afraid I have alot of questions, so please bear with me

I'm hoping we've picked a good time to visit...we fly into LAX on the 24th October and fly out on the 3rd November.

Can anyone tell me what crowd levels I can expect? We're used to WDW in mid August, so are no strangers to lines and hitting the big rides first and getting to the parks for opening. We'd try not to hit the parks on a weekend. Will Halloween affect the parks? Do US kids have this week off school like our UK kids do? Will we need to grab Fastpasses early on?

Also, what about the weather? Is it shorts or jeans weather? Hot or just pleasantly sunny?

We're staying at the Hyatt Orange County and will be using their shuttle bus. How soon before park opening do you think we should be at the bus stop? Is the ride very long? And (see, told ya I have lots to ask ) would the shuttle bus take us to Downtown Disney, or could we walk to and fro the two parks and DTD?

Sorry for so many questions on one thread, figured it would be easier on everyone if I didn't clutter the boards with individual questions!

The weather here in Southern Calif is subject to change, lately, on a moments notice but in the past my wife would say shorts during the day and long pants at night. But it never hurts to keep the long pants handy in case 'mother', as in Mother Nature, wants to mess with your mind. LOL
To get an excellent idea as to where your hotel is to the DLR and how far apart DL, DCA and DTD are to each other, visit our web site for a Google Earth view of the area. We also have a page listing all Good Neighbor Hotels and Motels plus Resturants in the 'walking area' of DLR.

http://allarounddisney.shutterfly.com/

As for transportation between the Hotel and DLR, here is what their web site says,
Disneyland® Resort:
Complimentary shuttle.
Departure from our Orange County airport hotel on top of & 30 mins after each hour.
Pick-Up from Disneyland® Resort 20 and 50 mins after each hour.
*Car seats NOT required or provided on shuttle


Hope this information will assist you in making your plans for your visit.

[nikkilovesmickey]

First off have a great time in LA. When I went my first time with my mom we had a blast. There is so much to see and do while you are there.

We did a 3 day park hopper pass our first time as well, and to be honest adterwards I wanted to go to the parks more. There is so much to see specially if its your first time.

The nights cool off, but depending on what you are used to, the temps may be alright.

As others have said the parks are like a 2 minute walk from one another and DTD is to the one side. THere are maps and such on the Disneyland site. ITs not as big as you are thinking.

Also I came across a map of the Disneyland hotel area, so maybe if your google hotels around Disneyland, you will be able to get a better idea as to where your hotel is, and who knows maybe it is walking distance.

Have a great time, and can't wait to hear about it when you get back home.

[Teresa R]

Regarding the kids, here in the US the kids will still be in school during the week.

[Ryans Mom]

That time of year is wonderful in California! (I'll be there this year too!) Kids are not out of school - so lines and crowds aren't too bad - also, if you are used to WDW in August, DL doesn't even compare to those crowds!

Halloween affects the park mainly in decorations - not different crowd levels. If you haven't been to WDW's not so scary halloween party, I suggest going to the one at DL or DCA (location is still a mystery for this year I believe). The parties are so much fun!

Fastpasses don't disappear in an hour like in WDW...but there are some new attractions this year that I would get passes for early if you are interested. Ariel's ride in DCA and Star Tours in DL open this June, and I'm sure will have long waits and lots of people getting fastpasses.

For clothing - bring both! I used to wear jeans and a t-shirt and would bring along a sweatshirt or light jacket for at night. I'd look at the expected weather just before your trip to see if they are getting unseasonably warm or cool weather, but I think they are usually mid 70's to mid 80's during the day and 60's at night.

Also - as a side note: One of the main differences between WDW and DL/DCA when it comes to their big shows is seating. Fantasmic at DL (in my opinion) is better than WDW's, but they don't have stadium seating the way WDW does. People camp out on the grass an hour or so before the show. We used to get snacks, find our spot, and hang out till showtime. I'm not sure if Fantasmic offers dining packages with priority seating or not...but I'm guessing they do if that's the way you prefer to do the shows. If not, make sure you find your spot early enough because everyone doesn't have a clear view of the show. For WOC, the same holds true. I recommend getting the picnic lunch with priority seating for that show. You can reserve the lunch online before you leave for the trip.

Have fun! I love southern california! I'd move back if I could...but for now I just have fun planning my vacations!