first timer tryin to plan

[miztigg]

Hi I have been to WDW a million times (twice this year) I have NEVER been to DLR. we have 2 tix we have to use on SWA by jan 2010, my Question is how crazy are the parks the weekend before xmas . I know WDW is crazy starting that weekend. I dont mind crowds it will be only me and my DH but i wanna be able to see as much as i can we will only be there for a long weekend cause of my school sched. Also I want to stay on property which hotel would be the best? I was thinkin GCF but I keep seeing reports that its not very disney. sorry so long thank you who ever can help me out

 

[Whidbey5]

We usually go the week before Christmas and fly home on Christmas Eve. The closer to the holiday, the more crowded the parks. Also, any weekends close to the 25th get a little bit crazy.

We stay at the Grand and it is not overly Disney, except in service. It is like staying in one of the old National Park lodges. It is peaceful, beautiful, and my very favorite hotel. If you are looking for lots of bright color and Disney "stuff," stay at the Disneyland Hotel.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

When you get on Main Street, your first reaction will be "Where is The Castle?!" And I guarantee that you will get lost. Splash, for example, is nowhere near BTMRR.

 

[wvnative]

When you get on Main Street, your first reaction will be "Where is The Castle?!" And I guarantee that you will get lost. Splash, for example, is nowhere near BTMRR.

Hehe... that's why they have maps. AND... Splash is not far and can be seen from BTMRR. It's just across the ROA from it.

That said, I'm sorry, but I've never been to DL around the holidays and we always stay off property to save money.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

The weekend before Christmas is pretty busy, but if you have a couple of days and want to try it I say "go for it." Disneyland is just beautiful at that time of year, and there is a lot to do.

The park is a smaller version of the Magic Kingdom @ WDW with more attractions packed in. You'll easily be able to choose what you want to see and do.

Note that there is no Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Disneyland, so no private events.

 

[disneynerd420]

I would love to do DLR during Christmas time, but I hear it is very busy.

 

[miztigg]

Thank you so much everyone for your input . I think im gonna try to see if my free flights are good till march although I love disney at the holidays dont know if i wanna deal with wall to wall people thank you again for your advice

 

[ballarinamom]

Have you considered the weekend before Thanksgiving? We've done this several times and love it. They "officially" kickoff the Holidays the Friday before Thanksgiving. If you can get there that day and leave the Monday or Tuesday before Turkey Day it is not ridiculously crowded. \
Also, staying "on property" is wayyyyy different at DL as it is at WDW. There are several hotels on HArbor that are actually closer than the three Disney properties.
Also, as for the "Disney" feel of the hotels, we really love the Disneyland Hotel. The Pool and rooms have so many touches. The GCH is a California themed hotel much like the Grand Floridian is a Florida themed hotel as opposed to a Disney themed hotel. On our visit to WDW, we let DD choose the hotel and she picked the All Star Movies because it was the only one that was truly Disney themed. But I must say, it was the only hotel/ motel we have stayed in where the furniture ws chained to the wall! It was fun but but definatley missed the charm of the Disneyland Hotel.

HAVE A GREAT TRIP!!!!