disneyland post christmas trip!

[ado121]

we want to try disneyland after christmas, just after, and maybe stay for new years. does disneyland do anything special for new years?

i assume it will be busy but whats the weather like? we are from canada, so rain doesn't scare us....just the mix of lineups and rain!


also, family of 5 (mom dad and kids 7 months, 2 and 4) and a set of picky grandparents. where should we stay? our family wants cheap prices, grandparents want luxury. is there possibly a good hotel that has those two in common??? dreamin, i know.

thanks!

ps- any canadians from vancouver on here?

 

[DangerMouse]

The week between Christmas and New Years is the busiest week of the year at DLR. We're talking wall to wall people. Personally, you couldn't pay me to go to the parks during that time, but if it's your only option, I would recommend looking into ridemax, a software that will help you plan your day to spend less time waiting in lines. Or at least read Hydroguy's thread on Fastpass and use it to its full advantage.

We always stay at the HoJo. It's not luxurious by any means, but it's clean, has a great pool, and is extremely affordable.

 

[bclydia]

Yes, North Van here!!!
Will be moving out to Maple Ridge in the summer too!
Hi Neighbour!
You are looking at a very busy time. Now, having said that, if that's when you have to go, you can still have a great time. The decorations are amazing.
If the grandparents want luxury, perhaps they should consider the Grand California Hotel and then have you and the kids stay across from Disneyland at the Anaheim Desert Inn and Suites. It's clean and affordable and the suites really work for a family with little kids. The GCH is right in California Adventure so it would be easy to meet up each day.
We went the first weekend of December last year and had a wonderful time and the crowds were manageable. The weather we thought was great but the Californians were complaining it was too cold. My children (ages 1 1/2 & 3 then) were playing in the water park. I guess it's all about what you're used to. Two Christmases before that, the rain was terrible and I (a born Vancouverite) had to buy a rain poncho. It seems to be an unpredictable time of year weather-wise.
Hope that helps!
Lydia

 

[DLR29]

I completely agree with DangerMouse. If there's ANY other time you can go, go then! Not only is it wall to wall, the lines for most attractions will be at least an hour, not to mention the major attractions where you'll be waiting for several hours (Space, Indy, FNSV, Splash, HMH). Also that week is the most common for capacity closures where the park actually stops letting people in because the parks are filled. You may be able to ride 5-8 attractions per day just because of crowds, and shows/fireworks/parades will be a nightmare.

Just giving you a warning about what you might encounter. If that truely is the only time you can go have fun. Enjoy the nice decorations and don't try to ride everything in a day. The weather usually is pretty good.

As for hotels, you aren't going to find luxury for any cheap price, especially if you're going during peak, peak season. My advice is to look for a relatively nice hotel (maybe 3 AAA diamonds) for something that fits your budget. Then offer it to the grandparents and see if they like it. If not, have them suggest something. I'm sure you can figure out a compromise.