Week of Christmas - Worst week to go?

[APX]

Alright, we're planning a trip for Disneyland (2 days by ourselves, the other 3 days with his family) And the only time we have to go is the week of christmas, the week before I have to head out to vegas.

So, is this actually a bad idea? The crowds will be big? Long Lines?

Thanks in advance.

 

[HydroGuy]

Alright, we're planning a trip for Disneyland (2 days by ourselves, the other 3 days with his family) And the only time we have to go is the week of christmas, the week before I have to head out to vegas.

So, is this actually a bad idea? The crowds will be big? Long Lines?

Thanks in advance.

We have gone to DLR at busy times but never the week of Christmas.

However...

Some people equate crowds and lines with a bad experience. Personally I do not.

Is it a bad idea to go this week? Well not if it is the only week you can go. And not if you want to see the holiday decorations. The worst day at Disneyland is better than the best day working...

The key to maximizing a DLR visit during a busy time is pretty straightforward. Use good touring strategies.

1. Get there early - have your bodies in line at the turnstiles 30-40 minutes early

2. Collect Fastpasses early and often

3. Focus on rides for the first 2-3 hours of the day

4. Ride the slow loaders first (Peter Pan, Nemo Subs, etc)

5. Take a hotel break mid-day for 3-5 hours. Get a nap.

6. Come back to the parks refreshed and stay til midnight - and use your FPs

7. If you have Magic Mornings at DL then use them. If not then adjust your touring strategy accordingly to avoid the MM people who are there ahead of you.

8. Eat meals at non-peak times

 

[Sherry E]

Alright, we're planning a trip for Disneyland (2 days by ourselves, the other 3 days with his family) And the only time we have to go is the week of christmas, the week before I have to head out to vegas.

So, is this actually a bad idea? The crowds will be big? Long Lines?

Thanks in advance.

APX - Yes, more than likely it is going to be very, very crowded. You can enjoy yourself if you get in the right mindset and plan accordingly, though. I find that the thing that really screws me up is when I go in without the expectation of it being really crowded (because maybe it was not that crowded the year before), only to discover that it is and that I didn't plan wisely. You will have 2 days...which is better than only one day! That's a start! However, some days in that week may be slightly worse than others, and I don't know which days you are going.

Based on what I have recently heard from folks on the DIS or in our Disney at Christmas thread (who have been to DLR during Christmas week in the past), and based on the fact that DLR has added in two extra Magic Mornings during that week (they added in Monday and Friday as MM days, in addition to Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday), it is pretty much a given that big crowds are expected. In fact, we have already been getting reports of much heavier crowds this holiday season during certain periods that used to not be as bad. Of course, much of the crowd report 'angle' has to do with individual perspectives, subjectivity and tolerance levels, so what may seem massively crowded to one person isn't necessarily going to seem as bad to another person.

But, overall, the reports I have read have been that most days this holiday season - so far - have been really crowded. For example, one DIS'er overheard a CM say that it was the busiest Thanksgiving in 13 years. And the crowds will only increase as we get further into December.

So that gives you an indication of what to expect. I still think that the week between Christmas and New Year's will be the worst, more consistently, as it always has been - because of the simple fact that many more people are out of work, school and totally free from their family holiday obligations, leaving them available to flock to DLR in droves. Lots of people get gift money and head to DLR. Even though many people are out of work during the entire Christmas week too, I tend to think that there are a few people who may stay home and take care of Christmas stuff until after that holiday passes.

You can still have fun. If that is your only available time to go and enjoy all that the holiday season has to offer at DLR (which is tremendous, by most accounts), by all means do it! Just make a list of priorities, and realize you may not get it all done. Be flexible and willing to change plans as the day progresses, if necessary. Decide beforehand if you want to squeeze in as much as possible, making it a very action-packed, productive day, OR if you want to just kind of play things by ear and leisurely wander around, taking in the sights and atmosphere and getting on rides here and there where you can.

