Max Park Capacity - Christmas Weekend

[dstorm]

Newbie here - First trip to Disneyland, have been to WDW twice. I'm so glad I've checked out these boards because I'm quickly learning DL is a completely different animal than WDW. So thanks to all for the contributions to these boards. Really helpful for those seeking info like myself.

Will be in DL/DCA Dec 24-26th - So literally over Christmas weekend. A few specific questions for any with inside knowledge. A couple notes of background:

- Planning to attend Early Entry on Thursday, Christmas Eve.
- Would like to arrive early on Christmas Day, break mid-day, return and stay until Midnight.
- On Sat, Dec 26th, planning on DCA - once again thinking about mid-day break, staying til 10pm then finishing til midnight at DL.

1) I'm realizing afternoon breaks have to be a part of this plan. But I'm concerned after reading stories about "Max" capacity being reached at the parks. If we leave on a busy day and then return late afternoon, is there a possibility of us not getting back in due to huge holiday crowds?

2) Staying offsite and not within walking distance (homewood suites). I've read quite a bit about downside of driving / parking / etc. Then again I've also read some horror stories regarding ART. I'm skeptical ART could even get us to the park by 6am'ish' for a 7am early entry... Anybody with opinions on ART vs. parking your car from those that have tried both during busy times?

3) Cold weather and water rides... Just how cold are the evenings in So Cal in December? Would shorts with a jacket / sweatshirt for the evenings work? Also, really looking forward to riding Grizzly at DCA. (Hoping for some redemption after Kali River Rapids at AK). But a bit worried about kids getting soaked and then not drying off for the rest of the day in cooler weather. Any experiences here? And no, I'm fairly certain I won't be able to convince my teenager daughter to wear a poncho

4) Any other warnings / tips from those that may have attended on Christmas Day?

Thanks in advance for any insider info.....

 

[pixiewings71]

All I know is you need to check the weather closer to your trip time. I absolutely would not suggest shorts right now....and NO water rides for us!! Toooooo coooooold.......

Otherwise I have no advice because we've never gone over Christmas.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

Hello ~

We just returned from a somewhat rainy & chilly visit ~ we weren't very prepared for the weather had we been we would've been more comfortable.

RE: ART ~ driving yourself, you could take a taxi, we did that earlier this year when we stayed outside of walking distance ~ our resort offered a shuttle but it would not have gotten us there in time for MM so we took a taxi that morning.

I worry for you about crowds ~ you can hope that locals will not be so "bad" due to block outs and out of towners staying home. However it's not a time when I'd plan to visit. What about changing hotels? Looks like you can stay at the Anaheim Plaza ~ http://www.anaheimplazahotel.com/ for $75 per night ~ we stayed there in Sept. and I'd stay there again, it's within walking distance.

Have fun & good luck!

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

1) I'm realizing afternoon breaks have to be a part of this plan. But I'm concerned after reading stories about "Max" capacity being reached at the parks. If we leave on a busy day and then return late afternoon, is there a possibility of us not getting back in due to huge holiday crowds?

Yes there is a chance. But if the parks reach capacity, people usually leave after the parade and they start letting people in again. It's not a "done for the day" thing (except maybe NYE)

2) Staying offsite and not within walking distance (homewood suites). I've read quite a bit about downside of driving / parking / etc. Then again I've also read some horror stories regarding ART. I'm skeptical ART could even get us to the park by 6am'ish' for a 7am early entry... Anybody with opinions on ART vs. parking your car from those that have tried both during busy times?

Parking garage won't be open any earlier than the first ART shuttle. I'm not sure where your hotel is on the route so I really can't help there. Maybe check the art website.

3) Cold weather and water rides... Just how cold are the evenings in So Cal in December? Would shorts with a jacket / sweatshirt for the evenings work? Also, really looking forward to riding Grizzly at DCA. (Hoping for some redemption after Kali River Rapids at AK). But a bit worried about kids getting soaked and then not drying off for the rest of the day in cooler weather. Any experiences here? And no, I'm fairly certain I won't be able to convince my teenager daughter to wear a poncho

In the evenings it gets cold. I'd definitely do pants & sweatshirt AT LEAST.

4) Any other warnings / tips from those that may have attended on Christmas Day?

Come with a plan. It will be very busy. Collect your fast passes (you can use them after the return time, as long as its the same day) and enjoy the magic of Disneyland at Christmas.

