Closures Due to Capacity Crowds

[TiggerTrigger]

I can't seem to find this answer anywhere, so I'm hoping someone either can point me in the right direction or have an answer for this. We're going during the holidays, during the peak of peak, and I'm trying to formulate a plan for Disneyland closing due to capacity crowds. I know how WDW handles this, but I've been finding so much mixed information on Disneyland. So, here are the questions...

If we start our day in Disneyland, leave for lunch at someplace like Catal, will we be able to get back in if the park hits capacity? I've seen everything from no/DCA being suggested, to hand stamping for guaranteed reentry, to no more hand stamping and just ticket photo checking for guaranteed reentry, to possible reentry without guarantees. I also wondered if dining reservations made any difference. Like if I have dinner booked at Blue Bayou, is that a consideration for letting us back in? I also read somewhere that guests staying at the three Disney resorts would be granted reentry, but good neighbor hotel guests and anyone else would not.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[SMD]

There are different levels of capacity closures. They will close to new entries first, then close to all ticket holders. They don't stamp hands anymore expect for 1 day tickets. If you want to double check you can always ask if a hand stamp will be necessary before leaving. They sometimes have a line for reservations, but not always. It might depend on how unexpected the closure was. If the park is closed to re-entries I would not count on being allowed back in immediately after lunch for a dinner ADR several hours later.

 

[figment_jii]

As SMD said, there are different levels of closures, but unlike WDW, DLR doesn't formally list what each closure level entails. The first "level" is when they shut down the parking structures/lots and then they'll suspend new entries into the park. The most extreme case is when they completely close the gates and no one is allowed to enter, regardless of whether you have a dining or tour reservation or have already been in the park or where you are staying. In between those two levels, it's not clear exactly what the procedures/policies are. Basically, if you know the parks are approaching capacity (check with the CMs at the gate before exiting), I would stay in the park and not risk being blocked out.

 

[Rescue Pooh]

I'm not sure on closures, but I can tell you I was at the anniversary in July and I just got back yesterday after spending a day at DCA and 2 at DL. It seemed to me to be busier two days ago than it was in July. Two days ago on the 13th they had none of the Main St vehicles running and the Columbia was down. The other thing they did which I had never heard of was do an announcement that they were moving the closing time from 11 to midnight.

 

[ArchOwl]

As others have said, there are levels to closure. They can do everything from suspend same day ticket sales all the way up to stop any kind of entry. If you really want to be sure, better not to leave the park on high capacity days. This mostly applies to DL, although I believe DCA has had some level of closure in the past.

The CMs have always been pretty good about warning us that we might not get back in. I would definitely ask before leaving. And beware too of the lines to re-enter. On NYE, the lines to enter DL were switchedbacked and still filled the esplanade. This was in the evening, about 7pm or so.

 

[agamble]

The CMs have always been pretty good about warning us that we might not get back in. I would definitely ask before leaving. And beware too of the lines to re-enter. On NYE, the lines to enter DL were switchedbacked and still filled the esplanade. This was in the evening, about 7pm or so.

The only time I've ever been at the park during a capacity crowd was the last 24-hour party. They did not tell us the gates were closed when we left. Fortunately for us, we were going home. It was not so fortunate for others who had left.

I wouldn't leave the park to eat elsewhere on a day like NYE. If you want to be in Disneyland, don't leave. If you are okay with getting sent to DCA, then you could chance it.

 

[figment_jii]

I saw that the gates were closed via the Disneyland Today Twitter account on the 24-hour day.

Two days ago on the 13th they had none of the Main St vehicles running and the Columbia was down.

Usually, when the Columbia is in dock it's actually a good sign because the Columbia typically only operates only on days when it's really busy in the parks (i.e., peak periods).

 

[TiggerTrigger]

Thanks everyone! It's sounding like we just shouldn't chance it. It wasn't my first choice to be going this time of year, but definitely trying to approach things wisely. Thanks again!

 

[tarheelalum]

Thanks everyone! It's sounding like we just shouldn't chance it. It wasn't my first choice to be going this time of year, but definitely trying to approach things wisely. Thanks again!

That is a wise move. Make reservations at places in DL.

 

[Happyjenz]

I have reservations for the Holiday Tour at 2p on the day of our arrival. We won't be able to make it to the park until approximately 1p. If it's closed for capacity, will they let us in for the tour? It's already paid for, unlike a dining reservation.

 

[Malcon10t]

I have reservations for the Holiday Tour at 2p on the day of our arrival. We won't be able to make it to the park until approximately 1p. If it's closed for capacity, will they let us in for the tour? It's already paid for, unlike a dining reservation.

Yes, they will escort you in.

 

[Happyjenz]

Huge relief....thank you for replying

Yes, they will escort you in.