Christmas time at Disneyland or Wdw?

[DanieB]

Hello there! Our family has been to Wdw twice and Disneyland once. We love both types of trips! We have only done summer trips but have decided we really want to plan a Disney trip when the parks are decked out for Christmas. It wouldn’t be this year but I just want to get an idea of whether we should do Disneyland or Wdw for the Christmas season. We have three kids... by the time we go they will be 3, 5, and 8. Does anyone have any input? Important things to consider? I appreciate all of your help!

 

[shh]

I'm sure both would be great trips, but I think you have a lot more choice and variety to enjoy at WDW - the 4 parks each have diff things to offer, plus disney springs trail of trees is so nice...and all the hotels are decked out. Many many activities, including lots of tempting upsells like holiday dessert parties. But it also may be a more expensive trip, so some of this depends upon your budget. I'm sure many others will chime in as well

 

[Future_WorldPhonencian]

We don't have any experience with DL but Christmastime at WDW is magical. All of the hotels and parks get decked out for Christmas and the weather is GREAT! nice and mild not too hot or cold. One thing to consider is cost and crowds. The closer you get to that week between Christmas Eve and New Years day, the more crowded and expensive it will be. We took a 7month old and a 2 year old for a week leading up to Christmas and it was awesome! If you can get time off a week or more before Christmas you can often find really good hotel rates and the crowds will be light. Our hotel rate for the first 5 days of our trip were half the price of what it cost Christmas Eve/ Day. Even in the hotels, starting on Dec 23rd it felt like the number of people doubled or tripled. Still tons of fun because Characters and Carolers show up in the hotels starting then too and you can enjoy the Christmas parade and Fireworks in MK without going to the Holiday parties!

 

[Cara A]

As others have said, all the parks have different offerings for Christmas time! I would choose Disney World for the variety if nothing else. The resorts are all decked out too -- and totally worth checking out. There's an enormous gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian and the Wilderness Lodge is downright magical. And it doesn't hurt that Florida in December is GREAT!

 

[Chuckles-Walrus]

I have only ever been to WDW for Christmas but it was awesome. There are great decorations and I remember Hollywood Studios had an awesome light show! However this was probably about 4-5 years ago so it may be different now. Either way, it is Disney so I am sure they will make it a great experience!

 

[Schneewittchen37]

I've been to both DLR and WDW in mid November when they first put out the Xmas decor. For whatever reason, I think the Disneyland Park overlays are better and I just have a soft spot for DLR in general. And really, I think the quick service food is just better as well.

Of course WDW is just more of everything, so more places to get decked out. More fine dining options.

Both will have good weather.

DLR is great for the high concentration of rides.

I think DLR has better off property hotel options. And you don't really miss much staying off property.

For my family, flying to FL and closer and cheaper than CA.

You see there's no good answer, but when my WDW APs expire, I'll be booking a trip to Anaheim......

 

[DanieB]

Thank you all for your input and ideas on what to consider. It will certainly be a hard choice and I appreciate your insights!