Disneyland First Week in December

[RuthieT]

We went to DL the second week in December and for the first few days it was great with not many people and then schools started getting out for Winter Break and it got CRAZY... We never did stay every night for the fireworks and I know that the first week of December the park closes early. But how are the crowds then?

 

[Leofoenget]

We went to DL the second week in December and for the first few days it was great with not many people and then schools started getting out for Winter Break and it got CRAZY... We never did stay every night for the fireworks and I know that the first week of December the park closes early. But how are the crowds then?

Park closes real early (6pm) Tues/Wed I think (or Mon/Tues) for cast parties (check boards for this topic) but DCA stayes open later. First weekend of the month Candle light processional. But I try to go Wed-Sat deal and it's pretty nice, low crowds.

 

[bumbershoot]

We were there from the 5th through the 9th last month, and found the crowds to be rather light. Of course they get heavier as you get to the weekend, that always happens.

One or two days first week is/are Candlelight processional, two nights of early closing for cast parties...not much going on there, though if you like to go during the daylight hours instead of dark-time (as DS would say) hours, it would probably be worth it!

 

[RuthieT]

We are fine with the parks closing early at 5 or 6. Still gives you plenty of time to see everything and do everything.

 

[Dawn16]

Search feature isn't working for me at the moment so forgive me if this is redundant. The Disneyland version of the Candlelight Processional is typically the first weekend of December? We'll be visiting 12/5-12/9 (Fri-Tues) and hadn't even thought of the Processional. Are there normally early closings for this or just bigger crowds? Is it a paid event unlike Epcot where anyone can attend?

 

[Leofoenget]

Search feature isn't working for me at the moment so forgive me if this is redundant. The Disneyland version of the Candlelight Processional is typically the first weekend of December? We'll be visiting 12/5-12/9 (Fri-Tues) and hadn't even thought of the Processional. Are there normally early closings for this or just bigger crowds? Is it a paid event unlike Epcot where anyone can attend?

I used the search feature on micechat. I asked this question last year and this is the answer I found:

Park closes early the first Monday and Tuesday for cast parties. Candlelight is the first weekend.

there ya go.

 

[disney-super-mom]

Search feature isn't working for me at the moment so forgive me if this is redundant. The Disneyland version of the Candlelight Processional is typically the first weekend of December? We'll be visiting 12/5-12/9 (Fri-Tues) and hadn't even thought of the Processional. Are there normally early closings for this or just bigger crowds? Is it a paid event unlike Epcot where anyone can attend?

Disneyland doesn't close early during the Processional.

It is a ticketed event with a limited number of tickets sold, so it really doesn't impact crowd levels too much in the parks (the weekend will be crowded anyway), but it DOES impede TRAFFIC FLOW while the Processional is taking place.

 

[RuthieT]

so if we went November 30 to December 4 or 5 crowds shouldnt be too horrible?

 

[kerickson]

so if we went November 30 to December 4 or 5 crowds shouldnt be too horrible?

We were there Dec 2-4th 2007 and Dec 7-14 2006. The 2007 trip had earlier park closings (due to cast parties mentioned above), but it didn't really impact us because we were without kids (adults only! ) and wanted to enjoy Downtown Disney at night. Also, we used Fast Pass where we could and didn't wait in line more than 15 min (and that was just the amount of time to walk through all the ropes!). We rode so many rides we were tired at the end of the day anyway!
Early Dec is a great time to visit with the beautiful Christmas decorations and smaller crowds. Cons are earlier park closings and colder weather (higher chance of rain).

 

[Mrs. Bee]

We went last November 27th - 29th (I think those were the dates) and the crowds weren't bad at all. But we left before the weekend and the candlelight thing. Minimal crowds and Christmas decorations are great.

 

[disneyfan4ever54]

Disneyland doesn't close early during the Processional.

It is a ticketed event with a limited number of tickets sold, so it really doesn't impact crowd levels too much in the parks (the weekend will be crowded anyway), but it DOES impede TRAFFIC FLOW while the Processional is taking place.

