Visiting Dec. 23, thoughts?

[justpeachy93]

Howdy!

Me, my boyfriend and his family are going to DLR on December 23 this year and we would like some tips as to what we should do.

I'm mostly wondering how often the park reaches capacity at DL on that day. I know it will be crowded, but if we can still park hop to CA that would be nice because I have only been to DLR once before! If it does reach capacity we will just stay at DL so we can watch Disneyland Forever at night.

If anyone has info as to how the parks are on Dec 23 I would be grateful for any information so I can plan better!

Thank y'all so much!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

It is hard to predict exactly whether the parks will reach capacity that day (very rare for DCA, very possible for DL). You are right about it being very crowded. Your best bet would be to arrive as early as you can, make sure to get hand stamps if asked to do so, and play things by ear. Keep asking CMs if they have heard anything about gate closures (and ask CMs who might know -- the CM bussing your table probably won't know). Use FP and single rider to your advantage. Eat at off peak times so you won't have to wait as long. If you want a sit down meal, make your PS reservation now. Even with heavy crowds, you will still have a fun time!

 

[Congo Queen]

I went last year on Dec 21. It was wall to wall people but the parks did not reach capacity. Yet it was so nuts in Dland that we bagged it by midday to have more space to breath over at DCA. Since you want to see the fireworks in Dland that won't be an option for you. The Lucky Rabbit gives sage advice. Get there at park opening to enjoy an hour or two of manageable crowds. Decide which rides are must do for your group and get them in first thing in the morning. Eat lunch early or late. As afternoon approaches start asking CMs on Main Street when and where to stake out your spot for the fireworks. Visit attractions that have shorter lines (Tiki Room, Mr Lincoln, Tarzan Treehouse, Mark Twain Steamboat, etc) as the crowd is peaking. Good luck and be positive as there is always a way to find fun at Dland.

 

[justpeachy93]

So you guys both think that if we head over to DCA in the early afternoon for a ride or two that we won't be able to get back to watch the fireworks? or at least a good spot?

 

[theluckyrabbit]

As I said above, it is impossible to predict with certainty whether DL will reach capacity that day. It is definitely possible, so you need to be proactive in asking CMs about the crowd levels and possible closures throughout the day. Based on the info you receive, you will be able to play things by ear. If the CMs think that gate closures are imminent, I would stay in DL and not risk getting shut out. (Although, to be fair, even if you do get shut out, it shouldn't last for more than a few hours at most. But there is no guarantee that you'd be able to get back in in time to get a good spot for DF.) If knowledgeable CMs think that gate closures aren't going to be a problem that day, go ahead and park hop. But if getting a prime spot for DF is a priority for you, then I would focus on that first.

 

[justpeachy93]

I have 0 experience with DL or how/where you can see the fireworks. I worked at Magic Kingdom during my College Program last spring and Wishes could be seen anywhere in the park but of course it was best in front of the castle. Is DL like MK where theres a decent amount of space in front of the castle and main street or is it going to be a tight squeeze? I won't be crushed if I can't see the castle really just as long as I can hear the music and see the actual fireworks!

Thank you guys so much you're being so helpful!!!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

The area in front of the castle and on MS have been consistently crowded since the 60th fireworks began. Disney planned for this, so there are several areas where DF can be viewed. Each area is a different experience, so you can view the fireworks multlple times from the different areas and never get bored. The middle of MS is a good area because, while you may not get a great view of the castle or the projections on it, you will have a great view of the projections on the MS buildings and the fireworks themselves. You can also view by IASW with projections on the building facade, but you won't have a great view of the Matterhorn from there (special projections on the Matterhorn during the Nemo segment). If you see the first F! show, you can stay by the river to see the fireworks. Projections can be seen on the F! water screens. If you view DF from MS or from IASW, you should be able to find a spot to watch PTN afterward. (You won't be able to see PTN from the Rivers of America.)
I would pick my viewing area choices in order, that way you will have a backup plan in case your first choice doesn't work out.