Ok, in the last 24 hours I've changed the dates of my trip with my husband at least four times. :p

We had originally planned on going in October, but after reading more posts it looks like schools will be out, there are a lot of convention, Halloween activities, etc. that might make for large crowds. Then we looked at the week after Thanksgiving, but getting a flight that Sunday was very expensive and we can't go later in the week. Then we looked at the 2nd-5th, but there are the CM parties and I enjoy the park later in the day and don't want to be there when they close at 6:00.

So NOW we're looking at Dec. 5th-8th. DL should be open until 8:00 Wed/Thurs, and until midnight that Friday. All attractions should be open, plus fireworks, holiday parade, and all holiday plans in full effect. Is there anything that I'm missing? Are there any drawbacks to planning a trip at this time, crowd-wise or other? Our main concern is wanting low crowd levels, but we'd also love to see as much special holiday stuff as we can.

Ok, in the last 24 hours I've changed the dates of my trip with my husband at least four times. :p

We had originally planned on going in October, but after reading more posts it looks like schools will be out, there are a lot of convention, Halloween activities, etc. that might make for large crowds. Then we looked at the week after Thanksgiving, but getting a flight that Sunday was very expensive and we can't go later in the week. Then we looked at the 2nd-5th, but there are the CM parties and I enjoy the park later in the day and don't want to be there when they close at 6:00.

So NOW we're looking at Dec. 5th-8th. DL should be open until 8:00 Wed/Thurs, and until midnight that Friday. All attractions should be open, plus fireworks, holiday parade, and all holiday plans in full effect. Is there anything that I'm missing? Are there any drawbacks to planning a trip at this time, crowd-wise or other? Our main concern is wanting low crowd levels, but we'd also love to see as much special holiday stuff as we can.

This is a great trip to be at DIsneyland. The crowds from the Candlelight Processional on Dec. 1 and Dec. 2 will be gone. The DL cast member partioes are on Dec. 3 and 4 and DL closes at 6. I have visited during this time and the visit was a dream. Low crowds and holiday decorations galor. My family will be visiting at the same time as you but through the weekend. Fireworks everynight! Enjoy!

Ok, in the last 24 hours I've changed the dates of my trip with my husband at least four times. :p

We had originally planned on going in October, but after reading more posts it looks like schools will be out, there are a lot of convention, Halloween activities, etc. that might make for large crowds. Then we looked at the week after Thanksgiving, but getting a flight that Sunday was very expensive and we can't go later in the week. Then we looked at the 2nd-5th, but there are the CM parties and I enjoy the park later in the day and don't want to be there when they close at 6:00.

So NOW we're looking at Dec. 5th-8th. DL should be open until 8:00 Wed/Thurs, and until midnight that Friday. All attractions should be open, plus fireworks, holiday parade, and all holiday plans in full effect. Is there anything that I'm missing? Are there any drawbacks to planning a trip at this time, crowd-wise or other? Our main concern is wanting low crowd levels, but we'd also love to see as much special holiday stuff as we can.


According to my unofficial record keeping, that Wed/Thurs you may have the place to yourself. Things pick up on the weekends but you can hit DCA. My friend was there those days last year for a company Christmas party and she said the place was DEAD. Kids are still in school, everyone just got back from Thanksgiving so it's the LUL before the Christmas Storm.

I was there that week in 2004 & had a blast! The crowds were minimal with practically no waits for anything (I think I only used fastpass twice the whole week!!) Nights can be chilly so be prepared. The Christmas decorations are wonderful & be sure to check out the lobby of the GCH for its decor & have a drink by the fireplace. I'll be there this year from 12/9-12/16. Enjoy!!

Thanks everyone. I'm so excited! Also, I've never stepped foot in the GCH. Is it worth stopping by there, even though we aren't staying there? I've heard great things about the Napa Rose, but as vegetarians on a budget it's probably out. Do they have a bar there at the hotel? You mentioned grabbing a drink. Maybe that would be something fun to do after the parks close?

I'm planning on being there December 13th-14th. I'm hoping that also will be a good week.

Yes, Geneva, all 3 DLR hotels are worth a stop & look. All have attractive lounges open to non staying guests but I'm partial to the Hearthstone Lounge at the GCH. You can exit DCA directly into the GCH (the exit is right across fron the Grizzly River Run) and head to the lobby. (Though you can't ENTER DCA from the GCH unless you're staying there). Napa Rose- I would certainly check out the menu for vegetarian options & then make a decision.

I like to hear the park will not be busy. We will be there Dec. 3-5 and I am now thinking of adding another day.:D

I hope so, I am going the 6-9! I am figuring Thursday and the first half of Friday to be pretty slow with crowds building on Friday and Saturday. I went this time 2 years ago and it was a great time to go!

