Are we crazy? Input needed- Christmas

[Jen cook]

hi all. I've been lurking for years but finally joined. My name is Jen and we have 3 kids 16,12,5.

A tiny back story-
We went to Disneyland for the 5th time, but the 5 year olds first the middle of June 2015.

My mom suddenly died in July and I don't want to be home for Christmas. So my husband has suggested Disneyland. waking up Christmas morning they open a box, Mickey floats out and a note reads "pack your bags we are going to Disneyland"

We would be in the parks Dec 26-30, 5 day hopper passes.

I've read horror stories of the crowds, but isn't any day in Didneyland better than out? I'm a little hesitant to pull the trigger because it is a lot of money, to pay to be miserable. I'd like to hear the good bad and ugly and what to expect this time frame as well as some tips if you are willing to share.

My friends all think we are crazy and overindulging our kids. But this would be instead of presents. It's been a crappy year and I could use some Disney about now.

Thank you!!!!
Jen (in Oregon)

 

[rentayenta]

Hi Jen. I am sorry about the loss of your mom.

If you aren't opposed to rope drop,FPs, and midday breaks, I think it'll be awesome! It is very crowded and gets more crowded as the week progresses but it's doable. With 5 days you'll have plenty of time. We just went went during high crowds and ended up doing some really fun things we hadn't done or hadn't done in years like ToonTown, Mickey's Magical Map, ITTBAB, and the like. Plus there is always DTD.

 

[Malcon10t]

Hi Jen - We are at Disneyland every year at this time. I agree with you that ANY day at Disneyland is better than anywhere else. And I agree with your thoughts regarding your mom. My mom is spending Thanksgiving with us in Disneyland.

All this said, there are a ton of parents doing the same thing. "Let's wake them up and Santa is sending us to Disneyland!!!" And this is followed by arriving at Disneyland and asking "Why are all these people here, I thought they would be home with their families!" (Yes, I have heard that exact phrase so many times over the past years.) As long as you are prepared for the crowds, you will have fun. We aren't a "gotta ride them all" family, and we spend a lot of the time enjoying the atmosphere and finding out of the way things to look at.

Suggestions - Rope drop is a good idea. During Christmas, they usually have Magic Morning every day. If you are staying onsite, you will have it every day, if offsite you will have 1 day, I would do it the 27 or 28.

Expect turnstile closures to Disneyland every day. If it does close, go to DCA for a while. Disneyland will reopen after the first parade.

Expect crowds larger than you have ever seen. If the kids don't have a cell phone, arrange a meeting spot (not the bridge, statue, or flag pole....) I watch CMs with lost kids every year at this time. Plan for it, and it won't happen.

Eat at off times. Everyone is trying to eat between 11-2, if you can push your group later, it will be faster. Make reservations for places you MUST eat. If you want to eat at a sitdown restaurant make a reservation. (especially for Blue Bayou.)

 

[Jen cook]

Hi Jen - We are at Disneyland every year at this time. I agree with you that ANY day at Disneyland is better than anywhere else. And I agree with your thoughts regarding your mom. My mom is spending Thanksgiving with us in Disneyland.

All this said, there are a ton of parents doing the same thing. "Let's wake them up and Santa is sending us to Disneyland!!!" And this is followed by arriving at Disneyland and asking "Why are all these people here, I thought they would be home with their families!" (Yes, I have heard that exact phrase so many times over the past years.) As long as you are prepared for the crowds, you will have fun. We aren't a "gotta ride them all" family, and we spend a lot of the time enjoying the atmosphere and finding out of the way things to look at.

Suggestions - Rope drop is a good idea. During Christmas, they usually have Magic Morning every day. If you are staying onsite, you will have it every day, if offsite you will have 1 day, I would do it the 27 or 28.

Expect turnstile closures to Disneyland every day. If it does close, go to DCA for a while. Disneyland will reopen after the first parade.

Expect crowds larger than you have ever seen. If the kids don't have a cell phone, arrange a meeting spot (not the bridge, statue, or flag pole....) I watch CMs with lost kids every year at this time. Plan for it, and it won't happen.