 

[letthembelittle]

2) Staying offsite and not within walking distance (homewood suites). I've read quite a bit about downside of driving / parking / etc. Then again I've also read some horror stories regarding ART. I'm skeptical ART could even get us to the park by 6am'ish' for a 7am early entry... Anybody with opinions on ART vs. parking your car from those that have tried both during busy times?

We had mixed luck with ART when we were there in November, it was not there early enough for us on our Magic Morning day but we did learn that there is a 15 minute parking lot right where the buses unload so maybe one person could drive your group over and drop you all off and then take the shuttle while the rest of you wait in line and maybe get a ride or two in depending on when the ART shows up?

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

We had mixed luck with ART when we were there in November, it was not there early enough for us on our Magic Morning day but we did learn that there is a 15 minute parking lot right where the buses unload so maybe one person could drive your group over and drop you all off and then take the shuttle while the rest of you wait in line and maybe get a ride or two in depending on when the ART shows up?

This is also good for pick ups when the shuttles are cramped and you have a stroller and kids. One can ride the shuttle back and grab your car and come back and pick the rest of the group up. (We will, I'm sure, be utilizing this next week...)

 

[dstorm]

thanks all for your replies - it's good to know that if the park does reach max capacity it's only temporary during the day - I'm thinking I could also park hop into DLA if that were the case. I'm also thinking I'll try to drop off the family for Early Entry to get in line shortly after 6am and then I'll join them as soon as I can park.

It's funny, but I'm actually looking forward to braving the crowds at Christmas... In a strange sort of way, I actually look forward to the 'challenge'... there's nothing better than walking past a 2-hr standby line with a fastpass, knowing that all the planning and preparation is paying off.

Have always visited WDW during busy summer months and have always avoided lines with a plan in hand.... Can't wait to try it at DL. I'm amazed by all the people that fork out so much money for their vacations and are willing to spend hours in line.... and ultimately end up seeing so little of the park.

 

[LavenderPeach]

You could drive over in the morning and then just take ART back to your hotel for your break. That way you could arrive at DLR when you want to and not have to rely on a shuttle but you wouldn't have to repark your car after your break.

And I agree with PPs. It's way too cold for shorts, even though you're probably used to a cooler climate. I would have on jeans, long sleeved shirt, sweatshirt and jacket for a night time trip to DL.

As far as GRR, there a 2 different approaches I've taken to try not to get wet. One is to put on a sweatshirt that I can take off if it gets soaked. I even put the hood up. Then after the ride i just take it off and the clothes underneath aren't very wet. This will only help keep your shirt dry though but it helps. The other thing i've done is taken off my sweatshirt and put it on my lap and tucked it around my legs. This has helped to keep my pants dry.

Hope that helps. Have a great trip!

 

[dstorm]

You could drive over in the morning and then just take ART back to your hotel for your break. That way you could arrive at DLR when you want to and not have to rely on a shuttle but you wouldn't have to repark your car after your break.

And I agree with PPs. It's way too cold for shorts, even though you're probably used to a cooler climate. I would have on jeans, long sleeved shirt, sweatshirt and jacket for a night time trip to DL.

As far as GRR, there a 2 different approaches I've taken to try not to get wet. One is to put on a sweatshirt that I can take off if it gets soaked. I even put the hood up. Then after the ride i just take it off and the clothes underneath aren't very wet. This will only help keep your shirt dry though but it helps. The other thing i've done is taken off my sweatshirt and put it on my lap and tucked it around my legs. This has helped to keep my pants dry.

Hope that helps. Have a great trip!

thanks for the suggestions - Funny how just because it's below freezing this week where I live all of a sudden 50-60 degrees sounds 'balmy' -

Good tip on wearing extra layers for GRR - I also like the idea of park hopping to DCA just to ride Grizzly before a break. Maybe grab a FP and then hit a show or animation studios to pass an hour or so. Then we could head back to the hotel wet and cold.

 

[SeattleTink]

Another strategy for the water rides would be to bring rain ponchos.

We bought ponchos due to rain, but found that using them on the water rides was a great way to stay dry! I love the water rides in summer when it is hot, but when it is cooler outside getting wet just makes you cold and miserable!

You could buy some of the cheapie ponchos at the dollar store (They have thme here at the Dollar Tree) and just put them in your purse or backpack.

Whatever you decide, have a terrific trip!

