Attendance during winter

[ToontownPrincess]

This is the first trip I'm planning to Disneyland. I'm a Floridian and have been going to Disney World all my life. I know what attendance looks like for the holidays down here but I was wondering if I could get some input on the best time to go to Disneyland in Nov-Dec with the least amount of crowds. I want to be able to see the Christmas decorations without being completely suffocated by guests. Also, what is the weather typically like? Thanks!

 

[disneyfaninaz]

The first 2 weeks of December, after Thanksgiving and the week before Christmas, are the best time to go. All the decorations are up and the crowds are quite manageable. The only thing is that the parks are not open late and the fireworks are only on the weekends during this time.

 

[disneyfan4ever54]

The candlelight processional is usually the first Sat/Sun. in December, and the Cast Member Christmas parties are usually the Mon/Tues. of that week also. Disneyland closes at 6 p.m. on those days. If these things are a factor for you, then I'd say the second week would be better.

 

[iceskatejen]

Actually, fireworks are every night during this time. Even with earlier park closings, they can do fireworks because it gets dark early.

 

[disneyfan4ever54]

The fireworks are held every day during this time of year, not just on the weekends. We are planning a trip during the first week of December and I looked this up to be sure. Here is a link to last year's schedule.


http://www.laughingplace.com/Guide-Cal-DLR2-200612.asp

 

[Albort]

The candlelight processional is usually the first Sat/Sun. in December, and the Cast Member Christmas parties are usually the Mon/Tues. of that week also. Disneyland closes at 6 p.m. on those days. If these things are a factor for you, then I'd say the second week would be better.

I disagree... 2nd week is the last week CM last week to use their passes as well as many of the APs last week before blackouts...

 

[Padstack]

We want to take DD2 to see all of the Christmas decorations, but it is difficult for me to take anytime off of work. I will have the day after Thanksgiving off and was wondering if this is a good day to go. Seeing as it is the biggest shopping day of the year. Am I right in my thinking or should I try for the Monday after Thanksgiving and try to take that day off of work?

 

[DangerMouse]

We want to take DD2 to see all of the Christmas decorations, but it is difficult for me to take anytime off of work. I will have the day after Thanksgiving off and was wondering if this is a good day to go. Seeing as it is the biggest shopping day of the year. Am I right in my thinking or should I try for the Monday after Thanksgiving and try to take that day off of work?

The Monday after Thanksgiving will be MUCH less busy than the Friday after Thanksgiving.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

I agree. Take Monday off!

 

[mrypg]

If the Cast Member Christmas parties are usually the Mon/Tues. of that week. Disneyland closes at 6 p.m. on those days.

Do they still have fireworks on the night the CM have the parties?

Does anybody know what exact date the CM parties are for this year?

Thank you all so much.

 

[disneyfan4ever54]

I disagree... 2nd week is the last week CM last week to use their passes as well as many of the APs last week before blackouts...

Ah.....I didn't know this since I am not a CM.....LOL
Thanks!

 

[Padstack]

Thank you for the replies. Knowing that the couple of weeks after Thanksgiving is slow, I may wait to take a day off and make sure that there is not a CM Christmas Party.

 

[iceskatejen]

On the nights of the CM christmas parties, the fireworks are at 5:45. You will have to leave immediately after because the park is hard closed--no shops or restaurants remain open after 6.

 

[mrypg]

On the nights of the CM christmas parties, the fireworks are at 5:45. You will have to leave immediately after because the park is hard closed--no shops or restaurants remain open after 6.

Thank you for the info on the night the CM have the parties. So you still have all the shows disney has to offer during those 2 days correct?

Does the parks open early on those days of the CM parties or just regular park hours in the am?

 

[iceskatejen]

Yes, all the regular daytime shows and parades are still going on both days so long as it's not a regular day off for that show. Park opening is still at the normal times--since they're a Mon and Tue, EE will be in effect so long as it's offered (not saying it's going away, but Disney could take it away any old time thay want to).

 

[mrypg]

Yes, all the regular daytime shows and parades are still going on both days so long as it's not a regular day off for that show. Park opening is still at the normal times--since they're a Mon and Tue, EE will be in effect so long as it's offered (not saying it's going away, but Disney could take it away any old time thay want to).

THANK YOU FOR THE INFO!!!! THIS BOARD IS THE BEST!!!!

Many Thanks