Eat at off times. Everyone is trying to eat between 11-2, if you can push your group later, it will be faster. Make reservations for places you MUST eat. If you want to eat at a sitdown restaurant make a reservation. (especially for Blue Bayou.)

I know we have the same idea as lots of other parents, and expect the crowds. Thank you so much for all this valuable info. I remember how crowded it was on the 4th of July one year when I worked there and people say it's worse than that. What is rope drop? I don't recall this. Also is DCA less crowded than Disneyland?

 

[Jen cook]

Hi Jen. I am sorry about the loss of your mom.

If you aren't opposed to rope drop,FPs, and midday breaks, I think it'll be awesome! It is very crowded and gets more crowded as the week progresses but it's doable. With 5 days you'll have plenty of time. We just went went during high crowds and ended up doing some really fun things we hadn't done or hadn't done in years like ToonTown, Mickey's Magical Map, ITTBAB, and the like. Plus there is always DTD.

Thank you very much. It's been a rough few months. We aren't opposed to any of that. We usually do mid day breaks. But we are staying a lot further this time than last.

 

[Malcon10t]

I know we have the same idea as lots of other parents, and expect the crowds. Thank you so much for all this valuable info. I remember how crowded it was on the 4th of July one year when I worked there and people say it's worse than that. What is rope drop? I don't recall this. Also is DCA less crowded than Disneyland?

Yes, it is more crowded than any 4th of July I have been there that I can recall. (If it rains, crowds will decrease.) DCA is "less crowded" but still very crowded. They have a lot of Christmas spirit there too. I love Viva Navidad. It happens back by the Boardwalk, near Boardwalk Pizza. There is a festival area going on in this area. Santa will be in the Redwood Creek area. There will be various Christmas food spots all around the park. In Hollywood area, we usually have Olaf's Snowfest. I haven't heard if it is coming back. My adult kids enjoy it even! I try to get pics of every Christmas tree in the park! (Both parks usually!)

I understand the rough months. We had my dad in Stanford hospital from April-June before we lost him in mid-June. My prayers are with you.

 

[bumbershoot]

My friends all think we are crazy and overindulging our kids.

This is a case where you are indulging YOU. If those parents haven't lost a parent, they can shut their mouths about what a person needs to do to get through the first holiday season. (Sorry to be so forceful but almost none of my friends have lost a parent yet and I tell you it is worse than parenting advice from a childfree person, what some people who have both parents can say to the bereaved) If they have lost a parent then I don't know what to say to them. Except that it's none of their business.

You gotta do what you gotta do to keep putting one foot in front of the other. If that's Disneyland, then that's Disneyland.

But we are staying a lot further this time than last.

If you're driving in, leave early for the parking lot.


It's going to be BUSY. No getting around that. So be prepared.

 

[SMD]

If you don't want to be home on Christmas, consider arriving in the parks before Christmas.

 

[Malcon10t]

If you don't want to be home on Christmas, consider arriving in the parks before Christmas.

I second this. If you can do it, I would arrive Friday night, and spend the 24th-29 (take the 26th off). Have the full magic of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the park. How far out are you staying?

 

[Jen cook]

I second this. If you can do it, I would arrive Friday night, and spend the 24th-29 (take the 26th off). Have the full magic of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the park. How far out are you staying?

We have to be at my Dads Christmas Eve. So we are flying in 12/25 and out on 12/31. We would do the parks on 12/26-12/30. Is 12/26 the worst of it? I know the 30th will be pretty bad. We would love to take our kids out of school and go the week before Christmas break, but we are concerned about our Hs junior and his IB coursework.

 

[Malcon10t]

Yes, the 26th is the worst. The 30th is bad, but not as bad as the 26th or 31st. Just roll with it, and it will be fine.

 

[Jen cook]

Yes, it is more crowded than any 4th of July I have been there that I can recall. (If it rains, crowds will decrease.) DCA is "less crowded" but still very crowded. They have a lot of Christmas spirit there too. I love Viva Navidad. It happens back by the Boardwalk, near Boardwalk Pizza. There is a festival area going on in this area. Santa will be in the Redwood Creek area. There will be various Christmas food spots all around the park. In Hollywood area, we usually have Olaf's Snowfest. I haven't heard if it is coming back. My adult kids enjoy it even! I try to get pics of every Christmas tree in the park! (Both parks usually!)

