Really need help with dates!

Discussion in 'Disneyland Trip Planning and Trip Reports' started by See Post, Jan 8, 2006.

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  1. See Post

    See Post New Member

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    Originally Posted By Disney_or_bust

    We're going nuts trying to decide which season to book our return trip to DL.

    After scrimping and saving for ages, I was able to take my daughter to the resort for the first time last year, but believed Alaska Airlines when they said the deadline for their kids fly/play free deal would end before the 50th began, so we ended up going the week before the celebration started. They extended the deal once we returned home, and I've been heartsick ever since that I didn't wait so we could be a part of the 50th!

    Suddenly, however, I've run in to a chunk of cash <smile> that will allow us to return sooner than I would have expected.

    We've heard such great things about the fireworks and parades for the anniversary, so I'm dying to see those before they're gone, but that would mean traveling to So Cal in Summer, when it's awfully hot for us, and sooooo crowded. I've read the reports on the crowds since the 50th started, and know it'll continue through summer. Somehow it sounds more exhausting than magical?

    The other option that interests us is the Christmas season. We've read so much about HMH, and the spirit of the season in the parks. I'd love to see it at Christmas time, finally. But if we decide on Christmas, it'll mean missing out on the 50th.
    The later date would mean more money for the trip, however, so I could do a resort hotel instead of HoJo's, and 5 or 6 days in the parks instead of 3 or 4.

    So my questions to all of you are:

    Are the typical Christmas crowds comparable to the summer crowds, or the ongoing 50th crowds?

    If we missed the 50th fireworks and parades, will there be new one's to take their place in December? Just as memorable, d'ya think?

    And lastly, if we decide on Christmas, is the park open on Christmas day itself, and would swimming typically be possible in December? It's a priority for my daughter to swim on vacation, though we're aware there won't be summer temps that time of year...

    Help! I'm making myself crazy trying to decide! Would any of you choose Christmas '06 over Summer '06 with the 50th still going strong??

    Thanks everyone!
     
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    Originally Posted By MomofPrincess

    I'll try my best to answer!
    >>Are the typical Christmas crowds comparable to the summer crowds, or the ongoing 50th crowds? <<
    The Christmas crowds are the worst. If you don't mind walking single file all day and standing two hours in line for rides like Dumbo, it's tolerable. I, however, ADORE Disneyland but will never, ever go again at Christmastime. I have been during the 50th, summertime, and Christmas... and Christmas was by far the worst.


    >>If we missed the 50th fireworks and parades, will there be new one's to take their place in December? Just as memorable, d'ya think?<<
    Yes, there will be new ones. Nice, but not nearly as memorable. The 50th are like nothing I've ever seen before - ever.

    >>And lastly, if we decide on Christmas, is the park open on Christmas day itself, and would swimming typically be possible in December? It's a priority for my daughter to swim on vacation, though we're aware there won't be summer temps that time of year... << Yes, it's open on Christmas Day. No, swimming would not be possible, I don't think. It's POSSIBLE (I remember one Christmas where it was 80 degrees!), but typically it's overcast and in the 50's or low 60's. I do believe the La Quinta Inn & Suites has an indoor, heated pool, though! Something you might look into... (And if you go through Expedia, the rates are REALLY cheap! Like $88/night for a kids' suite!)

    >>Help! I'm making myself crazy trying to decide! Would any of you choose Christmas '06 over Summer '06 with the 50th still going strong??<<

    I don't particularly like going in summer, and during the 50th would be even more hectic, but if I had to choose that over going at Christmastime - yes, I certainly would.

    Good luck deciding!
     
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    Originally Posted By hlbtimes2

    First off- dont kick yourself for missing the Alaska air special.Its not as great as it sounds. They charge you the full rate for the adult seat. You can often buy the adult and childs airfare for less then the full rate/ child free rate. They are currently running the special again. It would cost our family about $600 more to use the special then to use United air and shop for cheap flights. The part of the special that is good however, is the buy an adult park hopper get a childs free. That is currently going through April 27. I know its part of a package through Disney or AAA, or you can get just the tickets thru getawaytoday.com.

    Yes, swimming in Dec is possible. We stayed at the Fairfield (outdoor pool) in Dec. 2003 and swam a couple of times.

    Christmas time is fun in the park- very magical. But also very busy. If you can go before Christmas, that is best. The week between Christmas and New Years is crazy busy.

    I would try to go during the 50th. It is scheduled to last until about the end of Oct. If you can go at an off time at all I would. Can your daughter miss a day or two of school along with an already long weekend? That is what we did on our last trip, and will probably do again. We picked a 4 day weekend, and added one day to it.
     
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    Originally Posted By disneyfreaksk

    Here's my 2 cents. Have not made it for the 50th, but Christmas was the BEST. Worth the crowds just for the Haunted Mansion/Nightmare Before Christmas! It's a small world was awesome also.
     
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    Originally Posted By Disney_or_bust

    All good info and advice. Thanks! Doesn't make the decision any easier, though I suspected that would be the case.

    Pardon my thinking out loud here, but I'm so torn between the 50th or Christmas time. The crowds for the Christmas changeover would be more tolerable early in the season, after Thanksgiving or so, but part of my interest in Christmas time in the land was the idea of missing Christmas day at home. If we went to DL earlier in the month, there'd still be all the holiday stress to deal with once we returned. Ugh!
    We kind of liked the thought of playing hookie from all the hoopla...