 

[kelmac284]

That is the only time we can go as well and I am dreading it in a way because of everything I have been reading and just from past experience but luckily I was JUST at DW a few weeks ago and the only bad part is the whole reason we are going is because my dh was not able to go to Florida with us and this is his ONLY vacation this year. So it may really suck for him but I told him and our girls ahead of time that we KNOW how to tour like this (done it many times unfortunately) and we know to get up BRIGHT and early be there WELL before park opening and do as much as possible in those first few hours. Collect as MANY fastpasses as we can as frequently as we can till they run out and they WILL run out very quickly on busy days.

And then when it gets overwhelming and you just plain can't move anymore that is when you just take a bench, grab some popcorn or some other tasty treat and just enjoy the atmosphere. People watch or look at the decorations or even leave. Go to downtown Disney or one of the hotels. My fav is the GC and sit by the fire place. There will be the trees and prob even santa. They have carrollers that wander around so it will be fun and festive all over the place. You just can't let the crowds ruin your fun. Just do the best you can and don't let it get you down. And most important have fun!!

P.S. See you there.

 

[camouseketeer]

We have gone to DLR at busy times but never the week of Christmas.

However...

Some people equate crowds and lines with a bad experience. Personally I do not.

Is it a bad idea to go this week? Well not if it is the only week you can go. And not if you want to see the holiday decorations. The worst day at Disneyland is better than the best day working...

The key to maximizing a DLR visit during a busy time is pretty straightforward. Use good touring strategies.

1. Get there early - have your bodies in line at the turnstiles 30-40 minutes early

2. Collect Fastpasses early and often

3. Focus on rides for the first 2-3 hours of the day

4. Ride the slow loaders first (Peter Pan, Nemo Subs, etc)

5. Take a hotel break mid-day for 3-5 hours. Get a nap.

6. Come back to the parks refreshed and stay til midnight - and use your FPs

7. If you have Magic Mornings at DL then use them. If not then adjust your touring strategy accordingly to avoid the MM people who are there ahead of you.

8. Eat meals at non-peak times

HG, if you went during a holiday period, you might change your mind.

I've gone during busy times (summer, weekends, and Thanksgiving week of '09.) NONE of those times compared to the crowds a month ago when the Christmas season began.

I have NEVER been fearful of losing my children at DLR until November 12. The crowds were so think and massive that I did lose my DD7 for a moment because our hands were torn apart by the crowds.

Collecting FP's was not the easy task that it usually is in the summer (and that's a busy time). I was in the park with my two young DD's (no other adults with us) and we debated getting a FP at rope drop or heading to Peter Pan. We chose PP (with a 20 min wait right at rope drop), and I didn't get my 1st FP (for Space) until 8:40 am. That was a mistake because the return time was already 12:30. It completely threw my entire FP collection schedule off. Normally I can get another FP in 40 min or so. That day I had to wait the entire 2 hours, and that NEVER happens to me.

Your touring strategies definitely are true, and I follow them every trip. But on this recent trip I learned that early FP's (and I mean first thing) are crucial. I also learned that lines build everywhere in the park within the first 2 hours of the day.

OP, don't let a "long" line (or at least a line longer than you are used to waiting in) at 10 am keep you from going on that ride. That line will never be shorter that day.

You will NOT get done what you are used to doing in the park compared to ANY other day during the year. But I do agree you will enjoy the decorations and the festive atmosphere.

I wouldn't say I had fun on my recent trip, but I went in not expecting the major crowds. (I expected it to be very crowded but not crazy!) If you go in with the right expectations, a plan, and positive attitude, you can have a great time.

Also consider the holiday tour. We took in on that busy day, and it made the day for us.

 

[skiingfast]

8. Eat meals at non-peak times

This is one I always like because lunch shouldn't take an hour plus.


The OP will want to look at this thread too about a dining discount for eating around the crowds.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2611281

 

[wdwfan22]

I think you both will be fine. I was there in November, arriving the 11th and staying til the 20th. If this was as bad as it gets at DL, you will be fine.

Yes, the walkways are INSANE because they are so narrow in places, but that is by far the worse part, but then you get to a ride and it has a 20 min wait (not the super headliners). The lines themselves were way less than DW at a medium time. That was one of our favorite parts. We go FP's for rides that have big lines, and everything else was very managable. Even Peter Pan was about 40 mins during most of the day. That is practically a walk on compared to DW. Soarin, 30 mins, again, you will wait longer than that in the FP line at DW, where stand by times are usually 90 mins to 2 hrs.

