How bad...

[AndyFarleyHope]

We have been to Disney World 4 times in the past 3 years, each during a different session and it seems to always be busy. We are looking at going to Disneyland for the first time after Christmas (Dec 27-30) . How bad are the crowds during these times? Thanks!

 

[PrincessSitka]

I am going in Jan. Can you to tell me what the crowds will be like then?

 

[tinkermell]

We have been to Disney World 4 times in the past 3 years, each during a different session and it seems to always be busy. We are looking at going to Disneyland for the first time after Christmas (Dec 27-30) . How bad are the crowds during these times? Thanks!

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but probably the worst it can get.

I wish I could have given you better news, but it will be very very busy.

But don't feel alone, I will be there too on the 29th. But I have been there before, and know what to expect.

I would suggest that you make some dinner ressies as soon as possible, if you haven't already done so. Make sure to use your fastpasses to the max. Get them as fast as you are allowed. They will run out. Get them for the Holiday Haunted Mansion, Space, Indy and Splash. These all run out the fastest.

You might be warned about leaving the park and getting back in again. Even if you have already had your hand stamped and everything.

California Aventure will be less busy, so take advantage of that when it is unbearable at DL. The fast pass machines are not connected to DLs, so get more.

Enjoy what you can, especially the absolutely beautiful decorations. I go this time of year just to see them. You should also schedule for the fireworks as soon as you can, as they sometimes get cancelled due to winds. After the fireworks it snows along Main Street and over by the Rivers of America. Plan for the Christmas Fantasy Parade in DL and over at CA, the Main Street Electrical Parade should be running.

I hope this helps!

 

[fairycat]

I will not lie the week after Christmas heading into NYE can get very busy! NYE is usually so busy they stop selling tickets mid-day.

I have not been in the days right after Christmas for some times, but the 31st and 1st tend to be busy. With NYE mid-week it might not be as bad later in the week though.

 

[disneegrl4eva]

I have not been in the days right after Christmas for some times, but the 31st and 1st tend to be busy. With NYE mid-week it might not be as bad later in the week though.

yes it will...its going to be busy through midweek of the next week...for one kids will be out of school till the following monday and usually it doesnt start calming down until about the 9th or 10th of Jan anyway...when you go into the parking lot they hand out flyers that tell you they wont be selling less than 3 day tickets till about the 4th of Jan. due to ginormous crowds

 

[Sherry E]

Well, I am in the same club, too! If my plan stays intact, we are there from 12/26 - 12/29, so we will all be sharing in the joy and misery of the ultra-crowded holiday season together! Last December, we were there on the weekend right before Christmas, and I would prefer that again this year but it isn't possible. Our only option was the weekend immediately after Christmas. I can only hope that the crowds hold off a couple of days and descend on DLR closer to New Year's, but I suspect that on the 26th, probably around noon, from there on out, the crowds will be crazy in the parks, in DTD, in the hotels, everywhere. I mean, this is how it has notoriously been in the past, but I still wonder if attendance may be affected this year because of the struggling economy. So many people have already been going to DLR this past month - in the so-called 'off-peak' season when it is cheaper - so I wonder if as many folks will have the money to visit DLR this year during the peak holiday time when everything costs more money. I guess we won't know until we get there!

Also, if there is even the slightest chance of rain on the horizon that week - and often times, it DOES rain in SoCal between Christmas and New Year's - that will drive the crowds way down. I am not a big fan of getting soaked at DLR in pouring rain, but if a little drizzle will scare off thousands of people, then I say bring it on!!!

 

[Krissy Marissy]

I have been to DL twice during that time period and found the crowds to be heavy but not as bad as everyone forcasted. It was quite manageable! You just have to have a plan and keep your wits about you Hopefully less people will be there this year due to the economy (not that I wish bad luck upon fellow wage earners). It may be crowded but you can still enjoy your trip!

 

[JaneJetson]

It will be super crowded. and it might seem even more crowded than WDW because the walkways are much narrower.