Is October a good time to visit DLP?

[PhotobearSam]

Hi there...

We are in the planning stages for a 21 day trip to France in October 2006. We are hoping to go to DLP and hopefully see the Halloween decorations but don't want to go during the busiest time.

Is there a time in October that is good for less crowds and still see the Halloween decorations? How much time would you allow for the parks? Would 2 days be enough?

I saw some pics of this year's decorations but don't remember where...Can some help me out?

Thanks for any help...

 

[Tony Toon]

Hi. October is a great time to visit. We went for the first time last (2004) year (having visited WDW and DL previously) from 20th - 25th October and loved it. The weather was bright and sunny, the halloween decorations were fantastic and the parks were quiet while the French and English school were in (20th,21st 22nd), but the minute they broke up the parks were heaving and much less pleasant to visit (although we still wouldn't have missed them for the world!). The French school hols are generally posted somewhere on these boards. Avoid them and you'll have a ball. (you'll still have a great time at any time though I'm sure).

Mrs Tony Toon

 

[diberry]

I agree - we went last October in term time and it was brilliant - quite quiet - you could walk onto the rides with no queuing and the characters had loads of time for everyone. The pumpkin decorations etc are wonderful. We've been 3 times so far and Halloween was my favourite. The weather was also very mild - T-shirt weather most days. But do make sure you avoid half-term!!
I think 2 days would be pushing it a bit - 3 or even 4 would be better if possible.

 

[PhotobearSam]

When do the decorations go up...? Sounds like I will try to avoid the school break but still want to see the decorations...

 

[diberry]

The decorations will be up by the start of October. The school holidays in France start on Sat 22nd October until 3rd November so if you can go before then you'll be fine.

 

[Cyrano]

With schools in England also being off at the same time is definitely a recipe for a busy park

Reid

 

[PhotobearSam]

Thanks to all of you for the wonderful information...

 

[pigby]

We went to DLP in 2002 during the half term holiday and we didn't think that it was too crowded in the parks. The rush for food after the parks closed however was a different matter - where did all those people come from?

T-shirt weather - mmm - it was icy cold with frost on the ground for 2 days and cold and rainy for the other 2 - maybe that's why the parks weren't so busy! We still hoping to go back this year though - went to WDW this last Halloween - budget won't stretch that far this time.

 

[sharon78]

We went the 1st week in Oct the decorations were up and we were really lucky with the weather you only needed a very light jacket,mind you DH and my dad didnt have a jacket on in the day at all may be i was just a wimp
I would say October is one of the best times to visit

 

[DisneyRGB]

We also went 1st week of October and the weather was sunny and warm at times and never cold - we were wearing lightweight jackets or cardigans but didn't need proper coats, scarves, hats etc. Perhaps we were just lucky and I would recommend anyone going at that time to prepare for cold and rain just in case.

The park was really quiet that week but all the decorations were up - it was a great time to go.

 

[PATMAGIC]

We went Halloween weekend itself and it was heaving you could not move anywhere, but was still the best and most fun atmosphere I have seen in DLRP, so I strongly advise going during Halloween season just try and do it any week apart from the last week in October like everyone else said we students have broken up for a week and it can get just a little busy. Also weather was good too which is a change for me in DLRP considering it usually pours with rain, lol. Also characters like Maleficent were brilliant, now you can't beat asking for a villain's autograph, they are so fun to stalk around the park .

 

[NIK]

Both occasions when I have been to DLP have been October. The first time I arrived just as they were setting up the Halloween decorations and I was so disappointed that I missed the main event. Last year I made sure I did some research - thanks to the Boards here - and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Unfortunately due to travel problems I ended up going during the week of Halloween itself and the park was absolutely heaving!

I can certainly endorse what everyone has said about the Halloween parade. IT was fabulous and the music was so catchy I had to fly round the park and find it on disc. I drove everyone mad at home continually playing it when I got home.

I would SOO recommend going during Halloween though.

 

[Cyrano]

The Halloween parade looks one of the best.
You always have fun with the villians

Reid