December or January?

[caldad]

We are planning a DL trip for December or early January. We have never been to DL when it is decorated for the holidays so the DK's are very excited.

Any tips on the best time in December to visit in terms of crowd size? I've also heard that the week after New Years is a good time to visit but I'm not sure if the holiday decorations will still be up.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

 

[HydroGuy]

We are planning a DL trip for December or early January. We have never been to DL when it is decorated for the holidays so the DK's are very excited.

Any tips on the best time in December to visit in terms of crowd size? I've also heard that the week after New Years is a good time to visit but I'm not sure if the holiday decorations will still be up.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

The last day of Holiday season is the Sunday after New Years Day. This week is often very busy - not as bad as between Christmas and New Years but still kids are off from school.

 

[tholczer]

If there's any way you could go Friday, Dec. 31 or Sat., Jan 1st through the following week, you'll get both the awesome decorations and late hours/shows for a couple days PLUS a dead quiet week with low crowds. That's what I'd do for sure

Tracy

 

[spacemermaid]

I always plan my holiday/birthday trip for the week in the beginning of December directly following the weekend that the Candlelight Processional is held on (usually the first weekend of the month). For the first few nights of the week, Park hours are shorter due to cast parties...BUT...over the past several years, I have found this to be a fair exchange for the very low crowds!

 

[kim3339]

Usually the first 3 weeks of December are great. Little crowds, all the rides are open, and the decorations complete with snow and fireworks are happening. If you go after New Year's some of the rides are closed for refurbishing b/c it's low season. Haunted is closed after New Year's b/c they are taking down the Nightmare decorations. I went last year on the 11th and 12th, and there was no one there. Went on all the rides with little wait.

 

[Eeee-va]

Wednesday - Sunday through the second weekend in December worked out VERY well for us in December 2009. We missed the days when Disneyland closed early for Cast Member parties, and someone here speculated that Disneyland may have been open later on Wednesday and Thursday to make up for those early closures. The crowds most certainly did not warrant an 11 PM close.

Weekends in that period will probably be busy (we left Sunday afternoon, and Friday and Saturday were threatening rain and then raining, so that kept crowds down). Wednesday and Thursday the weather was nice and the crowds were low, with 11 PM closings and 2 Fantasmic! shows a night.

Last year I remember reading great things about the week after Thanksgiving, too. I heard the closer you got to Christmas, the worse the crowds got. Last year Thanksgiving and the days immediately following were also nice due to blockouts--not certain that will hold true this year, but I'd think there's a good chance.

Like HydroGuy, I also seem to recall reading that the days following New Year's weren't so great either. I think a lot of local kids are still off school, so there were quite a few people in the parks, yet Disney staffed as though it were off-season. That means even if there are somewhat fewer people in the parks, lines will move slower because fewer trains will be running, fewer counter-service dining windows will be open, etc.

 

[goldies 5]

We are also December DL lovers. From our experiences in December (and we have had many) the earlier in the month the better. If you can gear it more during the week you will have less crowds. That being said I don't particularly like Fridays in December. Sundays have been pretty good in my opinion. If you aren't interested in the Candleight Processional, just make sure you avoid the first weekend in December. Cast member party days are great days at the park. Light crowd wise and CAP stays open later.
If your kids are excited to see the Holiday Season in full swing I would definetely go in December over January. The Reindeer Roundup, Castle, Snow, Fireworks, and Christmas Parade are awesome.

 

[caldad]

Thanks for all the great responses! All this information is very helpful.

Thanks!