Am I crazy to think about DL for Christmas week? About This Page:

[mom23k9s]

After an even dozen trips to WDW, I think our next Disney adventure might take us to the West Coast where it all started, DLR! My DH has always wanted to attend the Tournament of Roses Parade and we might try it this year for his 45th birthday (12/31). So here's a question for all you DL veterans.

Is Christmas Week at DL as crazy as WDW? I hate to be so close and not go, but I don't want my first impressions of DL to be bad because of huge crowds. Hmm! Your thoughts?

[w-steele]

Originally Posted by mom23k9s

After an even dozen trips to WDW, I think our next Disney adventure might take us to the West Coast where it all started, DLR! My DH has always wanted to attend the Tournament of Roses Parade and we might try it this year for his 45th birthday (12/31). So here's a question for all you DL veterans.

Is Christmas Week at DL as crazy as WDW? I hate to be so close and not go, but I don't want my first impressions of DL to be bad because of huge crowds. Hmm! Your thoughts?

Yes, Disneyland and California Adventure will be very busy from a few week before Christmas to a few days after New Years Day and going then is no more crazy than my wife and I spending New Years Eve at Disneyland Resort. We are planning on being in DCA come midnight Dec 31. Hahaha. It will be the third time in four years we've done this. Missed last year.

[Disneyland Obsession]

It's my belief that you can make a trip to Disneyland anytime of the year, and have a great time. You do have to plan it right though. Start by thinking about the best time to make your trip.

1. It should be when most of the kids are still in school.
before Christmas break
2. Make it the middle of the week, when most people are still at work.
this will give you the best part of the day at the park, before the crowds pick up
in late afternoon and evening.
3. Watch the long term weather reports, if the chance of rain goes up, the crowds go down, just be sure to take your poncho or rain gear and warm clothes.
4. If it rains the park is all yours.

I have a friend that says he loves Disneyland during the rainy season, because no one is there except him and all of the cast members.
We tried it and I agree there was no waiting for any ride, coffee or meals and shopping was a joy.

Christmas at Disneyland.jpg

You can see for yourself it was quiet for us and our trip was from a Wednesday to Friday, December 10 -11-12-2008.
If the picture doesn't load go to my website Disneyland Obsession .com
and you can see more there
Enjoy

[HeatherD]

Yes, as w-steele reports, it is pretty crazy the week of Christmas and New Years, since most all schools are out for that week. The crowds are "as bad" as summer crowds. Since you want to go to the Tournament of Roses Parade, your dates are a bit less flexible - but what about going the week after the parade? Everyone will be going back to work/school that Monday and it should clear out the crowds a bit.

Side note: My dad's a Rotarian and his District Governor one year lived ON THE PARADE ROUTE! This was back in the early 90s. He invited some Rotarians (who were hosting exchange students) to sleep in his backyard and/or on the street. It was an incredible experience, since we were right at the staging area where the parade started and we'd even helped decorate the Rotary float the day before. I hope you get to go!

[shydonna1]

Having done both, I think DL seems more crowded just based on park design...but there is still no more magical place than Disney over the holidays! You just have to pick your top 3 things to do each day and then anything you do after that is just "gravy".

[rc19]

I am trying to decide, should we go the week before Xmas or the week in between xmas and New Years? Is it just has busy or is the crowds smaller the week before? I have been to disney 6 times but usually in November, once in January and once for spring break, never again at spring break.
I really would like to see it decorated for the holidays! Huge decision here!

[w-steele]

We've been both weeks and to tell you the truth, we didn't notice any difference. Crowded is crowed no matter which week. However, if you don't like HUGH crowds, DO NOT GO FOR NEW YEARS EVE. We do but don't mind the crowds all that much as we usually stay in California Adventure between 6pm and closing on 'the' Eve. Disneyland in that same time frame is a total mad house with Dl usually closing it's gates by Noon. Then the only way in is with a hand stamp and pass.

[rc19]

Ok thanks, for that. The only way I can judge on what you think is crowded is by line ups. Over an hour wait for most rides, such as, IJ, SM, MHM???