Early Entry question

[rlp]

I was looking at Touring Plans for Disneyland's expected crowds for Dec 15 through the 18th and saw that both parks are likely to have Early Entry. Is this normal for December? I have been going to DLR since January and never went on a day that both DCA and DL offered early entry. Now I am considering changing to November 17 to the 20th (first weekend of Thanksgiving break) since I won't be staying onsite and like to visit the park that doesn't have early entry. Anyone have opinions which weekend might be better in terms of touring/crowds?

 

[NewbieMouse]

I recall this happening on one of our recent December trips - so yes, I think it can happen. However, touring plans hours are estimated as they are unreleased for December at this point, and I wouldn't make any firm plans until I saw the official hours. The November weekend would likely be better than mid December crowds wise, regardless of early entry.

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

They have for a number of years now offered early entry at both parks every day during the Christmas/New Year's weeks. Looking at the calendar, I would guess that could start as early as the 15th of December, but it might also end up starting later, assuming they continue this practice at all. Moving your trip to Thanksgiving week won't necessarily protect you from this issue though. Last year for the first time, they offered early entry to both parks all of Thanksgiving week as well.

 

[rlp]

I recall this happening on one of our recent December trips - so yes, I think it can happen. However, touring plans hours are estimated as they are unreleased for December at this point, and I wouldn't make any firm plans until I saw the official hours. The November weekend would likely be better than mid December crowds wise, regardless of early entry.

Ok, thanks for your suggestion! Unfortunately, since I fly in, I sometimes have to make plans before they release hours if they only do it 30 days in advance like they have done, instead of the 60.

They have for a number of years now offered early entry at both parks every day during the Christmas/New Year's weeks. Looking at the calendar, I would guess that could start as early as the 15th of December, but it might also end up starting later, assuming they continue this practice at all. Moving your trip to Thanksgiving week won't necessarily protect you from this issue though. Last year for the first time, they offered early entry to both parks all of Thanksgiving week as well.

That's kind of a bummer but thanks for the info!

 

[NewbieMouse]

Ok, thanks for your suggestion! Unfortunately, since I fly in, I sometimes have to make plans before they release hours if they only do it 30 days in advance like they have done, instead of the 60.

I hear ya - we're in the same situation too. We usually do a DLR/LA/SFO/LV loop during the holiday season, and if I can't fit in DLR in December before the 15th, I'll usually push it to the end of our trip and do DLR the first week in January. I'd probably pick the November timeframe in your case.

 

[rlp]

I hear ya - we're in the same situation too. We usually do a DLR/LA/SFO/LV loop during the holiday season, and if I can't fit in DLR in December before the 15th, I'll usually push it to the end of our trip and do DLR the first week in January. I'd probably pick the November timeframe in your case.

It does look like November, even if over Thanksgiving break would be less crowded though flights then are more expensive! Ugh! When does Disneyland usually start celebrating Christmas? I am now thinking of maybe going Nov 10 to the 13th. Would they have the Christmas parade going by then?

 

[NewbieMouse]

It does look like November, even if over Thanksgiving break would be less crowded though flights then are more expensive! Ugh! When does Disneyland usually start celebrating Christmas? I am now thinking of maybe going Nov 10 to the 13th. Would they have the Christmas parade going by then?

I believe so. I think last year it started around November 8th or something like that, so I think by the 10th this year it should have begun. The website Disney Tourist Blog they said it would start November 9th - I don't think there's a date officially from Disney yet, but the 9th sounds about right.

 

[rlp]

I believe so. I think last year it started around November 8th or something like that, so I think by the 10th this year it should have begun. The website Disney Tourist Blog they said it would start November 9th - I don't think there's a date officially from Disney yet, but the 9th sounds about right.

Thanks NewbieMouse for that!