Jan 2011 trip...what to expect?

[apulk]

With 2 kids in college and 2 in middle school -- matching up school schedules is getting difficult. Add to that summer jobs and the times to keep the family vacation tradition going is starting to dwindle. So....decided a 1st week of January trip is in order. Planning to fly from Pittsburgh either Jan 1st or 2nd (which ever date we can get the best deal for 6 airline tix).

On a waitlist for the Villas a Disney's Grand CA DVC resort. First 3 nights on waitlist, last 4 nights are confirmed. Was thinking that maybe we save the points and spend the first few nights on the other end of LA (Hollywood side) to do touristy things the first few days then switch on Tuesday to Disney.
But......really want to catch DL with the Christmas decorations.

• When is your best guess of when decorations would come down that week (Jan 1st -- 8th)
• Other than DL and DCA -- what are other things in the area that are MUST sees
• Should we stay the first few nights north of LA to avoid the driving back and forth?
• What about crowds for the week....better days, worse days you think?
• Anything else you want to share -- please so.

This will be our first trip to CA in about 16 years. Any help would be appreciated. Thx.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Decorations will start coming down the 3rd. Either HM or IASW will be down that week to take down the Xmas overlay. I think they avoid taking them both down at the same time.

Jan 2 will be your last day to see the Xmas parade and fireworks.

 

[CrazyDuck]

If your standby doesn't come through spend the first few nights in San Diego... They have the Hotel Del Coronado in the "Concierge Collection" for 38 points per night for a standard view. Do Sea World, Zoo, Wild Animal Park first then make your way to DLR...

 

[apulk]

OK -- so, we SHOULD fly out on Jan 1st (right now it is cheaper on that day) and then hit the DL on the 2nd -- then do our tourist stuff in LA over the next few days. Probably will buy a 4 day ticket anyway.

Really thinking we won't have time (and points) to do San Diego and the LA stuff this trip. We go to Hilton Head DVC (our home resort) every summer so need to save the points for our week there.

Guessing the crowds will still be pretty high on Jan 2nd though....and then get much lighter as the week goes on???

 

[mamaofthree]

That sounds like a great plan. I'm no expert, but I'd assume your guess about Jan 2nd still being quite crowded is correct. I wouldn't expect "much lighter" though for the rest of the week. We went that week last winter and it was totally manageable, but much more crowded than I was hoping. Our wait times really weren't any less than our summer trip, because they seemed understaffed for the crowds- only one monorail running, not all cars running on all rides, etc. Enjoy your family vacation, sounds fun!