Originally Posted By RedRider I am planning a trip to Disneyland this fall/winter and I need some help deciding when exactly (they really like you to know when your coming when making resevations... go figure). The dates I have so far are Oct. 5th-8th, Dec. 13th-16th, and Jan 3rd-6th. I hoping someone can tell me which of these three times would be least crowded. Also, I am wondering if the perks of Resort hotels are worth the price (mind you I have a 1 yr old). I will only be getting a basic room (no upgrades) cause OUCH, so I won't get all the perks some get. O, and did I mention that I'm SUPER excited? Cause I am! Thanks all....
Originally Posted By CuriousConstance I would bet Jan 3-6th. October is becoming ever increasingly popular, and Dec 13-16th is right in the middle of holiday season.
Originally Posted By Mickeysbestfan Jan 3-6 will be least busy, but you might run into ride closures for holiday overlay removal. Dec 13-16th should be a good time to go. It's right before school breaks start on the 17th. All the rides will be running and everything will be decked out for Christmas.
Originally Posted By WestWind ^ I agree exactly... I am not yet convinced the perks at the Resort Hotels are worth the extra cost...but I still want to stay at one sometime. Have a great trip RedRider! ... the trip planning is all part of the fun.
Originally Posted By WDWdreamin I agree exactly too with Mickeysbestfan. And I don't think the resort parks would be worth it, for me or you.
Originally Posted By CuriousConstance The resort hotels really are spendy. And usually unaffordable for me, but I have stayed at the DLH and the Paradise Pier before, and when comparing those to most of the hotels up and down Harbor, there really is no comparison. Sure they are a lot of money, but especially in the case of the GCH or the DLH, they truly are a resort hotel. The pool areas, restaurants on location, and atmosphere really can't be achieved anywhere else in that area. I don't stay at them often because I'd rather stay off site and get to go to DL more often than stay on and barely ever get to go, but if I had the money, I'd stay at a DL resort hotel everytime. It makes the occasion that much more special, so if you have the money, I'd say go for it.
Originally Posted By Sparrow Jan 3-6th are going to be the least crowded but there is something magical about the resort at Christmas time. Dec 13th-16th are during the week too so it shouldnt be too bad. I would go during Dec.
Originally Posted By Autopia Deb Arizona schools have a week long break in October contributing to larger crowds, BUT the Halloween decorations are wonderful. Mid December will be more crowded than early December, but not as bad as Christmas week. And as stated, nearly everthing will be up and running, plus the Christmas decorations and parade are worth a little more crowding. Most of the Christmas decorations will be up and the parade will still run the first week of the year. But I find I'm kind of tired of tinsel and lights by that time, YMMV.
Originally Posted By gardenrooms DL might close early 12/13 for Cast Member parties but otherwise should be okay. We were there 12/13-12/15 last year. Crowds were good-sized - I'm thinking, very long wait for Toy Story Midway Mania, which was new for us in DL, Golden Horseshoe was packed to the brim - we'll see when we return this weekend, but my guess is less people than summertime but more people than in January. Although there were plenty of people there, we had a wonderful time except for early closings Monday and Tuesday - which they WILL NOT confirm dates of until 1 month out (think they are always Monday and Tuesday, though, so you should mostly be okay with your December dates - I thought it was always the first week of December, but it wasn't last year). After New Year crowds should be lighter - and I think you can check the dates they remove the holiday overlays on their site. I wouldn't spend extra money on the DLH unless the remodeling is done - you pay to stay in the magic, and all the constructions mess detracts from that. If you can swing the Grand Californian, it is beautiful and special at the holidays, but you might want to wait till your little one can remember it, too. Don't know about Paradise Pier - it doesn't seem as "magical" to me - I love the walk to the DLH through DTD - but maybe it is. Whenever you go, have a WONDERFUL time!
Originally Posted By Princessjenn5795 I personally think the resort hotels are worth it. We always stay at the GCH and we love the entrance to DCA, the short walk to the DL entrance (which is really great when getting kiddos back to the hotel at midnight), and the hotel restaurants. We also really like the pool area. I would do whatever feels best to you...if you will be unhappy or worried about spending the money, it probably would't be worth it. You will have an amazing vacation no matter what you choose.
Originally Posted By RedRider Thank everyone! Since you all made the holidays sound so good I think we will go in December. I haven't ever seen DL at Christmas so I'm way excited! I'm usually too shy to post anything so this has been fun! Anyway, if anyone is there on those days and sees a redhead toting around a sleepy or screaming boy expecting him to be as excited as her, say hi because it will be this crazy woman!
Originally Posted By 73baloo Princessjenn5795 - I agree the resort hotels are worth the price. I have stayed off property and love the savings but when you get back to the hotel it is just a room and not an extension of your vacation.
Originally Posted By sjdimon If you like decorations, holiday **magic** and all of that - then the December Dates are the winners - hands down! Since those are mid-week and before most traditional "Winter Break" times for the schools, it will be quieter (as someone noted, the park hours will likely be shorter - but with a 1 year old, you don't want to be going in 16 Hour Commando Mode either!) If money is not an problem, then consider one of the Disney Hotels (Grand Californian is the closest; Disneyland Hotel is in the end-phases of a 2 year overhaul (and has a relatively close Monorail Station).
Originally Posted By WDWdreamin It sounds like you made a great choice. I think December is incredible and special. And I am sure the hotels would be great, but for that price? I wouldn't.
Originally Posted By dlkozy >>>"(and has a relatively close Monorail Station)."<<< Remember that you can't count on the Monorail for transportation. When it works it's great but far too often now-it doesn't and the lines are looooong.
Originally Posted By RedRider Holy crap did you guys know that tax on a hotel room in Anaheim is 17%!!!!! I might have to sell my left kidney just to pay for tax!! O well I guess it will be worth it to go right? Although, I will probably skip the Disney dream suite option..... and the Disney hotel option....... and the extra 3 months of disney fun I was hoping to add on..... O well, Disneyland here I come!
Originally Posted By DlandDug A final word about January 3-6. Disneyland traditionally leaves EVERYTHING up and running through the Sunday following New Years Day. Since that is a Sunday in 2012, that means that everything should be in place the whole first week of January. I am certain the crowds will be much smaller. That said, you could do a lot worse than the second week in December, mid-week. It will be crowded, but hopefully not unbearable. With your little one, you might want to consider a cheaper hotel, but one near the Resort. The Resort hotels really are magical, but there's something to be said for saving money when you have a tiny child who really won't appreciate it. And have a GREAT trip!
Originally Posted By alphabetmom I have only been during Christmas once and it was totally magical, would love to do it again. Whether staying on site is worth it, it all is a matter of perspective. I have not stayed an site as that would cut into finances too much. I usually get our tickets at AAA as you get the free parking. Last time we went we got one city pass, and bought what we could ala carte at aaa, was cheaper option.
