1ST VISIT IN A WHILE. NEED SUGGESTIONS!

[talie95]

Hello everyone!
We are planning a trip Dec 17-19th for my daughter's 16th bday. We used to go a couple times a year with APs but it's been about 3 or 4 years now and I would like to know what changes to expect and any suggestions you all have. We've never gone during winter break time. What should we expect with crowds? How is MP affecting FP? The last time we went they were enforcing the fp return times which they hadn't prior. Its that still going on? Any and all advice is appreciated! Thank you!!

 

[audrianna890]

That time period will kinda be the transition period between the supposedly less busy holiday times and the crazy Christmas crowds. You might get lucky and have it only be moderately busy. We went last year around those days and got some good pictures of my daughter with nobody in the background earlier in the day.

As far as MP, I don't know because we don't use it (I only have littles that don't ride most of the FP rides so it doesn't make sense for us yet). FP return times are definitely enforced, and are done so now by loading them directly onto your ticket. When you get in the FP line, you'll have to scan your ticket and then sometimes again as they assign you rows for the ride.

My advice is always the same. Enjoy what you can and be patient. If reading through these threads will teach you anything, it's that crowds at Disneyland are usually large year round anymore and can be volatile. It only takes one person to be kind and polite, and change the kind of day someone else might have.

 

[talie95]

Thank you! I didn't know that FP are now on your ticket. So even without MP (which I'm not planning on) you no longer get a separate FP ticket? You just use your admission ticket?

 

[audrianna890]

Correct. You still insert your ticket at the kiosk, and it will still give you the paper ticket, but it's only to serve as a reminder. If your ticket is linked to the DL app, it will list out your FP and return time there as well.