We are going to Disneyland between Xmas and New Years. I hear this is a really busy time. Is this true and do you have any suggestions that will make our trip more enoyable?
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Tags: crowds, Days, Disneyland, Xmas, strategies, betweenRelated posts:
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Unfortunately, that’s probably the worst time of year to be at Disneyland or Walt Disney World. The only suggestions I have would be to take advantage of the FastPass tickets whenever you can and just be patient. One trick I saw a family use a couple of years ago was they bought the children’s version of Trivial Pursuit — Disney Edition, and while they were standing in line they went through the cards and read the questions.
The crowds are VERY large during that time. If you can’t wait until after New Years, here are some tips:
Arrive EARLY. Get there when the park opens, and you can get in a lot of rides the first two hours. We went last Saturday, and rode 8 rides by 10AM (including Splash Mountain, where we got soaked… fortunately, that was our last ride and it was about 80F that day).
Call 714-781-DINE and make a reservation for lunch and dinner at a sit-down restaurant. You’ll wait in enough lines during the day, it’s really not fun when you’re hungry and waiting for a table.
Do your homework: Go to Disneyland.com and check the calendar for schedules, ride closures, and parades and fireworks. Plan which rides are a “must do”, and which ones you can live without. Hit the most popular rides early (see above)
Take it easy in the afternoon. This is when the park is most crowded. Pace yourself for the evening.
Find a good location early for parades and fireworks. If you did a lot of rides in the morning, you’ll probably enjoy sitting for awhile. Hint: Fireworks are best viewed from the hub in front of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, but if you don’t do well in crowds, then you might want to hang around “It’s a Small World” for them.
Hope this helps,
Have fun!
OMG, it is horribly crowded. I thought it would be good on Christmas, but it was jammed packed. This is probably the worst week to go. If you have to go, buy the pass that lets you cut in line, get there early and plan ahead. good luck!
try the 26th
busy? RiDICULOUSLY!
go on a weekday and get there early so that you can at least have a few hours before the mad rush.
dont even try going on a weekend. it will be miserable.