First Disneyland Winter Trip!

[disneydreamer52]

My husband and I are going to Disneyland from December 14th through 18th. I've never been during the holidays (ans I am SO excited!). Does anyone have any advice or any tips about going this time of year?

 

[belle'ssister]

We went the second week of December about 7 yrs ago. We loved the decorations. So pretty. The Christmas parade is one of my favorites. Dancing snowmen and reindeer and wooden soldiers. There was snowfall on Main Street after.

IASW is decorated inside and out. The lights at night are spectacular.

There is a HUGE tree on Main Street I think that there is a special Christmas Tour.

That week was not very crowded but when it gets close to Christmas crowds get to be huge.

 

[KateDrake]

That is my favorite time of year to visit! I think it is too hot in the summer and fall (though we usually go in October anyway to beat crowds.)
My biggest suggestion would be to take different layers of clothing. Depending on where you are coming from, you'll probably be OK in jeans and a T-shirt during the day. But you'll for sure need a sweatshirt or jacket at night. If you're from a warmer clime, you might need more than that during the day, but on my last New Year's trip, we were actually kind of hot in jeans during the daytime hours!
The other thing I can share from experience is to avoid water rides at night! We had been meaning to ride GRR for our entire New Year's trip, but the lines were kind of long during the day. But as we strolled by one night, the ride was a walk on, so we jumped on it! Well, there was a reason no one was riding. It's only a little brisk and you'll be cozy in a jacket, but it's freezing when you are wet!!!!

 

[DisneytheKid]

This is our absolutely favorite time of the year to visit. Be sure to go on the haunted mansion and IASW, they both have holiday updates.

 

[skiingfast]

Does anyone have any advice or any tips about going this time of year?

You already have some fantastic tips.

Here is mine. That is when crowds start to accelerate from good to bad. Don't worry about it being bad but prepare for it. Be set to hit opening and stay late. Know what you want to hit early and use FP for.

 

[disneegrl4eva]

My biggest suggestion would be to take different layers of clothing. Depending on where you are coming from, you'll probably be OK in jeans and a T-shirt during the day. But you'll for sure need a sweatshirt or jacket at night. If you're from a warmer clime, you might need more than that during the day, but on my last New Year's trip, we were actually kind of hot in jeans during the daytime hours!

the OP is from AZ...if they are anything like me they will freeze as soon as the sun goes down

 

[bumbershoot]

Layers.

To be specific, that's still the fall. When we've gone in early December, some days it has actually been *warmer* than some days of our September trips. Therefore, layers. Prepare for almost anything. (preparation can mean "bring the extra clothes" or "bring extra money to buy what you need, disney-style")

And when the sun goes down, it gets chilly, in any month we've been there. I don't know if it's the actual temperature, or if it's just b/c the body has a hard time going from WARM to that drop in temperature, but brr.

 

[disneydreamer52]

the OP is from AZ...if they are anything like me they will freeze as soon as the sun goes down

You're absolutely right about that! I get cold when it's 70 out! I already ordered a hoodie

 

[disneydreamer52]

Thanks so much, everyone! I am SO excited for this trip!

I appreciate the advice, so I know what to expect. I know I'll be very cold, being from Arizona and all. Layers, especially at night (I'm hoping the day is warm enough to ride Splash Mountain; it was closed last year when I went). Haunted Mansion and IASW have holiday updates, and it may be slow that week, but could also get pretty busy.

Thanks again all!

P.S.: Is it December yet?!