Help! Going 12/29-30 - how crazy is it compared to other crazy times? Plus other ?s

[WendyWhy]

Our family of four - me, DH, DS8 and DD4 - only go during the crazy times because of school We have been during the Mon-Weds of Thanksgiving 2011 (not THAT bad until the Weds before) and during the week around Easter 2013 (not as bad as Thanksgiving)! So...we are going to try our luck with the Mon-Tues (12/29-30) before NYE. Advice on what to expect compared to the other crazy crowded times?

Other random questions since it has been a while since our last DLR trip:
- we will have EMH as we're staying at PPH. Still a good idea to avoid the GCH entry for EMH?

- For our DCA EMH - past strategy was to hit RSR, then TSMM and back to the other Carsland rides before trying to get RSR FPs - still good?

- Our DL EMH - PP, Dumbo, Tea Cups, Alice (me and DD) while DH/DS hit Matterhorn, Buzz, SM and IASW? Hmmm...this seems like a lot, I don't expect to get to all of these during EMH...just want feedback on the general order

Thanks in advance for any advice or tips!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

In answer to your first question, those dates will be VERY crazy. It is not unusual for DL to hit full capacity during the week between Christmas and New Year's (the busiest week of the year for DLR). EMH and MM may help a bit, but it will be very crowded.

 

[TulipsNZ]

In answer to your first question, those dates will be VERY crazy. It is not unusual for DL to hit full capacity during the week between Christmas and New Year's (the busiest week of the year for DLR). EMH and MM may help a bit, but it will be very crowded.

When you say full capacity do they ever close the gates due to capacity issues?

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Yes. Expect that to happen a few times during that week.

 

[figment_jii]

There are a few thread that were talking about trips to DLR around Christmas:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3315824
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3260200

There is also a Christmas SuperThread, which has lots of great information (and discussion) about the resorts during the holidays.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3215593

For our DCA EMH - past strategy was to hit RSR, then TSMM and back to the other Carsland rides before trying to get RSR FPs - still good?

Given when you're going, I would probably opt to go straight to TSMM at the start of EMH and then (if there is time) head to RSR and then over to get an RSR FP. Under normal circumstances I would think you might be able to get RSR and TSMM in during EMH, but given the holiday crowds I think it'll be a lot harder.

 

[Cheshirecatty]

WendyWhy……I would most definitely avoid attempting to use the GCH entrance for EMH!

You will have much better luck using the main DCA entrance---lots of gates vs. two(at the GCH).

You already know that it is going to be crazy busy, but seems like you have a great attitude about it all, and in my opinion, that is half the battle!

Be willing to get up early and get through bag check, in order to position yourselves toward the front of the lines at the gates, and this way, gain an edge over those who won't/don't.

 

[cmpeter]

We were there on 12/31/13...we just did DCA as I figured that DL would be a packed zoo. Surprisingly, it wasn't that bad. We didn't get there until 11:00 due to our flight schedule. Did RSR single rider then and went back again single rider to ride it again at night fabulous.