1st time to Disneyland during Christmas - crazy???

[travelfam7700]

Family of 4, kids are 14 and 10. None of us have been to Disneyland, but considering Dec 22-24th. Willing to purchase MaxPass. Should we just reconsider because of the massive crowds? Is it true that lines might be 2-3 hours? Would love some words of wisdom. Thank you!!

 

[CaliAdventurer]

We frequent DLR and are going from Xmas to NY this year and yes we are 100% crazy!!!

Max pass is definitely worth it but since many folks are premium passholding locals or on an inclusive package you’ll find that most people have it so popular rides still go early in the day.

Thing to prepare for DL is that it’s crowded.all.the.time. So at least it won’t be hot and crowded. It’s so charming at the holidays tho...

Should you reconsider? Meh. Chances are it’s going to be crowded anyway or maybe a little less crowded but cold or rainy as the last few February trips we’ve taken have been. I’d say go for it. Just plan to only do fastpasses and look up shows and dining to fill up the in between times.

 

[tvguy]

We went December 26-28 one year. They stopped selling tickets by Noon as the park was at capacity. It was crazy but we had a good time. Nothing like an 85 degree day, and having it snow on Main Street at night.

 

[Malcon10t]

Family of 4, kids are 14 and 10. None of us have been to Disneyland, but considering Dec 22-24th. Willing to purchase MaxPass. Should we just reconsider because of the massive crowds? Is it true that lines might be 2-3 hours? Would love some words of wisdom. Thank you!!

Lines could get to be that long, but probably closer to 90 mins to 2 hours on some rides, 30 on most.

We will be there. Take your patience and you will be fine.

 

[travelfam7700]

Thank you for the feedback! My kids would be overjoyed - they probably don't think we will ever go. Two questions...(1) would a 3 day park hopper be a good idea? (2) I noticed a sale for the Disney hotels the week before...would the crowds be noticeably lighter? It would be nice to save money, but it is a slightly less convenient time for us.

Thanks again!

 

[Geemo]

Thank you for the feedback! My kids would be overjoyed - they probably don't think we will ever go. Two questions...(1) would a 3 day park hopper be a good idea? (2) I noticed a sale for the Disney hotels the week before...would the crowds be noticeably lighter? It would be nice to save money, but it is a slightly less convenient time for us.

Thanks again!

Hoppers are the best to see the parks during busy times or any time for that matter.
The volume in the parks between those two times isn't really going to be noticeable.

Geemo

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

Three-day park hoppers and MaxPass for sure! I think it would be fun as long as you are prepared for crowds.

 

[Malcon10t]

Thank you for the feedback! My kids would be overjoyed - they probably don't think we will ever go. Two questions...(1) would a 3 day park hopper be a good idea? (2) I noticed a sale for the Disney hotels the week before...would the crowds be noticeably lighter? It would be nice to save money, but it is a slightly less convenient time for us.

Thanks again!

If you could go earlier, crowds will be lighter. My daughters are teachers, so we go with the Christmas break.

 

[emmybee]

Expect the worst, but hope for the best. We did 3 days during Xmas a few years ago. My dear hubby took us on a last minute trip b/c work had me stressed out and blue There were two instances of rude, non-Disney-behavior folks, and it was the trip that made us swear to never do a non-Disney hotel again, but it was otherwise a lovely break from reality. I worried that it would be awful due to crowds, but it really wasn't. Just do what you can, and have fun!

 

[GeneralTso]

That's a crowd level I'm not willing to deal with. If you go in with the right attitude of "we won't see/do everything, but will enjoy what we can" you'll be OK. Don't be fooled though, it's wall to wall packed. Some folks handle that well. I don't. I love Christmas decorations at Disneyland. It's truly magical. We won't go when it's 10/10 busy though.

 

[travelfam7700]

Thank you for the feedback! I am thinking (maybe foolishly) that not seeing everything for our first visit will be just fine. No expectations, or "must dos" based on past trips.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Agree with the pp that crowds should be a bit lighter with your earlier dates. Parks will still be crowded, but should not be so densely packed.
Do your research, make your plans, make your backup plans, then get ready to let go and let the magic happen! If you want dining packages (highly suggested if you will want to see F! and if WOC is back up and running at that point), make your reservations as soon as the dates open for you (60 days in advance, usually-but-not-always). Same for any TS dining reservations you'd like. Otherwise be prepared to eat at off peak hours to avoid the longest lines. Bring lots of patience and a positive attitude, make sure to get your "First Visit" buttons (City Hall, Chamber of Commerce, most stores at the registers, some CMs), and get ready to enjoy the magic! (And take lots of photos -- this trip is going to make so many memories for your family!)

 

[tink89]

It will be insanely crowded especially after 12 pm. We went last year from Dec 27-31 with a 6 yr old and 9 yr old. We had EMH and 3 day hoppers we did all the rides we wanted to do and saw most of what we wanted. It was the first time for the 6yr old being there so we did things we normally wouldn't do anymore. We were at the parks at 7 am back at the hotel by 2 pm and back to the parks from like 6-10 pm some nights with dinners in there. I would say PLAN. Look at what your must do's are or what the kids want to see and make sure you do those. Use Max Pass. If you want to see characters i would rather book a character breakfast and/ or dinner. And Most importantly have fun and enjoy being there. Christmas time at the parks is wonderful. It is our favorite. This will be our 3rd time during the holidays and crowds have not scared us off yet.

 

[Catvondita]

I had gone the day after chirstmas and honestly I still had a great time but I def wouldn't do it again. There were cast members directing huge crowds of people with signs. It was level of crowds similar to when the fireworks just end and everyone is trying to leave the park at the same time. It wasn't fun and the lines for longer for even the rides that don't normally have long lines. So we didn't get to do much. BUT, (it sounds like I'm complaining right? lol) Max Pass is now here and it's still Disney. Even the bummer parts of our trip beat staying home and not being at Disney.

TL;DR: Yes you are crazy but why should that stop you?

 

[GrrArrgh]

Get there at rope drop (and before if you can manage it) and you will be okay. You can get tons of rides in by noon and you won't feel like it's a wasted day if you tap out when the crowds get to be too much.

 

[MrJT]

I think that it would be fun to do once, but I don't think that I would want that to be my first memory of Disneyland.