Best timing for winter trip?

[Katy Belle]

We are hoping to take a trip to California and DISNEYLAND during our Christmas trip to the USA to visit our families. When would be best to visit Disenyland?

The earliest we could be there would be Dec. 18. The latest we could leave the USA would be Jan. 6. AND how many days for Disney? And for other close by CA attractions? I was thinking about 6? So that would be Dec. 18-23 or Dec. 31-Jan.6. What do you suggest?

It is our first time to CA. We have been to WDW in FL, Disneyland Paris, and Tokyo Disneyland. We LOVE DISNEY and can't wait to add Disneyland to our list!

TIA!
Katy

 

[HydroGuy]

Three days is considered the minimum for DLR and four is better. If you go Christmas week that is very busy like at WDW and more days might be good.

Here are some links that may help:

"A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

Pay attention to AP blockouts - "Understanding AP Blockouts and Impact on Crowds" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2365983

Be careful about visits after New Years and reduced park hours and entertainment - "What You Should Know About Off-Season at DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18462889

I would suggest you go on Dec 18th for four days. But this is based on what I read. I never go at Christmas myself so others should jump in.

Also see

Christmas at the Disneyland Resort

Celebrate the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort. From Mid November 2010 through January 4, 2011. 2010 Dates to be announced.

 

[Had2stopLurking]

We are hoping to take a trip to California and DISNEYLAND during our Christmas trip to the USA to visit our families. When would be best to visit Disenyland?

The earliest we could be there would be Dec. 18. The latest we could leave the USA would be Jan. 6. AND how many days for Disney? And for other close by CA attractions? I was thinking about 6? So that would be Dec. 18-23 or Dec. 31-Jan.6. What do you suggest?

It is our first time to CA. We have been to WDW in FL, Disneyland Paris, and Tokyo Disneyland. We LOVE DISNEY and can't wait to add Disneyland to our list!

TIA!
Katy

If I had to choose between those dates, I would say Dec 18-23. Most kids aren't out of school for winter break yet (unless they are in college), and all of the Christmas decorations will be up already.

That's just my personal opinion though, everyone's mileage varies.

 

[DisneyLovin]

i would say go 18-23. Its going to be busy but I would imagine 31-6 would be worse because it lies right in the middle of Winter break for ALL the schools.

I went Christmas season 12/23/09 for a day. I was able to go on a lot but not all. If you give yourself 4 days than you can probably ride everything once or twice.

 

[tholczer]

It depends on whether you want a full entertainment schedule with long hours and the crowds to go along with it, or if you'd like less hours/crowds. Before we were AP holders and used to go once every couple of years, even then, I hated crowds and always chose those days with less hours/entertainment and less people. The trade off was worth it for us.

If it were me, I'd do a combination of both. You could do Sat. Jan 1-Tues. Jan 4. Saturday and Sunday will have the last of the Christmas overlay (according to previous years) and Monday and Tuesday should be relatively slow. But I must admit it is a very different feel to go AFTER Christmas than before. Being at Disneyland coupled with the anticipation of Christmas makes it pretty magical. Just know that leading up to Christmas, the crowds will be enormous.

Have a wonderful trip!

Tracy