help me decide

[pixidustmom]

I am seriously considering giving the family a trip to Disneyland for Christmas. I just can't make up my mind as to when.
Christmas time is so pretty and I would love for them to see it decorated. Then again I don't want to go the last two weeks when the crowds are crazy. I could give them the gift early and go in the second week of Dec? My oldest DD will turn 22 on Christmas morning and has wanted to go around that time for ever.
Then the best thought is to wait until Christmas and give them their gifts then and see their excitement with the whole family around. Then we can just go in Jan or Feb.?
This would mean less crowds and probably easier for us to all get a few days off too.
Your thoughts?

 

[JH87]

I have never gone during Christmas season, but I have gone in January and I will say that so far, that trip has been my most favorite. Everything seemed so much more relaxed!
We went Jan 10-11. The weather that week was nice and sunny, and park hours were shorter, which meant we didn't have to be up at the crack of dawn to be first in line at the gates! The earliest we ever had to be there was maybe 9am. And with the park closing at 8pm, you can get lots of rest too. There were no crowds! None! It was amazing, we probably used FP once or twice, and we really didn't even need to.
The only ride closures that I remember were Haunted Mansion, for the Holiday overlay removal, and GRR for some refurb reasons. There were still traces of Christmas around the parks...IASW was still operating with it's Holiday overlay, and most of Toon Town was still decorated. I remember the Castle still having snow on it too.
We never felt rushed to hurry up and grab a FP or stress over the crowds. Even with shorter park hours, we still did everything we wanted to do, we saw WOC after the park closed so we didn't waste any ride time watching the show.
The only thing is at that time of year, the weather is unpredictable. The week before my trip it was raining a lot, so I think we just got lucky.
Plus, seeing everyone open their DLR gift together would be a magical moment on Christmas morning

 

[pixidustmom]

I went last Feb for my Bday. It was just me and my good friend. Arrived on 2/15 but did the parks 2/16 and 2/17. It was really quiet the first day too. It had rained over the night and was still misting on the first day. It was great! We had no prob. with the misting and walked on every ride. Never got too hot and just really enjoyable.
Thank you for your insight. I think I agree with you.

 

[CLIFFLIX]

Early December...amazing experience without "terrible" crowd levels.

I think that Christmas time is DL's PEAK "magic feeling" time. (especially at night)

CLIFF

 

[DorkyDisneyMom]

We always do the first week of December. The week right after Thanksgiving week. You do have The Candlelight Processional that is that weekend but we always do a Sunday/Monday-Saturday trip.

I love it the most because the crowds are so low, parades everyday, fireworks every night. If you get there on Sunday night you can even see Fantasmic!

The weather can be a bit unpredictable but bring a poncho and you'll be good to go.

The castle with the lights and the fireworks bring tears to my eyes each time I see it. It's just so beautiful at that time of year.

My kids understand that most of their Christmas present is Disneyland and then I get them a few things from the resort while we are there and give them those for Christmas Day. They are always really pleased because I find something that was their favorite that trip.

 

[I❤MICKEY]

Just a heads up that the official holiday season extends through January 8th this year. That means all the decorations will still be up. Lots of hotels (good neighbor) have 3rd and 4th night free promotions. I haven't booked yet but are planning Dec 30 - Jan 7. I'm hoping the crowds will be light after New Year's.

 

[spacemermaid]

We always do the first week of December. The week right after Thanksgiving week. You do have The Candlelight Processional that is that weekend but we always do a Sunday/Monday-Saturday trip.

I love it the most because the crowds are so low, parades everyday, fireworks every night. If you get there on Sunday night you can even see Fantasmic!

The weather can be a bit unpredictable but bring a poncho and you'll be good to go.

The castle with the lights and the fireworks bring tears to my eyes each time I see it. It's just so beautiful at that time of year.

What she said

Early December is my favorite time to visit the Park, and for the past several years I've been fortunate enough to do a weeklong trip during that time. Unless you're there during the CP weekend, the crowds should be minimal, judging by the past 4 years. It's a wonderful time to see all the decorations and holiday overlays (Haunted Mansion, it's a small world) without the massive crowds that fill the Park later in the month.