December planning question...

NewbieMouse

DIS Veteran
Joined
Apr 13, 2010
Messages
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I know this is a little early to ask such a detailed planning question, but I am anticipating that I might hear about a price increase and have to pull the trigger on our tickets, so I thought I would ask.

We are going to DLR in December. At this point I’m thinking we’ll get a 2-day park hopper. My question is about the best days for us to go given the days we have available, which are:

  • Wednesday, December 22: Non-MM day
  • Thursday, December 23: MM day (but we wouldn’t have MM access)
  • Friday, December 24: non-MM day, but Christmas Eve

Wednesday seems like a no-brainer; the question is when to use as the second day. If we choose Thursday, we’ll have the MM guests already in the park when we get in. So we could choose Friday, but then it’s Christmas Eve, and I’m afraid it will be (even more of) a madhouse. We are early risers and have no problem getting to the gates before they open.

The only other option would be to go for 3-day hopper. This would give us the MM, but would require that I convince my husband that a third day is a good idea. This is highly, highly unlikely. He already thinks the second day is overkill, the third day might get me “the look” (we were there for 5 days in June). It is quite possible the third day would go unused, and I will have paid an extra $112 just for MM.

Any thoughts? DISers have never steered me wrong.
 
I would avoid Christmas Eve. As for the MM issue, on the non-MM day, head to Fantasyland first and do those rides. That way you can start you next day in Adventureland or Frontierland, while the MM people are still finishing up in Fantastyland.
 
If it was me, I would do the Wednesday and Thursday. We would do Fantasyland stuff to start the first day and then probably start our second day on the Adventureland side of the park. If you pick Christmas Eve, the park will close early, so you won't have an opportunity to do any of the nighttime stuff that day (although maybe that would please your DH).
 
Sounds like you are both on DH's side ;). I was so spoiled by the MMs we had in June that I'm having had a hard time getting past going without them with the 2-day hopper. Is Christmas Eve really that much of a nightmare? I thought it wouldn't be too bad, but I guess that's wishful thinking.

Maybe I should get Ridemax for December... more seems to be at stake planning these two day trips when you don't have as much time. If only DH were as enthusiastic about DLR as my daughters and I are.... sigh.
 

Count me in the Thursday camp too! Even though pre-Christmas will still be less crowded than post-Christmas and a lot of folks will be tied up with family stuff until after Christmas passes, Fridays are busy in general. I would avoid that Friday and stick with Wed - Thurs.

As for what constitutes "nightmare" - if you saw what DLR is like on December 26th in comparison to December 24th, you would see that the 26th is much crazier. But a Christmas Eve on Friday might draw some crowds that are bigger than you'd like.
 
I say Thursday since on Xmas eve the parks close earlier (9 pm).
 
I think Thursday is starting to look like the best choice for day 2. Thank you for your replies.

I am starting to mull over a switch to the BWPPI from Hojos. I figured out that I can book that thru Costco and get the free Premium Dining as well as $20 gift card, and then we can also get the preferred seating for the DCA stuff (Aladdin, Animation Academy, Muppet Vision and Bug's Life - these were all big hits for us so if I could cut the waiting time down for these must-see's that would be great).

Can't book Hojo's or Candy Cane thru Costco, unfortunately. Is the BWPPI a dump?
 
Wed/Thurs. No question. Most people will be working Thursday. Very few people will be working Friday.
 


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