December 6th-14th

[LOVEDISNEYLAND]

H and I are going to be in Disneyland Dec 6th -14th 9 whole days with the mouse and I'm wondering about some things:

1. How are the crowds during this time?

2. What is the weather going to be like? should I pack winter or summer time clothes?

3. Are there any christmasy type shops in DLR or DCA?

4 How much money do you think we should bring? (no kids, just us two)

for taking the time to answer all my questions!!!!

 

[Albort]

H and I are going to be in Disneyland Dec 6th -14th 9 whole days with the mouse and I'm wondering about some things:

1. How are the crowds during this time?

2. What is the weather going to be like? should I pack winter or summer time clothes?

3. Are there any christmasy type shops in DLR or DCA?

4 How much money do you think we should bring? (no kids, just us two)

for taking the time to answer all my questions!!!!

1) unpredictable, probably busy like usual

2) unpredictable as well, pack summer with a light coat is all you need.

3) some, not a lot

4) $50 per person(IE for quick snacks) the rest, you can swipe with a credit card

 

[iceskatejen]

1. A couple of years ago I'd say it won't be all that busy, except over the weekend. Based on what last December was like and what this October is like (also a traditionally slow time), I'm gonna go out on a limb and say it'll be busy, possibly very busy. Possibly absolutely nuts. Dec 10 last year, they closed Dl's gates because it got so full.

2. Since you're from Washington, your idea of cold is a bit different that what a S. Californian's idea of cold is. Plus, early-mid December can be a bit unpredictable. Rain isn't likely, but large variences in tempertature from day to day and during the day are.

DCA dosn't have it's own Christmas shop, but Greetings (the first store on your left as you enter through DCA's main gates) usually has some ornaments. In DL, there's a shop next to the Pinocchio ride and another small one in New Orleans Square. World of Disney had ornaments also. The China shop on Mains Street in DL also carries a good selection of ornaments.

4. If you use credit or debit cards, Albort's advice is pretty much right on. If not, budget at least $40 a day on food (more if you plan on any sit-down meals--maybe $60 or more as a sit-down will cost $15+ per person) Food at DL is not cheap. If you're going to be at DL that long, you might want to consider an Annual Pass as it might be about the same at a 9-day ticket or maybe even cheaper and will net you discounts on food (at least 10%). If you go with a premium pass you get 15% off food and $10 of merchandise purchases over $10. Also, there are no blockout days with a premium pass. I don't know if the deluxe has any over that time, but the 2 lower ones will definetely have blockouts. Merchandise is harder to say as I don't know what kinds of items you are interested in.

 

[LOVEDISNEYLAND]

1. A couple of years ago I'd say it won't be all that busy, except over the weekend. Based on what last December was like and what this October is like (also a traditionally slow time), I'm gonna go out on a limb and say it'll be busy, possibly very busy. Possibly absolutely nuts. Dec 10 last year, they closed Dl's gates because it got so full.

2. Since you're from Washington, your idea of cold is a bit different that what a S. Californian's idea of cold is. Plus, early-mid December can be a bit unpredictable. Rain isn't likely, but large variences in tempertature from day to day and during the day are.

DCA dosn't have it's own Christmas shop, but Greetings (the first store on your left as you enter through DCA's main gates) usually has some ornaments. In DL, there's a shop next to the Pinocchio ride and another small one in New Orleans Square. World of Disney had ornaments also. The China shop on Mains Street in DL also carries a good selection of ornaments.

4. If you use credit or debit cards, Albort's advice is pretty much right on. If not, budget at least $40 a day on food (more if you plan on any sit-down meals--maybe $60 or more as a sit-down will cost $15+ per person) Food at DL is not cheap. If you're going to be at DL that long, you might want to consider an Annual Pass as it might be about the same at a 9-day ticket or maybe even cheaper and will net you discounts on food (at least 10%). If you go with a premium pass you get 15% off food and $10 of merchandise purchases over $10. Also, there are no blockout days with a premium pass. I don't know if the deluxe has any over that time, but the 2 lower ones will definetely have blockouts. Merchandise is harder to say as I don't know what kinds of items you are interested in.

Was it so busy last year because of the 50th? because I've heard from some other people that have said that most California schools get out for Christmas break the 15th. Have you gone there in the past even before the 50th if so, how was it?

 

[B9erSteve]

I'm with you on the December prediction. I was there last December (usually my favorite time to go) and it was really busy. I thought that this year with the 50th ending and a traditionally slow October we would have low crowds but still busy! I'd say plan a middle of the week stay for the best results. Traditionally, the two weeks right after Thanksgiving and before 12/15 is slow. However, I think that DL is firing on all eight cylinders lately and drawing goodly amounts of people.

 

[Dis Ohana]

Was it so busy last year because of the 50th? because I've heard from some other people that have said that most California schools get out for Christmas break the 15th. Have you gone there in the past even before the 50th if so, how was it?

We were there the first week of Dec. in '05, the park was so empty that there were times we felt we were alone in the park.
We went around the same time last year and it was a lot busier, especially as it got closer to the weekend. We're planning on going a little later than usual this year (Dec. 12 - 16), we're praying that the whole crazy crowd thing will settle down this Dec.

 

[LOVEDISNEYLAND]

We were there the first week of Dec. in '05, the park was so empty that there were times we felt we were alone in the park.
We went around the same time last year and it was a lot busier, especially as it got closer to the weekend. We're planning on going a little later than usual this year (Dec. 12 - 16), we're praying that the whole crazy crowd thing will settle down this Dec.

So do you think that I picked a pretty good time to go then? We'll be going to Universal Studios on that Sat we are there to avoid the large crowds at DL.

 

[Emell64]

That's exactly when we're going too! Does anyone think it will be so busy during that time that it would warrant buying Ridemax. I wasn't going to bother because I figured the lines wouldn't be that long but you all think it's going to be THAT busy maybe I should.

 

[Dis Ohana]

I think that Friday and Saturday will be very busy. The 15th is the first day of Christmas break for most CA schools. I'm really hoping the week days before that will be nice. I did buy Ridemax, but those dates aren't available yet.

 

[LOVEDISNEYLAND]

I think that Friday and Saturday will be very busy. The 15th is the first day of Christmas break for most CA schools. I'm really hoping the week days before that will be nice. I did buy Ridemax, but those dates aren't available yet.

What is ride max and how much does it cost?

 

[Califgirl]

We tried to book an on-site DLR Hotel for either the first or second weekend in Dec. and there was NO availability. In fact I was told they were oversold. So we got a room the weekend after thanksgiving instead. I think Dec. will be VERY busy!!

 

[Amy&Dan]

Was it so busy last year because of the 50th? because I've heard from some other people that have said that most California schools get out for Christmas break the 15th. Have you gone there in the past even before the 50th if so, how was it?

Two years ago, we went to Disneyland from December 7-13. It was much more crowded than I thought it would be, that Saturday in particular. If the weather is good the locals will be there in droves to enjoy the parks all decorated for Christmas. I think "off" seasons are a thing of the past except in September after Labor Day and a few other times a year. Year round schooling in many districts around the country, Disney's huge ad campaigns and people willing and ready to pull their kids out of school to avoid crowds all factor in. Also, Disney is good at adding events during off seasons like the Halloween Treat at DCA, to bring people in. But I think if you get to the parks early, at opening, use fastpass wisely and take advantage of any Early Entry privilidges you are entiteld to, you will be fine. At the very least, you will experience far fewer crowds than if you were going a week later. Its just hard to predict anymore. But a crowded day at Disneyland is still a very great day!