Disneyland at Christmas/Holiday Season Superthread #4

[my2mickeykids]

When I was there last year during Christmas to New Years break, the parks were very busy to walk through and the wait times for the rides are very high. As for the park capacity, we were able to enter both DL and DCA with no problem. That was in the morning to late night when we entered the parks. I think on Friday during the trip when we left and re-enter DCA, there were huge queues at DL than at DCA. I don't know if the guests were not allowed to enter DL at that time since we were leaving DCA that afternoon and re-entering DCA that night. Luckily we weren't in the queue to enter DL when the park was at capacity. The park crowd levels were not as bad as I have originally thought when coming during Christmas break. The busiest days of the trip was on Friday and Saturday. Maybe one of those days where entering the turnstiles at DL at some certain time where the park was at capacity. Maybe someone else can answer that question where we didn't have any problem entering DL and DCA.

Thank you for this information it's super helpful & thank you Sherry!!

 

[rentayenta]

Yes Sherry, I didn't realize the entire trip would fall over Hanukkah. Hmmm.....I'm going to call my friend after work and give her their options. If I decide to walk my reservation for November, I can start that Tuesday. I'll tell you, school gets in the way. Ideally I'd love to go that first week in December but the kids just can't miss 5 days of school. Early Dec would work next for a variety of reasons. Ok....I'll stop whining.


Actually cred speaks volumes.

 

[wdwmickey]

Just booked our hotel So excited my whole family will be going to Disneyland at Christmastime this year!!! Dates are December 13-21

 

[Sherry E]

Okay, Post #4 on page 1 -- the Seasonal Activities, etc., info for DCA -- is now updated! It is a land-by-land breakdown of the holiday happenings! (Expect a similar set-up coming for the "Seasonal Activities - Disneyland Park" post tomorrow!) Check it out - here.

I think the extra Viva Navidad info/links in post #4 should be of interest to Escape2Disney, who missed it last year!

And yes, I will ultimately be adding in thumbnails to that post, but for right now I want to make sure the information is there! The pictures can wait, but the info needs to be there!

Your welcome Sherry. The crowds during Christmas break were not as bad as I thought. They were higher then the summertimes where it was not that bad. It will be a long time until I go back during Christmas break.

Speaking of the Avengers Marathon, I am now thinking of moving my trip one week ahead to avoid the marathon. I was disappointed that the Avengers Marathon (11/14 to 11/16) was during the week that I will be going to the DLR during the holiday season which I have done these last few years (if the holiday season starts 11/10 or 11/12 or somewhere around those dates). I am considering going on the 11/7 to 11/9 where it is not the actual start up of the holiday season but at least the decorations should be up, the rides and shows. I know that you have gone on Friday that second weekend of November in the last couple of years and it will be a nice change of trying a new date. Maybe I will think about going during the CP in early December since I haven't seen it yet.

Bret --

Do you think you actually will end up changing your November dates to 11/7-11/9, even though the season probably won't have officially begun yet? I am going to guess that the parade taping for ABC will likely take place on 11/7 and 11/8. I think some of the Main Street décor might go up after the taping is over.

The marathon weekend is happening at a very interesting time. I can see why DLR is not having it on the weekend before 11/14 (because of the parade taping), and one week after 11/14 would be when all kinds of people begin to descend upon DLR for Thanksgiving week, I suppose. So I guess they really had no other choice but to have it on 11/14-11/16...unless they had just skipped the marathon during the holiday season entirely!

In any case, it should be enlightening to see how it affects crowds.

At this rate, why do I have a feeling that a lot of people will be piling into the second week of December -- the ones who want to avoid the parade taping weekend, the marathon weekend, Thanksgiving weekend and the CP weekend?? I think that the post-CP time frame (and leading up to Christmas week) may end up being more crowded than usual!

It would be good to see the CP at least once, I think -- if you can work an early December visit into your schedule! Do you think your DA would enjoy the CP?

Thank you for this information it's super helpful & thank you Sherry!!

my2mickeykids --

You're very welcome!

