When to go? (in December)

[pixleyyy]

We're planning on having our first ever Magical Christmas at DLR this December. I want to go earlier in the month, before it gets busy, but I'm torn between two dates.

Nov. 30-Dec. 4
Dec. 7-Dec. 11

I know I have to keep in mind the Candelight Processional on Dec. 4 & 5. I also vaguely remember someone saying the DLR closes early a few nights for cast member parties. Does anyone know what nights those are?

Just trying to plan the right time to get the most out of our vacation.

Any tips?

 

[JadeDarkstar]

30-4
were going those days it was a nice crowd level two years ago when we went.
just leave early the 4th at like 4 or 5 go for dinner some where else an go to CA if thats when the candle light is gona be (we leave the 3erd but 4th was my original plan)
enjoy it its a magical time

 

[prettyprincessbelle]

I second what Jade said. We always go the first week of December and the crowds are light and the Christmas decorations/entertainment are in full swing.

 

[pixleyyy]

How crazy does the Candlelight Processional actually get? If that's our last day in the park then we'd want to stay to watch the fireworks one last time (that's always our final thing) but if the park gets so crowded for the CP will that even be realistic?

Not sure whether the CP is something we want to go to or not. Is it anything that special?

 

[spacemermaid]

How crazy does the Candlelight Processional actually get? If that's our last day in the park then we'd want to stay to watch the fireworks one last time (that's always our final thing) but if the park gets so crowded for the CP will that even be realistic?

Not sure whether the CP is something we want to go to or not. Is it anything that special?

Well, the CP happened during my holiday trip last year. It wasn't on my "MUST SEE" list & the barely-standing-room-only crowds made the decision for me, so I didn't see it.

I did, however, get to see Main Street "backstage" (which was pretty cool!); crowds were so thick that backstage was the only way out of the Park when we left for the night We left a few hours before closing, but could see the fireworks from the hot tub at the hotel.

 

[pixleyyy]

Well, the CP happened during my holiday trip last year. It wasn't on my "MUST SEE" list & the barely-standing-room-only crowds made the decision for me, so I didn't see it.

I did, however, get to see Main Street "backstage" (which was pretty cool!); crowds were so thick that backstage was the only way out of the Park when we left for the night We left a few hours before closing, but could see the fireworks from the hot tub at the hotel.

Holy moly, it's that packed? I'm not sure any of us would enjoy that!

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

We LOVED the first week in december. PERFECT.

But we left the day of the CP. Wouldn't it just give you extra ride time?

 

[pixleyyy]

We LOVED the first week in december. PERFECT.

But we left the day of the CP. Wouldn't it just give you extra ride time?

Yes, extra ride time would be fine but I'm most worried about being able to enjoy the fireworks our final night without feeling like we're going to be squished by the mob of people.

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

Hmmmmmmmmmmm. Are we for sure it's that weekend?

Is it up somewhere yet?

I'd be tempted to go that week anyway, and make your final night firework show something special by sitting somewhere not busy (cuz you can see fireworks wherever, right?) and getting a special treat..or hot chocolate or whatever. Riding dumbo while they're going off and watching from there? Some type of tradition you can start?

 

[pixleyyy]

So, how is the weekend after Thanksgiving? If we were to come in on Sunday the 29th instead (a day early) and leave on Thursday the 3rd we'd avoid the CP. But is the weekend after TG busy too?

 

[pixleyyy]

Hmmmmmmmmmmm. Are we for sure it's that weekend?

Is it up somewhere yet?

I'd be tempted to go that week anyway, and make your final night firework show something special by sitting somewhere not busy (cuz you can see fireworks wherever, right?) and getting a special treat..or hot chocolate or whatever. Riding dumbo while they're going off and watching from there? Some type of tradition you can start?

From what I understand and see on previous year calendars, the CP is always the first weekend in December. So I'm fairly sure it will be that weekend.

Are there any tours or anything that get you special seating for the fireworks?

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

We went..lemme look...

November 29th through Saturday the 6th and those days were perfect. Sunday wasn't busy at all (I was surprised)

 

[pixleyyy]

We went..lemme look...

November 29th through Saturday the 6th and those days were perfect. Sunday wasn't busy at all (I was surprised)

That might be perfect for us then. Thanks for the info!

 

[LuLusApple]

Holy moly, it's that packed? I'm not sure any of us would enjoy that!

Regarding a packed crowd, we were there recently spring break and they re-routed us thru Main street backstage just for the celebration street party; so we could get to the maintates.
I am not sure that was in response to the packed crowd. I think the CP and Street Party are just routed to take over the street, not that CP wouldn't draw a crowd. But I have seen bigger crowds than the street party (POD) and never
Been re-routed.
I think it must have to do with the length of time the street is occupied, parades move at a good pace. The street party stops and from what I understand the CP starts with a bible story and then a slow walk down MS.
So it makes sense there would be more congestion than a regular parade
Hope that made some sense LOL

 

[bumbershoot]

DL generally closes early on the Mon and Tues after the CP weekend, for the parties. DCA is open later.

We went right around the CP weekend for the last two years, but since we have no interest in the subject matter of the CP, we avoid it. So we just made our arrangements to not be in the front of DL as it gets closer to CP time, and it was fine.

But if it is the third and fourth, your trip on the 7th won't be impacted. BUT the crowds will be getting higher as you get closer and closer to the holidays.

I figure either group of dates should be OK.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

29th to third would be perfect timing. the week after thanks giving is light or well was.
id say if you were there the day of candle light thing then stay to most the back park an not main street at all till you squeeze out. when you watch fireworks stay closer to the castle

 

[LisainCalifornia]

For the past few years we have gone for Dec. 4th thru 7th, and it has been perfect. Low crowds, no cast parties to shut the place down early and the CP crowds are gone.