Pirates had a line stretching all the way down the walkway by the Rivers of America, looked Horrible, but was 30 min wait. Not bad at all, the whole 10 days we never waited longer than 40 mins, and that was only for a couple of slow loaders. (Storybook Canal Boats, PP) used FPs and rode everything lots and lots. We thought it was great!!

 

[HydroGuy]

HG, if you went during a holiday period, you might change your mind.

I've gone during busy times (summer, weekends, and Thanksgiving week of '09.) NONE of those times compared to the crowds a month ago when the Christmas season began.

I have NEVER been fearful of losing my children at DLR until November 12. The crowds were so think and massive that I did lose my DD7 for a moment because our hands were torn apart by the crowds.

Collecting FP's was not the easy task that it usually is in the summer (and that's a busy time). I was in the park with my two young DD's (no other adults with us) and we debated getting a FP at rope drop or heading to Peter Pan. We chose PP (with a 20 min wait right at rope drop), and I didn't get my 1st FP (for Space) until 8:40 am. That was a mistake because the return time was already 12:30. It completely threw my entire FP collection schedule off. Normally I can get another FP in 40 min or so. That day I had to wait the entire 2 hours, and that NEVER happens to me.

Your touring strategies definitely are true, and I follow them every trip. But on this recent trip I learned that early FP's (and I mean first thing) are crucial. I also learned that lines build everywhere in the park within the first 2 hours of the day.

OP, don't let a "long" line (or at least a line longer than you are used to waiting in) at 10 am keep you from going on that ride. That line will never be shorter that day.

You will NOT get done what you are used to doing in the park compared to ANY other day during the year. But I do agree you will enjoy the decorations and the festive atmosphere.

I wouldn't say I had fun on my recent trip, but I went in not expecting the major crowds. (I expected it to be very crowded but not crazy!) If you go in with the right expectations, a plan, and positive attitude, you can have a great time.

Also consider the holiday tour. We took in on that busy day, and it made the day for us.

Change my mind about the "worst day at Disneyland..."?

Thanks for all the feedback! I guess how you feel depends to some degree on whether you have kdis and how old they are. Like all parents we were always terrified of losing our kids at DLR. And excessive crowds can of course really scare little ones. Now our kids are teens and these are not issues for us anymore. Nevertheless I have no real desire to go to DLR on day like what you described!

 

[Sherry E]

I think you both will be fine. I was there in November, arriving the 11th and staying til the 20th. If this was as bad as it gets at DL, you will be fine.

Yes, the walkways are INSANE because they are so narrow in places, but that is by far the worse part, but then you get to a ride and it has a 20 min wait (not the super headliners). The lines themselves were way less than DW at a medium time. That was one of our favorite parts. We go FP's for rides that have big lines, and everything else was very managable. Even Peter Pan was about 40 mins during most of the day. That is practically a walk on compared to DW. Soarin, 30 mins, again, you will wait longer than that in the FP line at DW, where stand by times are usually 90 mins to 2 hrs.

Pirates had a line stretching all the way down the walkway by the Rivers of America, looked Horrible, but was 30 min wait. Not bad at all, the whole 10 days we never waited longer than 40 mins, and that was only for a couple of slow loaders. (Storybook Canal Boats, PP) used FPs and rode everything lots and lots. We thought it was great!!

That period of time in November that you were at DLR is nowhere near as bad as it gets. Hence, the OP's question about going Christmas week! The crowds increase steadily as the holiday season moves into December. The week of Christmas and, especially, the week between Christmas and New Year's have always been much busier than anything in November. That's a different crowd level altogether. It's just that in the past, there were wider 'gaps' of time where it would be less crowded. Now those gaps are filling up more rapidly and it is becoming more heavily crowded more often, at times when it used to not be.

But I agree that I think APX will be able to get by - with the right mindset, realistic expectations and some preparation/planning.