 

[prncssmel]

3) Cold weather and water rides... Just how cold are the evenings in So Cal in December? Would shorts with a jacket / sweatshirt for the evenings work? Also, really looking forward to riding Grizzly at DCA. (Hoping for some redemption after Kali River Rapids at AK). But a bit worried about kids getting soaked and then not drying off for the rest of the day in cooler weather. Any experiences here? And no, I'm fairly certain I won't be able to convince my teenager daughter to wear a poncho

Being from Utah also, here are my thoughts on this. My husband wears a tee and jeans all day, then adds a jacket at night sometimes. He has definitely worn shorts in December, as has my brother. I get more cold, so I usually wear a hoodie and jeans and flip flops. The weather is supposed to be in the 70's with a low in the 40's. Yes, 40's - twice what our high has been lately. If you are used to the cold here, I think 70 feels amazing.

As for water rides, If you don't sit in the front on Splash, you don't get too wet. If you want to ride Grizzly, wear a poncho or go on right before you go back to the hotel for your break, then you are only wet for a short amount of time.

 

[VallCopen]

I don't know if anyone has said this yet but as long as you are there in the morning and get a stamp on your hand as you leave in the afternoon you can always get back into the park, regardless of capacity, you just have to make sure you are there in the morning before it reaches capacity then you are golden. We even hop over to DCA in the morning just so we can go through the entrance and then turn around, get stamped and head back over to Disney that way we have access to both parks all day/night.

 

[Donalds_best_pal]

I don't know if anyone has said this yet but as long as you are there in the morning and get a stamp on your hand as you leave in the afternoon you can always get back into the park, regardless of capacity, you just have to make sure you are there in the morning before it reaches capacity then you are golden. We even hop over to DCA in the morning just so we can go through the entrance and then turn around, get stamped and head back over to Disney that way we have access to both parks all day/night.

Technically it can reach a point in which they will no longer let anyone into the park period, regardless of the fact if you have a handstamp. However I hear that rarely happens and is typically only on New Years Eve.

 

[Sherry E]

You could drive over in the morning and then just take ART back to your hotel for your break. That way you could arrive at DLR when you want to and not have to rely on a shuttle but you wouldn't have to repark your car after your break.

And I agree with PPs. It's way too cold for shorts, even though you're probably used to a cooler climate. I would have on jeans, long sleeved shirt, sweatshirt and jacket for a night time trip to DL.

As far as GRR, there a 2 different approaches I've taken to try not to get wet. One is to put on a sweatshirt that I can take off if it gets soaked. I even put the hood up. Then after the ride i just take it off and the clothes underneath aren't very wet. This will only help keep your shirt dry though but it helps. The other thing i've done is taken off my sweatshirt and put it on my lap and tucked it around my legs. This has helped to keep my pants dry.

Hope that helps. Have a great trip!

Way, way, way too cold for shorts - even aside from this downpour we are having right now, just regular, dry December evenings are too cold for shorts - and all of us SoCal residents will look at anyone who is wearing shorts and think, "Yep, they are not from this neck of the woods at all"!! December nights are cold. Sometimes it dips down into the 30's and that is earmuff and scarf weather. Last year, I was armed with my big coat, my sweaters, my mittens, my neck scarf - and my ears were still cold. Sure, it won't be 'cold' like in other parts of the country, but everyone acclimates to their surroundings so what is cold to one person won't be to another. We are used to certain temperatures, so for us, if it is in the 40's and 30's, it is freezing! I hate heat. I hate summer. I cannot wait for the heat to go away and the 'cold' to come in - but even I have been wearing two pairs of pants, a sweatshirt and a sweater under that IN my apartment this week because it feels like a meat locker!!! I like it - don't get me wrong - but I wasn't prepared for it because it had just been in the 80's a few days prior!

 

[Dizneydaz]

Yep, it's cold at night! We went a few nights ago. Really cold! I was okay though. I wore thermals pants and a top. Warm jacket too. Gloves-though my hands don't say warm in them. Scarf and ear coverage. however we left at 7:30. Didn't stay into the wee hours-it only gets colder!

Problem in So Cal is not only is it cold, but it's damp. The cold just seeps in. Hope it's not TMI but my butt checks are always freezing when I get home.

Grab all the FP you can in the a.m. Use them at night. Don't forget that DL and DCA are on separate systems meaning you can have FP for the same time from each park.

