Disneyland Crowds the week after Christmas?

[goltedl]

How are the crowds the week after Christmas? This would include New Years Eve and Day.

 

[Sherry E]

How are the crowds the week after Christmas? This would include New Years Eve and Day.

Honestly? The crowds are horrible! I don't mean to be the voice of doom - and, if my plan goes the way I hope it will, I, too, will be there right after Christmas and a few days before New Years, but I know it will be ridiculously busy. First, of all, December is a busy month anyway, especially the second half of it. It is actually the busiest time of the year, between those two holidays. I was there right before Christmas last year and it was pretty crowded but barely tolerable. However, one time I was there for New Years Eve and the crowds were SO thick that it was scary. Like you couldn't move in some spots because there were wall to wall people. The weekdays might be slightly better than weekends and New Year's Eve. If this is your only chance to go and see DLR during the holidays, then I would say go, because you should not miss a holiday Disney trip. But it will be bad, especially closer to New Year's. The only thing that might drive down the attendance levels this year is the bad economy and the high gas prices!

 

[tlovesdis]

According to everything I have ever read, the week between Christmas and NY's is THE busiest week of the whole year for Disneyland!

My cousins have been on NYE and NYD and they said they would never do it again!

 

[oldenewguy]

That is the only time of the year where I wouldn't go even if my ticket was paid for. I made the mistake of going for my birthday last year (12/29) and it was awful. We got on five rides and couldn't even walk half the time.

 

[msteddom]

Sorry to pile on, but they are horrible!

Melissa

 

[BillyFan]

My B-day is 12/30, and I never go on the actual day because it is just too crowded!

 

[DangerMouse]

Nope, couldn't pay me to go during that time either.

 

[Ride Junkie]

How about right after New Year's (January 1-2)? I've never been that time of year, but I've always wondered about the post-holiday crowds. TIA!

 

[goltedl]

Thanks for all the info. It looks like we will be staying at the Grand Californian Hotel checking in Dec 16th thur 21. I hope the crowds will not be to bad.

 

[Sherry E]

Thanks for all the info. It looks like we will be staying at the Grand Californian Hotel checking in Dec 16th thur 21. I hope the crowds will not be to bad.

You know what? December is a more crowded month anyway, but BEFORE Christmas is definitely better than AFTER in terms of attendance. You made the right choice. Last year, we were there the weekend right before the holiday and it was busy, but not scary. This year, if my plan stays as is, I will be there the very day after Christmas and until the 29th (not really my choice), and if it is anything like I think it might be based on my New Year's experience back in 2000, I expect to be spending a lot of time in the hotel!!! (I also have the GCH in mind but we will see.)

If you have not stayed at GCH before, you will love it. It is beautiful, especially around Christmas!

 

[goltedl]

This is our first time to be at Disneyland. We were told that there was still plenty of rooms at the resort...not sure if that is a sign that the economy will be effecting attendance?

 

[Sherry E]

This is our first time to be at Disneyland. We were told that there was still plenty of rooms at the resort...not sure if that is a sign that the economy will be effecting attendance?

Oooh...you are picking a great time of year to go for your first DLR trip just because it is extra magical during the holidays - we will all agree - aside from the massive crowds! It is so special at that time. And, as I said before, you couldn't have picked a better hotel for the holidays. Wait until you see the enormous lobby of the GCH, with it's comfy chairs and beautiful Christmas tree and great atmosphere.

Anyway, I think many people tend to not start booking for the holidays until September. A lot of the AP holders might book before then because they get special room rates with the AP, and those go quickly. The general public, I think, waits to make their December plans in mid to late September. And the ones who do go in December often try to do it early in the month, so the time you are going might not be filled up as fast. But, yes, I think the TERRIBLE economy (and I am a victim of it myself) and high gas prices will drive down crowds a bit. Summer was already lower in attendance at DLR than it usually is. Quite frankly, nobody can afford it this year.