Originally Posted By fkurucz The kids will be out of scholl already and I we would rather avoid the crushing crowds between Christmas and New Year's. From past experience, how busy is that week? I imagine the closer it gets to Christmas, the busier it will be. Thanks.
Originally Posted By Mr Snappy In over 30 trips to DisneyLand, I have never been in the months of NOV or DEC. But, I understand that it is one of the busiest times of year. To me Disneyland is not a place I care to associate with Christmas....I have no problem with it, but DL does not jump to mind that time of year. I think of DL as a Spring/Summer place..
Originally Posted By fkurucz >>From past experience, how busy is that week?<< Just to be clear, I am asking about Dec 17-23. Thanks
Originally Posted By berol You have it about right. The easy way to tell if the crowds will be thick or not is to check the socal AP blockout dates. If they're blocked out, expect crowds.
Originally Posted By berol and if deluxe is blocked out, watch out!!! https://secure.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/ap/index?name=AnnualPassholderGatewayPage&appRedirect=<a href="http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/ap/gated/landing?name=AnnualPassholderLandingPage" target="_blank">http://disneyland.disney.go.co m/disneyland/en_US/ap/gated/landing?name=AnnualPassholderLandingPage</a>
Originally Posted By berol <a href="http://disneyland.disney.go.co" target="_blank">http://disneyland.disney.go.co</a> m/disneyland/en_US/ap/gated/landing?name=AnnualPassholderLandingPage
Originally Posted By fkurucz >>and if deluxe is blocked out, watch out!!!<< We have deluxe APs, so I already checked that out (not blocked). Still, I wonder what it will be like that week. In my experience, even the slightest special event can bring out the locals in droves. For example, we went 5 years (IIRC) ago the week before Thanksgiving week. The first days were glorious: nice weather, very moderate crowds (but not deserted). Then halfway through our trip, they turned on the "snow". I swear that half of Orange County suddenly showed up!
Originally Posted By dzy76 I've been that week (although it was years ago) and it wasn't too bad. Waits at big attractions (splash etc.) were around 35 min. But the weekend was crowded. We left the 20th and it was really picking up in attendance. Hope it helps.
Originally Posted By SuzieQ I've been there that week also, and it was absolutel PACKED. The closer to Christmas you get, the more crowded it gets.
Originally Posted By Chumpson Would this be a worse or better time to go than late January? I am struggling with two times Jan. 26-30ish or Dec. 16-20. I know the trade offs would be Christmas Decorations and all rides working vs Less Crowds and cheaper, right? So, given the choices is there a "right choice"?
Originally Posted By berol jan-feb is when crowds are lightest except the holiday weekends, depends what's more important for ya
Originally Posted By wendebird >>Any thoughts on Dec 17-23?<< As soon as the kiddies are out of school, DL will be packed. I'll bet the last day of school will be December 15th, so plan on a very, very busy DL.
Originally Posted By wendebird >>Would this be a worse or better time to go than late January? I am struggling with two times Jan. 26-30ish or Dec. 16-20. I know the trade offs would be Christmas Decorations and all rides working vs Less Crowds and cheaper, right? So, given the choices is there a "right choice"?<< You are correct in your assumptions. I love DL at Christmas, but some of my best trips have been in the winter, especially on overcast/rainy days. I personally think you should experience DL at Christmastime. It's gorgeous. How about maybe a trip in November (not Thanksgiving or Veteran's Day weekends) or earlier in December? We went the weekend before Thanksgiving last year & it was great. It's when they film the WDW Christmas Special. We even got to be on the show. My dh & dd got a small spot in a mini-commercial for DCA & we all got a spot on Main Street when MercyMe did Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree.
Originally Posted By fkurucz >>As soon as the kiddies are out of school, DL will be packed. I'll bet the last day of school will be December 15th, so plan on a very, very busy DL. << Thanks. Perhaps it might be better to go earlier in December. This, of course, will involve pulling the kids out of school (like they'll complain).
Originally Posted By wendebird >>You are correct in your assumptions. I love DL at Christmas, but some of my best trips have been in the winter, especially on overcast/rainy days.<< I should have specified when I said winter, I meant January-February. >>Thanks. Perhaps it might be better to go earlier in December. This, of course, will involve pulling the kids out of school (like they'll complain).<< Read my post #14. The only weekend that's very busy in December is the weekend of Candlelight Processional. Other than that, the crowds are pretty light. Or you could try the week before Thanksgiving. All the decorations are up by the early part of November.
Originally Posted By fkurucz ^^^By December, you mean other than the week between Christmas and New Year's, right?
Originally Posted By wendebird >>^^^By December, you mean other than the week between Christmas and New Year's, right?<< Actually no, it's starts getting busy before that weekend. I would say the best time is between 12/1-12/14.
Originally Posted By RoJo We've been down that week the last two years and it was nothing like this past Easter week! Go down and enjoy yourself and even hope for a little rain!
