Which day would be the best to go?

[Eloi]

OK, since you convinced me to pay a visit to Disneyland in my upcoming California trip, I'd like you to help me choosing which day I should visit.

I'm hesitating between Sunday Dec. 2 or Thursday Dec. 6. What would be the best day to be able to see the most, get in the more rides with "not-too-long" waiting times? Probably that the Thursday would be less crowded, but at that time of the year, are the Sundays really crowded too? I see that there are more of the "extra" stuff scheduled for Sunday, like the parades, Fantasmic...

The traffic from Laguna Beach to Anaheim is surely worst on a Thursday than a Sunday too?

I'm thinking of getting a Park-Hopper to be able to see both parks, even though I'll surely miss lots of stuff as I only have one day. Or should I stick to just one park?

So, what do you guys think, should I go on a Thursday or on a Sunday?

Thanks for any infos.

 

[spacemouseneer]

Unless you are dying to see "Fantasmic" or the "Block Party" parade at DCA, I would probably choose the Thursday. The crowds will be lighter and they are holding the Candlelight Processional on the Sunday, so the park will be packed. Thursday will give you more of a chance to see everything.

We will be there that day seeing Disneyland at Christmas time for the first time.



Spacemouseneer

 

[DangerMouse]

Thursday will be an early entry day, so the park will already be busy even if you show up at regular park opening.

Sunday is the CP, but both parks have longer hours. I predict DL will be empty in the morning and if you get to the gates 30 min before opening, you will easily be able to walk onto many rides. You could always plan on spending the late afternoon/evening at DCA and then head back over to DLR for the fireworks and Fantasmic.

Out of the two, I would probably opt for Sunday, and just try to avoid the Main Street area during the CP.

 

[Eloi]

Thursday will be an early entry day, so the park will already be busy even if you show up at regular park opening.

Sunday is the CP, but both parks have longer hours. I predict DL will be empty in the morning and if you get to the gates 30 min before opening, you will easily be able to walk onto many rides. You could always plan on spending the late afternoon/evening at DCA and then head back over to DLR for the fireworks and Fantasmic.

Out of the two, I would probably opt for Sunday, and just try to avoid the Main Street area during the CP.

When you mention that the park will be busy cause it's an early entry day, how busy will it be? I mean, this first December week must be considered "off-season"? So, crowded day in the off-season cannot be compared to a crowded day in the summer? How long can be the line to a popular ride in a crowded off-season day compared to a high-season one?

 

[DangerMouse]

When you mention that the park will be busy cause it's an early entry day, how busy will it be? I mean, this first December week must be considered "off-season"? So, crowded day in the off-season cannot be compared to a crowded day in the summer? How long can be the line to a popular ride in a crowded off-season day compared to a high-season one?

It obviously won't be as crowded as a summer day, but there will already be full ques on the FL rides and TL rides that have been open for EE.

You have to decide what is imporant to you. Longer hours means more entertainment (Fantasmic, two parades, BPB in DCA, Aladdin in DCA). If you don't care about those things, then Thursday should be a fine day with rather light crowds.

 

[camouseketeer]

I would go on Sunday because Sunday mornings are empty! If you one of the first people in the park, you can start to gather fastpasses, and you can knock out FL before the crowds come.

You can also enjoy the extra offerings on a Sunday.