Having only one day is stressing me out!

[rentayenta]

Help! Before I begin, I know how ridiculous this sounds. Truly, I do. We will be popping down to So Cal for a few days after my DD's soccer tourney in Vegas and of course, we all want to go to Disneyland. Shocker.

Anyway, we talked about So Cal not being a Disney focused trip as we were just there for 6 days in June and we probably wouldn't even go to Disneyland. The focus is to see my BFF and visit the beaches. Yes, I know it's December but 70* is plenty warm for the beach when you live in Utah.

Then I realized the parks will be all dressed up for the holidays and the holidays are my most very favorite time at Disneyland.

See where this is headed?

Here is where it gets hard. Our APs expire in October and we truly had no plans to go back to Disneyland until after Carsland etc.. are finished as we'll be going to WDW next December for 10 nights. OMHeck, this is really getting long.

So now I am wondering how we can only do Disneyland for one day? I mean it seems unimaginable really.

DH loves DCA so we'd have to park hop which is making even more stressed. I didn't think I was an all or nothing person but even our middle DD said: one day? it's hardly worth it! I am a bad parent!

So what would you do and how would you do it? With only one day, midday breaks are OUT! We have some Disneyland/DCA must dos too. Park hours aren't posted but our choices would be any day Monday thru Friday the week of Nov 28.

My Disneyland must-dos include:

• fireworks
• IASW
• HMH Love the overlay so much more than the original
• POTC
• BTMRR
• Splash
• Tiki Room
• Matterhorn
• PP
• Indy
• Buzz
• Space for DH and the kids- I could care less
• castle walk thru
• JC
• holiday parade if we can swing it

For DCA:

• Soarin'
• ToT- again for DH and the kids, I can take it or leave it
• Screamin'- for DH and the kids
• Bug's Land
• TSMM
• GRR if weather permits as we won't be able to hop into the GCV to change clothes

I think it took me almost day to write this out! Is this even possible and if so, will it be enjoyable?

 

[nsiordia]

I think you can do it, we do it all the time and will be doing a one day tomorrow

 

[Sherry E]

I totally understand your stress. Last year I was unable to do hotel stays on either of my DLR trips, so I had to do two 1-day trips, which was quite a change from what I was used to in 2008 and 2007. Sometimes one-day trips can be the worst because you don't want to miss anything but it's hard to squeeze it all in, and then you have to allow for crowds, etc.

Anyway, I did a one-day trip in October 2009 and I did a full one-day trip in December 2009 (left the house to head to DLR at about 5:45 a.m. and returned home after 1:00 a.m.!!). I was not going to miss the holidays at DLR, even for one day. That's the one time I would choose to go over all other times of the year.

The December day we went was extremely crowded (more so than 2008 and 2007), but it was on the weekend right before Christmas so there was a reason for it. It really was daunting, and we didn't get nearly as many things done as I would have preferred, I feel. You might be going on a better day in December than we did, though.

Check out my TR (link in signature below, and there's a guide to which TR's start on which page on Page One of the TR, so you can find the December 19, 2009 trip fairly easily) and see how we managed it and what we did!! We park-hopped, but we didn't exactly do a commando-style of touring, and we didn't do all the stuff that you want to do, but we got the main goals done, I guess.

You just kind of have to go in, willing to be flexible with your plans and drop certain things from the list if necessary. If being there to enjoy the wonderful holiday atmosphere and decorations is the main point of going, then it should be okay if some of the rides don't get done. You'll be back again in 2012. If getting on the most rides is the goal, you know all the tricks to maximize your time!!

 

[rentayenta]

I think you can do it, we do it all the time and will be doing a one day tomorrow

Any points? for the vote of confidence!

I totally understand your stress. Last year I was unable to do hotel stays on either my DLR trip, so I had to do two 1-day trips, which was quite a change from what I was used to in 2008 and 2007. Sometimes one-day trips can be the worst because you don't want to miss anything but it's hard to squeeze it all in, and then you have to allow for crowds, etc.

Anyway, I did a one-day trip in October 2009 and I did a full one-day trip in December 2009 (left the house to head to DLR at about 5:45 a.m. and returned home after 1:00 a.m.!!). I was not going to miss the holidays at DLR, even for one day. That's the one time I would choose to go over all other times of the year.

The December day we went was extremely crowded (more so than 2008 and 2007), but it was on the weekend right before Christmas so there was a reason for it. It really was daunting, and we didn't get nearly as many things done as I would have preferred, I feel. You might be going on a better day in December than we did, though.