Yes Sherry, I didn't realize the entire trip would fall over Hanukkah. Hmmm.....I'm going to call my friend after work and give her their options. If I decide to walk my reservation for November, I can start that Tuesday. I'll tell you, school gets in the way. Ideally I'd love to go that first week in December but the kids just can't miss 5 days of school. Early Dec would work next for a variety of reasons. Ok....I'll stop whining.


Actually cred speaks volumes.

Jenny --

I don't think it's whining. I mean, you have to figure out when the best time to go would be -- a time that mainly works for your family, but hopefully also can include your friends. You have to kind of reason it out in your mind -- what your family can and can't do -- and sometimes that involves thinking (or typing!) aloud. Sometimes it involves problems in the schedule popping up too and dates having to be moved. The entire trip taking place right smack dab in the middle of Hanukkah is a big deal.

Just booked our hotel So excited my whole family will be going to Disneyland at Christmastime this year!!! Dates are December 13-21

Hello, Cheryl!

I'm glad you joined the thread, and equally glad to see that you have a nice weeklong trip in the works! What a wonderful trip it should be!

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

Hi, Jamie! I hope things haven't been too, too stressful for you. It sounds like you have devised a good way to pass the time so the months don't drag on for you. You don't have too long to go before your June trip is here. Then, we will probably be kicking of the Theme Week Countdown in late July this time around instead of early August -- but I have to double check some themes and days of the week to be sure of how I am going to arrange them. We still may begin in August. Let's put it this way -- the Theme Week Countdown of 2014 will begin somewhere in the week between Monday, July 28th and Monday, August 4th -- of this we can be certain -- and the exact date is yet to be determined! I will also kick it off with a different theme than the one I chose to start the last 3 Countdowns with -- it's always good to mix it up a bit! It may be a theme we have covered before, or it could be a brand new theme, but the kick-off theme will be different from the last 3 years' starting themes. (Actually, TK has unknowingly given me an idea that I might have to mull over a bit...a twist on an existing theme... Hmm... I must put on my mad scientist hat and go back to my lab to work this out... ) Also, Jamie, be sure to hang out at your mom's house a lot from November 1st until it's time to take your trip, so you can catch some of the Hallmark Christmas flicks!

Last week was pretty bad stress wise - some bullying stuff in my oldest's class, my stepmom was diagnosed with lung cancer and an event for the school I am chairing got postponed due the weather so lots of "extra" stuff to deal with. All is looking better this week

I have already told my mom to expect me the month of Nov I realized that due to our school holiday schedule and us going the week before we usually do (pulling the kids out of independent study that week), they'll actually be in school very little that month!

I'm happy for whenever the theme weeks start. I know they are a lot to put together.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

Hi all and I am happy to come back to find new updates. thanks for working so hard. I have had a couple of long days this week.

Tuesday morning i almost got hit by a red sports car, and then Tuesday afternoon after we got my son off the bus my hubby was crossing the street , my son behind him and me in the back and this jerk pulled around to turn the corner right as we were crossing the street. My hubby got hit by the car, he ran right in to the roof and the side mirror. It was not a head on crash but the car did crash in to him, he only had a bloody lip and fat lip and bruised but still it was scary and my son was so scared.

I know that some may not care but I normally hop in and say hi when i can but this cars out to get me thing just shock me up and I know I have friends here so thought id say whats been going on with me.

I can not wait for nov and in June is our sea world trip so I am trying to spend all my free time planing these trips to make them the best.

 

[Phoenixrising]

I hope that your DH is OK from the crash. It would be really scary for your son to witness, so I hope that he's not too shaken up by what he saw. I'm hoping that the bloody lip is all that's wrong, and he didn't get injured more seriously. Although he will be feeling sore for a couple of weeks from bruising. I'm just glad that you or your son weren't hurt in the accident. Crazy drivers are everywhere unfortunately, no matter where you live. It seems like even when you are a pedistrian that you have to be constantly on guard for bad drivers. Here's sending some Pixie Dust your way, and hope that everyone is feeling OK!

