New Year at Disneyland Resort

[TheSmashingCruiser]

Hello All,

My partner and I will be in California later this from 30th December to 7th January. During this period, we want to visit Disneyland (obviously). My question is, should we visit over New Year's, or should we visit towards the end of our stay in California? Our plans are very flexible.

I would imagine New Year's to be busy... but how busy?
If we were to leave it later, how busy are the parks likely to be around 5th-7th?

Any input would be most welcome.

Many Thanks

 

[SMD]

Last year was the first year when the majority of former premium AP holders were blocked for the 2 weeks of Christmas and New Years. As a result there were gate closures at both parks on January 4th when passholders who had never previously been blocked all became unblocked at once. It goes against conventional advice to go before NYE or on NY day, but after last year, I'd say go earlier.

 

[Jedi Mouse]

I would expect that weekend to be packed. Signature passes can be used starting the 2nd and deluxe passes on the 3rd this year. So it will be the first weekend for many AP's after the two week blackout as well as the last weekend before most schools restart. Your best bet might be the 2nd and 3rd if that fits in your schedule.

 

[gottalovepluto]

With regard to Dec 31 at least... With New Year's Eve being a Sunday night this year expect the parks to be SO FREAKING OMG BUSY. If you're cool with that and want the experience of ringing in the New Year go for it! (But plan on being there from opening-closing so you don't find yourself shut out if gate closures occur.) If it's not something really special to you I'd definitely find someplace else for NYE. I don't know about crowds starting Jan 1 and beyond so I leave that to others!

 

[GenGen22]

Expect the park to reach max capacity on New Years. We went one year and this was our experience. I personally don't mind the crowds and seem to get more done and have more fun on a busy day. If your mindset is that you know it's going to be packed then you will be fine. Go and have fun!

 

[Malcon10t]

We have gone New Years eve (we actually go from Dec 22-Jan4) every year since 1998. Expect turnstile closures. Expect hour long lines, for rides, food, restrooms. The premium pass was eliminated and the new signature pass has this time blocked. But it really didn't seem to make a difference. I think because all premiums have not been phased out yet. Plus, Premiums only represented 15% of the attendance in the past. I enjoy the park on NYE. This will be the first time in almost 20 years we won't be there! We will be in WDW for the first time!

 

[ChloroformSdxn]

It's the single busiest time of year now. I've never been there at the time, but expect the parks to be ridiculously busy for a few days after as well (think about people taking a few days off work to finish the week.)

At the same time, pretty much everything is open, and if you push it to the following week, lots will be closed while they remove the overlays and/or do any refurbs that they don't do during high season.

I think the advice to look at the AP blockout days is pretty solid.

 

[TheSmashingCruiser]

Hi Guys,

Sorry for the radio silence on this thread for a bit. We have managed to re-jig the schedule a bit and now plan to be in Disneyland on January 2nd and 3rd. Based on feedback above, we think this will be the best time.

Whilst we're not expecting the parks to be silent, at least we'll avoid the New Year's crowd and weekend crowd. If anyone has any tips on how to make the most of our two days and cram as much in as possible, then please let me know.

As an FYI the last time we visited Disneyland was in 2005! So a priority for us will be Cars Land, World of Colour, Nemo and any Christmas related activities.

Many thanks for all your input!

 

[MacMama0930]

Hi Guys,

Sorry for the radio silence on this thread for a bit. We have managed to re-jig the schedule a bit and now plan to be in Disneyland on January 2nd and 3rd. Based on feedback above, we think this will be the best time.

Whilst we're not expecting the parks to be silent, at least we'll avoid the New Year's crowd and weekend crowd. If anyone has any tips on how to make the most of our two days and cram as much in as possible, then please let me know.

As an FYI the last time we visited Disneyland was in 2005! So a priority for us will be Cars Land, World of Colour, Nemo and any Christmas related activities.

Many thanks for all your input!

Get Max Pass and know how to use it! Watch a quick youtube video if it helps. This will single handedly maximize your experience for those 2 days. Also, will you park hopping? I would. Also, since World of Color is important to you (as if should be because OMG the holiday version is so special), I would splurge on the Dessert Party. It's spendy but SO worth it. Also, always always show up to the park early. It'll likely still have pretty early openings that a lot of people don't want to get up for. Yay! Have fun.

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

Sorry for the radio silence on this thread for a bit. We have managed to re-jig the schedule a bit and now plan to be in Disneyland on January 2nd and 3rd.

Unless the weather is terrible, there are likely to be huge crowds whichever days you pick. Signature APs can get back in to the parks for the first time after holiday blockouts on Jan. 2 and deluxes on Jan. 3. I wouldn't be surprised if Jan. 3 hits capacity and stays there for some period of time that day. I believe that happened last year on the first day AP blockouts were lifted.

 

[MacMama0930]

Unless the weather is terrible, there are likely to be huge crowds whichever days you pick. Signature APs can get back in to the parks for the first time after holiday blockouts on Jan. 2 and deluxes on Jan. 3. I wouldn't be surprised if Jan. 3 hits capacity and stays there for some period of time that day. I believe that happened last year on the first day AP blockouts were lifted.

I think that was because So Cal APs lifted, too. Now they can’t come back until the 7th, I believe. I think they make a huge number of APs locally.

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

I think that was because So Cal APs lifted, too. Now they can’t come back until the 7th, I believe. I think they make a huge number of APs locally.

Oh cool. I thought it was like that even before the southern CA blockout was lifted.