Check out my TR (link in signature below, and there's a guide to which TR's start on which page on Page One of the TR, so you can find the December 19, 2009 trip fairly easily) and see how we managed it and what we did!! We park-hopped, but we didn't exactly do a commando-style of touring, and we didn't do all the stuff that you want to do, but we got the main goals done, I guess.

You just kind of have to go in, willing to be flexible with your plans and drop certain things from the list if necessary. If being there to enjoy the wonderful holiday atmosphere and decorations is the main point of going, then it should be okay if some of the rides don't get done. You'll be back again in 2012. If getting on the most rides is the goal, you know all the tricks to maximize your time!!

I will check your report right now! Getting in the most rides in is not the goal, enjoying the holiday atmosphere is, for me anyway. I could spend the day doing only HMH, IASW holiday, and shopping if it were up to me. I just love the holiday vibe at Disneyland. However DH and the kids love the rides so I have to factor that in. I could cut out some and do the Tiki Room alone while they ride Space and stuff like that. It's that stupid DCA that gets in the way. I could live without park hopping or hoping over only for TSMM and Soarin' no problem.

 

[rentayenta]

OMHeck Sherry, I am only on your GCH pics and dying at how beautiful the hotel looks. Holy hannha! Now I want a night at the GCV. You are supposed to be helping me!

 

[JH87]

I went for one day back in March, it was a quick little trip because we were gonna be in Anaheim for other reason, so why would we pass up DLR? lol.
We got there around 9am, since we had a little girl with us we did most of the little kid rides....im going to try to remember everything we got done to give you an idea of how much we accomplished on a Saturday. (typical busy Saturday):
Pinocchio
IASW
Snow White
Peter Pan
Mr Toad
Storybook land
Tea Cups
Alice
Dumbo
Captain EO
Thunder Mountain
Haunted Mansion
Pirates (twice)

DCA:
Tower of Terror
Soarin
It's tough to be a bug
Flik's Flyers
Monster's INC

I'm sure I am forgetting a few things...

We took a 1-2 hr break for dinner outside the park, got TONS of pictures with characters, and got there an hr after opening and stayed till about 11:30 that night.

So you can accomplish a lot in one day! We didn't do too many of the 'big' rides, so we didnt need fast passes but im sure if you take advantage of FP it will let you do a lot.
I was surprised at how much we got done.

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

We have never done just one day at Disneyland ourselves, but we have accompanied family and friends on their one day gotta-do-everything visits. Yes, you can do this, but by all reports you will be very tired the next day.

I think during the week you're going Disneyland was open 10 AM - 9 PM Mon-Thrus last year but 8 AM - midnight on Friday. Somebody who was there will have to pipe up about whether there were fireworks every night (I thought there would be during the holiday season, but since we're only there at peak times, I don't actually know).

My recommendation would be to go on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday so you start on even footing with everyone and don't already have the early entry people in ahead of you. The friends we go with would either pick the Wednesday on the premise that it is likely to be the least crowded day of the week or the Friday because of the longer hours. You will have to use fastpasses a lot, and it might help to have a runner pick some up occasionally. An example of a good way to start your day for instance would be for your husband and the kids to go ride Space first thing and for you to pick up fastpasses for another attraction while waiting for them since you don't care about Space. I feel the same way about Space so will often do this myself.

In my opinion, parkhopping will be easier if you pick the Friday because you can get a lot of rides in during the first 2 or 3 hours of the day and then hop over the DCA for a while to ride things and pick up fastpasses.

Our friends' solution to the no hotel problem is to pick a restaurant they like in DtD and go eat there in the middle of the day, a little off the time when everyone eats, so as to get a leisurely meal away from the park atmosphere. Another "break time" is parade time. Since you are planning to watch the parade, stake out a spot well in advance with a snack or activity for the family while you wait. You get the advantages of getting a prime spot and having a nice rest.

Have fun with the planning! The holiday time is one of my favorites too, so if this is the only chance I had, I would take it, even for one day.

 

[goldies 5]

We will be there that week this year. Friday the 3rd will be busy, it is always busy on Fridays during Holiday Season. Also it is the day before the CP weekend. However, the hours will be longer. The snow and fireworks will be every night weather permitting. My favorite days during the season are Tues.-Thurs. with Tues. and Wed. being the least crowded this time of year.

