Okay y'all, which of these would you do?

[yipee]

My DH and I are driving ourselves crazy(ier) by overthinking our Disney trip! It will be our third one, and we feel we learned alot the 1st two times, but we still can't make up our mind on a few things! I hope you don't mind indulging me...

1. Would you go early Dec or late January? Pros of Dec is of course all the Christmas stuff, Cons is that we would do our trip right around Christmastime which is already busy and exciting enough. The advantage to January is that the trip would relieve the January Doldrums (winter in Canada)

2.Would you stay at PPH, DLH, GCH, Hojo's or the Anabella? We would probably only stay on-site if we could get the special AP discounts like the ones going right now, but even still, we have to weigh $149(view, PPH), $199 (GCH-great deal!), $89 Hojo (AP, Disney View) and $116 Anabella (AAA). We like the sounds (and rates) of the Hojo (we've stayed BWPPI and Carousel before), but we loved that the Anabella was at the other end of the park (get to walk thru DTD to get to Esplanade - much prettier than Harbour).

THANKS AGAIN!

 

[Pezalicious]

Early December is my favorite time of the year to go because the crowds tend to be on the lighter side and I adore all the decorations all over. As long as you go before schools get out for holliday (mid december), you should be fine.

As far as hotels, GCH would be my top choice. It's such a pretty hotel and you can't beat the location. DLH would be my next choice, followed by an off site hotel. The AP rates are nice, so if you can take advantage of them, it's a nice deal. If you can't, I don't really think it's worth the cost.

 

[tynkrbell1977]

I would go early in December to see the Christmas decorations. There really isnt anything like Disneyland at Christmastime! I would stay at the GCH if I had to choose between the DLR hotels. Hojo or Annabella? Definately Annabella. We have stayed there once before and it is gorgeous!! Have fun!!!

 

[lulubelle]

Another vote for December. The main two reasons I say that is the Christmas decorations are up and the weather should be nice. Jan and Feb are rainy season here and it is likely you will encounter rain. Rain kind of ruins the trip for me (I am spoiled ). I cannot relate to a Canadian winter - it depends on how important getting relief from the doldrums is to you. And I would pick the Grand for sure, with the PP view room second. The AP rates are really good and aren't offered very often, I would take advantage of them if possible. Good luck deciding, I am sure you will have a fabulous time either way.

 

[CalGal]

I agree with the other posters. The holidays at DLR are so magical! You have the holiday overlays at IASW and HM, the decorations and music are wonderful, the holiday parade is cute, the weather is usually pretty nice, and you might even have fewer ride closures. December can't be beat in my book. I'd also go for staying on property if you can get a good rate. Again, the hotels are decorated up nicely for the holidays, and it's just an all-around great experience. I'd take the GCH at $199 any day. When you factor in all the other costs of the trip, the extra bucks to stay here don't seem all that much considering the convenience and quality IMO. If the weather does turn on you, it's a quick dash away. Also, with AP, it's the only way to get EE (less important perhaps in the off-season).

 

[Random Villains]

I go every year for my birthday, which is Dec 4th. And the crowds are always light do to kids still being in school. The best day is a Sunday because the crowds are light, the park is open early and open late. Id say go early December and do it on a Sunday. Ill be going this year on Dec 2nd.

 

[CMKN]

Random Villains have you been when the Candlelight Procession is going on? I am concerned because we are going 12/01 - 12/05 and that is the weekend for that event. I would really appreciate your view on how it affects the attendence levels.

 

[CoolPool]

Crack, how were you able to secure AP rates at a Disney hotel? I got them for a quick 3 day trip last week (it was great), but I haven't been able to get them for early Oct or November or December. Who is your source? I'm jealous!!! And I call everyday.

 

[Albort]

i like the teddy bear on the Christmas float...

I hate the rest of it i also hate Parade of dreams... though i havent seen it for like 5 months...

Block Party Bash and ELP ftw ftw ftw ftw ftw!

 

[NVDisMom]

December, December, December! Nothing gets me in the Christmas spirit like Disneyland in its full Christmas glory! And if you can get GCH for $199 GO FOR IT!

 

[XTinabell]

Depends if you are Alberta or BC... British columbia I say December for all reasons posted above, if you are Alberta I say JANUARY! Even rain is better than all that snow and minus 40 weather. I'd trade my touque and mitts for a rain parka any day. Plus the parks are empty when it rains.

Unfortunately now that I've moved to Scotland I get both rain and snow

 

[Judy from Boise]

I feel your pain on this decision....as even with relatively mild Boise winters I NEED to get out for a week in Jan or Feb. It for just this reason that we often head to WDW in this time frame......

You can't go wrong either way , but DLR may have more things down for rehab, and iffy weather in January.

 

[yipee]

Cool idea! Maybe we should do DL in Dec and WDW in Jan! Then I could put myself out of this misery!

I'm sure DH would go for that...

Thanks for all your input guys! I'm quite sure no one ELSE here tortures themselves like this...

 

[joseph821]

Random Villains have you been when the Candlelight Procession is going on? I am concerned because we are going 12/01 - 12/05 and that is the weekend for that event. I would really appreciate your view on how it affects the attendence levels.

The Candlelight Processional is usually crowded in the evenings but since DL is open to midnight on both Dec. 1 and Dec. 2 when the CP will be, you should be fine. I suspect crowds on Main Street and then a mass exodus after the Processional. Sunday night after CP should be less crowded than Saturday night..locals have to go to school and work on Monday.