Disneyland at Christmas/Holiday Season Superthread #5

[millie0312]

Millie-love that story of your girl falling asleep for the night at 4pm. I have the opposite thing in my house though-I get up easy and go but my kids are another story. I am sure they could but it's not natural. Maybe the disney magic will help things along. And good reminder for the observation deck, not a bad idea. Is the deck covered?

I wish we had the time zone in our favor, we live in the same zone.

We were there last 2014 the last week of Feb and it was busy. I wish I knew what to compare it to, as our only other trip was mid Sept in 2012 and it was a dream crowd-wise. Our Feb trip was a rude awakening and I wasn't expecting much for crowds and it was rough. Our park strategy is just to go when it's not busy (whatever that means now), during the week, and for as many days as we can so we can pace ourselves. First trip was 6 days in parks, last trip was 5 days in parks and this trip was supposed to be 4 days but I might do 5 again.

Hearing about your 12-15 miles a day makes me think one of us should wear a proper pedometer. I knew we walked a lot, but wow!

Lol my DD was pretty funny with her sleep- she actually fell asleep on a bench in the park one night while we sat and waited for DH to go into the camera shop- people were commenting how sweet she looked sleeping if they only knew her awake lol! But she usually is an early riser and stays up as late as she can so Disney has that sleeping affect on kids! We are in the same time zone too so no help for us on that either. As far as the observation deck- we actually never made it there (it's on our list this trip- along with some other hotel fun activities!) so hopefully someone else can fill you in better. I guess we all know it'll be busy but how busy remains to be seen- I'm hoping since DCA is only open until 9 pm Wed and Thurs, it will be more busy like summer and school vacation busy and not capacity, but I'm preparing for both. It's hard to explain how busy "feels" but let me put it this way- the busiest day last year in Dec for us was the third week of Dec (lots of kids got out of school early) and while the weekend before felt very crowded, that Monday in the congested areas (which were more places then not)- it was literally hard to walk. We still had a blast, we still are going back, we still got 99% of what we wanted to do done in 3 days, but it was overwhelming busy lol if you can do 5 days I would say do it- more time so less worries if there is a big crowd.

 

[adSimba]

Question, although all of the other restaurant reservations in the park are released, and all the days around it as well, the PCH grill is not available to reserve for Christmas night yet? (even over the phone) and Disney has made it clear that 3 of the restaurants on property are having special meals and did not name PCH, Any idea what's going on?

 

[KITKAT0229]

We are going 12/4-12/8. Touringplans doesn't show this time period to be very busy, anywhere from 2/3 to 4/5. Are crowd predictions off this year because of the Diamond Celebration? Should I expect it to be super crowded?

 

[tlovesdis]

We are going 12/4-12/8. Touringplans doesn't show this time period to be very busy, anywhere from 2/3 to 4/5. Are crowd predictions off this year because of the Diamond Celebration? Should I expect it to be super crowded?

Yes crowd predictors are way off this year! The parks have been packed, even at times that are usually not too busy. This December looks to be one of the busiest months ever!

 

[KITKAT0229]

Yes crowd predictors are way off this year! The parks have been packed, even at times that are usually not too busy. This December looks to be one of the busiest months ever!

Ugh not what I wanted to hear. We were booked to go WDW but moved it to DL for a shorter trip. I don't know what to think now. That explains why on-site hotels are booked up but they're pretty booked up at WDW too.

Do you think they will reach capacity during this time frame? Will Friday (morning & afternoon) and Monday & Tuesday be less crowded you think?

 

[tlovesdis]

Ugh not what I wanted to hear. We were booked to go WDW but moved it to DL for a shorter trip. I don't know what to think now. That explains why on-site hotels are booked up but they're pretty booked up at WDW too.

Do you think they will reach capacity during this time frame? Will Friday (morning & afternoon) and Monday & Tuesday be less crowded you think?

No, not capacity in early December, but it won't be slow. Not sure about which days will be less crowded. I was there in September on a Friday-Monday and it was packed the whole time but to me Monday seemed the busiest! Although Saturday was pretty bad!

 

[KITKAT0229]

Well I'm glad it won't be at capacity. We aren't typically early risers but I think we're gonna have to try to get to the parks at opening this time. At least we're coming from Mountain Time and will be essentially gaining an hour.

We'll have 4 full days and 1 partial, so hopefully we'll have enough time to see everything. I'll definitely be planning everything out with touring plans this time.

Thanks!

 

[JadeDarkstar]

If touring plan isn't correct this year, is there any other sites that will be.

 

[pudinhd]

I am still trying to get back to normal after 3.5 days at Disneyland last week... Here are a few of my favorites!

 

[tlovesdis]

If touring plan isn't correct this year, is there any other sites that will be.

As far as I can tell they have all been pretty off this year. I don't think anyone was expecting the 60th to be as huge as it has been. I mean, they knew it would be big, but it's turning out to be really huge!

 

[KITKAT0229]

Loving all the Christmas pics! Who is reading for the Candlelight Processional this year?

 

[KITKAT0229]

As far as I can tell they have all been pretty off this year. I don't think anyone was expecting the 60th to be as huge as it has been. I mean, they knew it would be big, but it's turning out to be really huge!

I just saw your profile pic! Hi fellow BH!

 

[tlovesdis]

I just saw your profile pic! Hi fellow BH!

Hi! You are the third BH that has seen my pic and commented!!

 

[mom2rtk]

Yes crowd predictors are way off this year! The parks have been packed, even at times that are usually not too busy. This December looks to be one of the busiest months ever!

Totally agree with this. Those numbers have been so far off they need to be taken with a massive oversized grain of salt.

Well I'm glad it won't be at capacity. We aren't typically early risers but I think we're gonna have to try to get to the parks at opening this time. At least we're coming from Mountain Time and will be essentially gaining an hour.

We'll have 4 full days and 1 partial, so hopefully we'll have enough time to see everything. I'll definitely be planning everything out with touring plans this time.

Thanks!

Plan on maximizing early hours and make the most of Tuesday through Thursday. We just finished a week in the parks and those mid week days were lovely. Friday through Monday not so much.

 

[planningjollyholiday]

Is olafs snow fest supposed to start with everything else on the 13th, or is it not happening until later?

 

[millie0312]

Is olafs snow fest supposed to start with everything else on the 13th, or is it not happening until later?

It sounds like it will start with everything else by what they have released so far, but we shall see as it gets closer I guess. So far the schedule isn't very telling lol

 

[kylie71]

Where is our Fearless Leader?? Sherry, are you OK???
Miss You!

--Lori

 

[dolphingirl47]

Do you go the designated location at rope drop?

Yes, the wristbands are very limited. They only make three batches with about 40 candy canes each per day so they go quickly.

And how does magic mornings/emh work (like do they let people line up during these times)

When I was there last year, the candy canes were offered at the park that did not have EMH that day. I was there fore the first two days they offered the candy canes so that may have changed later in the season.

Corinna

 

[TLinden16]

Just booked the Holiday Time Tour! Four weeks from now at this time, I'll be on the plane!

 

[lvdis]

Do you know if they offer a discount on the Holiday Time Tour for Disney Visa card holders?