DL Newbie

[rabyoga]

We are looking at taking our first DL trip (I went over 25 yrs ago) this X-mas. We've done DW for the last 4 years-always in late May-early June. I have a few questions:
How crowded is the park during the holidays?
Is the parks open X-mas and New Year's Day?

How decent are the economy hotels? We are considering Motel 6-we're not too fussy- we'll just sleep there.
How is the Shuttle system?
Is there a Tourguide book,etc that gives crowd levels and touring plans?

Thanks for any advice/information

 

[vanillasoftserve]

We are looking at taking our first DL trip (I went over 25 yrs ago) this X-mas. We've done DW for the last 4 years-always in late May-early June. I have a few questions:
How crowded is the park during the holidays?
Is the parks open X-mas and New Year's Day?

How decent are the economy hotels? We are considering Motel 6-we're not too fussy- we'll just sleep there.
How is the Shuttle system?
Is there a Tourguide book,etc that gives crowd levels and touring plans?

Thanks for any advice/information

When exactly are you going during the hoildays? Some days are more crowded than others. The parks are open on Christmas and New Year's Day, but they are very crowded, and if you want to get in, you should be there before rope drop. Have a nice trip! The parks are so beautiful around Christmastime Try to catch the Disneyland Holiday Parade and Hoilday fireworks

 

[DLR29]

I definitely want to warn you that the week between Christmas and NY is THE busiest week out of the whole year! Parks have been known to close during this peak season, so be absolutely sure that you get to the parks early! Maybe even around 7-7:15 for an 8:00 opening. The lines will be very long, many reaching up to an hour and some going over so hit those rides early (Space, Indy, Tower of Terror, Peter Pan, Soarin, California Screamin). Also maximize your FPs which will reduce your wait tremendously.

Because the crowds are heavy, the live entertainment (Christmas parades, fireworks, Fantasmic) are in full swing and are presented quite frequently every day. They also draw a large number of guests away from the rides. Also the park hours are long, probably 8AM-12AM which is a long time. Ride lines will start increasin around 9 and continue to grow for a while. SOme people may choose to leave because of crowds, but most likely it will be wall-to-wall people until after the fireworks.

But you can still have a great time if you get there early, hop to DCA when the DL crowds get big, always have a FP and get the FPs for some attractions very early (Space, Indy, Soarin, Screamin). The holidays is a great time to see the parks all decorated with many unique entertainment options. Also check out Haunted Mansion and IASW which are both decked out for Christmas. Have fun!

 

[CADZNYCHC]

As already noted - Xmas Day is quite busy - i think i've heard the BUSIEST day of the year....but i was there two years ago between 12/21 & 12/23...it wasn't too bad at all with the 23rd being the busiest - we spent more time that day at CA Adv....if you can the weekdays prior to the 25th -the so. cal. schools may not be out yet - so may be lighter crowds....

 

[HydroGuy]

We are looking at taking our first DL trip (I went over 25 yrs ago) this X-mas. We've done DW for the last 4 years-always in late May-early June. I have a few questions:
How crowded is the park during the holidays?
Is the parks open X-mas and New Year's Day?

How decent are the economy hotels? We are considering Motel 6-we're not too fussy- we'll just sleep there.
How is the Shuttle system?
Is there a Tourguide book,etc that gives crowd levels and touring plans?

Thanks for any advice/information

Here are some useful links:

An Introduction To WDW For DLR Vets
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=16541636

HydroGuy's Hotel Rule
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199862