What to do at 5pm Saturday December 22nd?

[Carolwoodpr]

Yep, you read that correctly. We get in late, probably later because our flights are always late. We plan on getting to Disneyland at around 5pm that night.

We expect no fastpasses to be available, long lines for everything.

I was thinking of doing the holiday tour but those are usually earlier in the day so that is probably out.

Fantasmic! Dessert box is an option, but an expensive one. World of Color is not an option for us.

I am starting to think now that we will have to suck it up and wait in a very long line that night.

Anyone have any other ideas?

 

[ArchOwl]

Yep, you read that correctly. We get in late, probably later because our flights are always late. We plan on getting to Disneyland at around 5pm that night.

We expect no fastpasses to be available, long lines for everything.

I was thinking of doing the holiday tour but those are usually earlier in the day so that is probably out.

Fantasmic! Dessert box is an option, but an expensive one. World of Color is not an option for us.

I am starting to think now that we will have to suck it up and wait in a very long line that night.

Anyone have any other ideas?

I am sure you can finds lots to do! Here are just some ideas off the top of my head:

A parade will probably be available, either DL or DCA or both,
Fantasmic ( with or without dessert)
Aladdin show
Animation building, including Animation Academy
Great Moments with Mr Lincoln
Devote an evening to shopping
Character meets
Ride Mark Twain or Columbia
Fireworks
World of Color dinner with FPs to the show
A nice dinner in the parks
Mad T Party
Tiki Room
Muppets at DCA
Character dinner

I could probably think of more, but this should get you started. Have fun! Some of my best evenings in the parks are when I had a lovely, leisurely dinner, followed by some shopping, and then one of the evening shows. So nice!

 

[StyledSugar]

I could probably think of more, but this should get you started. Have fun! Some of my best evenings in the parks are when I had a lovely, leisurely dinner, followed by some shopping, and then one of the evening shows. So nice!

I agree. Just take it easy and enjoy your first night. Get on the rides that you can or just walk around and enjoy the atmosphere. Have fun!

 

[Topolina]

We were there last year on that day and found the evenings of the 22, 23, and even the 24th to be very manageable. We didn't need fp for anything on the 22, as most of the wait times were around 15-20 min. During our entire trip (Dec 20-26), the only ride that ever ran out of fp's was space mountain (and it ran out very late in the afternoon).

Of course with CP happening for so many nights this year, crowd patterns are very unpredictable at this point. Regardless, there is plenty to do in the evenings....just looking at the decorations, taking in the atmosphere, and watching the fireworks/snow are a great way to spend your first evening in the park!

 

[goodeats]

I would think the 22nd should be not *too* crowded. All AP's (except premium of course) will be blocked out, and the daytripping locals will be too busy getting ready for Christmas. It's the week after Christmas you have to worry about!

ETA - As for what to do? I would make a dinner reservation, and just walk around taking in the sights and decorations before dinner!

 

[mellers]

Yep, you read that correctly. We get in late, probably later because our flights are always late. We plan on getting to Disneyland at around 5pm that night.

We expect no fastpasses to be available, long lines for everything.

I was thinking of doing the holiday tour but those are usually earlier in the day so that is probably out.

Fantasmic! Dessert box is an option, but an expensive one. World of Color is not an option for us.

I am starting to think now that we will have to suck it up and wait in a very long line that night.

Anyone have any other ideas?

It's funny, we got in at almost the exact same time, on almost the exact same day last year. Since World of Color won't work for you, I wouldn't suggest what we did--got the picnic so we'd have a our FastPasses and went to the show. If you have to go to Disneyland, you might see if you can get a dinner package for the Candlelight Processional, depending on when it starts. You could also have dinner at the Rainforest Cafe (I'd recommend reservations or a Safari Club card--gets you preferred seating), and take the monorail back to Tomorrowland. You could probably still find a good spot to watch the fireworks.

 

[julieheyer]

If you're not too worried about seeing the fireworks or Fantasmic that night, I think the lines for Fantasyland would be lower during those events. Small World, Dumbo, etc. might be doable while the crowds flock to the FW and F!. Just a thought

Whatever you do, just being "there" will be delightful!

 

[Carolwoodpr]

I had not even thought of the candlelight proc. affecting our trip. I will keep that in mind.

Animation building, one of our favorite places, thanks for the suggestion. And all of them.

The atmosphere will be the best, I never overlook that.

We decided to get our ap's this night as well. We are going for the Premium pass. The one that gives us both coasts. It will be fun. Maybe I will do some shopping.