Crowds Christmas Week in Disneyland?

[maui2k5]

Hello - I have been to Walt Disney World close to 30x since the mid 1970's but have never made it to Disneyland. This Christmas my wife and I will be visiting my family Dec 24-31 in AZ (Prescott) and are considering a couple of days in Disneyland during the week between Christmas and New Years (no specific days yet).

What I am wondering is if that week will be crazy busy like it is in Disney World and we would be better off getting our first experience with Disneyland at a slower time of year? My wife and I are anxious to see Disneyland to be able to enjoy the original, but would hate to ruin out first impression with incredibly long lines.

Thanks in advance!

 

[autumnbaby9]

The week between Xmas and New Years is concidered one of the busiest times (if not the busiest). however if you go prepared you can have a wonderful time. I reccoment getting Ridemax. This is an itineray program that helps you get the most out of your time. Go to ridemax dot com to check it out.

 

[iceskatejen]

It will be very, very busy. As the PP said, it's the busiest week of the year. I've heard Ridemax is great for rides, but not much help in fitting in shows or parades. DL's shows are awesome and worth going to in if you choose to come.

 

[tinkermell]

I'd go just to see the decorations, the HM and IASW Christmas overlays and Indianna Jones. It will be busy, busy, busy. But as another poster said, if you are prepared and go with the flow, then go. Why not? Especially if you're not sure you will be able to go in the near future. I've been there on Dec. 27th and a couple of times on New Years Eve, which had to be the most crowded I have ever seen it. But with utilizing ridemax and just knowing it will be crowded, we still had a blast and I'd do it again. I guess it depends on the kind of people you are. Have you ever been to WDW when it's been really crowded? Did you hate it? We were there for the first time last year over Christmas, and it was crowded, but we knew it going in. We still had a good time. Anyways, I hope this helps.

 

[Robert and Kelley]

We were there last year Christmas week. It was not too bad until the 24th. We went to DCA on the 24th and it was great but DL was packed.

 

[Robert and Kelley]

We were there last year Christmas week. It was not too bad until the 24th. We went to DCA on the 24th and it was great but DL was packed.

 

[Robert and Kelley]

sorry...Computer was slow and of course I started pushing buttons.

 

[azgal81]

It will be super busy but if you know that going in you'll still have fun! I would say Christmas and New Year's Eve will be the busiest days out of your block. I would make a special trip just to see all the christmas decorations and stuff. Then book another trip for when it won't be so crowded.

 

[Pooh's Purple Pal]

We go almost every Christmas and it is incredibly busy! Most years, DL reaches maximum capacity during the day and they no longer allow people into the park. Imagine being packed body-to-body and only being able to shuffle along taking baby steps to get around Main Street. But you know what, the only thing that's kept away for the last number of years was when we had a new puppy at home and didn't want to leave her with strangers after we got her. We wouldn't miss DL for anything! The atmosphere is magical (if you don't let the crowds upset you) and the lines for rides are long, but if you are realistic with your expectations and have PS ressies for your meals, there's no place else like it!