What to expect at christmas time

[ironpig70]

yeah yeah i know i have 8 months to go. but i'd kinda like to get some rough ideas from folks who have done it before. it will be me and the wife, 10 year old and twin 4 year olds. just curiious as to the park hours, if entry morning entry still happens, parades, and anything else. we would love to be in the park on christmas day if possible. we have been several times mostly around spring break and do 2 days in each park, this time we are looking at a full 5 days. i know it's early but it's alot of planning on this end.

 

[bumbershoot]

Being there on the 25th is going to be crazy-busy. So you are right on time for starting to learn about it and plan for it. Good job.

The closer it gets to the 25th, I do believe the longer the park hours will be. There will be special parade(s), everything will be decorated gorgeously (see my December/HoJo trip report in my signature for some holidaytime decoration pictures), there will probably be special events in the Woody's Round-Up area. Santa hangs out there, too. Santa also magically changes into hang-loose California-dude clothes and jumps over to DCA (pictures also in my trip report).

I've only heard of MM days changing for Grad Nites in June, so I would assume it will be the same days as normal.

I personally (and a lot of this might be because we don't celebrate anything on the 25th) woudln't go on that date, I'd go a couple weeks before. The crowds won't be as intense, but the decorations and special stuff would still be going on.

 

[prettyprincessbelle]

I agree with Molly, Christmas and New Years week is super busy.. One of the busiest weeks of the year at DLR.. A friend of mine was at DLR on NYE and she said it was so crowded they couldn't leave to park hop to DCA because the CM's told them they might not get back in DL since it was filled to capacity.

Christmas decorations start a little after Thanksgiving, so if you go in the beginning of December, you get the full swing of Christmas at DLR without the crowds..

We went the weekend before Christmas and had a blast...

 

[LisainCalifornia]

We went in December for the first time and had a wonderful time. It was incredible. We were there Dec. 5-8, and the parks were fully decorated and the crowds were minimal. I think it was just about perfect.

If there is anyway you could go early in Dec., that would probably be better. Going Christmas Day sounds like fun too, but be prepared for crowds!

Hope you have a wonderful time.

Lisa

 

[disney-inspired]

yeah yeah i know i have 8 months to go. but i'd kinda like to get some rough ideas from folks who have done it before. it will be me and the wife, 10 year old and twin 4 year olds. just curiious as to the park hours, if entry morning entry still happens, parades, and anything else. we would love to be in the park on christmas day if possible. we have been several times mostly around spring break and do 2 days in each park, this time we are looking at a full 5 days. i know it's early but it's alot of planning on this end.

Christmas Day?! Are you mad? Just kidding but my parents went on Christmas day once and they said it was beyond packed. They barely rode any rides but shopped and watched the parades. It is a one of a kind experience, that's for sure. If you guys are all about that Christmas cheer, spirit, and ABC7 parades experience GO FOR IT! But you have been around Spring Break so you know what the crowds are like.

Have fun, be relaxed, and enjoy Christmas!!!

 

[ironpig70]

okay we have looked at many options and it's either christmas or thanksgiving. mostly due to work. we have twin 4 year olds and a 10 year old. whats the concenus on thanksgiving. looking at the 23-29th of november. it's not much cheaper but if the crowds arenot insane then it may be the ticket.

 

[bumbershoot]

I've heard that it, too, is really busy. The biggest recommended time, for lower crowds but the benefits of the season, is right after Thanksgiving and before Christmas.

Doesn't help you much it seems! I assume the 10 year old has school to work around...makes it rough.

But you have many months to make your plans and prepare your family for the madness!