October is a month of transformation at Disneyland, where the park transitions from the summer’s heat to the festive Halloween season. However, with the introduction of Halloween events and fall breaks, it’s also a time when crowd sizes can fluctuate significantly. In this article, we’ll delve into what you can expect when visiting Disneyland in October, including crowd sizes, special events, weather, pricing, and tips for navigating the park.
Disneyland tends to be quite busy in October due to the Halloween Time event and various school fall breaks. The crowd levels are often comparable to the Christmas season, with average wait times for attractions around 35 minutes. However, weekdays, particularly Wednesdays and Thursdays, are usually less crowded. Keep in mind that crowd sizes typically increase as the month progresses.
Crowd Sizes in October
October is a busy month at Disneyland, primarily due to Halloween Time, which runs from September to October 31st, and attracts large crowds. In recent years, the crowd levels in October have been comparable to those seen during the Christmas season. The average wait time for attractions in October 2023 was around 35 minutes.
Weekdays, particularly Wednesdays and Thursdays, are considered the best overall days of the week to visit in October. However, holidays like Nevada Day, Columbus Day, and other fall breaks in school districts can cause spikes in crowds. The entire month of October is generally busier than other months, but crowds get progressively worse throughout the month, with earlier weeks being better than later weeks.
Special Events and Promotions
Disneyland hosts special events and promotions during October that can affect crowd size. One of the main attractions during this month is Halloween Time at Disneyland, which has contributed to increased crowds in recent years. The Oogie Boogie Bash, a separate ticketed event, takes place on select nights throughout October, adding to the overall crowd levels.
Weather Impact
October typically marks the beginning of the fall season, which can bring cooler temperatures and more variable weather conditions. Cooler temperatures and seasonal events may attract more visitors, while rainy days and school schedules may lead to fewer visitors.
Pricing, Accommodation, and Dining
During October, guests can expect a range of pricing and accommodation availability. Hotel rates in mid-October can be quite high, but there are still rooms available in the $200-300 range. As for dining options, there are plenty of choices in Los Angeles. Dine L.A. is taking place from October 6 to 20, offering fixed-price, multi-course meals starting at $15 during lunch and dinner at hundreds of participating restaurants.
Tips for Navigating the Park
To navigate the park during October’s busy times, consider arriving early and staying late, using touring plans and itineraries, prioritizing attractions, zigging when others zag, using park apps, making dining reservations, considering Park Hopper tickets, visiting during weekdays, rope dropping popular attractions, and not following the herd.
Conclusion
While October is a busy month at Disneyland, with careful planning and consideration, you can still have a magical experience. By understanding the crowd patterns, taking advantage of special events, and using strategic planning tools, you can make the most of your Disneyland visit, even in the busy month of October.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Oogie Boogie Bash?
The Oogie Boogie Bash is a Halloween-themed, separate ticket event at Disneyland. Hosted on select nights in September and October, it features trick-or-treating, unique entertainment, and the chance to meet some Disney villains.
What is Dine L.A.?
Dine L.A. is a citywide culinary event that takes place over a two-week period. Hundreds of restaurants in Los Angeles participate, offering special fixed-price, multi-course meals for lunch and dinner.
What is a Park Hopper ticket and should I consider it for my October visit?
A Park Hopper ticket allows you to visit both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park on the same day. This can be a good option in October as it gives you more flexibility to navigate the increased crowds and take advantage of lower wait times at certain attractions.
What does “rope dropping” mean?
“Rope dropping” refers to the practice of arriving at the park before it opens and being one of the first in line when the “rope” or barrier is dropped to allow guests inside. This can be a great strategy to experience popular attractions with minimal wait times.
