Anaheim Travel Forum

Can anyone tell me what the weather will be like towards the end of October, beginning of November? Also, since we are planning on checking out DL during this season, would we be able to go through both parks in 1 whole day(keep in mind I have 2 kids with me, ages 2 &9)or should we go for the 2 day park hopper pass?

The weather should still be good that time of the year. It will be a bit chilly at night (50-55F), but should be pleasant during the daytime hours (70-75F). No rain or anything like that.

Forgot to answer the second part of your question :)

I would recommend a 2-day park hopper ticket. One day will likely be rushed and probably tiring on your young ones. If you can stay a second day, that would be most ideal.

Even as an adult who has been to Disneyland many times, I would not do both parks in one day. They are too big and there is just too much to see and do. The weather should be great...just bring sweatshirts for the evening hours.

Given the age of your children, I would definitely suggest 2 days as well. That way, you can cut out of the park mid-afternoon and go have a rest at your hotel for a couple of hours, then come back to the park refreshed and ready to go for a few more hours! This will also allow you to do more than just see the rides. For example, there are shows and parades in both parks that would be fun for your children (particularly the evening parades), as well as Fantasmic which is a fabulous evening show that I would strongly urge you to take the time to see. Depending on what days of the week you are there, there may be fireworks at night, and those are close to closing time. So, I think you definitely want to have an afternoon break so that the kids have the energy to make it till at least 10 or 10:30 so you can see some of the shows.

If you go to Disney's website, you will be able to view their calendar and you will have a good idea ahead of time what sorts of shows and parades will be offered while you are there. Here's the link to their homepage:

http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/home/home?name=HomePage

Scroll down the page and you will see the "see the calendar" link on the right hand side of the page. If you click that, you can enter the range of dates that you want. When I did this, I saw that Fantasmic will not be offered while you are there :( It's a Small world will also be closed at this time. Both of these areas are undergoing some major refurbishments at the present time. The Hyperion Theatre in DCA will also be closed at that time, which will eliminate some shows there as well. The fireworks display is only offered on Friday and Saturday nights at that time of year, starting around 9:30. (weather permitting, of course) You would probably want to schedule your Disney days so that at least one of them is on Friday or Saturday, so that you can see the fireworks. They really are amazing at Disney.

The good part about going at the end of October is that the park will be decorated for Halloween. If your 9 year old is a fan of this holiday, it may be a fun time to go.

Even if you have 2 days, you will still be pressed for time, IMO. I always advise first-timers to Disneyland to purchase the book "The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland". It is a valuable planning resource, with information on all rides, attractions and restaurants in the parks plus the same info on Universal Studios as well. The cost for the current version is probably around $15 USD. If you go to Amazon online, you may be able to find a prior year's version (used) for a little cheaper. One of the best things about the book is it explains the Fast Pass system, which can help you spend a little less time waiting in line if you use it right.

Another alternative to the book I suggested is Ridemax, which is a software program you can buy online for around $20 USD. You can enter in all of the things you want to see and do while you're there, with your dates, and it will print out an itinerary for you of the order to do things so you minimize your waiting time. I have heard very positive things about it, from others who have purchased it.

I hope that this is useful to you.

- CG

October will be a bit nippy but with baby blankets for the children and a good sweather/coat it will keep them warm.
There is no way you can possibly enjoy the rides on both parks, Disneyland as well as DCA had added more rides. You need at least two days. Having ages 2 and 9, we would recommend just Disneyland as DCA would really be for teens however, yet they do have rides for your children's ages however, not as many as Disneyland as it's originally was designed for that ages of your children. You know, you are allowed to bring in drinks, just make sure they are not containers made of glass, they should all be containers in plastics. You too are allowed to bring your snacks, sandwiches. Bring extra clothes are there are water rides which your young children can enjoy but will eventually need to change so they won't catch colds. One advise, be at the gate as early as possible so you can all have all the exciting rides. When when younger children, try to start from the furthest ride and walk towards the exit door...meaning go to the end of the park and start your ride specially where the long ques are found, or the most popular rides are. Enjoy the happiest place on earth!