Newbie just booked dl trip!! Please help :)

[kikiparker24]

Hi!
I am new here and am after a little help & advice on surviving dl at xmas! Me and my family have just recently moved to NZ from the UK where we were Disneyland R Paris veterans but now dl is much closer for us and after our first trip there in Jan, I love it! Only thing is we are visiting family in england in Dec and so have a stopover in L.A on the way back so have booked to go to disney again from dec 18-21st, I know its going to be really busy so I have some questions if anyone can help!

When we went in Jan the cue to get through the bag check was huge and cm's were saying it was a quiet time, whats this cue like at xmas and how much before the park opens should we aim to arrive, we have one early admission so I hope this will help?

We missed fantasmic during our last stay as I was taken ill with apendicitus whats the best way to view it at xmas without getting crushed too much by crowds?

Also ive read about the park closing when its full, is this likely to happen at xmas and what happens if you have your ticket and cant get in because it is full, we are only there for a certain amount of days and dont want to get turned away

Anyway sorry if this seems like a lot to ask, I just am worried about visiting at such a busy time especially as we're travelling such a long way, any help would be great!
Thanks in advance
kiki

 

[Pinkstarblm]

Hi!
I am new here and am after a little help & advice on surviving dl at xmas! Me and my family have just recently moved to NZ from the UK where we were Disneyland R Paris veterans but now dl is much closer for us and after our first trip there in Jan, I love it! Only thing is we are visiting family in england in Dec and so have a stopover in L.A on the way back so have booked to go to disney again from dec 18-21st, I know its going to be really busy so I have some questions if anyone can help!

When we went in Jan the cue to get through the bag check was huge and cm's were saying it was a quiet time, whats this cue like at xmas and how much before the park opens should we aim to arrive, we have one early admission so I hope this will help?

We missed fantasmic during our last stay as I was taken ill with apendicitus whats the best way to view it at xmas without getting crushed too much by crowds?

Also ive read about the park closing when its full, is this likely to happen at xmas and what happens if you have your ticket and cant get in because it is full, we are only there for a certain amount of days and dont want to get turned away

Anyway sorry if this seems like a lot to ask, I just am worried about visiting at such a busy time especially as we're travelling such a long way, any help would be great!
Thanks in advance
kiki

Keep in mind most schools will be on winter break already... I've done it dec 26th and it was way busier that i've ever seen in summer! And I do believe Christmas is there busiest time of year... (I could be wrong about the busiest year thing but it was mentioned on the travel channel)

 

[Jax]

Welcome to Dis!

I don't know to much about Christmas time so I will provide the little knowledge I have.

A couple of years ago we went a few days after Christmas and it was extremely busy. The park reached capacity by 11:00 am and they stopped allowing people in, however the park then seemed to start thinning out a bit by 5 or 6 in the evening. I have heard that it is busier after Christmas than it is before but that could just be here say.

I would recommend going early as the park shouldn't reach capacity first thing in the morning. As you ride the rides in the morning collect fastpasses and then use them in the evening when it is busier. During the afternoon I would recommend either heading back to your hotel for a break, or head over to California Adventure as it is usually less busy.

I have never done it, but people talk about doing the Dessert Buffet for Fantasmic. I assume this is offered during Christmas (someone please correct me if I am wrong) and I also believe that in addition to a small dessert you receive reserved seating for the show.

Be sure to read the Stickys at the top of the forum as they provide lots of information, and there is one by Hydroguy that talks about maximizing your time during peak seasons.

Just remember it is Disney and you will have fun no matter what.

 

[sand2270]

I posted some stuff about the crowds at this post

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1764563

We always showed up at the parks close or soon after opening time so we never had a problem with not being allowed in. I also don't remember the security lines and admission lines being that long by getting there early.

 

[kikiparker24]

Thanks a lot! All your advice helps, we plan on getting to the park for opening so hopefully getting in wont be a problem
thanks again!
kiki

 

[casaazul]

From what I have read, your first 2 days, Dec 18 and 19th will be less crowded than the weekend and the week of Christmas! Try to get into the park early and see what you can on Thurs and Fri. Make a plan and also use Fast Pass when you can.

 

[Bloodhound]

Our 4 Big Guys Group is planning a trip for Oct. 2008 So Im in to take notes and enjoy the ride. :0

 

[avalon451]

Regarding Fantasmic, here's a recent thread talking about Fantasmic and the reserved seating area, and whether or not it's worth it to shell out extra bucks for a chair and a treat box. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1780147

We did it in March and loved it, but it was our first time at DL, so a pretty special occasion.

There are also some tips in there for how to score a good place to watch the show without paying for reserved seating.

HTH!

 

[Bloodhound]

Hi, Ive compiled alot of reaserch and the link is in my signature...feel free to take anything and say howdy doo.

 

[Bloodhound]

Hi, how is everything going?