Trish

 

[planningjollyholiday]

Jadedarkstar,
What an awful experience. I hope your hubby is okay, and I hope your son isn't too shook up. Even if no one got too hurt, these things can still be really upsetting emotionally so hopefully everyone recovers quickly. Sending some pixie dust your way.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

thank you for all the good wishes and pixi dust. Ya my son seems fine but i told him if he ever need to talk about it or has any bad dreams to come talk to me i'll listen. We have always been an open family and talk a lot but he says hes fine now.It just shock him up and me too. I was very thankful that my son wasn't holding my dh's hand like normally instead he was closer to me telling me about his aims test.
Thanks again, some times it helps just to talk to friends about things

 

[lucysmom]

Oh my goodness! What a horrible experience! People drive while eating and talking on the phone these days. I am glad the damage done was not life threatening. I hope the driver learns an important lesson. You have angels looking out for you!

 

[mvf-m11c]

Bret --

Do you think you actually will end up changing your November dates to 11/7-11/9, even though the season probably won't have officially begun yet? I am going to guess that the parade taping for ABC will likely take place on 11/7 and 11/8. I think some of the Main Street décor might go up after the taping is over.

The marathon weekend is happening at a very interesting time. I can see why DLR is not having it on the weekend before 11/14 (because of the parade taping), and one week after 11/14 would be when all kinds of people begin to descend upon DLR for Thanksgiving week, I suppose. So I guess they really had no other choice but to have it on 11/14-11/16...unless they had just skipped the marathon during the holiday season entirely!

In any case, it should be enlightening to see how it affects crowds.

At this rate, why do I have a feeling that a lot of people will be piling into the second week of December -- the ones who want to avoid the parade taping weekend, the marathon weekend, Thanksgiving weekend and the CP weekend?? I think that the post-CP time frame (and leading up to Christmas week) may end up being more crowded than usual!

It would be good to see the CP at least once, I think -- if you can work an early December visit into your schedule! Do you think your DA would enjoy the CP?

I am considering it since the date (11/14-11/16) is during the Avengers Marathon and from seeing the crowd levels from past marathons at the DLR. I am considering that week even though the holiday season doesn't start that first weekend which the "A Christmas Fantasy" parade and "Believe...In Holiday Magic" fireworks (if there is no paid party) should be up and running from past history. I read that the parade taping will be likely that weekend and I am looking at all possibilities during the November trip. I mostly would just go during December like I have been in the past and don't have to worry about this upcoming November during the holiday season. But with my basketball season the busiest during December, November is the best time for me and my DA to go to the DLR during the holiday season. I also thought about 11/21-11/23 which is during Thanksgiving break where we went last year but my DA Deluxe AP is to expire on the 22nd so a December trip is out of the question unless she is going to renew her AP.

When I heard about the marathon that weekend, I was disappointed and had to look at other possible dates to go than during the marathon. I can understand that the marathon won't be during the taping of the parade and the best time to do the marathon was that weekend (11/14 to 11/16). I went during the beginning of Thanksgiving break weekend last year and it wasn't as bad for the first few days until Monday where it was busy. After experiencing Thanksgiving break and Christmas break last year, I don't want to go during the busy times. But now every weekend (season or non-season) feels like its going to be busy. I will look at all possibilities and we have a half a year to decide.

Just like you, I can understand that the second weekend of December might be busy with all those busy weekends in November and the CP in early December. I have enjoyed going to the DLR during the second weekend of December before I moved the dates to November with basketball so it will be very interesting to see how the crowd levels are in mid December.

I have thought about going one time to see the CP at DL where I have seen it at EPCOT during the holiday season. Unlike DL which is only one weekend where EPCOT has several days of CP with different narrators. My DA did enjoy the CP at EPCOT where it was easy to get a seat while it will be difficult to get a nice spot to watch it from MS Town Square.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

thanks lucysmom,

With planing I am trying to Decide to go the Wednesday and Thursday before fri sat sun of the 5k race, or go the mon and tue after the race. I am hoping having two days non weekend will mean I wont have near as many crowds to deal with for a few things at least.
Any advice from my friends over here? I want to do all the holiday stuff and I am praying it will start right before veterans day this year like last year.
I have to do the holiday tour and parade, hoping woc will be the holiday one if they do it this year.

