Originally Posted By Rchlhrpr Hello all! I am a first time poster here. And I had some questions about Christmas at Disneyland. I was thinking it would be a fun tradition to start for the family. How crowded does it get? Do they have any special events? Do you recomend staying on Christmas eve night or Christmas day? And most importantly, Where's the best place to eat? I know it's alot of questions. It sounds like from earlier post everyone enjoys spending Christmas at DL. But, I just don't want this to be the year that mom drags everyone to a horribly crowded day at Disneyland and ruins Christmas!
Originally Posted By dlkozy Christmas is the busiest time of the year at the DLR. A couple of years back we went Dec 26-29 and the DLR closed because of capacity 2 of our 3 days. Christmas Eve they do close early-you can check the times by going to disneyland.com and finding the trip plannig section and putting in your dates and you can find the operating hours for the 24th that way. I would not ever go during Christmas without having my dinner reservations pre-made. Some of the more popular places may already be booked. Best get hoppin' if you are planning on eating on site at a sit-down. Will Disneyland be horribly crowded-yes. If that is something that you and yours enjoys then you will do just fine-if it is not-then I would choose earlier in the month of December to go.
Originally Posted By SBSBelle22 First week of January-after New Years of course-is not too crowded, and the Christmas decor is still up. Maybe you just celebrate Christmas a little late this year
Originally Posted By Autopia Deb Or a little early. I personally would never go ON the day, but I love the season.
Originally Posted By Rchlhrpr So, I'm thinking that with 3 kids under the age 5 this is not sounding like a good idea. Thanks for the input. Maybe we will go early.
Originally Posted By sean-tyler Christmas New Years Easter and 4th of July are the Busiest Days ever at Disneyland. Doesn't get too busy until a week before Xmas
Originally Posted By SleepingBeauty82 The weeks of Christmas and New Years will be REALLY busy unless it rains or something. We're going on the 11th though, just for the day. I'm not too worried. They do a Christmas Parade and Christmas themed fireworks. It's A Small World and Haunted Mansion are holiday themed and I believe they're still doing a Christmas themed holiday area at the Big Thunder Ranch. As far as places to eat, the Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney is yummy! Try to get a table on the balcony. The lobster ravioli is really good. The Blue Bayou is pretty good as far as in the park eating. I heard Napa Rose at the Grand Californian is good as well.
Originally Posted By DlandDug Welcome to the boards, Rchkhrpr. I hope you will go over to Community and introduce yourself. These are all good questions. Here's my opinion on each. >>How crowded does it get?<< As noted, very. The week between Christmas and New Years is the busiest at Disneyland for the whole year. If you arrive with that understanding, it's not that bad. But small children may find it very daunting. You know what your own kids will and will not enjoy, though. >>Do they have any special events?<< The holidays in general are loaded with special events and activities. Check out this section of the official site: <a href="http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/special/holidays/detail?name=HolidaysSpecialEventPage" target="_blank">http://disneyland.disney.go.co...ventPage</a> >>Do you recomend staying on Christmas eve night or Christmas day?<< We have visited on Christmas day, and enjoyed ourselves. Of course, our youngest was 12 at the time, and we get to the Park quite often. Disneyland will close at 9pm on Christmas Eve. It is open until midnight every other night that week, including Christmas day. >>And most importantly, Where's the best place to eat?<< Mmmmmm. I love the Plaza Inn year round. No reservations required, but it will get quite crowded on Christmas day. As others have mentioned, reservations for any of the better restaurants will be necessary. Downtown Disney is another good option, with the added benefit of giving the kids a break from the park. There is a lavish buffet at the Disneyland Hotel. It's rather pricey, but worth it. For many Orange County families, dining at the Grand Ballroom at the Hotel is their annual tradition.
Originally Posted By DlandDug I should have mentioned that Disneyland's holiday celebration continues through January 4. Fun fact: Santa will be on hand all the way through the celebration, even after Christmas. He "vacations" at Disneyland after the big day.
Originally Posted By KCCHIEF My family and I will be there 12-22----12-27 and I personally do not care about the crowds...I am a people watcher and don't mind standing in line.....I have already booked my restaurants for every day of our trip though....we are at Goofy's for Christmas Eve and the PCH for Christmas.
Originally Posted By gottaluvdavillains I think it might be a tough trip with 5 under 5 - unless you will have 3 adults. The trip can be fun with all the people if you go knowing it will be very busy. I think it all depends on your attitude - if you go knowings busy and don't expect to get to do alot - then you aren't disappointed if you only ride a few rides... but happy if you ride many.