Here's my tip for staying warm. All food locations that make coffee, tea, and/or hot chocolate will give you cups of hot water for free. (also cold water). You don't even have to wait in line, you can go right up to the counter (though usually I wait). Bring your own tea bags or hot chocolate packages. Also, if you buy a coffee and keep receipt you can get more coffee through the day. I don't drink coffee so I haven't done this-don't know if you have to keep your cup or not. I know when I get more hot water they give me a new cup. We did this the other night while waiting for the (early) fireworks on one of the CM party nights. We bought desserts and got our free hot water, made teas, and sat in River Belle Terrace while waiting. It was nice and toasty warm inside

 

[Flitterific]

Here's my tip for staying warm. All food locations that make coffee, tea, and/or hot chocolate will give you cups of hot water for free. (also cold water). You don't even have to wait in line, you can go right up to the counter (though usually I wait). Bring your own tea bags or hot chocolate packages. Also, if you buy a coffee and keep receipt you can get more coffee through the day. I don't drink coffee so I haven't done this-don't know if you have to keep your cup or not. I know when I get more hot water they give me a new cup. We did this the other night while waiting for the (early) fireworks on one of the CM party nights. We bought desserts and got our free hot water, made teas, and sat in River Belle Terrace while waiting. It was nice and toasty warm inside

Wow...what a great tip! Thank you!

 

[whimseysgirl]

We normally go around the end of Dec/beginning of Jan. Coming down from Victoria, we don't typically find it very cold during the day (though it sounds much cooler this year). I'll often wear shorts or a skirt and add a hoodie in the cooler parts of the day, unless it is supposed to be very cold or rainy. We get a locker and wear/bring layers. That way we can adjust - the mornings and evenings are of course cooler, and we're set for the warmer part of the day too.
As to GR - DS and I love it - we do wear ponchos, most of the time, so we don't get too wet. And we always make use of the free lockers at the ride (good for an hour, behind the FP machines) to hold any of our belongings that we're carrying and that we want to keep dry. We tend to actually take off layers like sweatshirts and store them in locker while we ride, so we can warm up right after.

 

[Disney Dreams]

I don't know if anyone has said this yet but as long as you are there in the morning and get a stamp on your hand as you leave in the afternoon you can always get back into the park, regardless of capacity, you just have to make sure you are there in the morning before it reaches capacity then you are golden. We even hop over to DCA in the morning just so we can go through the entrance and then turn around, get stamped and head back over to Disney that way we have access to both parks all day/night.

This is not true. The Park can reach a level of capacity where they do not allow anyone at all to enter. It is the last level of closure and very rarely happens (like on NYE), but it can happen.

 

[Eeee-va]

I think the free coffee refills are only at the Market House on Main Street?

For clothes, you very well might be fine in shorts during the day--on days when the sun was out, after about 11 AM, I was fine in short sleeves and pants, and I'm from central Arizona, where I don't think we have a single month that doesn't hit at least 70 degrees a few times.

IMO, nights (and when I was just there with highs in the low-to-mid 60s, also mornings!) get chilly if you're out in them, no matter what you're used to. If you're taking afternoon breaks then lockers may not be necessary, but otherwise, I'd definitely get one if you need to store your jackets. We got one for the days when it was chilly in the mornings, warm and sunny in the afternoon, and very cold at night. If you want to get a great view for Fantasmic, you could easily be sitting on the cold ground for an hour or more, so even someone used to chilly weather will need it.

(On Friday and Saturday, the sun basically didn't come out, so we found we didn't need the lockers; we were fine in our coats all day. We left on Sunday; had we stayed until evening we would've likely needed coats for that.)

I suppose you'll get a kick out of watching all the Southern Californians/Arizonans bundled up all toasty warm even in the daytime, though.

If you REALLY wanted to do GRR then you could bring a change of clothes for your daughter if she won't wear a poncho. I don't know, though. I'd personally just pass on Splash Mountain for sure; you seem to be familiar with WDW and I find WDW's to be several times better. If it were summer it would be fun to compare, but in winter, I wouldn't bother, personally. (Even though it IS true that if you're not in front, you don't get too horribly wet, in general. Depending on your party size, someone in your group may have to be in front anyway. )

Have a great trip!

 

[Sherry E]

I suppose you'll get a kick out of watching all the Southern Californians/Arizonans bundled up all toasty warm even in the daytime, though.

I an a lifelong SoCal resident who doesn't bundle up/get cold in the daytime at DLR (unless it's raining). In fact, it always seems that no matter what the temperature is (it could be in the 60's or 50's) during the day, I am hot out there in the DLR sun. It is the nighttime that is very cold in December - no way around it. So even I have to be forced to put on coats and gloves and neck scarves, etc. I have other friends who need very little coverage at night beyond just a jacket, and others still who are freezing in the daytime, when it is 65 degrees. Basically everybody is different - or rather, every body is different - and some people can handle heat better and others can handle cold better.

But we do get a kick out of seeing people in shorts running around in 30- and 40-degree temperatures at night because we know that means they are from another state!