 

[Flitterific]

I totally agree with what PPs said. If you go with the right mindset and expect huge crowds already, it really isn't that bad. I was there December 24-27 last year and although it was super crowded, I still enjoyed our trip a lot. There were so many things to see everything and it was such a magical experience to see everything all decked out for the holidays.

It is true that collecting FPs was harder during those few days than even the busiest days during summer but it's not impossible (it just depends on which rides you want FPs for). Make a list of all the shows/attractions that you MUST see and tackle those first early on. The weather in SoCal has been pretty unpredictable lately so you never know if it will be rain or shine and if shows get canceled. I do want to warn you that Main Street gets super crowded during parade times and we were stuck in gridlock more than once. There will be masses and masses of people everywhere you go and the lines will be long for everything (especially HMH and IASWH) but if you go knowing that, you can still make a lot out of your trip. I hope you and your family have a wonderful trip!

 

[APX]

Thanks guys, just to clear things up, i'm not there for 2 days, i'm there by myself and my buddy for 2 days, i'm stayiing a total of 5 days (monday-friday), thursday is their moms b-day as well, so it's going to be super special/busy I guess.

I'll be sure to grab some FP's (My first time doing this) And eat during off times, brunch,etc.

 

[Sherry E]

Thanks guys, just to clear things up, i'm not there for 2 days, i'm there by myself and my buddy for 2 days, i'm stayiing a total of 5 days (monday-friday), thursday is their moms b-day as well, so it's going to be super special/busy I guess.

I'll be sure to grab some FP's (My first time doing this) And eat during off times, brunch,etc.

Oh, well that's even better! You might actually be able to take things slowly at certain points, without as much crazy running around - though it will still be very crowded in the second half of the week, I think. I don't know if you have an AP or are getting Hoppers, but remember that Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday will be Magic Morning days!!

 

[APX]

From what I was told (my buddies friend did all the work) he bought hoppers (5 day ones), so i'm not sure if we can head back and forth from each park a day, or what? I only got that so call pass thing they did for stores and stuff, went one park one day, the other the next.


Also, is it a good idea to take a tour? this is their first time coming to CA and to DLR, so I want to atleast say "It'll be crowded, but we'll do everything you want to do"

 

[Sherry E]

From what I was told (my buddies friend did all the work) he bought hoppers (5 day ones), so i'm not sure if we can head back and forth from each park a day, or what? I only got that so call pass thing they did for stores and stuff, went one park one day, the other the next.


Also, is it a good idea to take a tour? this is their first time coming to CA and to DLR, so I want to atleast say "It'll be crowded, but we'll do everything you want to do"

Yes, with Hoppers you can do both parks in one day, back and forth, every day that the Hopper is valid. With that Hopper, you will get use of one Magic Morning, allowing you entry into Disneyland one hour before it opens to the general public. So you can use that MM on one of the four MM days I mentioned above to get in a bit early. The MM hour comes in really handy for the rides in Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. You can get on those before the lines get crazy.

I have not done the holiday tour yet, but from everything I have read it sounds very worth it. First of all, you will get priority seating on IASW Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday. You will get actual seats for the holiday parade, a gingerbread cookie with mouse ears, hot cocoa in a collectible cup, a souvenir pin and samples of different fudge. You will also learn how to say Merry Christmas in different languages and walk all over Disneyland, learning different bits of holiday trivia and singing carols (if you want to).

 

[APX]

Singing.....? o.o

I'm sure he'll like that part, the rest I like. Also, should I/they have called for seats for the shows at night? Fantasmic/Alladin/World of Color and etc? Or can we try to find a somewhat good seat for those?

 

[Funball]

APX, it will be crowded. Lots of park guests are there for the same reason as you, to have a nice Christmas vacation with family and to see the Christmas decorations-to most park guests that is a big treat! You should follow Hydroguy’s tips, he really knows his stuff, and his tips do work! right now there is a coupon that you can use for dining at DLR, I would also suggest you print it and take it with you, you can save some money eating with it!

 

[Funball]

here is the link to the dining coupon at DLR


http://parksandresorts.wdpromedia.c...-content/uploads/2010/12/DisneylandCoupon.pdf