 

[Sherry E]

thanks lucysmom,

With planing I am trying to Decide to go the Wednesday and Thursday before fri sat sun of the 5k race, or go the mon and tue after the race. I am hoping having two days non weekend will mean I wont have near as many crowds to deal with for a few things at least.
Any advice from my friends over here? I want to do all the holiday stuff and I am praying it will start right before veterans day this year like last year.
I have to do the holiday tour and parade, hoping woc will be the holiday one if they do it this year.

JadeDarkStar --

I only have a quick second to pop in so I haven't had time to get caught up on replying to the posts that came in before yours, but I wanted to say that if you want to be sure not to miss anything (like the tour, WoC, etc.), I'd go after the Marathon.

The Marathon is an unknown factor in all of this, and we don't know how or IF it will affect the schedule this year. It is possible -- but we will not know for a long while -- that DLR could decide to hold off on starting some things until after the Marathon weekend is over, even if they say that the season "officially" begins on a date before the Marathon takes place. They, for example, could decide to not start Winter Dreams, Viva Navidad or even the holiday tour until the Marathon is over. Hopefully they won't do that, but we can't be sure just yet. This Marathon is a wild card!

DLR may not do anything differently at all, and maybe it will be a typical holiday season schedule with a marathon in the middle of it -- but just to be on the safe side you might want to go after the Marathon is over.

The parade pretty much has to start earlier because it will be taped before the season kicks off (officially). And IASWH always starts at least a couple of days early. Last year, Winter Dreams, Viva Navidad and the ice rink in DTD started about one week after the parade and fireworks began, and one week after IASWH and Jingle Cruise opened and the lighting of the Buena Vista Street tree took place.

I'm so glad to read that you and your family are basically okay after that scary ordeal with the idiot driver (except for your husband's bruises and lip)! Did the guy even stop and get out of the car when he saw that he hit your husband? I hope so.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

no they stopped but never got out, and once they saw we were ok (sorta) they speed off). I was so shock up i didn't get number or anything it just happened so fast but thanks *hugs*

Ty for the info about the holiday time too. I was thinking of doing the mon tue after the 5k because maybe most the weekend crowds would leave and id have two days after 5k to relax and get low crowds.

 

[rentayenta]

Thanks for letting me think aloud here Sherry. And your progress on this thread rocks. It's only April girl and you're on it!

 

[NewbieMouse]

Now that our flights are booked for our 5th annual Christmas trip, I am excited to feel like I can really start following your great new super thread, Sherry! I have firmed up our dates and we will be in the parks December 8-10. And this year I hope to take some pictures!!

 

[BarbLM]

Having a mother daughter trip Dec 10th til the 14th. We are staying at Paradise Pier. Been starting to worry about crowds, but decided why worry the plans are set and that's that. Lol yes still worried about crowds

 

[Sherry E]

Okay, Post #5 on Page 1 -- which is the Seasonal Events/Activities, etc. in Disneyland section -- is updated, with random videos, a few extra holiday tour reviews from DIS'ers and other stuff. This one post probably took me longer to organize and put together than any of the other single posts.

Anyway, the next one that will be updated -- though not tonight -- will be the Dining/Food/Treats post! I think we all love a good holiday treat now and then!

 

[areweindisneyyet]

Thanks for the lovely welcome back. Last year we visited WDW and went on the Disney Dream and in the last 18months have started my own business so have not been around very much at all. I am so looking forward to my two Disney days on the 12 the and 13th of November. I'll take as much or little Christmas that there is. I'm just excited about my unexpected chance to visit my happy place. I did get to experience Halloween at Disneyworld but I so love Christmas.

 

[Cheshirecatty]

Having a mother daughter trip Dec 10th til the 14th. We are staying at Paradise Pier. Been starting to worry about crowds, but decided why worry the plans are set and that's that. Lol yes still worried about crowds

Don't Worry!!!!

That is a great time to go!