We went about that time in 2005 - it was WONDERFUL! Try to do one of the holiday tours...that was one of the highlights of our trip!

We will be there the second weekend of December also. I am so excited. We cancelled our October trip to Las Vegas for this trip.

I hope so. I'd like to go down there the first week of December as well. I know the chances of me doing so are low, but it's always good to dream, right? :D

When you walk in December 5th, be sure to stop at the partners statute and wish Walt a happy birthday!

Thanks everyone. I'm so excited! Also, I've never stepped foot in the GCH. Is it worth stopping by there, even though we aren't staying there? I've heard great things about the Napa Rose, but as vegetarians on a budget it's probably out. Do they have a bar there at the hotel? You mentioned grabbing a drink. Maybe that would be something fun to do after the parks close?

If you find yourself looking for lunch in DCA, just use the hotel entrance near Grizzly River Run. If you go left toward the pool, there is a great little sandwich shop called White Water Snacks. They have veggie burgers and other vegitarian friendly meals, and it's a good price. From there you can explore the Grand Californian Hotel, and then head back into the park through the same entrance.

In the evening, the lobby is also a good pitstop for weary feet. And they have a really cool bar, just like an old (smoke free) cigar lounge of days gone by with big overstuffed chairs and couches to lounge in. The servers are very attentive, and polite, and they even have appetizers for the restaurants you can order (drinks and food can also be ordered in the lobby). It is a must do!

Yes, Geneva, all 3 DLR hotels are worth a stop & look. All have attractive lounges open to non staying guests but I'm partial to the Hearthstone Lounge at the GCH. You can exit DCA directly into the GCH (the exit is right across fron the Grizzly River Run) and head to the lobby. (Though you can't ENTER DCA from the GCH unless you're staying there). Napa Rose- I would certainly check out the menu for vegetarian options & then make a decision.


Actually you can enter DCA through the GCH entrance even if you aren't a guest there. You just go through their small bag check and present your ticket like you would at any other entrance to the parks. Simple and convenient. We used that entrance several times on our last visit a week ago and we stayed at the Hojo's!

Actually you can enter DCA through the GCH entrance even if you aren't a guest there. You just go through their small bag check and present your ticket like you would at any other entrance to the parks. Simple and convenient. We used that entrance several times on our last visit a week ago and we stayed at the Hojo's!

Perfect! Is Hojo's pretty close to GCH then? Sounds like it'll work perfectly for us.

Actually you can enter DCA through the GCH entrance even if you aren't a guest there. You just go through their small bag check and present your ticket like you would at any other entrance to the parks. Simple and convenient. We used that entrance several times on our last visit a week ago and we stayed at the Hojo's!

Really? When I stayed at the GCH a couple of weeks ago, they asked for my GCH key. I wouldn't recommend using the entrance unless you're a true guest, because they might not let you through.

The trick with that entrance is, anyone can go from the hotel to the park, but only hotel guests can go from the park back into the hotel. And during peak times (opening and closing) they restrict it to hotel guests only both ways. If you have eaten in the hotel they usually let you through during peak times if you show your dining receipt. I have been using that shortcut for years after eating at Whitewater Snacks or Storytellers and have never had a problem.

I hope this isn't a hijack, but what are ride closures like during the time after Thanksgiving through the second week of December?

Perfect! Is Hojo's pretty close to GCH then? Sounds like it'll work perfectly for us.

No the Hojo's is across the street on Harbor. I was just saying that I wasn't a guest at the hotel and have never been asked if I was. I didn't realize that that entrance had restrictions since I've never been asked if I was a hotel guest before and have been using that convenient little shortcut to Downtown Disney for quite awhile. I may have to go back to using the long route to Downtown Disney! Thanks for the info about the restrictions. At least I won't be surprised if they don't let me through next time!

Katran .I've been there twice during those weeks & don't remember anything being closed for its annual "check-up", just attractions that were closed for MAJOR refurbishment like Space Mountain in '04 & Pirates in '05 that were undergoing major changes.

Thanks Carolinakid. :D

Regular scheduled refurbs usually happen between Jan 2nd and Mar/April/May. Unless there is major ongoing construction or a problem, they rarely take down rides for maintenance or refurb during the holidays. My guess is because the gaps between busy periods are just too short after October with Halloween then Vet's Day then Thanxgiving then Xmas break, and they need all the rides open to keep capacity capability up and spread out the crowd.

Has anyone found any good hotel deals or specials at this time? We are also going that week.

Thanks.

We just booked the candy cane inn for weekend of dec 7-8. It'll be crowded but it's about the only time we can fit in a short trip to once again experience the wonderful time of Christmas at the park. With use of FP and tolerance of crowds, it'll be great. We normally try to be there weekdays during that time but can't this year.