We will be there during the CP weekend this year and plan to go to DCA during the day. We want to go back to DL in the evening. What time should we make sure we are back in DL to avoid the crowds during the first CP? We want to try to catch the 2nd one if we can, so should we make sure we are in the park well before the 1st one starts? Once that one starts, is it hard to get into that area if we are entering the park then?

 

[Dawn16]

A second question if I might ask. The cast parties are on the first Monday and Tuesday of December? So, this year that would be 12/1 & 12/2? Or is it actually the Monday and Tuesday following the CP weekend, which would be 12/8 & 12/9? Just trying to determine if we'll be dealing with traffic flow issues for the CP AND early closings as well. Thanks!

 

[disneyfan4ever54]

I had this same question and looked up the dates for past years where the CP was held on the same days as it's going to be this year. If the first days of the month were before the first weekend, then the CM parties were held before the CP. From what I've heard (and looked up), they are always during the first Monday and Tuesday, regardless of when the first weekend falls for the CP.

 

[DangerMouse]

My family went the same time as Mrs. Bee above. I hate to even post this because I'm afraid that it will be more crowded, but the week after Thanksgiving (Tues-Fri) was wonderful. Really low crowds, we were dreamed twice and couldn't even use the dream FP's because there were no lines. We left before the CP on Sat.

 

[Dawn16]

Thanks much, everyone, for the DL help! I'm a WDW vet but have only been to Disneyland twice ever and am not as familiar with where to look for the somewhat random info I've been seeking

 

[DorkyDisneyMom]

I was there last year at the same time as Mrs Bee and DangerMouse. The crowds were very light, except for the day of the Candelight. If I were going to book I would shoot for Dec. 8-12. The reason being is that you have the cast party Dec. 1, Dec. 2, then you have the Candelight Dec. 6, and Dec. 7. Those will both impact the time and the crowds. The week of Dec. 8 is still 2 weeks away from Christmas, I wouldn't think that that many people would be pulling kids out that early. I don't think many schools will be out for vaction yet either.

Last year we went before then because Thanksgiving was early. We were going to try to avoid the Candelight but, Dec. 1st was a Saturday so we chose that day as our departure day.

I think you will be fine chosing either one of those weeks but, I would chose the second week.

 

[charlinn]

Hello...I am new to this message board...so happy I found it!!

My hubby, 13yr old son, 4 yr old daughter, and myself are going to Disneyland in December (our first time in December...we go to Disneyland every 2-3 years).

We are going the 7th-10th, we're driving from N. Cal on the 6th (Saturday night), while the kids are sleeping...it takes us about 5 1/2 hours. It's either that or leave early in the a.m. on Sunday...like 4am...yuck...!!

We plan on spending Sunday-Tuesday in the parks...and I am really hoping that they do not close early for cast parties on these days !! That would stink...!!

We are staying at the Disneyland Hotel for the first time as well...

Any suggestions or info...is greatly appreaciated. I am so excited...I can hardly stand it! Any special info or suggestions for going during their Christmas/Holiday time??

This is my daughters 2nd time...but she was only 1 year old her first time, so obviously doesn't remember it...My Hubby and I can't wait to see her face!!!

 

[Tasscrapper]

Does anyone know if the Sunday will be extra busy on Nov 30th? With Thanksgiving being on the 27th (last Thursday of the month) will the crowds from Thanksgiving still be there Sunday or will it have dissapated by then? We are planning on the Dec. 1-5 (checking out on the 5th) but am wondering about adding another day on one end of the trip.

 

[Leofoenget]

I was there last year at the same time as Mrs Bee and DangerMouse. The crowds were very light, except for the day of the Candelight. If I were going to book I would shoot for Dec. 8-12. The reason being is that you have the cast party Dec. 1, Dec. 2, then you have the Candelight Dec. 6, and Dec. 7. Those will both impact the time and the crowds. The week of Dec. 8 is still 2 weeks away from Christmas, I wouldn't think that that many people would be pulling kids out that early. I don't think many schools will be out for vaction yet either.

Last year we went before then because Thanksgiving was early. We were going to try to avoid the Candelight but, Dec. 1st was a Saturday so we chose that day as our departure day.

I think you will be fine chosing either one of those weeks but, I would chose the second week.

I have been hearing that the cast parties were the following week. 8-9