Disneyland

Hi

I know this will sound like a trick question, but is there any time to visit Disneyland when the crowds may be thinner? We are visiting the last week in December and I don%26#39;t know quite what to expect for that time of year. After reading some of the reviews we are prepared for hectic days. My daughter is 11 and I am . . . . . . a bigger kid. Thanks from 2ofusdownunder.

Disneyland

unfortunately, that time is not very good. Kids are off for winter break and some adults get the time between xmas and new years off as well. It will be very crowded. New Years eve is amazingly packed so stay away that day. My only suggestion would be to go on a weekday--Mon-Thursday --since at least some of the adults will stil be working and that should lighten the crowds a little.

Disneyland

We too went to disney in dec 2005. Go with an open mind, enjoy the whole experience. We could not go any other time and truly had a holiday of a lifetime, that is what we wanted for our family. the decorations and the atmosphere is breathtaking. we had an awesome time 30/12 - 4/1/06. We stayed at the fairfiled inn and used ridemax. both were fantastic. remember to see all the parades, fantasmic %26amp; use fastpass. We got lots of info from this thread, research and read all comments. have a great holiday. it truly is a magical place.

Hi Deb123

Thanks so much for your assurance. We are very excited and have started counting the sleeps! We will just go for it, no matter how hectic it is.

All the best.

From 2ofusdownunder

I second the going with an open mind, and taking full advantage of the Fastpass system. It will get you into a lot more rides that you%26#39;d do with standby.

Also, that time of year is a lot of fun to just walk around DL %26amp; DCA to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the decorations!

The parks are absolutly gorgeous that time of year. That is a horribly busy week, though. If you are prepared for it, and use the fastpasses, and remain in the spirit of things, you%26#39;ll be fine. As an annual passholder I would never go there then, but if it%26#39;s your only shot it%26#39;s better then no Disneyland at all!!

Also remember-- it can be cold in Anaheim in December, mainly at night. Be prepared to layer your clothing. We always get a locker for our jackets and our blanket (to sit on while waiting for parades/Fantasmic).

Hi Norcalgal67

Thanks so much for the tips. These are the little things that will mean quite a lot to ';green skins'; like the two of us. I have started a notebook to jot down the helpful hints which will make our visit run smoother. I know once we get there it will be fun unleashed and you know what that can be like - running in circles. I really appreciate your help.

From the 2ofusdownunder

Hi

You%26#39;ve got good advice. It%26#39;s going to be busy - just go with the flow - don%26#39;t stress - and everything will work out fine. It%26#39;s magical.

Thanks for taking the time to respond. I appreciate it. We will be fine.

Do you know how to use fastpasses? (They are free and really save time waiting in line!)

Also, are you getting a hotel near disneyland? Try to get into the park when it opens, it%26#39;s the least crowded time. Then it starts to get quite crowded with long lines after lunch. Between noon and 3:00 pm is probably the most crowded time. (A good time to take a break in your hotel if you have one or to use your fastpasses that you have collected in the morning.) Sometimes it%26#39;s less crowded again in the evening, except for Friday night, when a crowd of locals seems to pour in (I think they have annual passes.)

You want to do Splash mountain, Indiana Jones, and Space Mountain in the morning, or else collect fast passes for some of those as soon as you can. (They have some of the longest lines otherwise.)

Have fun!

Melissa5 - hi. Thanks very much for your information. I have now booked a hotel close to Disneyland, with a shuttle service. We could also walk but depends on the day I guess. So that takes care of the transport. I did check out Fastpass on the Disneyland site so now I understand. We will certainly take advantage of this. Yes we could go back to the hotel for a break and then return, that is a good idea. Thanks for the tips on the rides. In fact these are the rides that my daughter found out about (somehow) and she had those high on her list. So we are really getting very organised now and will only have to wait for the time to come. The only thing I don%26#39;t have sorted out is the entrance tickets. But I did email the hotel and they said the tickets can be purchased from them when we arrive, so that%26#39;s good.

All the best. I appreciate your thoughts.

From

2ofusdownunder

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