Regular Disneylanders...please help an Aussie with a 'when to visit' dilemma

[aussiedaisy]

Hi,
I'd really like some advice on when to visit from Australia. Originally we were thinking around the 17th to 24th November this year but I am a little concerned about it being close to Thanksgiving (crowds etc). My pro's list for these dates are:
1) the christmas parades/fireworks
2) Small world holiday being open
3) Christmas atmosphere
4) value season

However, we are now wondering whether to visit the week before which would be the week of the 9th Nov to 16th Nov as I have a feeling it may be a little quieter....but there won't be any xmas parades/fireworks and events.

What do you all think? Which would be a better time to visit? Will the week prior to Thanksgiving be that much busier, and if it is, will it be worth the crowds for the xmas events?

One more question. We are thinking of booking the trip in June/July and want to stay at the HoJo. Will rooms be sold out by July for this time of year at the HoJo...I hear it is quite popular. What are other good hotel options (as good or better than the HoJo) which are really close to the park. Hope someone can give me some advise. Thanks so much.

 

[Dizneydaz]

Can't help you with the questions about HoJo since we have AP and sleep at home.

As far as if you should go the week before Tgiving or the week of, it all depends on if you would really enjoy the holiday decorations, shows, etc. All the holiday decor should be up by Friday, the 20th (based on past years). I love the fireworks, snow, parade, etc. But that being said, the parks (esp. DL) will be super crowded. Last year we went on the first official day of Christmas time and it was really packed. All the locals seemed to be there that night. We wanted to see the premiere of the parade (DNephew was in it-first time ). Part of our group ended up not staying for the fireworks (watched from parking structure) because the park was so crowded.

Yes, the week before Thanksgiving, with the exception of the 20th, will be less crowded. Some of the decor will start to go up but the big stuff won't be til Friday. The parks will also be open shorter hours that week as well.

So the decision really depends on if you want to brave the crowds for the Holiday stuff. Only you know the answer to that. If you do decide to go the week of Thanksgiving, get there early, grab all the FP you can. Take a break during the day, return to park at night and use all the FP you collected.

Have fun!

 

[lulubelle]

I would think Nov 17-24 would be almost a perfect time to go. The crowds will really pick up on Wed Nov 25, the day before T-giving and get busier everyday thereafter, but you will be gone. Bear in mind the weekend will be busy no matter when you go, so I would enjoy all the holiday extras and stick with your original dates. The parks are so beautiful at the time!

 

[xman111]

i've been to Disneyland 6 times, but i have never been around Chistmas time, would really love to do that one day, hopefully soon.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

go closer to thanksgiving you will get to see everything nov9th you wont have a chance to see the park at its best

hojos has a 15% off now till dec 20(something) on reguler rooms i read bout this today. also have 15% off if diss member but not on top each other.

 

[S. S. Columbia]

November 11 is Veteran's Day. I think it falls on a Wednesday this year, but it could bring more crowds.

I think Nov 16 (Mon) to Nov 20 (Fri) should have low crowds and full Christmas decorations; and then starting on Fri, Nov 20, you should have the Holiday fireworks and Christmas parade. (Yes, it will likely be busier after Nov 20.)

HTH