Need help on dates from the experts!

[angel22]

I live in CA but bringing my whole family from Canada to disneyland this year and they are so excited . We can either go right after Thanksgiving November 28- December 2 or the first week in December from 5-9.

PLEASE help me with what you think would be a better/quieter time to go. Or, point me to some info on where I should look.

THANKS!

 

[brookies_mommy]

I live in CA but bringing my whole family from Canada to disneyland this year and they are so excited . We can either go right after Thanksgiving November 28- December 2 or the first week in December from 5-9.

PLEASE help me with what you think would be a better/quieter time to go. Or, point me to some info on where I should look.

THANKS!

I think Thanksgiving can get crowded. We did this once and it was fun but I wonder if the later dates will bring less crowds.

 

[mystic_path]

I have been told that before Thanksgiving it can be a little busy. They also film the Disneyland Christmas Day parade at some point during early November it seems every year. So that could bring in crowds.

I have friends that go every year in November/December and I was told after Thanksgiving/early December and they say it is fabulous. The crowds seem to die down a bit for a week or two before really picking up again for the Xmas/New Years rush.

I did hear rumor somewhere that Disney is planning on starting a Christmas event similar to the Mickeys Trick or Treat thing, which could be throughout the December month. I would like more details on that. So I would say if you were to go, definitely just after Thanksgiving/Early December.

 

[DTDkettleCORNfan]

The only difference I can see for the two different weeks you are considering is that the Cast Member parties might be on the Mon and Tues of the second week (12/5 - 6). On the nights of Cast Member parties, Disneyland closes early (but DCA stays open later, I believe). I'm pretty sure the are usually always scheduled for the first Mon and Tues of December.

Other than that, both weeks would probably be about the same. I don't think the operating hours are any different (which means that crowd levels would be pretty similar). We always go the week right after Thanksgiving, and it is a great time to go. The park is beautiful all decked out for Christmas, and they show the Christmas parade and Christmas fireworks (weather permitting) every night. Plus wait times are generally short.

 

[Heymy]

I agree with PP. From what I've read it sounds like the week after Thanksgiving will be your best bet, at least crowd-wise. Which is our goal as well. We were there Dec 13th - 15th last year and the year before and the difference in crowds was substantial. So we're shooting for Nov 27th (to get in Fantasmic) - Dec. 1st. Good luck!

 

[mystic_path]

The only difference I can see for the two different weeks you are considering is that the Cast Member parties might be on the Mon and Tues of the second week (12/5 - 6). On the nights of Cast Member parties, Disneyland closes early (but DCA stays open later, I believe). I'm pretty sure the are usually always scheduled for the first Mon and Tues of December.

Other than that, both weeks would probably be about the same. I don't think the operating hours are any different (which means that crowd levels would be pretty similar). We always go the week right after Thanksgiving, and it is a great time to go. The park is beautiful all decked out for Christmas, and they show the Christmas parade and Christmas fireworks (weather permitting) every night. Plus wait times are generally short.

This is what I wanted to hear. You just made my day!

 

[DTDkettleCORNfan]

I agree with PP. From what I've read it sounds like the week after Thanksgiving will be your best bet, at least crowd-wise. Which is our goal as well. We were there Dec 13th - 15th last year and the year before and the difference in crowds was substantial. So we're shooting for Nov 27th (to get in Fantasmic) - Dec. 1st. Good luck!

Hi there Heymy....I'm just north of you in Carmichael! And it sounds like we may be at DL the same time. We have always gone mid-week (Tues, Wed, & Thurs) the week after Thanksgiving. But on our last trip we did Sun, Mon & Tues, and it was GREAT! I was worried about Sunday crowds, but it wasn't bad at all. It was definitely busier than Tues or Wed, but still managable. Plus the park was open later on Sunday and we were able to see Fantasmic for the first time. It was awesome.

Happy planning.....

 

[angel22]

Thanks so much this was very helpful! My family is so excited and I love that we will see the Christmas decorations.

 

[brookies_mommy]

Thanks so much this was very helpful! My family is so excited and I love that we will see the Christmas decorations.

I wannnnnnnnnnnnnnnaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa go bring me bring me

 

[luckycharms2010]

Christmas time is a lot of fun...but whatever you do... never ever ever go on new years eve!! I went I think new years eve 2002 and it was SOOOO crowded! I had been several times before in peak season and I remember thinking that it wasn't even fun because there were just too many people.. and I was 13 at the time so that says a lot.

 

[brookies_mommy]

Christmas time is a lot of fun...but whatever you do... never ever ever go on new years eve!! I went I think new years eve 2002 and it was SOOOO crowded! I had been several times before in peak season and I remember thinking that it wasn't even fun because there were just too many people.. and I was 13 at the time so that says a lot.

I think lots of people like to go their for the experience.. IDK.. I think it might be a fun adult trip to do.

 

[areweindisneyyet]

The two Disneyland at Christmas Superthreads are full of great tips and information about crowd numbers, strategies, secrets and beautiful teasing photos to get you in the spirit of the season. Don't let the number of pages intimidate as there are lots of photos (with some great information between)

 

[JadeDarkstar]

week right after thanks giving to dec 2ed or so is best bet with crowds