    Now I'm thinking it's got to be the 50th after all. I'd be so sad to have missed it all.

    If we go in May or September, the heat won't be so intense, and the crowds might be at a level I consider manageable.
    Taking a few days out of school wouldn't be so scandalous. We could bring the teacher back a souvenier! :)

    Ok, now I'm off to research prices for May and September.

    Thanks for your input! I'm sure I'll ask for more hand-holding as I go through the process. You guys are the best.
     
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    Originally Posted By MomofPrincess

    I think your May or September idea sounds perfect!
     
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    Originally Posted By debtee

    We just arrived home from our trip and had a great time even with the Christmas crowds.

    If you are organised they are not too bad.

    I think missing out on the 50th would be a sad thing as all the park is dressed up for the 50th including the gold 50th mickey ears on the rides the gold ride vehicles and all the souvenirs that have the 50th logo on them.
    Even the plates and serviettes are all dressed up for the 50th.
    We loved it!!!
     
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    Originally Posted By hlbtimes2

    I think the 50th is really a great idea. There will be lots of other years you can celebrate Christmas in the park. The 50th will only happen once.
     
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    Originally Posted By smiley_face2

    another opinion here...we went once during actual christmas...never again! way too crowded, could not even think about actually doing any rides, although, we wandered around, ate good food, and watched the parade so it was alright. we go now in november, no crowds at all, and everything is on for the christmas season, parade fireworks etc. we swim in the HoJo pool everytime we go in winter...I guess maybe it's what you are used to, those warm blooded people from california think we are crazy I know....I love it there at christmas there is nothing like it!! having said that, we are planning our next trip tentatively for October. we really want to be part of the 50th, and like hlbtimes2 said, there will be plenty of christmas's in the future to see. I just have to sort out now, what will be closed for refurbishment and when, so we don't miss our favorite rides!!
     
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    Originally Posted By smiley_face2

    ack!! having posted my reply, I'm now reading on another thread, that the date to end the 50th may be Sept.!! we may bump up our trip, if not possible, then we will wait till November for all the christmas stuff and miss out on the 50th.
     
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    Originally Posted By smiley_face2

    wish I could edit my posts so I don't look like an idiot....should have also said, we have gone during the last week in august, it was nice then because the local kids were all back in school and it was pretty quiet. we found the weather to be very nice, not too hot, but then that's changeable!
     
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    Originally Posted By roberts1398

    We went that week 3 yrs ago (I think?), and it was terrific. None of the fall ride refurbs had begun, weather was great, low crowds. Great week.
     
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    Originally Posted By MomofPrincess

    That's great to hear!

    We just bought APs, and my daughter's 7th birthday is August 27 (a Sunday). She said she wants to go to DL for her birthday rather than having a party. I was hesitant to go that last weekend in August - or in summer at all - but am relieved to hear it's a good time to go, afterall.

    Thanks!
     
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    Originally Posted By smiley_face2

    I got to spend my birthday there, which is August 20th. We were there for the last 2 weeks of August and had great weather the whole time. For my birthday we Had dinner in the Blue Bayou, they sang their version of happy birthday with a little cake. Even though I'm all grown up...it's one of my fondest memories!! I can only imagine how much fun it would be for a child!!
     
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    Originally Posted By MomofPrincess

    How neat, smiley_face!!

    I will be there for my birthday on January 30 and can't WAIT! (And we were just there for our son's 10th bday in October.) Seems like the perfect place to celebrate, don't you think?
     
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    Originally Posted By 4Disnee

    MomofPrincess, You are so correct it is the most magical place to have a Birthday! I hope you have a very Happy Birthday!

    We have done my DS Birthday there for the last 2 years and it is so much fun!

    smiley_face, That is so wonderful. It is great having memories like that! :0)
     
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    Originally Posted By tinkerbell77

    We went in early Sept this past year. We arrived the day after Labor Day and the parks were empty!!!! I couldnt believe it. I would go with the 50th, instead of christmas. It was so wonderful to see everything all dressed up in gold! My kids realy enjoyed it also. The longest we had to wait for a ride was 20min. And not to much was down for refurbishment. Since we did the 50th I am now thinking about Christmas this year. But maybe the first week of Dec. I dont like to many crowds. But I would go with the 50th, but any time you go you'll love it.
     
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    Originally Posted By smiley_face2

    I've been doing lot's of hunting, and reading forums, and as far as I can tell, they will be finishing the 50th at the beginning of November, perhaps end of october. Kind of makes sense, they do up the park for Christmas at that time, it's usually all done by about the 7th or so, far as I can remember. They would probably do the change over all at once. I was talking to daughter last night about all our travels before we had kids too. We could have had our house paif for by now, but then we would not have the memories and experiences. I'm glad we took every trip we ever did....even the one in 2002 when our dollar was only worth about 65 cents US!!! nearly doubled the cost of everything!!...but still a bargain at twice the price I say!!
     
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    Originally Posted By MomofPrincess

    Smiley_face... I was just reading something in a magazine about happiness, and it said that if you have to pick between buying something material or going somewhere -- GO somewhere! It says those memories make us much happier than anything material. (Like an already-paid-for home, for instance.)

    I know that we, too, could've had some new furniture by now (ours is perfectly nice but I'd like to update a little) - but honestly - I'd rather go now while my kids are young and still so enthralled by it all! These memories are priceless.

    4Disnee - thank you so much!!!
     

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