Is December a good time to visit DLR?

[pixleyyy]

We've always traveled "off season" and love to visit during less busy times. I'm wondering what the crowds are like in December. We'll avoid the week of Thanksgiving and the week of Christmas, but how is the time in between those two? Any big events that I should know about during early/mid December? How is the weather?

Thanks for sharing your expertise.

 

[foxlore]

It should be fine the week after Thanksgiving up until a couple weeks before Christmas. It's a great time to go!

 

[mommy2allyandaveri]

Some say the earlier you go in December the better off you are, crowds wise. I've also heard that the week following Thanksgiving is great.

Keep in mind the Candle Light Processional is on 12/6 and 12/7 and that draws quite a few people, also the cast member parties are on 12/8 and 12/9 so DL will be closing at 6pm.

 

[pixleyyy]

Some say the earlier you go in December the better off you are, crowds wise. I've also heard that the week following Thanksgiving is great.

Keep in mind the Candle Light Processional is on 12/6 and 12/7 and that draws quite a few people, also the cast member parties are on 12/8 and 12/9 so DL will be closing at 6pm.

What is the candle light processional???

 

[cheshiregirl]

Given how crowded the parks have been the past 3 weeks, I would be hesitant to call anytime in December the off season. We have typically visited in early December and the parks all always busy during our trips. This year we are being a little crazy and visiting in the 5 days leading up to and including Christmas. But, it will be our 3rd multi-day trip in as many months and our expectations are that the parks will be extremely crowded.

If you are looking for off season crowds then you should travel off season (mid-end of January through February).

 

[2ndStar]

I would think that would be a great time.

As for the comment about how busy October (traditionally "off season") has been, part of the reason I think October is becoming so busy is that many schools are now taking a week off in October (a lot do a 6 on - 1 off schedule and depending on when they started school, that week falls at various times in October - we're one of the few schools in our county NOT taking a week off in October).

Almost no school will be taking a week off between Thanksgiving and Xmas week this year, so I think it will be less crowded. We LOVE to go the week before Xmas week and have found it VERY manageable for crowds. Plus the bonus of the holiday magic!

As for the weather, we definitely dress in layers - chilly mornings (heavy sweatshirts) and sometimes freezing evenings (coats, hats, & gloves), but mild afternoons (long-sleeve shirts, light sweater). We've been in the winter 4 of the last 5 years and have hit rain on only two days - once light and once heavy. Just know that ponchos can be bought at many Disney shops - just ask at the counter for one. Or pack your own 99 cent Target ones (in the camping section in small pouches).

In short, I'd recommend that time of year - it's our favorite time to go!

 

[Marciern22]

The Candlelight Procession is held one day every year. A LARGE chorale group walks down mainstreet singing carrying candles. It's really awesome to see.
They make their way to the Mainstreet station where the gather in front.
Then a famous celebrity (no one knows who it will be till soon before) tells the story of Christmas.
It's nice if you have tickets to the procession so you have good seats, but tix aren't necessary to hear it.
It's a really cool thing to see, but I'm warning you, the crowds that day are crazy!

 

[disneyfan4ever54]

It is actually held 2 days a year, (usually the first Saturday and Sunday of December), with 2 shows on each night. This year it will be on December 6 and 7 as mommytoallyandaveri mentioned above. This will be our first year to see it and we are really excited!

 

[Krissy Marissy]

I love that time of year at Disneyland! Truly extra magical!! We have been there before during and after christmas and yes, it gets crowded, but that doesn't bother me. I knew it would be beforehand. It is often quite chilly but I prefer that to 90+ degrees. We will be there on Dec 16th and I can't wait to see the HMH and IASW...all the decorations.

 

[pixleyyy]

I love that time of year at Disneyland! Truly extra magical!! We have been there before during and after christmas and yes, it gets crowded, but that doesn't bother me.

So how crowded does it get? We've always gone in Jan/Feb when the crowds are very very low. I'm not expecting that but I don't want to routinely spend 30 min. or more waiting for the big rides.

 

[Krissy Marissy]

So how crowded does it get? We've always gone in Jan/Feb when the crowds are very very low. I'm not expecting that but I don't want to routinely spend 30 min. or more waiting for the big rides.

I didn't think it was too awful the few days leading up to it and even christmas eve wasn't as bad as some will tell you it is. But I have to admit that Christmas Day was pretty crazy and the days following. I can't speak for the week before since the day we usually arrive on is the 22nd. But I think the extra decorations, fireworks, parades...all of that is worth 30+ minutes in line to me. But we also travel there frequently so we are in no rush to get on everything.

If you think lines will ruin your trip I wouldn't book for december. However that being said you never know how crowds will be. That is always the risk you take no matter what time of year it is!

 

[pixleyyy]

I didn't think it was too awful the few days leading up to it and even christmas eve wasn't as bad as some will tell you it is. But I have to admit that Christmas Day was pretty crazy and the days following. I can't speak for the week before since the day we usually arrive on is the 22nd. But I think the extra decorations, fireworks, parades...all of that is worth 30+ minutes in line to me. But we also travel there frequently so we are in no rush to get on everything.

If you think lines will ruin your trip I wouldn't book for december. However that being said you never know how crowds will be. That is always the risk you take no matter what time of year it is!

We'll probaby go early to mid December, so hopefully that will have an effect on the crowds too. I'm sure that the week before/of Christmas it gets busier.

