Help me plan Jan 4-6

[limace]

Hi all! We’ll be coming down Jan 4-9, in the parks 4-8. I haven’t been during the holidays before and need some help strategizing our first three days, as they are the last days of the holiday celebrations. So, lots I want to see, and I assume high crowds. I want to avoid the whole “everyone standing in the walkway deciding what to do next” thing.

Details:
-arrive at SNA at about 11 Saturday morning.
-first night at courtyard main gate, then moving to GCV with our DVC points.
-6 people for most the trip-kids 10 and 13, rest adults. My best friend will be there Saturday and Sunday, too-she’s not a huge Disney fan but will trail along with us.
-will have parkhoppers and MP.
-Sunday is a big birthday for me
-we have carnation cafe reserved for lunch on Sunday, and WOC dessert party. Oga’s on Monday at 5.
-I want to catch all the big holiday stuff-fireworks, ride overlays, parade, foods.

so, where would you go/what would you do each day? I was thinking parade and fireworks on Saturday, but do you have thoughts on what would be best there? Those of youwith experience this weekend in prior years, how should I expect crowds to be? What should I wait to do until Tuesday or Wednesday? Other tips?

 

[limace]

Anyone?

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Hi all! We’ll be coming down Jan 4-9, in the parks 4-8. I haven’t been during the holidays before and need some help strategizing our first three days, as they are the last days of the holiday celebrations. So, lots I want to see, and I assume high crowds. I want to avoid the whole “everyone standing in the walkway deciding what to do next” thing...

Have you seen this: https://disneylanddaily.com/holidays-at-disneyland-everything-you-need-to-know/? That can give you a good place to start, especially the plans for doing a whole day in each park. Have you discussed everyone's priorities list? Have everyone list their top 3 must do's, top 3 would like to do's, and list of take it or leave its. Then make sure to schedule all the must do's so that everyone ends the trip happy. For your birthday, make sure to schedule your priorities because that's your special day! Anything you've always wanted to do in the parks should be listed that day. You're right to expect the parks to be very crowded. Be early for RD each day and get as much done in the early hours as possible. Make the most of MP and stack your FPs for the late afternoons and evenings. You have plenty of park days, so with good planning, you should be able to do quite a lot and have a great time. Have a very Happy Birthday!

 

[dieumeye]

Anyone?

With 5 parks days, you should have plenty of time. I’d try to hit your top must-dos early in the trip, that way, if you miss something for some reason, you still have days later in the trip to try and catch them.

I’m a fan of the Viva Navidad parade. Something about it seems especially lively and I really like that.

 

[limace]

Thank you both! Any thoughts about Saturday, since we won’t get to the park til 1 or so? DCA a better bet?

 

[dieumeye]

Since you have park hoppers I wouldn’t worry about which park you start with on Saturday. It’s easy enough to go back and forth as needed.

I’d try to hit some of your must dos on Saturday, even if it’s a short day. Maybe try to catch the fireworks?

 

[smartlabelprint]

When I have a half day I try to see any shows we are looking forward to. Also watch for any ride closures later in your trip and try for those rides.

I prefer being in Disneyland at night so I usually hop over after I eat.

 

[limace]

It looks like almost every pass is blocked on Saturday, and many also on Sunday, so I’m now guessing Monday might be our craziest day-last day of holiday stuff, pass holders can get in. Having it fall in the middle of our trip is better than the beginning (esp since the friend joining us Saturday and Sunday is not really a Disney fan).

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

It looks like almost every pass is blocked on Saturday, and many also on Sunday, so I’m now guessing Monday might be our craziest day-last day of holiday stuff, pass holders can get in. Having it fall in the middle of our trip is better than the beginning (esp since the friend joining us Saturday and Sunday is not really a Disney fan).

Mondays are often the most crowded day of the week. The why is often debated but for the last few years at least, Mondays can be crazy. However, the first Monday after a long holiday? And with no more holiday stuff in the parks? Maybe it will be an OK day.

On Sunday, Deluxe, Signature and Signature Plus passes are unblocked. I think Flex is also able to make reservations that day. It’s also the last day for all the holiday stuff so I anticipate a lot of the unblocked APs will come. I’m coming for that very reason on Sunday! I’m prepared for crowds but we will have fun regardless. I think it has a good chance of being crazy though.

I think with a good plan and MaxPass, you will have a great time no matter how the crowds pan out. Happy Birthday!

 

[limace]

Tha k you! I believe Monday the 6th is actually the last day of holiday stuff-small world goes down on Tuesday, for instance. But I appreciate the encouragement!

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

Tha k you! I believe Monday the 6th is actually the last day of holiday stuff-small world goes down on Tuesday, for instance. But I appreciate the encouragement!

Ahhhhh you are so correct! I had the date wrong. I change my prediction in that case... Monday might be really nuts! Regardless, I hope you have a wonderful time!