 

[Sherry E]

OMHeck Sherry, I am only on your GCH pics and dying at how beautiful the hotel looks. Holy hannha! Now I want a night at the GCV. You are supposed to be helping me!

Oh...oops! Sorry!

I actually enjoyed that small window of time I had in the morning last year (when I took the GCH pictures) before meeting up with my friend in DTD, because I was by myself and could take photos. When I am alone, I get many more photos than I normally would be able to get. But overall, I got far fewer photos (by a long stretch) last year than I had gotten during my December 2008 trip - partially because I only had one day and partially because it was just sooooooo crazy crowded. The crowds in NOS, for example, were ridiculous! It reallys helps to have multiple days for photo-taking purposes, but otherwise, as everyone has said, you can get a lot done ride-wise in a one day trip!!

I must say, too - last year was so up and down in terms of whether I would be able to pull off any DLR trips or not. I was exhausted by the time the one-day October and December trips rolled around because there was so much pre-trip stress and indecision on the parts of friends leading up to these trips - not to mention $$$ issues - that I wasn't sure if they would happen.

So when you see those GCH photos, you will know that those were pretty much taken as soon as I stepped out of the shuttle in the morning and I was soooooooooo happy to be on Disney soil. I just wanted to start snapping pictures of the poinsettia planter, of the decor, of the grandfather clock, etc. - I felt so elated and relieved to be there, and I almost couldn't believe I was there because it seemed like it wouldn't happen. And it's not like I'm new to DLR at all and that was my first trip. Far from it. But last year was rough, so I appreciated being there so much more!

It always seems like you really appreciate things like trips so much more - even one-day trips - when you have to really struggle and work to make them happen! Then, you see that gorgeous GCH lobby and the giant tree and you just want to run up and hug it!!

 

[Disney Dreams]

Would it help you to tell you that I have never played at the Park for MORE than a day?

You have to look at it differently than your "trips" to Disneyland. You are "going to the Park for the day" as I say it.

It's not your first time, it's not your last, it's a bonus visit - and you are just going for the day. So put it in that framework.

Instead of, " Here's everything we have to do," think of "Here's some things we'd like to try to do." It's a different mindset. Or - better yet - if you can get yourself to the point of, "Let's go play at Disneyland for the day since we're in town and do some of our favorite things," you will REALLY be set!

I would prioritize the things that are unique to the time of year you are going to be there since the other things you can always catch next time.

- Dreams

 

[DisneyMomma81]

Here's our 1 day visit mid July 2009 ~*~*~*~

 

[Eeee-va]

Is that the week of the Candlelight Processional? It's my understanding that the Candlelight Processional is very crowded, but otherwise it's fine.

We don't know the hours, but I think I'd strongly consider going on the Friday, which might not be too busy until 3 or 4 PM, and you'd get some extra hours (likely at least 9 AM - midnight, if not 8 AM - midnight). You might consider getting Ridemax since you have so many priorities. That said, Ridemax can make for a hectic experience and I know when we used it, it really threw me off when we came to get our Splash Mountain FPs and the ride was temporarily down!

You could care less about Space Mountain??? ::faints::

Can your kids ride alone for Indy and Splash Mountain? If so, I believe you don't strictly NEED FPs for them (I know from experience that you'll save a lot of time by not getting FPs for Indy, as Single Rider is much faster).

Optimally, I'd try to narrow your list down so it only has maybe 2 "must dos" for each member of your party (knowing there's a tiny chance that one of those won't work out), and the rest "would really really like to do". I think it's somewhat likely you can accomplish your list...but I know that if I figured I'd get them all done and then I got off track and missed a few, I'd be disappointed. But if I got through my "must do" list and through almost all my "would really like to dos", then I'd feel much better.

Have a great trip!

 

[rentayenta]

I went for one day back in March, it was a quick little trip because we were gonna be in Anaheim for other reason, so why would we pass up DLR? lol.
We got there around 9am, since we had a little girl with us we did most of the little kid rides....im going to try to remember everything we got done to give you an idea of how much we accomplished on a Saturday. (typical busy Saturday):
Pinocchio
IASW
Snow White
Peter Pan
Mr Toad
Storybook land
Tea Cups
Alice
Dumbo
Captain EO
Thunder Mountain
Haunted Mansion
Pirates (twice)

DCA:
Tower of Terror
Soarin
It's tough to be a bug
Flik's Flyers
Monster's INC

I'm sure I am forgetting a few things...

