Questions, questions and more questions...

[mariezp]

Well, I have to confess that I already posted my question to "ONE OF THOSE OTHER BOARDS" but have not gotten much response so I am coming to you guys for MORE answers! I don't know why I didn't start here first because Disboarders ALWAYS seem to respond with much more enthusiasm! I BEG FOR FORGIVENESS!

Anywhoo.....
I know it is a bit early but some of us have to dream since we can’t be there every time we would like. I am in the beginning stages of planning our next Disneyland family trip… in November 2008. I am hoping some of you might be able help me with your infinite knowledge and wisdom and, yes, even opinions. I realize everyone will just be guessing but many of you seem to have magical powers, or connections, to come up with information that some of us do not have. Also, I thought that maybe while this time of year is still fresh on everyone’s mind it might be a good time to go ahead and ask a few questions.

We have been the first week of December and loved the park. However, when we got home, Christmas was over before we could get into the groove so we wanted to try going earlier. I was hoping by going in early November to take advantage of less crowds and still enjoy some of the holiday feel of the park, yet still be home at Christmas time. So here are my current questions:

First, since the new castle Christmas lights were just added this year, what are the chances that they will use them again next year? I really am hoping they will be there again because they look so beautiful at night.

Next, I am looking at dates beginning from November 10th. Veteran’s day falls on a Tuesday for 2008. How does a holiday that falls on Tuesday usually affect the crowds? Will people most likely go to DL mainly on the weekend before the 11th or will they be more likely to make it a long weekend by taking off Monday, as well, and stay on through Tuesday?

And judging by this year, will November 21 most likely be the day to kick off the holiday season for 2008 with the parade and fireworks? I was guessing Nov. 21 for the Christmas season to begin since it is the weekend before Thanksgiving. Seems like I read somewhere that things really get started on the third weekend of the month.

Would the electrical parade be showing only closer to Christmas or does it run for Thanksgiving, or at all? (Why, oh why, do they run it on such a limited basis?)

And last, is there anything that makes Thanksgiving extra special? Is it really worth fighting the crowd?

Thanks in advance to all of you who help us with questions! You do honestly help some of us come up with the stuff that makes for the most memorable and magical DL experiences.

 

[ctamama]

I am not a local, or someone who attends DL super frequently. But I can speak to your *planned* dates based on the fact we did nearly identical dates THIS year. Our first day in the park was Veteran's Day (Nov. 12) which fell on a Monday. It was not nearly as busy as I had anticipated. Our longest ride wait was not much more than 15 minutes, and many were much shorter. It was somewhat busy, but not crazy-packed! My guess would be that Veteran's Day next year could be similar. Friday (the day they turned on all the lights and debuted the "snow") was very, very crowded. We did DCA that day which was very quiet comparatively.

We got home 2 weeks before Dec. began, and I am not feeling as overwhelmed to get Christmas together, yet we still got to enjoy all the Christmasy things at DL like IASWholiday--it was a great kick-off to the holidays.

However, I have been reading that the week after T-Day was pretty quiet in the parks.....so that could be tempting too!

Happy planning!!

 

[DLR29]

However, I have been reading that the week after T-Day was pretty quiet in the parks.....so that could be tempting too!

I would also recommend this. I know people who went this year both at Veteran's Day and at Thanksgiving. From them Thanksgiving seemed to be the less crowded of the two. The castle will most likely be decorated again if the feeback is positive (which so far it has been). Also the Electric Parade will probably not (because of years past) start showing until late December.

 

[mariezp]

I am not a local, or someone who attends DL super frequently. But I can speak to your *planned* dates based on the fact we did nearly identical dates THIS year. Our first day in the park was Veteran's Day (Nov. 12) which fell on a Monday. It was not nearly as busy as I had anticipated. Our longest ride wait was not much more than 15 minutes, and many were much shorter. It was somewhat busy, but not crazy-packed! My guess would be that Veteran's Day next year could be similar. Friday (the day they turned on all the lights and debuted the "snow") was very, very crowded. We did DCA that day which was very quiet comparatively.

We got home 2 weeks before Dec. began, and I am not feeling as overwhelmed to get Christmas together, yet we still got to enjoy all the Christmasy things at DL like IASWholiday--it was a great kick-off to the holidays.

However, I have been reading that the week after T-Day was pretty quiet in the parks.....so that could be tempting too!

Happy planning!!

Glad to hear from someone who has been at the times I am considering. All sounds good!

This year we went beginning on Labor Day which was not nearly as crowded as I had expected. Maybe people are rethinking about traveling on holidays because of the crowds. Of course, I realize it might be completely different by next year but maybe if I go expecting the worst crowds maybe I will be pleasantly surprised. Like you, if the crowds are overwhelming we could always spend the time at CA.

I am still considering Thanksgiving day but seeing as how we have been spoiled by going during the off season I am not sure if we would really enjoy the frenzied atmosphere. Guess it depends on how bad DH wants to get out of the extended family gathering here at home and whether DS-16 has a female companion accompaning him on our trip. I am still thinking that the week after Thanksgiving would be to close to Christmas for us.

Thanks for the responses. Helps keep me in the dreaming mood!