Day trip over Christmas week?

[tacbets]

I am planning a trip to Los Angeles with my husband and 15-year old daughter over the week between Christmas and New Years (I'm a teacher, this is our only time off together). The trip is motivated by a desire to see L.A. and be somewhere warmer than our east coast home (I've only been to L.A. once, and my daughter has never been). Anyway, I was wondering if it would be absolutely crazy, given crowd levels, to think of a day trip to Disneyland while we are out there. We have been to WDW several times, most recently in May, so it's not like I'm dying for a fix- On the other hand, to be so close and not go to DL at all seems like a shame. What do you experts think? Should we save it for another time? Would it be feasible, but only with a very early morning start? I'd appreciate any thoughts - Thanks!

 

[PinkBudgie]

It is better than nothing and I think worth a trip. We are also teachers and with two boys in school our whole family is on school schedule. We are going for one day on Jan 2. It MIGHT be less crowded at that time than between Christmas and NY, but if you go without expectations of getting on every ride I think you would have fun. Be sure to see the Haunted Mansion and Small World made up for Christmas.

 

[Sleepless Knight]

In my book, L.A. is a place I have to drive through to get to Disneyland. So I say go, but spend at least 2-3 days in the DLR instead of one. Keep in mind that Disneyland and it's two parks have almost as many attractions as WDW's four parks, so don't let the size comparison fool you. Disneyland itself has a lot more attractions than WDW's Magic Kingdom.

It sounds like it's been a while since you've been to Disneyland(if you've ever been there), so enjoy a visit to the place where it all began.

 

[dismom73]

I went by myself two years ago for one day on Dec. 27th. I am a flight attendant and I had a layover there. It was jam packed! I thought "note to self" never bring kids during Christmas break". That being said, your DD is 15, so able to have patience (maybe ) As long as you are there before opening and hit the rides you really like first thing and just spend the rest of the day taking in the holiday decorations (which are well worth seeing) you should be OK. Keep in mind that DL is much smaller (space wise) than WDW, so when it gets crowded you really feel it.

 

[tacbets]

Thanks for the advice! I appreciate that you all took the time to answer, and I will definitely consider these opinions in making my plans.

 

[bumbershoot]

I would try really hard to go during the week, rather than on a weekend, but other than that, I would do it especially given the older child and already being in the area.

Watch out though! Our first two trips (as adults) to Disneyland were one-day "in the area" trips, and look at our 2007/2008 year in my sig!