How crazy busy will it be Dec 26 - Jan 1? Last minute trip

[Fishin' Mike]

Just pondering a last minute anniversary trip the week after Christmas at DL. We are WDW veterans, 35+ trips, many over Thanksgiving and the week before Christmas. Looking at the Grand Californian, adult only trip. We've been to DL once in 2009 and had a great time, stayed at the Ritz in Dana Point/Laguna Nigel area so it wasn't on property.

We've been looking at a cruise but most are filled for that week leaving from Galveston, Texas. We have dealt with crowds before and thought that with just the two of us, we can flip flop between parks and fit everything in over 3-4 days. More or less, from those that frequent DL that time of year, will it be enjoyable or just fighting crowds the entire time?

 

[smartlabelprint]

Very crazy. 1/1 is known for park closures.

You will be touching people in Disneyland really smashed in like sardines.

 

[loloandstitch]

I went a few years ago on the 29th and 30th so I can’t speak of recent years, but let’s just say I avoid that time by all means an advise others to do the same. The park reached capacity.

 

[tink89]

We are going the 27-31. It will be super busy packed. But I think its what you make it and how good you are with crowds and how well you know the parks. We have many dining reservations so that we can see characters there and do not worry about that when we are at the parks. When go during the holidays we just try and enjoy just being there . We know we will be back another less busy time anyways. We go with a plan but pretty much just do what we can and enjoy the atmosphere. I ask each person in our party what is the thing they must do and I make sure if nothing else we do that.

It will be crazy, but it can also be amazing.

 

[Sun_soakin]

We were there on those dates last year and actually didn’t think it was that bad. We were expecting the worst, so we were pleasantly surprised. It rained though and I’m sure that was a significant factor in deterring crowds. Our worst day was our last, around 1/4 maybe when the annual pass blackouts were lifted (and we waited in crazy long lines to upgrade our tix to APs).

 

[Sith]

Busiest week of the year. Still fun, though.

 

[StormyCA]

We went the week after Xmas last year. By the evening it was so crowded you could have lifted your feet off the ground and have been carried along by the crowd.

We still had fun, though. It's all in your attitude. And you're right to stay at the Grand. If it does get 'too' crowded for you, you just beat a hasty retreat to your room for some breathing space <cough> and wine <cough> then venture forth refreshed.

 

[RADOPT]

We will be there after you leave (jan 2-5). We expect it to be crazy but it will only be 2 adults. Our plan is to enjoy what we can and leave DL for DCA when it gets too crazy. When both get too crazy, we will head over to DTD, the hotels(decorations & bars) and if all else fail - it is LA so there is lots to do. We only made 2 dining reservations (one the first day and dinner the last night). I am sure we will have a wonderful time.
if you decide to go, Have a great trip!

 

[Susie63]

Maxpass.....it will be your best friend.

 

[katyringo]

We were there on those dates last year and actually didn’t think it was that bad. We were expecting the worst, so we were pleasantly surprised. It rained though and I’m sure that was a significant factor in deterring crowds. Our worst day was our last, around 1/4 maybe when the annual pass blackouts were lifted (and we waited in crazy long lines to upgrade our tix to APs).

We are newbies going for the first time the week between so I have no comparison but I’m curious what our expirence will be with t being the second year of the AP black outs. We are preparing for crazy.

 

[gottalovepluto]

I've never been but from my understanding: Take the busiest time you've experienced at WDW crowdwise, keep all the people and cut the space in half. Welcome to Disneyland from Dec 26 thru Jan 1. If you're ok with that dive in. There are some people here who do Disneyland that time of year, year after year and have a nice time. There are also some people who have had the worst trip of their lives. It just depends on what you're ready to deal with.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Oh! As a tip if you go, I've also seen suggestions to eat at "off" times if dining at quick service restaurants to keep the wait times down.