Disneyland - Help me decide?

[kathleena]

I have never been to Disneyland!

I have an opportunity to book a seminar at the Disneyland Hotel at the end of March. I would travel Sun-Wed for that, but was thinking I would leave Thu or Fri ahead of time instead and take a few days to see the parks. The room rate is $149/night plus tax/resort fee.

I'm also considering the DL Marathon in Sept (either as supporter or participant?), but would also really love to see DL in Oct with all the HM decorations and the Halloween festivities. I love going to WDW and wearing my FG costume for the MNSSHP, but do they have a party at DL? Of course, with those trips, I would have to foot the whole bill and with March - the airfare is covered. And with March and October, I would be alone and in September, I could join with other Taginators.

And I could book the seminar in Orlando at the end of June and maybe do the DL seminar in 2007 or 2008 in March.

March - September - October at Disneyland
Differences? Pros? Cons? Any thoughts by anyone on my options?
Would really appreciate opinions and stuff!

Thank you!

[akdisney]

I have never been to Disneyland!

I'm also considering the DL Marathon in Sept (either as supporter or participant?), but would also really love to see DL in Oct with all the HM decorations and the Halloween festivities. I love going to WDW and wearing my FG costume for the MNSSHP, but do they have a party at DL? Of course, with those trips, I would have to foot the whole bill and with March - the airfare is covered. And with March and October, I would be alone and in September, I could join with other Taginators.

And I could book the seminar in Orlando at the end of June and maybe do the DL seminar in 2007 or 2008 in March.

March - September - October at Disneyland
Differences? Pros? Cons? Any thoughts by anyone on my options?
Would really appreciate opinions and stuff!

Thank you!
yes I have to said that Oct. is a good time to go. first time Disney's California Adventure had something like MNSSHP
AP wholes buy all the pass up for the days (for the party)
It took two days Online to sold-out.
September when matterhorn and haunted house close for rehabe or put the lay-over in.
I like to join you September But , I have to take a fair show down.
Night are open.

Orlando If I remember that June Are hot days and night are some what cool.

March is Spring break for LA.

[Joe]

I would also recommend October, if only for the Haunted Mansion. It is great! Don't know about the MNSSHP, as it was not offered when we were there in 2004, but it sounds like fun. We did notice that a lot of the guests did dress up in costume for Halloween night at DL.
HTH
Joe

[kathleena]

Thanks for the info!

That would be disappointing to not be able to get tickets for the party, but you have confirmed what I thought about saving the trip for October. I know if I had to pay for the extra 4-5 nights in March myself that I wouldnt' be able to afford to go in Oct again.

Now, do I want to go in Oct, then WDW in Dec, then WDW again for the marathon in Jan.......hmmmmm.......so many decisions!

[LisaG]

I second the Haunted Mansion being worth it!

I want to offer a word of caution, unless they make major changes Mickey's Halloween Treats party at DCA pales in comparison to MNSSHP. We have been to both (and hope to do MNSSHP again this year.

MHT had candy stations, some activity centers for kids around the park, and decorations. For $15 not bad. But there is no parade and a large number of rides/attratctions were closed. In fact they kind of missed the middle group - all the little kids rides and the thrill rides were open, but no 3-d shows or any shows at all. We were there with no kids and not being teens anymore can only ride a thrill ride so many times.

So even if you can't get tickets for the party it would still totally be worth being in DL at Halloween time.

[Photographer]

I think you should go to DL and take me with you. I'm just saying... :) DL in October is cool because of the Nightmare Before Xmas overlay on HM and they used to have lots of villains around but last year, they did not. In fact DCA had 3 and they weren't any of the ones you wouldn't ordinarily see at DL. Otherwise I'd say go in March. Spring breaks should be over by then.

[DVCerLee]

Any of those months are great, weather-wise and crowd-wise.
I've never participated in the Halloween things. I personally didn't like the halloween overlay at HM. Still, October is pretty nice.
Now, just remember that, in spite of all the similarities, DL and WDW are different. i like to think of DL as "intimate" and "compact" not "small" You'll get to see New Orleans Square, be sure to get a fritter and a Mint Julep! The castle will seem small because that's how Walt wanted it. He didn't want it to be too big. He wanted it to be inviting.
Of course there is no comparison to DL IASW.
And then theres the animation courtyard at DCA
Oh I could go on and on! I miss DL!!!!

Ooh! Just check out how easy park-hopping is at DL!!!!

Have fun! Remember, this is where Walt was!

R