Anyone been there during early/mid December who can tell me what the crowd levels were like. I really want to see Disney during the Christmas season but need to really consider everything.

Also, does DLR do a special-ticket Christmas event like WDW does?

 

[Krissy Marissy]

We'll probaby go early to mid December, so hopefully that will have an effect on the crowds too. I'm sure that the week before/of Christmas it gets busier.

Anyone been there during early/mid December who can tell me what the crowd levels were like. I really want to see Disney during the Christmas season but need to really consider everything.

Also, does DLR do a special-ticket Christmas event like WDW does?

Seeing that the park closes at 8 I dont think they have a special party like the MVMCP at WDW...which is sad. There are so many plane tickets and hotel rooms available for the week before christmas still available so I am hoping it isn't too bad. I would hate to tell you to go during this time and you only be disappointed. But to me the decorations and the extra special feeling are worth the risk of heavy crowds. I think if you go this one time and experience christmas time at DL you might not mind the crowds as much as you think you might...and hey, perhaps you will get lucky and they will be low

 

[foxlore]

Again, I would go the first two weeks after Thanksgiving. I personally wouldn't get closer to Christmas than that if you're wanting lower crowds. Generally there is a lull right after Thanksgiving. It may not be quite as low as January, but it will be doable. Your best days should be midweek. I don't remember how many days you said you were planning to spend, but if you're doing other things while in the area I would visit the parks midweek. It's a wonderful time to go with all the decorations etc. The candlelight processional is nice, but we prefer to go midweek. We also have a young child who isn't remotely interested in the processional.

 

[pixleyyy]

Again, I would go the first two weeks after Thanksgiving. I personally wouldn't get closer to Christmas than that if you're wanting lower crowds. Generally there is a lull right after Thanksgiving. It may not be quite as low as January, but it will be doable. Your best days should be midweek. I don't remember how many days you said you were planning to spend, but if you're doing other things while in the area I would visit the parks midweek. It's a wonderful time to go with all the decorations etc. The candlelight processional is nice, but we prefer to go midweek. We also have a young child who isn't remotely interested in the processional.

We'll probably spend 5 days at DLR and then head to San Diego for a few days.

Does the Candlelight Processional draw huge crowds on the week around it? Or just those particular days?

 

[Hound 109]

We'll probaby go early to mid December, so hopefully that will have an effect on the crowds too. I'm sure that the week before/of Christmas it gets busier.

Anyone been there during early/mid December who can tell me what the crowd levels were like. I really want to see Disney during the Christmas season but need to really consider everything.

Also, does DLR do a special-ticket Christmas event like WDW does?

I visited last year on a Sun/Mon Dec. 9th & 10th. I don't believe the processional were those days & i think the cast member parties were later that week.

Sunday was empty (in both parks) until about noon & progressively got more crowded (especially in DL) & at night was packed. I believe that ALOT of SoCal AP type folks come out to DL for "the lights" & all things Seasonal (as i would if i lived there)....particularly on the weekend.

Same thing on Monday (although not as empty as early Sunday AM). Very UNCROWDED early in the AM, hopped to DCA which was empty. (took a rest) & hopped to DL & if was more crowded after 5pm.

Bottom line? Get to DL early & enjoy. Pick up 4-6 FPs for the evening. Hop to DCA in the afternoon & take a rest each day (before or after hopping to DCA). Go back to DL at night (it IS magical at Christmas time) expecting crowds (& with 4-6 FPs in your pocket).

Me...i'd avoid the CM party days since they'll close DL early those days. I don't think the Candlelight processional would impact the crowds the days (weeks) before or after that weekend that much (especially if you follow the logical touring steps mentioned above).

& do watch the magical fireworks with the snowfall & check out ALL the lights...even with the crowds at night.....they're great.

 

[pixleyyy]

I visited last year on a Sun/Mon Dec. 9th & 10th. I don't believe the processional were those days & i think the cast member parties were later that week.

Sunday was empty (in both parks) until about noon & progressively got more crowded (especially in DL) & at night was packed. I believe that ALOT of SoCal AP type folks come out to DL for "the lights" & all things Seasonal (as i would if i lived there)....particularly on the weekend.

Same thing on Monday (although not as empty as early Sunday AM). Very UNCROWDED early in the AM, hopped to DCA which was empty. (took a rest) & hopped to DL & if was more crowded after 5pm.

Bottom line? Get to DL early & enjoy. Pick up 4-6 FPs for the evening. Hop to DCA in the afternoon & take a rest each day (before or after hopping to DCA). Go back to DL at night (it IS magical at Christmas time) expecting crowds (& with 4-6 FPs in your pocket).

Me...i'd avoid the CM party days since they'll close DL early those days. I don't think the Candlelight processional would impact the crowds the days (weeks) before or after that weekend that much (especially if you follow the logical touring steps mentioned above).

& do watch the magical fireworks with the snowfall & check out ALL the lights...even with the crowds at night.....they're great.

Great tips. Thanks!

 

[Jenn1116]

did I post twice?? haha

 

[Jenn1116]

Can't help much since I've never been in Dec, but we're going for our first holiday trip the first week of Dec this year and CAN'T WAIT!!!!!



Do ya think the huge Oct crowds mean smaller Chistmas crowds? Can't everyone else spend their dough on holiday gifts and leave the parks to the DIS for Christmas???

I wish I had lots of money so I could rent DL for a night for DIS members only. They need to offer DIS Days with special discounts...

Sorry, I'll stop thread jacking