Help with dates for holiday trip to DL. Lightest Crowds for dates in Nov & Dec

[jarnolddancer]

Hi,

I'm trying to book a trip to Disneyland. We are taking my parents who will be going to Disneyland for the first time. Their favorite time of the year is Christmas so we wanted to be there when all the lights are up. However, my Mom gets really stressed out with crowds so I'm trying to determine a slow time (if there even is one). Scheduling has been very had because of work schedules but I have few options.

I'm hoping you guys can help with suggestions and rank the below weeks in order of lowest crowds to highest crowds in the park. Thanks so so much!

1. Sat, Nov 10 - Wed, Nov 14 (I've heard this time may be bad because of Veteran's Day)
2. Wed, Nov 14 - Sun, Nov 18
3. Wed, Nov 28 - Mon, Dec 3 or possibly Tues, Dec. 4
4. Thurs, Dec 13 - Tues, Dec 18

Thank you all for your insight!

 

[ColoradoMom!!]

First choice for me would be your #3. This is after Thanksgiving, and Christmas will be in full swing. Historically lighter crowds during this week.

Personally I wouldn't go before Thanksgiving just because it doesn't feel like Christmas time although your crowds may be low, but I really think #3 would have low crowds as well.


Let's see what the experts (of which I am not!) have to say.
Have a blast!

 

[SkRiderMom]

I agree with ColorodoMom I'd choose number 3. In fact that is the dates we will be there. That is the week we were there for our first trip in 2008 and it was great. All the Christmas magic without the crowds! I'm not expecting it to be quite as quiet this time with the opening of Carsland though.

 

[DLR29]

Just warning you that by choosing dates that are "less crowded", you will inevitably experience multiple rides and attractions closed for refurbishment. The nighttime entertainment may also only be offered on weekends. And the park hours will be limited as well.

That being said, I also agree that #3 would be very quiet unless the Candlelight Processional is happening on the weekend of December 1st. Then the weekend might be slightly more crowded, but nothing compared to other times of the year.

 

[jarnolddancer]

First choice for me would be your #3. This is after Thanksgiving, and Christmas will be in full swing. Historically lighter crowds during this week.

Personally I wouldn't go before Thanksgiving just because it doesn't feel like Christmas time although your crowds may be low, but I really think #3 would have low crowds as well.


Let's see what the experts (of which I am not!) have to say.
Have a blast!

I agree with ColorodoMom I'd choose number 3. In fact that is the dates we will be there. That is the week we were there for our first trip in 2008 and it was great. All the Christmas magic without the crowds! I'm not expecting it to be quite as quiet this time with the opening of Carsland though.

Just warning you that by choosing dates that are "less crowded", you will inevitably experience multiple rides and attractions closed for refurbishment. The nighttime entertainment may also only be offered on weekends. And the park hours will be limited as well.

That being said, I also agree that #3 would be very quiet unless the Candlelight Processional is happening on the weekend of December 1st. Then the weekend might be slightly more crowded, but nothing compared to other times of the year.

Thanks everyone so far for all the comments! The posts are very helpful.

 

[dbbydk]

Hi,

I'm trying to book a trip to Disneyland. We are taking my parents who will be going to Disneyland for the first time. Their favorite time of the year is Christmas so we wanted to be there when all the lights are up. However, my Mom gets really stressed out with crowds so I'm trying to determine a slow time (if there even is one). Scheduling has been very had because of work schedules but I have few options.

I'm hoping you guys can help with suggestions and rank the below weeks in order of lowest crowds to highest crowds in the park. Thanks so so much!

1. Sat, Nov 10 - Wed, Nov 14 (I've heard this time may be bad because of Veteran's Day)
2. Wed, Nov 14 - Sun, Nov 18
3. Wed, Nov 28 - Mon, Dec 3 or possibly Tues, Dec. 4
4. Thurs, Dec 13 - Tues, Dec 18

Thank you all for your insight!

If you go option 3, you also won't have to worry about checking out the day of black out dates for us, so that will be one less reason they have to reject your request. Although I still think black outs are for arrivals, not departures.

I take it you've talked to your parents. Are they excited?

 

[starshine514]

Just warning you that by choosing dates that are "less crowded", you will inevitably experience multiple rides and attractions closed for refurbishment. The nighttime entertainment may also only be offered on weekends. And the park hours will be limited as well.

I disagree with the refurbishments. It will be the Christmas season, and refurbs will be minimal. I agree with nighttime entertainment, if the hours are short.

That being said, I also agree that #3 would be very quiet unless the Candlelight Processional is happening on the weekend of December 1st. Then the weekend might be slightly more crowded, but nothing compared to other times of the year.

I've heard that about the processional as well, but you won't find out when that is happening for months (and it varies from year-to-year).

 

[jarnolddancer]

If you go option 3, you also won't have to worry about checking out the day of black out dates for us, so that will be one less reason they have to reject your request. Although I still think black outs are for arrivals, not departures.

I take it you've talked to your parents. Are they excited?

Thanks for your thoughts. Yes, my parents are thrilled!!!

The only problem is my work schedule and my husband's work schedule make it so we're having a hard time with getting there for the holidays and with a Saturday stay. I've heard we need to give 4 date options so I'm trying to figure out which 4 within those dates. I really like option 3 or a version of it as the first pick as well but I'm not sure if we'll get our first pick.

This is all so exciting! We'll be happy to go anytime but I really know my parents would be so excited to see the holiday lights and so would we. But as I mentioned my mom stresses out with crowds and I want to give the least crowded options and my 4 picks.

I really appreciate your help!

 

[jarnolddancer]

If you go option 3, you also won't have to worry about checking out the day of black out dates for us, so that will be one less reason they have to reject your request. Although I still think black outs are for arrivals, not departures.

I take it you've talked to your parents. Are they excited?

I guess I shouldn't stress but since I'm such a planner it's hard to not know. I think I'm already driving my poor husband crazy. I just want to have everything in order so that as soon as the letter arrives, I can respond.

 

[jarnolddancer]

I disagree with the refurbishments. It will be the Christmas season, and refurbs will be minimal. I agree with nighttime entertainment, if the hours are short.



I've heard that about the processional as well, but you won't find out when that is happening for months (and it varies from year-to-year).

Thanks. I appreciate your thoughts. I've never been to Disneyland during December so this is all so new to me.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

Here's the hours/entertainment from last December ~ this Dec. should be similar.

 

[jarnolddancer]

Here's the hours/entertainment from last December ~ this Dec. should be similar.

Wow! This is great. Thank you.

 

[jarnolddancer]

Would November 14-18 or November 13-17 be less busy than December 13-18? I've been trying to search online and can't really find anything. Thanks.