December Trip

[SailorsPrincess]

We are coming back to DLR in December, yay!

We just got back from our anniversary trip on Aug 21st and we are already planning our Christmas trip! Two trips to Disney within 5 months, from Hawaii! I love my hubby!

My question is, what is the best time to go in December? We are thinking the first or second week. When are the crowds at their lowest volume?

TIA!

 

[DisneyMomma81]

Hello ~

We'll be there 12/8~12/11. Airfare was cheaper the 2nd week, I figure this is due to Thanksgiving being so late in November, the next week is the 1st week of Dec. The CP will be the 6th & 7th, expect BIG crowds, the CM C~mas parties will be on the 8th & 9th (DL will close @ 6pm, CA will be open till 9pm) I think we would've done a 3 day visit instead of 4 if our 1st 2 days weren't CM party days. We'll spend Mon. & Tues. evenings in CA, Mon & Tues day, all day Wed. and most of the day Thurs. in DL!

Have fun planning, this will be our 2nd trip this year as well ~ we made a visit this past April and are hoping to head back early/mid Spring 2009 b4 our AP's expire.

 

[SailorsPrincess]

Thanks for the tips about the times, and the going-ons around the first week in Dec! I think the second week in Dec sounds better. We usually go for 7 days, we like to take our time and since we don't get to go to DLR that often we spend A LOT of time there! I love living in Hawaii, but I LOVE Disney!

 

[Sleepless Knight]

The last two weeks of December tend to be a whole lot busier. Weekends are also quite busy, but during the weekdays of the first two weeks the parks are pretty empty.

 

[spacemermaid]

I've gone to Disneyland during weekdays in the first 2 weeks of December for the past 10 years, and it was never very crowded.

You get to see all of the holiday lights & decorations & the "snow", but without the crowds of the last 2 weeks of that month!

 

[disney-inspired]

I just looked on the Disneyland website for the December calendar and on Dec 8th - 9th, Disneyland will be closing at 6pm. I'm assuming it's for the cast member parties. So I say, first week is your best bet but DL closes at 8pm. If you want 11pm closings, I would suggest the week before Christmas.

 

[RuthieT]

Went are also planning trip #2 to DL in December. Last December we were there from December 11th to 17th. The first few days of our trip where good with crowds and once Friday came of our trip it was BUSY.... But that was due to schools being out starting then for Christmas Break. We are planning to go December 2nd to 9th.

 

[Leofoenget]

We are coming back to DLR in December, yay!

We just got back from our anniversary trip on Aug 21st and we are already planning our Christmas trip! Two trips to Disney within 5 months, from Hawaii! I love my hubby!

My question is, what is the best time to go in December? We are thinking the first or second week. When are the crowds at their lowest volume?

TIA!

We are going Dec 10-13 (arrive Wed leave Sat) Should be lower crowds. Just an FYI. We were able to get the Southwest $49 one way fare. I booked family of 4 for $479! Check the website for the wanna get away fares

 

[Jenn1116]

I'm going on my first December trip this year: 3 -7. I plan to get most stuff done Wed - Fri so I can relax and go with the (crazy busy) flow over the candlelight weekend.

 

[RuthieT]

Where do you find the wanna get away deals?? Is that just for certain cities?

 

[LisainCalifornia]

We went the first week of December last year, and had such a great time, we are doing it again this year. We will be there Dec. 3-6th.

We have been to Disneyland all times of the year, but the best trip we ever had was that one! The crowds were super low, the weather was crisp and mild, and of course the Christmas fun was in full swing!

I can't wait to go again.

My only advice is to make sure you make plans soon if you plan on going then, because hotels fill up fast. I think the Disneyland Hotel may have been booked up. We are staying at the Grand Californian this time, and can't wait to see it decked out for the holidays.

 

[RuthieT]

Not sure where we will be staying yet... HOJO doesnt have the dates that we are planning under there entertainment rate so been looking at other hotels on harbor blvd.

 

[bumbershoot]

Where do you find the wanna get away deals?? Is that just for certain cities?

Check Southwest's fares often. The getaway fares are their nonrefundable fares (though SW gives you a credit if you cancel or change a ticket, good for a year after the date you BUY the fare).

Also sign up for Ding, which is software that lets your computer tell you when a Ding fare comes up.

Not sure where we will be staying yet... HOJO doesnt have the dates that we are planning under there entertainment rate so been looking at other hotels on harbor blvd.

I'd suggest booking soon! Remember that HoJo offers a 15% discount to Disboard members, and if you are an AP holder you get a 20% discount. Book directly with the hotel.

And don't forget to check the list of Entertainment rate dates, too, as they add dates!!!!