yes, that DSE hits me all the time and I invest in a Deluxe AP. The only thing is, visiting DLR means a 5-6 hour drive and a hotel stay! I justify the cost by saying well I have an AP, no park hoppers necessary
I really want to go in December right after the kids get out of school and before blockout dates hit, which means Saturday 12/18 through the 22nd I think? We'd only stay for 4 nights so we could do it without paying blockout. I know it's super crowded that time of year. But I like longer operating hours and only do the parks early morning/late evening, plus we've been on every ride so it's not a big deal if a line is long, we just skip it. Mostly I just like soaking in the atmosphere of DLR at Christmas ... seeing the gorgeous decor, enjoying a warm drink in the GCH lobby, that kind of stuff.

I know you and I are the same that way
Oh, I see - yeah, in your case, because you have to drive for hours, if you want a good, long full visit to DLR, you can't just pop over for a few hours and then leave, and then come back a week later. You would have to have a hotel pretty much each time, as you said. So that means you can't just rely on your AP to do the work - you have to shell out money for gas and the hotel as well. I envy those lucky souls who live in Orange County and can just pop over to DLR in 20 minutes or so, and then pop back in a few days.
Yes, it probably will be pretty crowded on that weekend you plan to go (if last year's pre-Christmas crowds are any indication), but if you have several days/nights to spend, that will be plenty of time to do stuff. And as you said, it's not like you can't skip something if the line is too hideous. It may be bad one day but the next day may be better. I think it's okay to go at really crowded times
if you have at least 2 full days to spend in the parks. It's the one-day trips during really, really busy times that are not so good because you don't have many chances to 'go back' and do something later if it has a hideous line the first time you walk by!!
At least there is always the chance that many people will be at home on that pre-Christmas weekend, preparing for their holiday. It's the post-Christmas days that are a free-for-all because
everyone seems to be available to head to DLR!!
Yes, I totally agree - I think, of all the cool times of year to be at DLR and all the cool things to do while there, the holiday season is truly one time of year where you can get away with going to DLR and really just soaking in the atmosphere, the aromas, the sounds, the colors, etc. Even if you have to skip some rides, you can still have a really nice time just enjoying the overall ambiance.
I think the GCH lobby/comfy chair experience during the holidays is an overlooked gem.

People may wonder, "Well, what's so great about sitting in some chairs and staring at the tree?"


First of all, the setting is really cozy and earthy with the fireplace and the dim lighting. The entertainment (pianist, guitarist, carolers) is free, the chairs and sofas are deceptively comfortable and it's great fun to sit and watch people pose with Santa by the tree. And it's even better if you can do all of this with a snack and beverage in hand!! People are always in festive moods (sometimes the trips to the bar have made them a little too festive!), strangers are chatting with each other and it's just a nice overall environment! It feels more like a celebration of the holidays in the GCH - maybe because the whole lobby area is more welcoming - than if you were to go and sit in the PPH or the DLH, for some reason.
(I wonder how long it will take for people to start flocking to the GCH lobby and waiting in long lines to sit in the deceptively comfy chairs!!


Maybe I should shut up!!)