How bad will crowds at DL be on 12/30??

[markºoº]

We are going to CA on company business over the New Year - DW will be in the Rose Bowl Parade.

The Company has schedule to shuttle us to DL on Thursday, 12/30. We will probably arrive around 10:00 and they will pick us up as late at 10:00pm.

I would expect the crowds to be very heavy. Does it get as bad as WDW does during the holidays?

We have been to WDW several times and I know how to get around the parks and avoid most of the bad lines. This will be our first trip to DL so I have to learn all over. I did spend one day at DCA 2 weeks after 9/11 - park was empty and did everything I wanted to by early afternoon!

BTW, it will be myself, DW, DS12 and DS6 - any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[dsnylndmom]

When we were there last year the 26th-29th it was PAcKED each day, I'm talking closing the park type of packed on Friday & Saturday. Sunday was a little better and Monday was a tad better but it was unbelievably busy! We still had fun though

 

[bratman777]

I am takin my family to D.L. on new years eve too. Does PACKED mean at capacity? or do u mean really REALLY busy?
It will be I, my DW, DD6, DD3.

 

[Hollyster2]

We went last year and were advised to not leave the park once we were inside because we might not be allowed back in due to full capacity. We didn't take any chances. We got in early, and stayed until it closed. Very long day, but we had a blast! VERY COLD at night! We are going much more prepared this year. Can't wait!!

 

[hugabearjo]

All the travel books say that the busiest week of the year is Christmas-New Years so I would expect capacity kind of crowds.

That said, I think you can still have a great time if you take the approach of just enjoying all the sites, sounds, smells and feelings of the festive season. You won't be able to completely do the park in that day but, you can enjoy the atmosphere which is why I love Disneyland. The rides etc. are a bonus.

 

[got2travel]

This will be one of the first years that I am not taking a New Year's trip to DL. We've been going the past 4 or 5 years, but we just got back from a WDW trip, so DL will have to wait.

We would always start our trip on Jan 1 because of the pre-New Year's crowds. Not to say that Jan 1 was not crowded, but just not as bad as the days leading up to it. And many times Dec 31 is closed due to capacity. I've done Dec 31 and had a blast when I was younger, but now with kids, I advoid it at all costs.

Dec 30 I'm sure will be crowded, but probably not be closed due to crowds. As long as you go with the proper expectation you'll be fine. You will not be able to see or ride everything, but you will still enjoy it.

 

[missmulan]

since you are going to the rose parade (lucky you), here's some info that might be of use to you regarding the bus/rail:

Metro bus and rail lines will operate on Sunday schedules on New Year's Day, with the exception of the Gold Line and the Metro buses that serve Pasadena, an official said today.
Extra Metro Gold Line trains will be available that day, along with additional buses that serve Pasadena, to accommodate passengers attending the Tournament of Roses Parade and the Rose Bowl game.

On New Year's Eve, Metro bus and rail lines will be operated on regular weekday schedules, said Marc Littman of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

Rides will be free from 9 p.m. on New Year's Eve until 2 a.m. on New Year's Day. Metro rail lines will be operated overnight into the Jan. 1 service day, Littman said.

After 2 a.m. on Jan. 1, a one-way fare on the Metro System will be $1.25, or passengers may buy a $3 Metro Day Pass, which is valid for unlimited use on Metro buses and trains until 2 a.m. on Jan. 2.

The Metro Day Pass can be purchased onboard all Metro buses and from ticket vending machines at all Metro Rail stations, Littman said.

www.metro.net