Disneyland in December

[crickee]

We are planning our first trip to DL for Dec 26th through Jan. 3rd. We stayed at WDW the same time last year and wondered how crowds compare. We are planning on staying at the DLH.

Thanks for any info.

 

[mytmouse]

Disneyland tends to be crowded this time of year for two reasons. First, it is Christmas and DL is magically transformed this time of year. Second, most schools are not in session this time of year, which makes for bigger crowds. Unsure of what WDW is like as I have not had the pleasure of a visit there as yet.
If you have dealt with crowds at WDW, then you should have no problems at DL. Hope this helps!!

 

[Diva of Dragons]

Well, actually crowded is an understatement. The last couple years, DL has actually had to "close the gates" a few days, during the "winter break", period because they reached capacity. They don't close them to hotel guests though! Your best bet is to get an early start and use Fast-pass as much as possible. You'll especially need fast-pass for It's a Small World & Haunted Mansion. Even if you aren't an IASW fan, you have to see it done for the holidays! Just set your priorities and take your time...you'll still have fun!!

 

[sgtdilbert]

The thought of being within a 2 mile radius of the parks during that time of year makes me stressed. Methinks the crowds are less smack dab in the middle of summer. Good luck.

s.

 

[disneychrista]

We are planning a combined NYE trip and DD 13th birthday trip for Dec 30 - Jan 3. I am expecting it to be extremely crowded and planning accordingly.

Does anyone know if they "close the gates" if you can reenter the park? Meaning say we go early and then want to leave for a few hours, either to go to DTD or back to the hotel can we reenter the park if (or should I say when) they "close the gates"?

 

[twinz]

We will be going to DL for the first time at the beginning of Dec. What are the crowds typically like then? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Diva of Dragons]

disneychrista: Yes, I believe you can re-enter.

twinz: The first couple weeks of Dec. are usually not very crowded. From about the 15th on, it gets really bad.

 

[MateasMom]

Originally posted by disneychrista
We are planning a combined NYE trip and DD 13th birthday trip for Dec 30 - Jan 3. I am expecting it to be extremely crowded and planning accordingly.

Does anyone know if they "close the gates" if you can reenter the park? Meaning say we go early and then want to leave for a few hours, either to go to DTD or back to the hotel can we reenter the park if (or should I say when) they "close the gates"?

I heard that DL was HORRIBLY crowded on NYE this past year. I'd absolutly avoid it for that day. My parents were there and they said it took them OVER an hour to walk from the castle to the exit gates at about 10:00 in the evening. They said you litterally could only suffle your feet to move along, and keep looking up to make sure you hadn't been 'shifted' in another direction by the crowds. They ended up going to CA which they said was MUCH better.

 

[Gottaluvthemouse]

NYE is one of the 2 worst days of the year to visit DLR. Along with the Holiday decorations & schools being out. Many people receive annual passes for Christmas & can not wait to get to the parks!
As long as you go in prepared for heavy crowds then you should be fine. I would advise leaving the park before 8:00 pm on NYE. The crowd will be overwhelming (people are shoulder to shoulder and you will not be able to move).
As to whether or not you would be let back into the park once they have closed the gates; It doesn't seem that there would be a problem. You are required to have your ticket & a hand stamp upon reentering the park if you do not have an annual pass. So with that in mind it would seem this would be proof that you were there earlier in the day. I would call Disneyland Guest Relations @ (714) 781-4773 to be 100% sure.

 

[disneychrista]

Originally posted by MateasMom
I heard that DL was HORRIBLY crowded on NYE this past year. I'd absolutly avoid it for that day.

But that would defeat the purpose of being there for NYE I totally expect to not be able to do much of anything that day. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to be in our favorite place for the beginning of the new year.

 

[Brynnie]

I will be in the parks from Dec 27th until Dec 30th. Are the parks as bad on these days since they are before New Years Eve but after Christmas? I don't mind crowds but I cannot handle shoulder to shoulder crowds. I am okay at WDW when fireworks let out and it is crazy, but that only lasts about 20 minutes. If I get to the parks as soon as the gates open, how bad is it??

Thanks for your input. I am reading these posts and I am getting nervous now!!!

 

[disneychrista]

Originally posted by Brynnie
I will be in the parks from Dec 27th until Dec 30th. Are the parks as bad on these days since they are before New Years Eve but after Christmas? ... If I get to the parks as soon as the gates open, how bad is it??

It will be very crowded, but not as crowded as NYE. However it is not uncommon for them to "close the gates" because of capacity issues (meaning the park can not hold any more guests). The best advice is to get the BEFORE actual opening, leave for a mid-day break at lunch time, and return around dinner time and stay until close. As long as you go in with a laid back attitude, make use of Fastpass and don't let the crowds get to you, you will have a good time.

 

[sgtdilbert]

Just a heads up, the past 2 years (and maybe before that) the resort does not offer tram service on NYE. You will be walking from the parking structure to the main gates. Just a heads up.

My friend goes every year and they really enjoy it, but of course, they have set their expectation that they won't be doing much during that evening.

s.

 

[disneychrista]

Originally posted by sgtdilbert
Just a heads up, the past 2 years (and maybe before that) the resort does not offer tram service on NYE. You will be walking from the parking structure to the main gates.

Really That is interesting, I wonder why?

Good thing I am booked at a hotel right accross Harbor Blvd.

 

[I Need Magic]

I'm searching now for a room across the street, where are you staying? I will be there 12/26-12/30, then on to the Tournament of Roses Parade area.

PS Is the Electric Light Parade running during the holiday season? I've never had the pleasure of that parade - my timing is always off.

 

[disneychrista]

There are several good hotel right accross Harbor Blvd. I am staying this time at Tropicana Inn.

 

[cats mom]

I've been at DL once on a day that was so crowded they had to close the gates - It was AWFUL - I imagine it will be even worse this year as sooo many attractions are closed - so probably the same capacity # wise - with less to do!