SOOO packed this week!

[ter-moo]

We have gone during this week for many years (give or take a day) and have managed to do the parks without having to pay for Lightning Lane, or even needing many FastPasses when that was a thing. Since 2021, I have noticed bigger crowds, but these last two days were INSANE for early December. We went Monday (12/8) to Disneyland and Tuesday (12/9) to CA Adventure. CA was slightly less crowded, particularly in the morning, but Disneyland was crowded as soon as we hit the park (and we are early rope droppers!) Anyone else there this week and experience this? Or am I just getting crotchety in my old age? I also noticed more people on edge than I have in the past.

Don't get me wrong--we had a great time! It's Disneyland! But I was surprised, since we are experienced visitors. I think we'll have to make an effort to go right after Thanksgiving from now on to have the same lower crowds that we are used to having in the first few days after the Candlelight Processional.

 

[VGCgroupie]

Saturday and Sunday were fine. Maybe MK passes were blocked or something on the weekend?

 

[Tinkaboo]

That's what I am afraid of when I arrive on Sunday which is why I am not planning on doing a whole lot...shopping, catch the parade, get a pic with Santa, rides will really be secondary.
Like you said, it's still Disneyland so ...

But I do feel for those first-timers...

 

[LKing]

It has been very crowded since Thanksgiving. MK reservations have been mostly full and MK holders have been complaining about the lack of available reservations.

Last year this week was crowded and I think people attributed it to Thanksgiving being late.

 

[bakofarmgirl]

we did the same dl on monday and dca tuesday, dca was way more empty but both parks we were able to do a lot and had a great time! our son hit 40 inches so we enjoyed showing him new rides! we got caught off guard by the “multiple experiences” not allowing incredicoaster for guardians, i guess i didnt realize that changed and dh was also confused as to why matterhorn is considered okay for guardians while incredicoaster seems a better ride but it was fun seeing a lot of the holiday sweatshirts sold out online but still available in stores!

 

[mouschievous]

Like you said, it's still Disneyland so ...

But I do feel for those first-timers...

One of my students went Monday for the first time. He loved it, so at least one first time had a great time! (But he was with experienced Disnerds, so he probably had a leg up)

 

[LKing]

but it was fun seeing a lot of the holiday sweatshirts sold out online but still available in stores!

Haha! So what did you purchase?

 

[MemoryMakers]

We were there this past Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. We had our park reservation ahead of time and due to Candlelight Processional we "assumed" Sat and Sun would be crazy at DL...but we were wrong. We basically went between both parks all three days and DL got super empty after 8pm on Sunday. But...Monday at DL was crazy busy so we hopped over to DCA and it was less busy than "normal" this time of year. So much so that we got in line for Racers at 9pm and only waited 12 min!!! (it's always a good idea to go to Racers just after World of Color starts as a lot of people watch that show...then go to Racers to end the night).

But as others have mentioned...even though it was busy throughout the weekend...it's Disneyland...at Christmas time...so, it's still awesome.

 

[JerrodDragon89]

This is also why the 2 last weeks of the year are blacked out

There are more then enough people willing to pay high prices to be at Disney this time of year and once again...the internet can hate Disney but the parks being full shows those voices are the minority

 

[disneychrista]

I was there this week last year (Weds - Fri) and while it was busy I didn't think it was too crazy packed. The only time I really noticed it being super busy was when I was sitting at Riverbelle Terrace waiting for Fantasmic. But I attributed that to Fantasmic more than anything.

 

[Wedgeout]

Mondays surge! I blame the multi tiered pricing. Weekends can now days be more fun and less crowded than weekdays.

 

[bakofarmgirl]

Haha! So what did you purchase?

the navy blue candy cane dland sweatshirt and the pink christmas one with the castle!

 

[Disney0010]

We arrived Tuesday. Yesterday was some of the worse crowds we have ever experienced. They announced that the 5:15 parade had no more viewing areas available about ten to fifteen minutes prior to the parade. After the parade we walked towards DD and the lines to enter both parks we're almost touching each other at the end of the lines. Today is horrible once again. We used a FP yesterday at DL or we would not have been able to ride half of what we did. I was told that the MK passes start expiring today so this place is packed with locals and before anyone asks how do I know that they're locals. IYKYK.

 

[dunkindonut]

I got PLL for one day next week but it seems like the pricing is the lowest so I wonder what crowds will be like

 

[Disney0010]

I think that you will be okay. Mk's start expiring after today so crowds should decrease. We're currently having lunch at Centrico's and the locals are coming in droves. We're heading back to the DL hotel for a break. DCA was ridiculous. I'm tired of dodging strollers and EV's. We have dinner reservations at Carthay Circle tonight and looking forward to getting away from the madness.

I got PLL for one day next week but it seems like the pricing is the lowest so I wonder what crowds will be like

 

[evilmommie]

Yes. PACKED yesterday. Definitely locals getting in their last days until being blocked. That was me!!! LOL I have the peasant pass (Imagine) and am glad to be taking a break until Jan.

My goal yesterday was to enjoy a Hearthstone Lounge dinner with some friends and then enjoy the Dland Holiday lights. Mission accomplished. Delicious meal and we had a great server — Jacob!

 

[DonnerB]

Was at DL Tuesday. Missed rope drop due to worse than usual traffic but the crowds until 10 am were much lighter than I was expecting (I accomplished a lot). I hopped right at 11 to try and grab some swag at Golden Vine House, then headed to the hotels for annual DVC Condo Association meetings. It was getting thick by then & I was ready to peace out!

 

[LKing]

Last days for MK holders:
Imagine - 12/11/25 (today)
Enchant - 12/16/25 (next Tuesday)
Believe - 12/18/25 (next Thursday)
Inspire - 12/21/25 (Sunday)

First day back for MK holders
Imagine - 1/4/25
Enchant - 1/4/25
Believe - 1/4/25
Inspire - 1/1/25