Most economical time to go?

[baseballmom3]

DS is moving to Longbeach,CA next week! If he lasts there we would like to see him around the Holidays. Does not have to be on any Holiday. So when would be the best bang for our buck? Between Nov and early Jan? We figure we could take our younger DS to Disneyland while there.

 

[Sy-]

DS is moving to Longbeach,CA next week! If he lasts there we would like to see him around the Holidays. Does not have to be on any Holiday. So when would be the best bang for our buck? Between Nov and early Jan? We figure we could take our younger DS to Disneyland while there.

I like the window after Thanksgiving and before Christmas. Only thing is is that it is off season so the parks are not open as long and you have to watch out for special events like the Cast Member parties where they close the park early, as well as other events like the Candlelight Processional, which can draw huge crowds!

 

[msteddom]

I'm not sure about the most economical time to go, but in terms of crowds, AVOID DECEMBER. I have seen it get so crowded on Main St. at night that you literally cannot move. I think early Jan is probably your best bet. You might not get to see holiday decorations, but you will save your sanity!

Melissa

 

[baseballmom3]

Disneyland sounds alot more confusing to figure out than DW. Where do I find out about cast parties and such. Is that released yet?

 

[msteddom]

It looks like they release park hours three or four months in advance. Don't stress about it too much though. I would invest in a good guidebook like the Unofficial Guide or Passporter. You will have a wonderful time!

Melissa

 

[bumbershoot]

We really enjoyed our early December trip. I would never say to avoid ALL of December, just the part once kids are getting out of school and people are starting their vacations. But the time after Thanksgiving and before, say, the second half of December, can be quite nice. We got a good rate at a hotel, the airfares weren't awful yet, and the crowds were light enough.

As for the cast parties, they do close DL early for those (it's on 2 nights, I believe) but DCA is open a bit longer. And with the Candlelight Processional, Main Street is crowded for it, but if you're already well inside the park you'd probably be fine, or you could plan on being in DCA.

You'll see the CP on the calendar once the December calendar is up, and the CM parties will be seen in early closing times in early December.

 

[mommy2allyandaveri]

Disneyland sounds alot more confusing to figure out than DW. Where do I find out about cast parties and such. Is that released yet?

For me it's the opposite, DW seems SO confusing. DL is easy, it's 2 parks that are within walking distance.

 

[disney-inspired]

I agree with Bumbershoot!
Late November to mid-December you have perfect weather, low crowds, and the Christmas decorations. Always as a rule of thumb, go on a weekday instead of a weekend. Wednesdays are usually the least crowded.

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

I'd have to say after Thanksgiving, but before Christmas break for the schools!

Just the thought of a WDW vacation, and my head swims. LOL It's all so confusing to me. From all the hotels, to how you get around the different parks. To where my favorites are all located. DL is a picnic to plan compared. LOL Guess it's just when you haven't been there before, seems confusing!