I understand the rough months. We had my dad in Stanford hospital from April-June before we lost him in mid-June. My prayers are with you.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Mom went into hospital 7/9 and died 7/21

 

[Jen cook]

Tha

This is a case where you are indulging YOU. If those parents haven't lost a parent, they can shut their mouths about what a person needs to do to get through the first holiday season. (Sorry to be so forceful but almost none of my friends have lost a parent yet and I tell you it is worse than parenting advice from a childfree person, what some people who have both parents can say to the bereaved) If they have lost a parent then I don't know what to say to them. Except that it's none of their business.

You gotta do what you gotta do to keep putting one foot in front of the other. If that's Disneyland, then that's Disneyland.



If you're driving in, leave early for the parking lot.


It's going to be BUSY. No getting around that. So be prepared.

Thank you. They think we are overindulging because we just took a 7 night cruise to Alaska in August with our kids. It was scheduled before mom passed. So I kind of get where they're coming from. Being married to a guy who didn't visit Disney at all until he was 26! I grew up in So. cal so we had passes. He thinks it's indulgent but will do anything to make me happy and keep me from being depressed.

 

[GenGen22]

Sorry about the loss of your mom. This is a really good idea. Who cares if it's busy, your going to Disneyland!!!! We have gone once during this time & it was the best trip ever. Continue to read on here about strategies and you will be ahead of the game and know what others don't. Your going to have a blast!

 

[gottalovepluto]

(Welcome! I lurked for a while before posting too!)

This is a wonderful idea. Yes the parks will be crazy crowded but that can also mean you and your family will be more distracted and immersed in your trip than during a quieter time of year. My condolences on the passing of your mother, holidays can be very hard after such an event and taking the family to a completely different place where everyone can try to enjoy themselves is an excellent idea. As others said you are absolutely not "overindulging" your children. It's been a very rough year and you and your family could definitely use some time to escape, have fun & enjoy each other's company. Christmas is a wonderful time at Disneyland & there are some new offerings this year that will add even more to explore (new world of color, holiday food festival).

 

[mseyre]

We are doing very similar - surprising the kids Christmas morning but leaving on the 27th and come home on the 2nd. I am just going go in expecting the worst crowd wise and just enjoy it. I am so excited and it is hard to not talk about it with the kids.
I went to DL at Christmas as a teenager and it was great. Back then it was nuts on the 25th but the other days were not so bad. Something tells me it is different now

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

To start, I am so very sorry for the loss of your mom. My mom's mom, while elderly passed away suddenly a few years ago. My mom couldn't/wouldn't be home for Thanksgiving, their holiday together, so she decided we should all take a trip to Disneyland. My brother chose not to go, but for us, it established a new tradition. And saved my mom. It may be indulgent (I don't think so), but if it's what you need, then do it! You will make great memories with your children.

As for crowds, it's been a long time since we've been there that time of year, but it sounds like you got great advice on how to handle the crowds.

 

[Cubbiecakes]

You couldn't pay me to go to Disneyland the week after Xmas. It's literally a nightmare of people.

 

[cruisehopeful]

My friends all think we are crazy and overindulging our kids. But this would be instead of presents. It's been a crappy year and I could use some Disney about now.

I disagree with it being overindulging. Between the major loss, the Christmas presents (of going instead of other gifts) and the quality family together, I don't see how it could be overindulging.

It will be crazy busy. It's good to have back up plans. You will want to get there early and take those midday breaks. Have alternate plans for other things to see/do if they parks get too busy for you like staying somewhere with a nice pool, etc, going to Knott's Berry Farm, etc.

 

[carly0418]

Jen-

We are considering the same. My mom passed on 12/30 and I really don't want to be home either. I am so glad to hear I am not the only one considering this. Following for more tips from those that have been there during Christmas.