Which week do you prefer?

[virge]

I need some advice. I'm quite unexpectedly looking at taking a trip to Disneyland this year. I've never been to Disneyland and know nothing about it beyond the quick research I've done in the last 2 days.

Background... At this point I know there are some things that are completely non-negotiable & some that we prefer. The trip must be completed before 12/23 of this year & has some blackout dates including Labor Day weekend, Veteran's Day weekend, & 11/23-25. I'm a teacher and, while I'm not against missing some school, I'm only allowed 3 personal days so we can't miss more than 3 school days. We live in Virginia so travel will take 1 day at each end of the trip. I *think* we will have a 3 day park pass & will be staying 3 nights at one of the Disneyland hotels. That means we need a minimum of 5 days for the trip. We would like to see Christmas stuff.

Here's my question...
Based on the things that are not flexible (trip completion dates, blackout dates, & need to miss no more than 3 school days) we narrowed it down to 2 options. Both options require missing 2 school days.
Option A: parks November 20-22 (possibly do other area things 23-24 & fly back on 25th)
Option B: parks December 20-22 (we would fly back on the 23rd in order to be home for Christmas Eve)

From what I've read, crowds will be high both times and it sounds like Christmas stuff will be up both times.

Given that there are really no other options for this unexpected trip, which week would you, the Disneyland experts, suggest? Please don't factor cost into the decision. It's not that our funds are limitless, it's just that cost/budget is something we can discuss as a family

 

[Indiana Scott]

Since both of those periods will be extremely busy, I would go with the Xmas trip. I only say that because it should be less likely to have closures because Disney does everything it can to have the parks fully operational during known peak times.
Of course there are always exceptions..

 

[virge]

Since both of those periods will be extremely busy, I would go with the Xmas trip. I only say that because it should be less likely to have closures because Disney does everything it can to have the parks fully operational during known peak times.
Of course there are always exceptions..

Thank you for sharing about the closures. I was unaware it may be less than fully operational right before Thanksgiving. There is so much to learn!

 

[SMD]

Have you checked flight prices and availability? December 23rd is considered the worst day to fly during Christmas. Christmas usually runs into January, how much time do you get after New Years? You could fly in during the week after and do the parks second. It's hard to say how the new signature pass structure and demand pricing will shift the crowds. We may see gate closures the week before Christmas now too.

 

[virge]

Have you checked flight prices and availability? December 23rd is considered the worst day to fly during Christmas. Christmas usually runs into January, how much time do you get after New Years? You could fly in during the week after and do the parks second. It's hard to say how the new signature pass structure and demand pricing will shift the crowds. We may see gate closures the week before Christmas now too.

Thanks for making sure I checked flights. Flights on Dec. 23rd are significantly higher. The trip must be completed before December 23rd so after New Years isn't an option

 

[Imdboss]

We went the week of thanksgiving a few years ago and the crowds weren't as bad as expected. It could be that I had read about max capacity crowds on the holiday so we were prepared for extreme crowds that entire week and we were very pleasantly surprised. Early in the week, which is your potential dates, should be pretty manageable crowd wise. I don't recall any closures, pretty sure everything is up and running since it's a holiday week. I'm sure there's a list on the boards somewhere that will give you an idea of historical closures.

 

[Aladora]

I need some advice. I'm quite unexpectedly looking at taking a trip to Disneyland this year. I've never been to Disneyland and know nothing about it beyond the quick research I've done in the last 2 days.

Background... At this point I know there are some things that are completely non-negotiable & some that we prefer. The trip must be completed before 12/23 of this year & has some blackout dates including Labor Day weekend, Veteran's Day weekend, & 11/23-25. I'm a teacher and, while I'm not against missing some school, I'm only allowed 3 personal days so we can't miss more than 3 school days. We live in Virginia so travel will take 1 day at each end of the trip. I *think* we will have a 3 day park pass & will be staying 3 nights at one of the Disneyland hotels. That means we need a minimum of 5 days for the trip. We would like to see Christmas stuff.

Here's my question...
Based on the things that are not flexible (trip completion dates, blackout dates, & need to miss no more than 3 school days) we narrowed it down to 2 options. Both options require missing 2 school days.
Option A: parks November 20-22 (possibly do other area things 23-24 & fly back on 25th)
Option B: parks December 20-22 (we would fly back on the 23rd in order to be home for Christmas Eve)

From what I've read, crowds will be high both times and it sounds like Christmas stuff will be up both times.