We took a 1-2 hr break for dinner outside the park, got TONS of pictures with characters, and got there an hr after opening and stayed till about 11:30 that night.

So you can accomplish a lot in one day! We didn't do too many of the 'big' rides, so we didnt need fast passes but im sure if you take advantage of FP it will let you do a lot.
I was surprised at how much we got done.

Wow- you did get a ton done! That gives me hope.

We have never done just one day at Disneyland ourselves, but we have accompanied family and friends on their one day gotta-do-everything visits. Yes, you can do this, but by all reports you will be very tired the next day.

I think during the week you're going Disneyland was open 10 AM - 9 PM Mon-Thrus last year but 8 AM - midnight on Friday. Somebody who was there will have to pipe up about whether there were fireworks every night (I thought there would be during the holiday season, but since we're only there at peak times, I don't actually know).

My recommendation would be to go on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday so you start on even footing with everyone and don't already have the early entry people in ahead of you. The friends we go with would either pick the Wednesday on the premise that it is likely to be the least crowded day of the week or the Friday because of the longer hours. You will have to use fastpasses a lot, and it might help to have a runner pick some up occasionally. An example of a good way to start your day for instance would be for your husband and the kids to go ride Space first thing and for you to pick up fastpasses for another attraction while waiting for them since you don't care about Space. I feel the same way about Space so will often do this myself.

In my opinion, parkhopping will be easier if you pick the Friday because you can get a lot of rides in during the first 2 or 3 hours of the day and then hop over the DCA for a while to ride things and pick up fastpasses.

Our friends' solution to the no hotel problem is to pick a restaurant they like in DtD and go eat there in the middle of the day, a little off the time when everyone eats, so as to get a leisurely meal away from the park atmosphere. Another "break time" is parade time. Since you are planning to watch the parade, stake out a spot well in advance with a snack or activity for the family while you wait. You get the advantages of getting a prime spot and having a nice rest.

Have fun with the planning! The holiday time is one of my favorites too, so if this is the only chance I had, I would take it, even for one day.

Great idea about them riding Space while I run to get a FP- probably Indy. I didn't think about Disneyland not having fireworks every night. Anaheim winds can be so picky too. One night gives us one chance to catch them. There is nothing more magical than the fireworks on main St and then watching the *snow* fall. I agree that Friday might be the best choice as the hours will be longer too I would think.

We will be there that week this year. Friday the 3rd will be busy, it is always busy on Fridays during Holiday Season. Also it is the day before the CP weekend. However, the hours will be longer. The snow and fireworks will be every night weather permitting. My favorite days during the season are Tues.-Thurs. with Tues. and Wed. being the least crowded this time of year.

Hmm......so if fireworks are all week and lower crowds during the week vs Friday, Tuesday might be our best bet. I didn't even even think about CP weekend. What about CM parties, are those following week?

Oh...oops! Sorry!

I actually enjoyed that small window of time I had in the morning last year (when I took the GCH pictures) before meeting up with my friend in DTD, because I was by myself and could take photos. When I am alone, I get many more photos than I normally would be able to get. But overall, I got far fewer photos (by a long stretch) last year than I had gotten during my December 2008 trip - partially because I only had one day and partially because it was just sooooooo crazy crowded. The crowds in NOS, for example, were ridiculous! It reallys helps to have multiple days for photo-taking purposes, but otherwise, as everyone has said, you can get a lot done ride-wise in a one day trip!!

I must say, too - last year was so up and down in terms of whether I would be able to pull off any DLR trips or not. I was exhausted by the time the one-day October and December trips rolled around because there was so much pre-trip stress and indecision on the parts of friends leading up to these trips - not to mention $$$ issues - that I wasn't sure if they would happen.

So when you see those GCH photos, you will know that those were pretty much taken as soon as I stepped out of the shuttle in the morning and I was soooooooooo happy to be on Disney soil. I just wanted to start snapping pictures of the poinsettia planter, of the decor, of the grandfather clock, etc. - I felt so elated and relieved to be there, and I almost couldn't believe I was there because it seemed like it wouldn't happen. And it's not like I'm new to DLR at all and that was my first trip. Far from it. But last year was rough, so I appreciated being there so much more!

It always seems like you really appreciate things like trips so much more - even one-day trips - when you have to really struggle and work to make them happen! Then, you see that gorgeous GCH lobby and the giant tree and you just want to run up and hug it!!

