What do I need to know about visiting DLR between Christmas & New Years?

[mom2boys]

We are a family of 4 - two DSs, ages 12 & 13. Will the crowds be overwhelming? What else should we consider?

 

[DLR29]

#1 tip: Get to the gates at least 1 hour in advance (yes that means 7AM, 6AM on Early Entry). It will save you time because lines for major attractions will begin to get long around 9-10AM.

Use FP (#2 tip). It will help you minimize wait times for popular attractions. It's especially useful for Space, Indiana Jones, Splash, Soarin, and California Screamin.

Hit rides that generate long lines very early or very late. Here's a list:
DL- Space (FP)
Nemo
Peter Pan
Dumbo
Star Tours
Splash (FP)
Indiana Jones (FP)
DCA- Soarin (FP)
California Screamin (FP)
Sun Wheel
Grizzly River Run (Unnetworked FP)

All of these lines will most likely get over 60/75 minutes by noon. There are also a ton that will have somewhat shorter lines (around 45 minutes) by noon:
DL-Buzz (FP)
Autopia (FP)
Matterhorn
It's a Small World Holiday
Roger Rabbit (Unnetworked FP, which means you can grab some RR FPs even if you already are holding onto a set)
Alice in Wonderland
Storybookland Canal Boats
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Jungle Cruise
Haunted Mansion Holiday
DCA-Tower of Terror
Mulholland Madness

 

[DevilDuckie]

We are a family of 4 - two DSs, ages 12 & 13. Will the crowds be overwhelming? What else should we consider?

The crowds get bad on the 31st. Be prepared for DL to be at max capacity in the afternoon and evening. DCA, on the other hand, is often positively dead. Crowds are much smaller at DL on the 1st.

Hats and horns are given out free and if you're in DCA for midnight, you have the bonus of being able to purchase champagne.

 

[HydroGuy]

We are a family of 4 - two DSs, ages 12 & 13. Will the crowds be overwhelming? What else should we consider?

Make sure you have FASTPASS down pat and know all the tricks - including the tricks that DLR has which WDW does not. Be aggressive in getting FPs which will be easier if you follow DLR29's good advice to get to the gates early.

See "Getting the Most Out of FastPass During High Season" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=885132 and "Strategies For Using DL and DCA Opening Time Differences to Collect More Fastpasses" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1553197

Take breaks in the afternoon for 4-5 hours because the parks will be filled up with SoCal locals on day trips.

 

[mom2boys]

Thank you all for the tips. I know WDW inside out, backwards & forwards. We haven't been to DL since 1989. We would be at DL between Dec 27th & 29th. What is not to be missed at CA?

 

[HydroGuy]

Thank you all for the tips. I know WDW inside out, backwards & forwards. We haven't been to DL since 1989. We would be at DL between Dec 27th & 29th. What is not to be missed at CA?

Some DCA rides are also found at WDW and may be of lesser interest to you. But here goes.

1. Soarin' Over California - ride is same as Epcot but the themed location and line are better at DCA giving an overall better experience. Personally I can never get tired of this ride.

2. California Screamin' - IMO the weakest theming of any Disney coaster in the USA, but still a lot of fun. Has a level start like RnR at WDW and has a loop.

3. Grizzly River Run - not as fun in December as in summer, but they do have a reduced setting they use in colder months that reduces getting guests wet. Most everyone including me says this is much better than Kali at WDW.

4. Tower of Terror - does not yet have random drop sequence like WDW but is fun once or twice

5. Aladdin - 45-minute Broadway quality musical that is just fantastic. This is truly not to be missed.

6. Animation Studios - this in HPB and my kids always like to hang out here for an hour or more. Several fun animation and sound experiences.

After you do the above, the second tier will include:

7. Monsters Inc

8. Block Party Bash

9. High School Musical Pep Rally (if your kids are into this)

10. Golden Dreams (worth doing once)

 

[AmericanItGirl]

Midday is the best time to go shopping/look at the decorations because that's the time when most people will be either eating lunch or going on rides. Take advantage of shorter lines during parades and the fireworks.