Given that there are really no other options for this unexpected trip, which week would you, the Disneyland experts, suggest? Please don't factor cost into the decision. It's not that our funds are limitless, it's just that cost/budget is something we can discuss as a family

Could you do Option C: fly Dec 17, parks Dec 18, 19, 20 and fly home Dec 21? As far as I can tell, you would only miss Dec 19-21.

 

[virge]

We went the week of thanksgiving a few years ago and the crowds weren't as bad as expected. It could be that I had read about max capacity crowds on the holiday so we were prepared for extreme crowds that entire week and we were very pleasantly surprised. Early in the week, which is your potential dates, should be pretty manageable crowd wise. I don't recall any closures, pretty sure everything is up and running since it's a holiday week. I'm sure there's a list on the boards somewhere that will give you an idea of historical closures.

Thank you for sharing your experience. It's helpful to know that, you were prepared for extreme crowds but were surprised to find the manageable. Perhaps the crowds were down a slight notch to only "super crazy" at the beginning of Thanksgiving week

 

[virge]

Could you do Option C: fly Dec 17, parks Dec 18, 19, 20 and fly home Dec 21? As far as I can tell, you would only miss Dec 19-21.

This could be another option. I thought I read somewhere that Disneyland crowds are greatest on the weekends so I was trying to have only 1 weekend day (Sunday) out of my 3 park days. However, you all may have more specific advice that the weekends are crowded but less crowded in comparison to the days as it gets closer to Christmas.

I really appreciate everyone's input. I did as much reading up on Disneyland as I could in the past 2 days but I still feel so lost when it comes to picking between 2 crazy crowd times (but also incredibly lucky that I even have this opportunity).

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

I would pick your November dates. We have done that time of year many times and had good experiences. Go in with a good attitude and expect crowds, and you will be ok. The holiday season will be in full swing and there will be few if any ride closures aside from the long-term ones we already know about. There was the year when Pirates was closed until Thanksgiving day, but that is an unusual case. Usually everything is up and running, plus the holiday overlays are already in full operation.

 

[Minnie Loves Mickey]

Any possible way to get a 4th day in? I don't think 3 will be enough for a one time visit during the holidays. Just my opinion.

 

[virge]

Any possible way to get a 4th day in? I don't think 3 will be enough for a one time visit during the holidays. Just my opinion.

I'm not certain yet, but I don't think I'll be able to add a day to the tickets. I think we would have to purchase a separate 1 day ticket which would be cost prohibitive. If we can add a day, to the tickets that is a great suggestion.

 

[virge]

I would pick your November dates. We have done that time of year many times and had good experiences. Go in with a good attitude and expect crowds, and you will be ok. The holiday season will be in full swing and there will be few if any ride closures aside from the long-term ones we already know about. There was the year when Pirates was closed until Thanksgiving day, but that is an unusual case. Usually everything is up and running, plus the holiday overlays are already in full operation.

Thank you for sharing your experience & insight!

 

[beachdreamr1229]

I would pick the November dates. Actually, those are the dates I am going this year. I am also a teacher with kids in school, so I can understand the limitations.

Anyway, in November, the holiday stuff will be up. And yes, it will be crowded, but I don't think it will be as crowded as those days right before Christmas. Also, I think Disneyland has some fairly good offerings for a Thanksgiving meal. Christmas meal isn't bad, either, but it's kind of nice having Disney cook Thanksgiving for you since that's the bulk of work.

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

Also, I think Disneyland has some fairly good offerings for a Thanksgiving meal. Christmas meal isn't bad, either, but it's kind of nice having Disney cook Thanksgiving for you since that's the bulk of work.

I second this. Even though you won't have park tickets for Thanksgiving, there are still resort dining options for the day if you are still staying in the area. Storyteller's Cafe in the GCH and Jazz Kitchen in DtD both have great looking menus. If those don't strike your fancy, there are several other great choices in the resort hotels and downtown Disney.

 

[virge]

Thanks @longtimedisneylurker & @beachdreamr1229 for the Thanksgiving meal reminder. We briefly discussed that we could extend for Thanksgiving but not for Christmas. I hadn't even thought about planning to eat a holiday meal!

 

[tarheelalum]

All things considered, I'd go with your November dates. Flying around Christmas is just begging for trouble.

 

[smartlabelprint]

You can & should add a day. Before the ticket booths close on your 3rd day.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Don't forget to check with your teacher's union about discount tickets. Also, aRes Travel often has discount deals on multi day tickets.