Disneyland first week of December

[Mividadisney]

We are going to Disneyland December 1-4 and staying at the Disneys Grand California Hotel. We live no where near California and have only been to Disneyland one other time which was in May 2015 for the 60th anniversary ( we stayed at Paradise Pier Hotel) Even though it was crowded we were able too ride every ride and had a lot of fun. My question is from what I have read, is that the first week of December is less crowded and can someone who has been there that week help confirm this? since we are going mid week Tuesday-Friday it should be less crowded right?

 

[chickapin parterre]

the first week of December is only less crowded if there is a week after thanksgiving that is in the montht of November. that week returns in 2016.

Why it will be crowded all weeks in the holiday season
*el nino changing plans for 2016 visit
*2016 closures
*60th celebration
* everyone who skipped 13 and 14 and don't want to visit in 2016
*Wednesday morning will be the only light section of time in the park.

 

[Geemo]

Don't pay any attention to when it use to be slow. Those times are gone!
Most people that book for a traditionally slow time, continue to report CROWDS!!

As most say now.... "There are no real slow times any more"

I'll be there with three grandkids in tow December 2nd thru 5th. I'm hoping for slower... lower crowds...
Those dates aren't my choice. I had to go by their school calendar. There's no school for them those three weekdays.

I'm hoping for decent weather. Crowds are easier to handle than crappy weather.

Geemo

edit
Now that I think of it Crappy weather may = lower crowds.
I change my mind. I'm hoping for crappy weather.

 

[Mividadisney]

Thank you for the replies.

 

[Sherry E]

Join us in the Disneyland at Christmas/Holiday Season Superthread - http://www.disboards.com/threads/di...d-5-holidays-begin-fri-november-13th.3358217/

I've done quite a few early December trips!

 

[Tyggress]

Now that I think of it Crappy weather may = lower crowds.
I change my mind. I'm hoping for crappy weather.

I'm with you! I'm pretty much hoping there's a monsoon the weekend we're going (12/10 - 12/13), because Disney has now planned SO many special events that weekend I figure we might have to camp out in our room!

 

[KalamityJane]

I'm with you! I'm pretty much hoping there's a monsoon the weekend we're going (12/10 - 12/13), because Disney has now planned SO many special events that weekend I figure we might have to camp out in our room!

Right? I was going to switch to early December... and Southwest raised the prices of the flights a couple of hours after I decided that! AH! So we will be there same time as you...

 

[agamble]

It will be less busy than the 24 hour party they had for the 60th of course, but probably fairly busy. The earlier in the day should be less busy as people are at school and work. As locals get off for the day, the parks will become more crowded. They only have so many days to see the Holiday fun that aren't blocked out. If it rains, crowds will lighten. Be sure to bring Ponchos with you, or stop by the CVS and buy some.

 

[Sherry E]

I'm with you! I'm pretty much hoping there's a monsoon the weekend we're going (12/10 - 12/13), because Disney has now planned SO many special events that weekend I figure we might have to camp out in our room!

They're not all Disney-planned events, but events for sure. The ABC coverage -- that is something out of the ordinary (for that time frame), and obviously planned by Disney/ABC. Things like RaverDay and the other unofficial group celebrations (like the one I mentioned in the Superthread) would probably be crowd contributors as well, but Disney has nothing to do with those other than being the destination park/resort to which they are headed. I have a feeling that RaverDay probably picks up steam and grows a bit every year, but it's most likely not yet at the level of popularity that, for example, Dapper Day or Bats Day would be. Still, it will bring in a lot of extra people to the parks.

 

[Tyggress]

They're not all Disney-planned events, but events for sure. The ABC coverage -- that is something out of the ordinary (for that time frame), and obviously planned by Disney/ABC. Things like RaverDay and the other unofficial group celebrations (like the one I mentioned in the Superthread) would probably be crowd contributors as well, but Disney has nothing to do with those other than being the destination park/resort to which they are headed. I have a feeling that RaverDay probably picks up steam and grows a bit every year, but it's most likely not yet at the level of popularity that, for example, Dapper Day or Bats Day would be. Still, it will bring in a lot of extra people to the parks.

True...not all of the events are Disney....and I KNEW going in the holidays would be packed anyways...but the parade taping now kills me...on top of Season of the Force, temporary and permanent attractions closures coming, the normal holiday crowds, on & on...it's insanity, I tell you!

I'm scared to come on here each day, or check blogs and info, because it seems like daily there's some new crowd-drawing event happening the weekend I'm there. I'll make the most of it, because I'm a local and can come back whenever, and lord help me I love Disney regardless, but dang....

 

[Satchmo128]

I just heard about the parade taping and it will be RIGHT when we are there. Bah! Oh well. We have our dining reservations (dinner at Big Thunder BBQ, lunch at Carnation Cafe, lunch at Blue Bayou) and a basic plan for our four park days. And, heck, it is Disneyland during the holidays! How fun is that?

 

[Mividadisney]

I just heard about the parade taping and it will be RIGHT when we are there. Bah! Oh well. We have our dining reservations (dinner at Big Thunder BBQ, lunch at Carnation Cafe, lunch at Blue Bayou) and a basic plan for our four park days. And, heck, it is Disneyland during the holidays! How fun is that?

When will you be there?

 

[Mividadisney]

Join us in the Disneyland at Christmas/Holiday Season Superthread - http://www.disboards.com/threads/di...d-5-holidays-begin-fri-november-13th.3358217/

I've done quite a few early December trips!

Thank you!

 

[Satchmo128]

When will you be there?

We will be there 12/12 - 12/15.

 

[KalamityJane]

The good thing about this weekend (hey, we will be there, too, gotta look on the positive side ) is that the hours should be nice and long. I looked at the historic hours for last year and that was the weekend they switched to the long hours. So maybe that will help a bit?

 

[KalamityJane]

Also, RaverDay is Disneyland and not DCA (though I'm sure people will spill over). So maybe plan for DCA on the weekend? That will help with the crowds too.