Dumb how crazy is December question.

[Dobie]

OK I know this is dumb so flame away...

Dobie Brat graduates from college next spring (knock on wood) and won't be coming home this summer. I would like to have one more family Disney trip before she is officially grown up and off the payroll. I tossed around the idea of the three of us meeting at Disney at Thanksgiving, but it is the week before her finals and she will be grumpy and stressed and, frankly, no fun.

So, for people who have been in December, how hideously mobbed are the five days or so before Christmas day, compared, to, say, June/July/August, which is the normal Dobie time frame? We could fly down on the 21st or 22nd and come back on the 26th.

Please, fire away!

 

[SomeDude78]

IMO the week of Christmas is the busiest of the year, hands down. Busier than summer every time I've gone. But it's also when the park is dressed up the nicest and everyone seems to be in a good mood, so it's still always an enjoyable trip. I'd definitely do it but keep things at a leisurely pace and expect much longer than usual lines for the big attractions.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Before is definitely better than after Xmas. It's a pretty busy summer day, but everyone seems to be cheerier (and cooler) so it doesn't feel as bad. We've done it, and with planning and some priortizing you will be just fine.

 

[ArchOwl]

Last year we did the days following Christmas, including NYE. It was crowded but doable with a plan. The first few hours and the very last hour of the day were always very nice. We took breaks in the afternoon, or had an extended, relaxing meal. We had a great time and it was an awesome visit. We were expecting to get almost nothing done, but we did a lot. I think it was all about expectations. Just go into it with the idea that yes, it will be crowded, but you will still have a good time. The days before Christmas should be better than the days after. I say go for it!

 

[twilightsparkle]

We went Christmas eve 2008 and the place was a ghost town. We walked on everything. We did both parks in one day. We went on the 26th for our 2nd day and it was a nightmare. We only stayed until 2ish since we had gotten so much done the day before.

 

[larina]

We were there December 22-27th last year and I expected it to be more crowded than it was. 3Minnies1Mickey is right, people seem to be in better moods than when it is hotter, for sure.

 

[Dobie]

Thanks everyone!

 

[cp11]

We were there December 21-28. The 21st through 24th was great. The 25th on was hell. Our Plan was to spend all day in parks on Christmas day including eating dinner there, I was so miserable that I was begging to go back to room. We eventually did and ended up finding a pizza joint to deliver us pizza for our Christmas dinner. We would never do it again personally. We've been to DL several times at all times of the year, this was by far the worse. Just our two cents.

 

[DisneytheKid]

Not to completely steal the thread but are there any best practices for dealing with these crowds and getting the most out of your visit?

 

[larina]

We were there December 21-28. The 21st through 24th was great. The 25th on was hell. Our Plan was to spend all day in parks on Christmas day including eating dinner there, I was so miserable that I was begging to go back to room. We eventually did and ended up finding a pizza joint to deliver us pizza for our Christmas dinner. We would never do it again personally. We've been to DL several times at all times of the year, this was by far the worse. Just our two cents.

Just different experiences I guess We really enjoyed Christmas Day in DL and especially our Special seating for the Christmas parade. We all said it was the best Christmas we have ever had.

Not to completely steal the thread but are there any best practices for dealing with these crowds and getting the most out of your visit?

put on your best attitude and be prepared to have very little (ok, none at all) personal space.

 

[ArchOwl]

Not to completely steal the thread but are there any best practices for dealing with these crowds and getting the most out of your visit?

Have a good attitude. It is going to be crowded, but hey you are at Disneyland! Just expect that things will not go the way you planned and be ok with it.

Make the most of the golden hours. Most tourists do not know how to work these times. Take every early entry you are eligible for. Be there for rope drop and collect FPs for the rest of the day. Take a break so you can last until the minute DL closes. The first few hours of the day and the last hour are precious. Use them!

Eat during off hours OR have reservations for table service. Avoid counter service between 12:30-2pm and 5:30-7:30pm, the lines will be nuts and your kids will be grumpy (and your DH).

Have at least some idea of what you want to accomplish that day and the best way to do it. You can always change your mind, but you don't want to waste an hour figuring out what you want to do that day.

Do your "must dos" as soon as possible. If WOC is a must do, then schedule it early in your trip. If you want to ride the Matterhorn, do it the first day. Things happen, so follow through on your priorities. This makes you feel like your accomplishing things and avoids last minute craziness of stuffing fifteen things into the last hours of a trip. It also avoids sadness and frustration when they cancel fireworks on the last day of your trip and that was the only day you stopped to see them.

Don't shop when the park is closing, because everyone and their brother will be doing it to. And it is not fun to stand in line with a billion people when everyone is tired and grumpy. Shop right before you leave the park on a break and take your packages back to the hotel. Or shop in the afternoon and check your packages for pickup later.

Try to do the opposite of what everyone else is doing. Show up early while they sleep in. Ride the slow loaders in the morning while others ride the e tickets. Maximize FP usage by collecting a FP as soon as you are eligible, instead of waiting to use a FP one at a time. You get the picture. You are a Disney Ninja!

And did I mention a good attitude? It is the difference between a good visit and a disaster. Adjust your expectations and enjoy the atmosphere. And be nice to the CMs!