trip planning questions!

[utahbelle]

Hello!
I plan on taking my two girls to Disneyland Dec. 21-23. My questions are:

1. Am I crazy? That will be a Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. Friday we are only going to be there in the morning and then we have to leave at noon to catch our flight. Will it be insanely crowded?

2. Does anyone know when southern California kids start their Christmas break from school?

3. Does anyone know what time the fireworks start at night? Is it just when it gets dark? I know it gets dark a lot earlier in December then say the summer. Also, where the best place to sit is to have a good view and be next to some "snow"?

4. We were there this past April and in California Adventure there was a ton of construction going on by The California Grand hotel. Is that all still there? I finally have it in the budget to get to stay there and I am soooo excited!

5. Does that Hotel still do Santa reading to the kids at night by the fireplace?

6. What is the best Character dining? Last April we did Goofy's kitchen and I was suprised at how different it is from about 5 years before. Did they all downgrade lol? My kids used to get up and do a little parade banging pots and pans. There were a lot of characters always around. This last time none of that happened. Did they all change? I need to book one and I don't know what's best with the best food. I am leaning towards minnie's breakfast at the plaza, do they still offer that?

Thanks a million to anyone that can help!!

 

[wdwmickey]

We love Minnie's breakfast at the Plaza

We'll be there at the same time!!!

 

[skiingfast]

1. Am I crazy? That will be a Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. Friday we are only going to be there in the morning and then we have to leave at noon to catch our flight. Will it be insanely crowded?
Insane is an adjective for the next week, but it will be very busy.

2. Does anyone know when southern California kids start their Christmas break from school?
Many will be out at the same time, this is why it will be crowded

3. Does anyone know what time the fireworks start at night? Is it just when it gets dark? I know it gets dark a lot earlier in December then say the summer. Also, where the best place to sit is to have a good view and be next to some "snow"?
It also will get darker sooner than what you are used to because it's further south. But the schedule it not just based on when it gets dark. They will probably run around 8:45. The schedule on disneyland.com will show the correct time in about a month.

4. We were there this past April and in California Adventure there was a ton of construction going on by The California Grand hotel. Is that all still there? I finally have it in the budget to get to stay there and I am soooo excited!
I think you mean the Disneyland Hotel, it will be done with construction during your visit. There was no large scale work on the GCH during your visit. Disney California Adventure has a lot of construction currently happening and it will be ongoing through your visit.

5. Does that Hotel still do Santa reading to the kids at night by the fireplace?
This is expected to take place again.

6. What is the best Character dining? Last April we did Goofy's kitchen and I was suprised at how different it is from about 5 years before. Did they all downgrade lol? My kids used to get up and do a little parade banging pots and pans. There were a lot of characters always around. This last time none of that happened. Did they all change? I need to book one and I don't know what's best with the best food. I am leaning towards minnie's breakfast at the plaza, do they still offer that?
I would suggest Minnie and Friends at the Plaza Inn inside Disneyland Park. Many people like the dancing at the Paradise Peirs hotels Surfsup Breakfast with Mickey.

Keep an eye on the calendar on Disneyland.com it will show hours about 60 days out and the entertainment schedule will fill in. At 60 days you can make dining reservations too. Plan strategies to make the best use of your time and avoiding long waits.