Dec what can we expect?

[pickles]

I asked some of these questions in another thread, but thought maybe there would be more luck here

for the early part of dec up to the 11th?

we were avoiding weekends, but maybe that is a mistake? we HATE crowds

like what rides closed?

what shows will we miss?

What can folks tell me about special holiday stuff going on?
How do we book it? is it worth doing? Are there pics somewhere of this stuff?

anything else you wish someone had told you about going to DL in Dec?

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

I asked some of these questions in another thread, but thought maybe there would be more luck here

for the early part of dec up to the 11th?

we were avoiding weekends, but maybe that is a mistake? we HATE crowds

like what rides closed?

what shows will we miss?

What can folks tell me about special holiday stuff going on?
How do we book it? is it worth doing? Are there pics somewhere of this stuff?

anything else you wish someone had told you about going to DL in Dec?

Everything is usually open in early December as the parks are in full Holiday mode. The crowds are a lot less in the first half of the month and start getting bigger/crazier towards the last 10 days of the month.
In my experience, this is the best time to go as the crowds are very light in the first half of the month, everything is up and running, all the shows/parades are usually a go (weather permitting), and the rides are mostly all walk ons. The only exception would be the nights of Candlelight Processional and when they have the CM parties. CP is very busy. They close the park early when they have CM parties, so that can be a bummer if you weren't planning on it. I've heard rumors that they may not be running Fantasmic when it's slower, so double check if that will be running or not. You can easily plan to go on weekends during the first half of the month and be okay. It'll be busier than during the week but nowhere near as busy as the last 10 days of the month.
In years past they had cookie decorating and Santas Reindeer Roundup, but I didn't participate in those things so I couldn't tell you about them...

 

[DangerMouse]

The Candlelight Procession is Dec. 6 and 7 this year. The CM Parties are on the 8th and 9th, so DL will close early (6 pm) those nights.

 

[Brady's Mom]

We are also going the first part of Dec. However, our trip coincides with the Candlelight Processional (which I want to see) and the CM Christmas parties, which I wanted to miss. Oh well, my DH is so funny since I have been obsessing about not choosing very well, he told me to "Just Chill" we will have a great time anyway!

We have never been over Christmas and are really looking forward to the decorations and other stuff that we can do that isn't there all the time. Also, we usually skip weekends so we miss stuff like the fireworks and we will be able to see them this year since they have them every night.

Our dates Dec. 7-12, 5 day hoppers! Woo Hoo!!

 

[disneyfaninaz]

Unlike WDW, there is no Christmas party that you need to book. The Christmas parade, fireworks, snow on Mainstreet and the Castle lights are shown every night during the holidays. Also, IASW will be open at the end of November and gets decked out for the holiday.

You can check out this site to get more info on Holiday happenings at DL:

http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/experience/overview?name=HolidaysLandingPage

 

[techno]

We usually go the week after Thanksgiving in December. The decorations are up and the crowds are much lighter, but it's definitely still busy. Especially on the weekends.

The only negative thing we've experienced that time of year is the rain and cooler nights. Most of the rides stay open in the rain, so as long as you don't mind getting a little damp in the cool weather, you'll be fine. Bring a poncho and layer your clothing!

The holiday season at Disneyland is a lot of fun. We're looking forward to another trip this December.

 

[Jenn1116]

Is the snowfall just bubbles? or is it "real" man-made snow?

 

[Golfing Goofy]

We also usually go the first week of December and I am pretty sure that although most rides and shows are running, the Main Street Electical Parade does NOT run during this time. I think that it comes back up closer to the holiday period.

We love going during this time. DCA stays open until 9pm on the days that DLR closes early for the CM parties, so that works out well for us. Last year, we made PS to eat at DTD right after the park closed and that was nice to have an early dinner. Then we shopped and just hung out. It is all decorated for the holidays and not as crowded.

We love the snow - especially since we don't have to shovel it and it is just bubbles.

 

[blue donkey]

Is the snowfall just bubbles? or is it "real" man-made snow?

It was just bubbles when I went last year. I still loved it though.

 

[heatherleigh]

I have never gone this time of year, but I've heard great things about it. In fact, I will probably plan our next year's vacation during this time. Plus, I think it would be cool to see all the holiday decorations.

 

[Whidbey5]

We usually go the week before Christmas. In the past few years, park attendance has been light until right before Christmas Day. We try to get out in the parks early in the morning, when attendance is lower.

We went during summer this year for the first time. While waiting in line for California Screamin' all five of us said, "Never in summer again!" We're going to stick to December from now on.

Shelley in WA

 

[renderman7]

sorry whats this candel thing u are you all talking about.. i will be there in the first two weeks of december, so seeing this thing would be cool.

also what time does the sun usually go down around that time of year there.

i myself am from australia.. so we are in summer mode round that time of year.

also would be cool to meet up with people whilst i am there..