Best week to go during the Holiday season?

[meggles]

I'm looking for some feedback on which week to choose for our holiday trip to DLR in 2015. At first I thought we should go the first week of November in order to have lower crowds as it is in between Halloween and Holiday time. We plan to do mostly weekdays, so we'd miss the Parade taping.
However, after hearing about the magic of the Holidays at DLR I kind of want to go when everything is up and running. I know if we went that first week in Nov the castle would have snow and some decorations would be up. We might even be able to see the first day of the Christmas parade. However, we'd likely miss small world, jingle cruise, and winter WOC.

I was researching going the week before Thanksgiving, but I wonder if it will end up busier than usual due to the Avengers marathon and people sticking around after. We could also go after Thanksgiving.

Anyhow, just looking for opinions from others who are in the same boat or who have been during those weeks and have insight. If the crowds are going to be substantially less the first week of Nov we may just suck it up and go then and miss some of the Holiday offerings. If the crowds aren't too bad after the official start of Holiday time then it would be lovely to get to experience it.

 

[mominstl]

We went the Tuesday through Friday after Veterans' Day last year and crowds were low. It was the first day of the holiday celebrations and great weather too. Only downside was one of the morning shows was taping at Disneyland the following week so the castle walk through was closed and they were setting up their broadcast area/lights. Not a big deal unless you're wanting that perfect castle photo.

 

[Sherry E]

The Christmas parade wouldn't begin any earlier than 11/6 next year, IF it happens. That's probably when IASWH would begin as well. I'm not sure if next year's 60th anniversary might interfere with the Christmas Fantasy Parade and the Believe in Holiday Magic fireworks though (not to mention the Wintertime Enchantment Lighting of the Castle) -- during the year of the 50th anniversary there were no Holiday fireworks. In fact, there could be any number of special events taking place next year (for the 60th) that could interrupt the usual schedule and crowd flow.

Yes, there will be lower crowds in between the end of Halloween Time and the beginning of the holiday festivities, so if it is really, truly lower crowds you want, go between 11/1 and 11/6. If you really want to experience the magic of the holidays and be there when everything is up and running, go after Thanksgiving. In between Thanksgiving break and Christmas break the crowds will drop a little bit, but there will still be a good number of people there.

 

[SMD]

The Christmas parade wouldn't begin any earlier than 11/6 next year, IF it happens. That's probably when IASWH would begin as well. I'm not sure if next year's 60th anniversary might interfere with the Christmas Fantasy Parade and the Believe in Holiday Magic fireworks though (not to mention the Wintertime Enchantment Lighting of the Castle) -- during the year of the 50th anniversary there were no Holiday fireworks. In fact, there could be any number of special events taking place next year (for the 60th) that could interrupt the usual schedule and crowd flow.

Yes, there will be lower crowds in between the end of Halloween Time and the beginning of the holiday festivities, so if it is really, truly lower crowds you want, go between 11/1 and 11/6. If you really want to experience the magic of the holidays and be there when everything is up and running, go after Thanksgiving. In between Thanksgiving break and Christmas break the crowds will drop a little bit, but there will still be a good number of people there.

I think that the OP was referring to the Christmas parade taping, not the actual DL entertainment schedule for the parade.

Here's the thing. Disney has been pretty good about figuring out when crowds are lower and adding events to increase crowds. Example, people used to recommend the 2 weeks before Thanksgiving. Now they've made one of those a half marathon weekend. It's better to pick the week that works best for you travel wise and cost wise and then be prepared for the crowds and how to work with them.

 

[Sherry E]

I think that the OP was referring to the Christmas parade taping, not the actual DL entertainment schedule for the parade.

Here's the thing. Disney has been pretty good about figuring out when crowds are lower and adding events to increase crowds. Example, people used to recommend the 2 weeks before Thanksgiving. Now they've made one of those a half marathon weekend. It's better to pick the week that works best for you travel wise and cost wise and then be prepared for the crowds and how to work with them.

Oh I know -- but the parade starts on the weekend that it tapes, and it wouldn't tape or start any earlier than 11/6/15. There's no telling if it will actually tape or be happening next year, because the events of the 60th may interrupt it.

 

[taigirl87]

I'm glad you asked this question as I am hoping to go Dec 3-10(give or take a day) for my birthday/5th year anniversary/and baby's first trip! I'm more familiar with WDW crowds than DL's as I did the CP there(but grew up going to DL), but I was hoping it would be similar. Sounds like it may be for that week

 

[meggles]

I figured it wasn't an easy answer! It never is with DL, lol. I didn't even think of the 60th anniversary events changing up the holiday schedule. I suppose I'll just double book rooms for two separate weeks and then cancel one as we get closer to next year.

All of the magical Christmas things at the parks and the decorations sound really special. We will certainly avoid Thanksgiving and Christmas/New Years. Seems like any other week is about the same.

I'll be interested to hear how the Avengers marathon effects the crowds, if at all!