Dec- when to go help!!

[emma2]

We just learned that we will be going to a family wedding on 12/29 in San Diego. We have never been to Disneyland but have to WDW numerous times since we live in NY. I would like to take our kids to Disneyland this Dec. What are the crowds like - should we go closer to Christmas or to New Years Eve?

Looking anywhere from 12/26 to 1/1. Also, do we need special tickets for anything? We did the Not So Scary Halloween event once and needed special tickets.

Are we also better off staying in a Disney hotel at this time of the year to get early admission? Or would it be way to expensive at this time to warrant it?

And my understanding is that there are two parks - Disneyland and California Adventures. Is one day enough for each?

How early do we book for tickets/hotels?

Thank you.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Those dates are peak crowds. Earlier may be better.

DLs 2 parks have just as many rides as WDWs 4. I'd say you'd need at least 4 days and a good plan to do most of the parks during that week.

With a 3+ day ticket you'll get 1MM no matter where you stay.

It's usually cheaper to book room separately when booking through Disney. Some good sites are getawaytoday.com and Costco travel.

 

[skiingfast]

Looking anywhere from 12/26 to 1/1. Also, do we need special tickets for anything? We did the Not So Scary Halloween event once and needed special tickets.

Are we also better off staying in a Disney hotel at this time of the year to get early admission? Or would it be way to expensive at this time to warrant it?

And my understanding is that there are two parks - Disneyland and California Adventures. Is one day enough for each?

How early do we book for tickets/hotels?

Just to reiterate what was said before that is when crowds peak.

1. No, so far DLR has not done a special tickets event like happens at the MK.

2. Maybe and this relates to my next to answers. It's possible the MMs will happen more often and could be a greater perk to staying onsite. Also staying onsite may allow you access to the parks when they are reaching capacity.

3. During that time you would need about 5 days.

4. There is not usually deals for that week. For tickets you may want to buy them now because they likely will increase for this Summer. For a hotel book in late Summer, most people will be booking in October for that time so you can get ahead of them and the higher rates that come with that rush.

That is the busiest time, if you have not been to WDW that week, you don't really have an idea. If you could go the week before or after it would help. If you can't go for many days and employ strategy to make the best of it.

 

[emma2]

Thank you for the info. Mention was made of going earlier. How would it be from 12/21 - 25?

 

[skiingfast]

Thank you for the info. Mention was made of going earlier. How would it be from 12/21 - 25?

A bit better. 21st will be nicer but that evening will be the start of the peak. If the wedding is on the 29th is it possible to go after? After the 1st things will calm down, stil be very busy but no longer crazy.

If you can't visit outside of the week containing Chirstmas, just know it will be very busy, and prepare for the worst.