DL in December worth it or not?

[trainingupmy4princes]

We are looking at 12/16-leaving the 23 due to work time etc. Are there any discounts on the DL hotels this time frame (AAA or AP or general)? Is it even worth it or will it be gridlock? I was hoping the weekdays would be manageable as most CA AP's would still have work/school? We have been years ago in Dec and loved the decor/atmosphere but that was before the million passholders which I assume affects crowds now.

 

[skiingfast]

Gridlock does'nt start until the evening of Friday the 21st. That when it gets very busy. The week coming up to it just a little busy. You may find disounts of all sorts but likely on the 21st they will end.

 

[2disneyland]

We've been in early December many times and it's great...decorations are up, weather is nice, crowds are low. But you're talking about being there at the same time that Christmas break starts for almost all the kids in the country, not just local......so I think you may find the crowds a bit high. The closer you get to Christmas the worse it will likely get.

But.....if you go with the mindset that it will be crowded, and have your plan in place, you can still have a wonderful trip.

Remember, even the worst day at Disney is better than the best day at work, lol.

Go and enjoy the extra magic of the holiday season at Disney!

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Some schools willbe out on break, while others won't. I agree with skiingfast, crazy won't start until Friday. We will be there 15-18.

 

[Disney Dreams]

We are looking at 12/16-leaving the 23 due to work time etc. Are there any discounts on the DL hotels this time frame (AAA or AP or general)? Is it even worth it or will it be gridlock? I was hoping the weekdays would be manageable as most CA AP's would still have work/school? We have been years ago in Dec and loved the decor/atmosphere but that was before the million passholders which I assume affects crowds now.

It will be busy. And it's not the "CA APs" that you need to worry about. It's all the out of towners on vacation who are coming the week before Christmas to get home for the holiday that you need to be concerned about being there. And many of them will be.

It's a busy time, but that doesn't mean don't go. It just means go, know that it will be busy, but you are in Disneyland. You may not get everything you want to do done, but you will do and see a lot and (hopefully) enjoy the Happiest Place on Earth right before the giant storm of Christmas to New Years arrives.

- Dreams

 

[Disneyqueendenmark]

DO IT it's always worth it to go to Disneyland :b

But yeah, I guess it will be crowded and pretty busy! My family and I went last year at christmas time. (unfortunetly) we only had two days, December 23 and 24. It was very crowded compared to the others times i've been (spring 06', early/mid june 08' and mid july 10'), but it was managable The weather and the decirations was so amazing. Because we only had two days, one was christmas eve, and didn't use them as 'full days' there were many rides, shows etc. that we did'nt get to do! But since you'll be there more days and is further from christmas-nye I think you'll be able to have an amazing time

-have a magical trip if you're deciding to go!

 

[NewbieMouse]

This will be our third year going in December before Christmas and we love it. It's busy later in the day, but if you get there early and use fast passes (even during their windows, I think!) You'll be fine. December at Disney rocks!

 

[Halloweenqueen]

I think your dates are fine! It will be busy, but not insane busy. Disneyland is incredible at holiday time. I love WDW, but nothing beats the decorations of DL! Every inch of the park has special touches. We love the holiday overlays at Haunted Mansion and Small World. Plus there are many special meals and treats just for the holidays. You will have a blast!

 

[jennabennabofenna]

We are looking at 12/16-leaving the 23 due to work time etc. Are there any discounts on the DL hotels this time frame (AAA or AP or general)? Is it even worth it or will it be gridlock? I was hoping the weekdays would be manageable as most CA AP's would still have work/school? We have been years ago in Dec and loved the decor/atmosphere but that was before the million passholders which I assume affects crowds now.

At that point im sure it will be busy. Likely to be less busy during weekdays.

But of course its worth it

Have a magical trip!!

 

[CMHusband]

its busy, but its really a beautiful place at Christmas and worth the effort.

 

[DollBabyKG]

We went last December, the 6-11 and it was PERFECT. The weekdays were slow, chill, and easy going until evening times (after 5 pm). The only times it felt CROWDED beyond belief were during the castle lightings and snow on Main St. Then, it was quite difficult to maneuver the strollers, but still totally worth it. Saturday was our last day, and was certainly busier, but still not crazy. We went in July last year as well, and December was NOTHING compared to July. You couldn't pay me enough to go back in July. In contrast, we're planning on heading back this December. It was fabulous, the weather was in the low 70's all week, and a lightweight sweater was almost too warm during the day. A fleece jacket was perfect at night, other than one night where we broke out the hats and gloves. I highly recommend going in December, the decorations, and songs, and things make it impossible NOT to be in the Christmas spirit! I'm sure it gets busier the closer you get to Christmas but we had a GREAT experience this year! We rarely waited more than 10 minutes for anything, except Toy Story Midway Mania, which we hit up about an hour after CA opened, and waited 20 minutes for. We walked onto most things, and were able to see everything we wanted with no trouble!