How busy is it in December ?

[TeamH]

I was hoping to go in September but looks like our plans might have to change. I am now looking at going in December before Christmas somewhere between Dec 1 and Dec 20th. I know weekends will be probably crazy but what about crowd levels during the week.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

The first two weeks are supposed to be less crowded but some ppl say that it is always crowded now and no more low times.

 

[figment_jii]

It depends on what other things are happening (see the 2015 Calendar of Events thread and the Christmas SuperThread), but in general, the weekdays (Mon to Thu) are okay, with crowds picking up on the weekends (Fri to Sun). I've found that the parks are steadily more busy as the month progresses, so the first week seems less busy than the second, which seems less busy than the third, etc. The weekends are all busy, especially the last one before the seasonal AP blockout period goes into effect. Overall, I would aim to go as early in December as possible.

 

[V.I.N.C.E.N.T.]

First week is manageable, but getting more crowded each year in my opinion. That was the week we would go since 2008, but it got to the point where we decided to switch to September this year. One pattern I have noticed, is that the parks would become more crowded in the evening during the first week. Possibly locals visiting after work to see the decorations?

 

[figment_jii]

That would make sense to me because starting in mid-December, all but the Premium/Premier APs experience a holiday blockout until after New Years. So the first part of December is their last chance to see the holiday decor, entertainment, etc. until after New Year.

 

[chickapin parterre]

depends on how folks manage their Mondays

30th, after Thanksgiving, pre-school families extend the holiday
7th is post candlelight, so depending on how many extend their weekend
14th some universities and schools are out so best to use Monday and early week to catch Disney spirit

Tuesdays are crowded with the weekend folks using their MM

Wednesday mornings are empty, I have no explanation why other than that folks end their stays on Tuesdays and start on Thursdays. Wednesday is the best day to visit.

 

[AZpharmacist]

We went on weekdays (Monday-Thursday) December 5-8th last year. Monday was sunny and very crowded. It was difficult to push the stroller through certain busy parts of the park (NoS). Tuesday-Thursday it rained. Park wasn't too crowded. Guess the locals weren't out but lots of attractions were closed or kept breaking down do to the rain.

I think it you go on weekdays and have a plan, it won't be too bad. Fantasmic isn't shown on the weekdays though but we didn't really care. The Christmas Parade still happened 2 of the days (when it wasn't raining in the evening) and it was packed!!

 

[Sherry E]

We went on weekdays (Monday-Thursday) December 5-8th last year. Monday was sunny and very crowded. It was difficult to push the stroller through certain busy parts of the park (NoS). Tuesday-Thursday it rained. Park wasn't too crowded. Guess the locals weren't out but lots of attractions were closed or kept breaking down do to the rain.

I think it you go on weekdays and have a plan, it won't be too bad. Fantasmic isn't shown on the weekdays though but we didn't really care. The Christmas Parade still happened 2 of the days (when it wasn't raining in the evening) and it was packed!!

In 2014, December 6th and 7th were a Saturday and Sunday, respectively. So if you were there last year from 12/5 - 12/8, it would have included that weekend. That weekend was a perfect storm of Candlelight Ceremony crowds, Raver Day crowds and attendees of the nearby pharmacy convention who were staying at the DLR hotels and other nearby hotels. Some people say it was more crowded than they remember ever seeing Disneyland before. Fortunately, this year Raver Day is being held on the weekend after Candlelight, and the pharmacy convention is in New Orleans, I think. So the crowds should be manageable enough.

The Christmas Parade is happening this year, to some extent (that much is official), but it may only be a daytime thing. No one knows yet. So I don't know if it will have an impact on crowds. For all we know, Disney may take it and throw it into a surprise hard ticket party!

 

[AZpharmacist]

In 2014, December 6th and 7th were a Saturday and Sunday, respectively. So if you were there last year from 12/5 - 12/8, it would have included that weekend. That weekend was a perfect storm of Candlelight Ceremony crowds, Raver Day crowds and attendees of the nearby pharmacy convention who were staying at the DLR hotels and other nearby hotels. Some people say it was more crowded than they remember ever seeing Disneyland before. Fortunately, this year Raver Day is being held on the weekend after Candlelight, and the pharmacy convention is in New Orleans, I think. So the crowds should be manageable enough.

The Christmas Parade is happening this year, to some extent (that much is official), but it may only be a daytime thing. No one knows yet. So I don't know if it will have an impact on crowds. For all we know, Disney may take it and throw it into a surprise hard ticket party!

Oops. It was the 8th-11th

 

[Sherry E]

Oops. It was the 8th-11th

I figured you meant something like that! It sounds like your first day -- Monday -- was still carrying some of the leftover crowds from the weekend madness..

 

[AZpharmacist]

I figured you meant something like that! It sounds like your first day -- Monday -- was still carrying some of the leftover crowds from the weekend madness..

It was crowded but it was also a beautiful sunny day. We enjoyed our trip despite the rain. We're going again in September. I hope the weather is nice. We will probably be focusing on shows since my daughter is 2 and knows what's up this trip

 

[Luv Bunnies]

Definitely go as early as you can in December. Most California schools will release for holiday break on the 18th. People who want to get a trip in before Christmas will be arriving on the 19th and it will be very busy until the end of the month.