Disneyland for the holidays? Or when?

[DannyDisneyFreak]

Starting to plan our first DL trip for 2016, so the first question is when to go? My first thought was before Christmas during the holiday season. I have heard that Christmas at DL is beautiful, much more spectacular than WDW, but do I want my first experience at DL to be under Christmas decor? I know they do the overlay in the HM but should I be disappointed to miss out on the original? My other thought is if we go another time of year when do they shut down HM? HM and POTC are my 2 must dos or I would be highly disappointed! Any suggestions on when to go? Thanks

 

[DisneyDez]

Do you know if Disneyland has their Holiday Fireworks show everyday, from Nov. 17th - Nov. 21st? That's when we will be there. Also when does the park hours up date? I still can't see anything new for that time or even close to that time of the year. Thank you

This will be our 2nd family trip with our DD, DGrandS and DGrandD

 

[jdb in AZ]

Starting to plan our first DL trip for 2016, so the first question is when to go? My first thought was before Christmas during the holiday season. I have heard that Christmas at DL is beautiful, much more spectacular than WDW, but do I want my first experience at DL to be under Christmas decor? I know they do the overlay in the HM but should I be disappointed to miss out on the original? My other thought is if we go another time of year when do they shut down HM? HM and POTC are my 2 must dos or I would be highly disappointed! Any suggestions on when to go? Thanks

I wouldn't say that DLR at Christmas is much more spectacular than WDW. Both resorts are very well decorated. My main concern about the holidays is the crowd level. Maybe it was just our bad luck, but DLR seemed much more wall-to-wall people than WDW. I would much rather to go during the off-season. If you really want to see the holiday decorations, it would be better to go right after they "deck the halls," before kids get out of school for winter break.

One of the drawbacks of going off-season is that DLR does a lot of ride refurb so something is always unavailable, but I'd rather sacrifice a ride or three instead of fighting the crowds.

 

[DannyDisneyFreak]

I wouldn't say that DLR at Christmas is much more spectacular than WDW. Both resorts are very well decorated. My main concern about the holidays is the crowd level. Maybe it was just our bad luck, but DLR seemed much more wall-to-wall people than WDW. I would much rather to go during the off-season. If you really want to see the holiday decorations, it would be better to go right after they "deck the halls," before kids get out of school for winter break.

One of the drawbacks of going off-season is that DLR does a lot of ride refurb so something is always unavailable, but I'd rather sacrifice a ride or three instead of fighting the crowds.

Oh no when I say holiday time I mean beginging of December when the decorations are up, I'm an "off season" person. As long as HM and POTC is up and running.

 

[krispin41]

Oh no when I say holiday time I mean beginging of December when the decorations are up, I'm an "off season" person. As long as HM and POTC is up and running.

Keep in mind as well, when you are visiting that HM will have the Nightmare Before Christmas overlay on it as well, so if you are a "purist," you might be disappointed.

Also, it's hard to say how it will be as your dates are so far out, things may change after the 60th anniversary celebration