I will be at DLR November 1-5 and was thinking of going a day early to be in the parks for Halloween. After reading many responses that Disney doesn't really do much for Halloween, I was thinking of possibly going to Knott's. I haven't been there in decades!!! I know that they have some kind of Scary Farm or something like that. Is that something that is separate from the general park admission, or is the entire park transformed? I will be taking my 3-year-old and I know their event is not recommended for young kids, I also know Max will NOT want to experience anything scary. I think he would like Camp Snoopy, etc. though, and I'd like to go again after all these years. Anyone know what to expect? Oh, and we may just do Knott's all day then go to DTD in the evening for dinner - do they have trick-or-treating in DTD?

Knott's Halloween Haunt is an after-hours, extra-charge event. Basically, the park closes around 5 or 6pm during the month of October and then re-opens at 7pm for the Haunt, which then runs until around 1am. (I think I'm remembering the timing right, but it is definitely something similar to that...)

The mazes and shows associated with the Haunt only run during the evening event, but much of the Halloween decoration is, of course, up during the day as well. They do also run a very kid-friendly "Camp Spooky" event in the Camp Snoopy section of the park during normal operating hours. Note that the park typically is pretty uncrowded during the day this time of year, so the reduced operating hours generally don't significantly diminish the ability to see the park's offerings. The Halloween Haunt itself is extremely popular, though, and can frequently be >very< crowded. They sell advance tickets and do some times even sell out ahead of time on weekends.

Finally, in answer to your question about Downtown Disney, they did do a trick-or-treat event last year. It ended up attracting a bigger crowd than they had expected, though, and they actually ended up turning quite a few people away while having extremely long lines for those that did get to participate. It is a bit hard to say whether or not they will do it again this year, since it turned out to be something of a logistical nightmare.

-Jeff

Thanks for the info... anyone have recommendations on a hotel near Knott's that is cheap but decent? Preferably walking distance, or with a free shuttle? I think it may be best to stay there that night, then move on the the GCH for the DLR portion of the trip.

The Radisson Hotel next to Knott's offers Scary Farm packages, you might want to check into that option.

Do you know if Knott's has a trick-or-treat? Since Max will be about three, I think he's going to enjoy trick-or-treating this year... we may just stay home for Halloween instead and then make the trip as planned for Nov 1-5... I guess I have plenty of time to decide.

Regarding trick-or-treating at DTD, the event they held last year was actually on the weekend (Sunday, I think) before Halloween. On Halloween day/evening itself, the three Disney-owned hotels were having a trick-or-treat event, with designated areas in each hotel where kids could go. That was pretty cool, from what I saw of them doing.

My husband and I went to Knott's Scary Farm two years ago. People did bring their children, but it's not something I would recommend. It's very crowed, and the have scare zones throughout. It's very much for the adult crowd.

I would say take your little one to the Camp Spooky event at Knott's held during the day. If you arrived before the 1st you could attend on the 30th or 31st. They do have trick or treating and allow children in costume.

Thanks for all the info. I am going to try to come down a day early and hit Knott's on Halloween day. I am not planning on attending Knott's Scary Farm at all... no way! Do you think the crowds will be horrible during the day? Will I regret only having one day in Knott's?

Usually the crowds during the day are pretty light during the Halloween season. Keep in mind that Knotts will close fairly early because of the special event in the evening.

-Jeff

Maze construction has begun! Yipee!