Maybe a first timer...need advice

[ashleymrush]

My family and I are planning to do a Disney Christmas in 2019. I've been to WDW 21 times but have never made it out to CA for Disneyland. So here is my question, am I crazy to do Disneyland for the first time at Christmas? Would it be better to wait a few more years and do it at a less busy time of year? The crowds at Christmas in WDW won't bother me because I'm used to them but I don't want them to ruin a first (and possibly only) visit to Disneyland. A part of me says it'll be perfect and another says it'll be a disaster, especially with the chaos of Star Wars opening (even though it'll be open for a few months ahead of time). I'd love any advice you could give to help me make a case to my husband for WDW or DL. TIA!

 

[BrianL]

Well, crowds happen. If you don't mind the Christmas crowds at WDW, then DL shouldn't be too much different. In fact, with MaxPass, I'd think you could get a lot more done. Make no mistake. It will be busy, and DL is a bit smaller in size, so the walkways and such might feel more congested, but actual wait times and such should be on par with WDW. The shows might be a little crazy though as you have to stake them out well ahead of time, but there are always dining packages and such that can help with that. Unless you would be planning another DLR trip afterward, I wouldn't really let the crowds stop you.

 

[HydroGuy]

Early December is not as bad as Christmas-New Years week at DLR.

As you consider your trip, here is a good link from my favorite DISer
- A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

 

[Winnowill]

Early December is not as bad as Christmas-New Years week at DLR.

As you consider your trip, here is a good link from my favorite DISer
- A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

And Christmas-New Year's week is eminently doable with appropriate application of MaxPass and the foreknowledge that it's going to be really busy. That doesn't reduce any of the magic, though - Christmas is amazing at DL!

 

[DizneyMommy]

I would not make Christmas 2019 my first trip to DL. Star Wars will open summer 2019 and I believer that Christmas is going to be bananas. Super crowds. I would honestly either go early December or wait until the following year when SW has had a chance to settle down.