I will hug that tree like no other. I will actually have to stay away from the GCV. I am about one second from calling to see if there is availability for a night or two.

Thanks for the insights too. I read your whole day and it sounds like you had a great time.

Would it help you to tell you that I have never played at the Park for MORE than a day?

You have to look at it differently than your "trips" to Disneyland. You are "going to the Park for the day" as I say it.

It's not your first time, it's not your last, it's a bonus visit - and you are just going for the day. So put it in that framework.

Instead of, " Here's everything we have to do," think of "Here's some things we'd like to try to do." It's a different mindset. Or - better yet - if you can get yourself to the point of, "Let's go play at Disneyland for the day since we're in town and do some of our favorite things," you will REALLY be set!

I would prioritize the things that are unique to the time of year you are going to be there since the other things you can always catch next time.

- Dreams

It actually does help. I went for only a day all the time growing up but we live so far so it's hard for me but I like your idea of looking at it as a one day activity to Disneyland instead of the vacation focus. I can feel my heartrate increase just entertaining the prospect of looking at Disneyland in a new light. Love the idea of focusing on holiday specific activities.

Here's our 1 day visit mid July 2009 ~*~*~*~

Going to look right now!

Is that the week of the Candlelight Processional? It's my understanding that the Candlelight Processional is very crowded, but otherwise it's fine.

We don't know the hours, but I think I'd strongly consider going on the Friday, which might not be too busy until 3 or 4 PM, and you'd get some extra hours (likely at least 9 AM - midnight, if not 8 AM - midnight). You might consider getting Ridemax since you have so many priorities. That said, Ridemax can make for a hectic experience and I know when we used it, it really threw me off when we came to get our Splash Mountain FPs and the ride was temporarily down!

You could care less about Space Mountain??? ::faints::

Can your kids ride alone for Indy and Splash Mountain? If so, I believe you don't strictly NEED FPs for them (I know from experience that you'll save a lot of time by not getting FPs for Indy, as Single Rider is much faster).

Optimally, I'd try to narrow your list down so it only has maybe 2 "must dos" for each member of your party (knowing there's a tiny chance that one of those won't work out), and the rest "would really really like to do". I think it's somewhat likely you can accomplish your list...but I know that if I figured I'd get them all done and then I got off track and missed a few, I'd be disappointed. But if I got through my "must do" list and through almost all my "would really like to dos", then I'd feel much better.

Have a great trip!

Thanks! Like the every person gets 2 must-dos! I am guessing it would like something like this:

Me:

• Fireworks
• IASW

Chloe:

• ToT
• Splash

Gabby:

• BTMRR
• HMH

Joshua:

• Space
• Indy

DH:

• Soarin'
• Screamin'

That puts things in perspective for sure and much more doable.

 

[goldies 5]

CM parites were the Mon. and Tues. right after CP weekend last year. They won't be the week of the 28th. I have seen them both the first and second week of December over the past 8 years. It kind of all depends where the month falls, at least that is what it seems.

 

[CMHusband]

I went for one day back in March, it was a quick little trip because we were gonna be in Anaheim for other reason, so why would we pass up DLR? lol.
We got there around 9am, since we had a little girl with us we did most of the little kid rides....im going to try to remember everything we got done to give you an idea of how much we accomplished on a Saturday. (typical busy Saturday):
Pinocchio
IASW
Snow White
Peter Pan
Mr Toad
Storybook land
Tea Cups
Alice
Dumbo
Captain EO
Thunder Mountain
Haunted Mansion
Pirates (twice)

DCA:
Tower of Terror
Soarin
It's tough to be a bug
Flik's Flyers
Monster's INC

I'm sure I am forgetting a few things...

We took a 1-2 hr break for dinner outside the park, got TONS of pictures with characters, and got there an hr after opening and stayed till about 11:30 that night.

So you can accomplish a lot in one day! We didn't do too many of the 'big' rides, so we didnt need fast passes but im sure if you take advantage of FP it will let you do a lot.
I was surprised at how much we got done.

Unfortunately its a heck of a lot quieter in March than it is in December. Don't stress - it doesn't change anything...DO enjoy every moment that you are there! I might suggest paring down the list to an A list and a B list (That even sounds stressful to me lol, I would just go and have a good time no matter what)

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

If you're going to opt for mid-week, I would still suggest Wednesday over Tuesday since the early entry people will have gotten in ahead of you on the Tuesday.

