Crowds Dec. 15-18

[habeas_dorkus]

Any ideas about how bad crowds will be the weekend before Christmas?

I was planning on going Friday and Saturday, Dec. 16 and 17. I've heard that week is usually a slower period, but I'm concerned about being there on a Friday/Saturday...

 

[iceskatejen]

Pre-Christmas isn't usually quite as bad as post-Christmas, but it'll still be crowded. Friday morning won't be too bad, but expect crowds to increase in the afternoon and evening. Saturday's are always crowded (so long as the weather is decent).

 

[Dale-n-Chip]

Based on what I've read so far on these boards, I think that weekend is going to be pretty busy.

Here's what I've gleaned:
1. Friday, 12/16, is the local last day of school before Winter Break.
2. Locals come in droves Friday evenings (since some APs block out Saturdays), so DL gets crowded after noon.
3. Saturdays are always crowded at DLR.
4. The Christmas decorations/parades/snow increases the crowds (although not why my family is going, it's a big bonus!).
5. The 50th is making the above situations worse, as it brings happy people like us from around the world THIS year (my family doesn't make an annual pilgrimage, we are the suckers DL is targeting for the 50th!).

That being said, I know you can have a great experience by PLANNING ahead! I'd consider RideMax and definitely read HydroGuy's RideMax and FastPass posts:
See his FastPass thesis here: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=885132
See his RideMax critique here: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=885134

And make your PSs NOW! You don't have to plan every meal, but if you want to sit at sit-down restaurants (Blue Bayou, character meals) I wouldn't count on being able to walk up and get a table.

All this from someone that hasn't gone yet, but is deep in the throes of planning. . . My two cents!

Have a great time planning and on your trip! See you at the park Thursday, 12/15!

D-n-C

 

[Tink33]

I think it will be very busy Friday afternoon and all day Saturday.

 

[habeas_dorkus]

That's what I was afraid of...

I may be able to alter my plans and go Thursday-Friday instead, though that would involve driving down from NorCal in the middle of the night, checking into a hotel at about 5 a.m., sleeping until noon and then hitting the parks. But it might be better to do that and have one day with smaller crowds.

Good tips from everybody. Thanks!

 

[habeas_dorkus]

Another question: I've heard California Adventure is generally less crowded than DL. Would you guys agree?

 

[iceskatejen]

Generaly speaking, yes, though if it's super crowded in DL, then DCA does take the overflow. DCA has a smaller maximum occupancy (not sure what it is at this time, but it's less than DL's).