Experience at DL two weeks before Christmas?

[KPetty725]

We're planning a trip to Disneyland in December of 2012. We'd like to go the day the kids get out for winter break and stay for about a week. This should put us there about two weeks before Christmas (leaving between 7-4 days before Christmas).

Has anyone been there during this time-frame? What were the crowds like? Any advice/suggestions?

My husband and I have only been to Disneyland once and our kids have never been so we're really excited! Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[Master Mason]

I've been several times in the weeks between thanksgiving and christmas and it was about like during the summer, very workable. This year we went after Christmas and it was crazy crowded, I won't do that again

 

[ter-moo]

This used to be my favorite time to go (in the first couple of weeks of December) but it's become more popular in the last few years. What I HAVE found is that if you go early in the mornings, when the parks open, it's really NICE. We were there this year December 11-16 and it was very manageable--especially between 8-11 am.

Treat it like you would any other mildly busy times and you'll be fine. The decorations, "snow", and special Christmas events make it such a wonderful time to be there!

 

[94bruin]

We were there Dec 17-20 this year. I'll reiterate what a pp stated. Get there early and you'll experience much shorter lines for everything. The afternoon parade is crowded, but the evening parade is crazy crowded. If you can swing the afternoon parade, I'd opt for the earlier parade. We weren't actually trying to watch the evening parade, but we happened to leave during the parade. With our stroller, it was very difficult to get out.

 

[KigerKat]

We were just there 12/10-12/13, and the crowds were great! DL did close early 2 days for CM Christmas parties (6PM) and we had one day of rain, but the crowds were very manageable.

 

[starshine514]

We were there Dec 17 - 19 this year (my first ever visit during holiday time). I found Saturday, Dec 17 to be busy (even during the rain), Sunday, Dec 18 to be a little less busy, and Monday, Dec 19 to be the busiest of the days.

I would say if you succeed in leaving 7 days before Christmas, you'll probably be fine. It was the day at the 6-day mark that seemed to really pick up steam (even over the weekend).