 

[rentayenta]

CM parites were the Mon. and Tues. right after CP weekend last year. They won't be the week of the 28th. I have seen them both the first and second week of December over the past 8 years. It kind of all depends where the month falls, at least that is what it seems.

Perfect- thanks! I was hoping we wouldn't have to deal with the early CM nights.

Unfortunately its a heck of a lot quieter in March than it is in December. Don't stress - it doesn't change anything...DO enjoy every moment that you are there! I might suggest paring down the list to an A list and a B list (That even sounds stressful to me lol, I would just go and have a good time no matter what)

True- the holidays are so busy. That A and B list things seems like a good idea. I posted the must-dos above and I could add the Tiki Room, Railroad, Mr. Lincoln, Buzz, and Bug's Land to the B list. The Nemo subs are out fa sho!

If you're going to opt for mid-week, I would still suggest Wednesday over Tuesday since the early entry people will have gotten in ahead of you on the Tuesday.

I forgot about EE. Oh how I hate not being at the GCV and taking advantage of EE. Does Monday have anything I should be aware of?

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

I forgot about EE. Oh how I hate not being at the GCV and taking advantage of EE. Does Monday have anything I should be aware of?

Not that I am aware of. You won't have to contend with EE on Monday. We are AP holders and rarely stay on site. We always pick Monday, Wednesday, and Friday as our early to Disneyland days and let our sleep-in days fall on one of the early entry days. My friends, the master strategists who only spend one day at DL each year, always pick Wednesday on the theory that it is the least crowded day of the week. I don't know how true this is though.

 

[DorkyDisneyMom]

We always go the week you are talking about. The crowds are almost nonexsistant. So you may have shorter hours on Mon, Tues, Wed, but because of crodws you will be able to get a ton of things done.

The closer to Friday you get the more crowded the park will get. We usually leave that Friday just because it's usually the CP. The closer you get to the CP the more crowded the park gets.

Weather permitting you should have fireworks and 2 parades.

I know I have a really old trip report around here. We did 5 days but I am a Commando and I know we packed a ton of stuff into our days. I don't think we needed FP's very much.

We did GRR this last trip and got soaked so beware. We didn't get the geyser but we were fully soaked.

I'm not sure how WOC will affect the crowds though. It's hard to say but I would expect an increase in crowds but not enough to keep you from doing stuff. I would tell you the longest line we have ever waited in was 30 min for TSMM. It's an average time for that ride probably a little less than usual but it was the longest line BY FAR. Everything else was maybe 15 minutes.

 

[rentayenta]

Not that I am aware of. You won't have to contend with EE on Monday. We are AP holders and rarely stay on site. We always pick Monday, Wednesday, and Friday as our early to Disneyland days and let our sleep-in days fall on one of the early entry days. My friends, the master strategists who only spend one day at DL each year, always pick Wednesday on the theory that it is the least crowded day of the week. I don't know how true this is though.

I might go with your friends theory- thanks! It has to have some validity and it makes sense.

We always go the week you are talking about. The crowds are almost nonexsistant. So you may have shorter hours on Mon, Tues, Wed, but because of crodws you will be able to get a ton of things done.

The closer to Friday you get the more crowded the park will get. We usually leave that Friday just because it's usually the CP. The closer you get to the CP the more crowded the park gets.

Weather permitting you should have fireworks and 2 parades.

I know I have a really old trip report around here. We did 5 days but I am a Commando and I know we packed a ton of stuff into our days. I don't think we needed FP's very much.

We did GRR this last trip and got soaked so beware. We didn't get the geyser but we were fully soaked.

I'm not sure how WOC will affect the crowds though. It's hard to say but I would expect an increase in crowds but not enough to keep you from doing stuff. I would tell you the longest line we have ever waited in was 30 min for TSMM. It's an average time for that ride probably a little less than usual but it was the longest line BY FAR. Everything else was maybe 15 minutes.

I will totally take reduced hours to have less crowds. And having fireworks nightly is a HUGE plus too. I cannot imagine missing those. We saw the WoC in June so that won't be on our list. I am thinking that kids will be back in school and it's too early for even college rwinter recess so hopeully the crowds, at least beore people get off work/school will be minimal.

I won't ride GRR in December without a poncho I will make sure we have a change of clothes or sure. I am still thinking I might call the GCV and see i they have one night available midweek.