Go during the 50th or Dec & More

[FreeTime]

We are trying to decide whether to visit DL in June of 2006 before the 50th stuff is over or Dec 2006 (we just rode Soarin' at Epcot and seeing DL lit up for Christmas made us think that we want to go then.) For fewer crowds, I am thinking definately go in Dec. Will we be missing any special events if we wait that long? When do the holiday events start and are they worth it? If grandpa comes can we easily get 3 adults and two kids in a room at GC or will we need two? Kids will be 5&6.
Thanks

 

[Disneyland1084]

I'll have you know going to Disneyland in December is one of the most crowded times of the year, especially if you go closer to Christmas. I know, I was there this past Christmas. I've been told if you want to see the holiday decorations with fewer crowds, the first week of December would be good. Christmas decorations are usually up by the first week of November from what I've heard. The decorations are gorgeous. It's worth it to go around that time, just be sure to plan it at a time when it's not expected to be crowded. I'm not sure about the GC because I've never stayed there.

 

[crazymomof 4]

Disneyland is beautiful during the Holidays! Just get out by the weekend before the school break! We stay ed at GC and the rooms are kind of small but nice. I think 5 can stay in a room. Check on Disneyland.com to be sure.

 

[karylrocks]

I am planning a possible second visit while DH is at a conference in December of this year. Any ideas on how busy it will be Dec. 9-10 (Fri/Sat)?

 

[FreeTime]

Thanks for the info. We were planning on early Dec, right after Thanksgiving. So is everyone in agreement that Dec would be better than June and the 50th stuff?

 

[azlaura]

I wouldn't miss the 50th stuff but that is my opinion. Can you go this Dec.? Or even in Nov. the decorations will be up and the 50th is going on? You may even be able to wait until next Nov., I am not sure when the actual end to the 50th is!

 

[BlueBayou]

Freetime,

We love Disneyland for the holidays. We have gone three times. Our most recent visit was significantly more crowded. So crowded that when we left DCA and the ELP to go back to Disneyland for Fantasmic, they had us walk backstage. It was neat to get that behind the scenes look... but I am not sure the frightening crowd was worth it.

In the past we went on the first of second weekend in December... This time it our trip ended on December 17th or 18th. That last Friday was a mad house.

Sherry

 

[crazymomof 4]

Friday the 17th was busy and Fantasmic was even busier than normal because it was closed for so long due to the refurbishment on the Columbia. It re-opened that night!

 

[LucyKate]

The absolute best time to go is early December.

We went the first week of December and found no crowds, no queues and yet we got the Christmas decoration, Christmas parade and holiday makeovers of Haunted Mansion and Small World. It was just a magic time to be there.

We missed Fantasmic, and Space Mountain and Tikki room were closed for refurbs (and Buzz hadn't opened) but everything else was open. We were able to walk out of pirates, HM and Splash and walk straight back on.

However, I'm aware from others here that once school hlidays begin (December 17 or thereabouts) it becomes the busiest time of the year.

So, go late November or early December.

 

[boscoj]

As for the room, 3 adults with 2 kids should be no problem, especially if your kids like sleeping in sleeping bags. The GC will provide those as well as mats to lie on. We did this a few weeks ago and everything was fine!

 

[batraylover]

If you can get there a day in December before the holiday break, and on a week day, or in early December I would recommend it. The 50th celebration runs 18 months from it's original starting date of 5/5/2005. So if you really want to see the 50th stuff, make it out there before then.

Personally, after going on May 20, 2005, I did not see all the hype about the 50 celebration, sure the new parade was awesome, but it's going to be around longer than the 50th celebration from what I can understand. Fantasmic has been running for a long time, but I heard that it has improved. The gold rides were cool, but the gold paint just isn't all that wonderful in my opinion...sort of ugly-fied Dumbo if you ask me. The characters do look cool in their gold outfits, and they are out in full force, the castle is breathtaking right now. Other than that, I was almost dissappointed at some of the changes, like the mickey head floral arrangement is gone and replaced with a 50th floral arrangement that was less than great in my opinion. It was my first Disneyland trip in my life where the mickey head floral arrangement was gone, maybe I just don't like change. We had the best day at Disneyland of my life in spite of the 50th celebration, but that was because of the CM's and their royal treatment for my birthday.