2019 Holiday Time at DLR Superthread: 11/08/19 - 1/06/20!

I can't speak on how much time you have to invest to grab a viewing spot at either Small World or Main Street, but Small World does have projections. It also "snows" in the Small World area. It's a good alternative to Main Street, but keep in mind that you will be a lot closer to the fireworks, so they may be loud for some people.
 
In both 2017 and 2018, Disneyland Park reached capacity and closed to new visitors on December 27 and 28, but not on the dates that you'll be there. Of course, that does not mean it will happen the same way this year, but it's interesting that it was the exact same dates both years. But who knows? It's certainly possible the parks will reach capacity on your dates, and it's impossible to predict.

However, there is good news. First, Disneyland did apparently allow people who had previously entered (earlier in the day) to re-enter in 2018 (though not in 2017) even after they closed the gates to new visitors. And California Adventure didn't reach capacity either of those days. And I'm not aware of it ever reaching capacity and closing the turnstiles (someone correct me if I'm wrong). Again, there are no guarantees, but it seems less likely that you would be effectively locked out of both parks if you had been there earlier in the day. But this might actually be a reason to get Park Hopper -- just in case you did get locked out of Disneyland, you could (probably) get into DCA.



For me, the answer to this is hand's down MaxPass, and that would be the case any time of the year. But it's doubly so when it's busy. Anything that can help you get your FastPasses when it's that crowded is going to be a huge help. It's true that you could still get FastPasses the old fashioned way (from the kiosks), but it just makes it that much harder to maximize your use of them (being able to get a new FastPass as soon as you're able, instead of waiting until you're done with the attraction or navigate to the next kiosk).

Thank for the details and the good news. I appreciate the info and advice.
 
In both 2017 and 2018, Disneyland Park reached capacity and closed to new visitors on December 27 and 28, but not on the dates that you'll be there. Of course, that does not mean it will happen the same way this year, but it's interesting that it was the exact same dates both years. But who knows? It's certainly possible the parks will reach capacity on your dates, and it's impossible to predict.

However, there is good news. First, Disneyland did apparently allow people who had previously entered (earlier in the day) to re-enter in 2018 (though not in 2017) even after they closed the gates to new visitors. And California Adventure didn't reach capacity either of those days. And I'm not aware of it ever reaching capacity and closing the turnstiles (someone correct me if I'm wrong). Again, there are no guarantees, but it seems less likely that you would be effectively locked out of both parks if you had been there earlier in the day. But this might actually be a reason to get Park Hopper -- just in case you did get locked out of Disneyland, you could (probably) get into DCA....
The big reason DL hits capacity on those days repeatedly has to do with the Rose Bowl teams and all the accompanying families visiting the parks those days. DCA has had gate closures in the past, but they are rare -- certainly much more rare than they are at DL. (I think it's only happened once or twice at DCA, related to the 24 hour parties.) And, at DL, gate closures rarely last for a very long time. Usually the closure is lifted once the parade or fireworks are over and lots of people leave the park.
 


The 27th and 28th this year also fall on a Friday & Saturday so I would be extra cautious on those days about what time you get there or if you leave the park for a break.
 
Last year we waited for the coveted castle viewing spot for the Believe fireworks. I planned it so we were in front of the castle for the holiday lighting (730PM) and then we grabbed our spot to wait for the 9:30PM show. Even with two hours in advance there were people around saving seats but my son and I were able to get like second or third row (sitting down) front and center in view of the castle. It was worth it. Those are the only fireworks I’d wait that long for- the castle is so beautiful at Christmas time that it’s worth it to me.

We did this on a less busy day, a weekday in the second week of December when schools were still in session. There’s also just two of us so it’s easier for us to squeeze in. If I would do this on a busy day for a front castle view, I’d get a spot even earlier.

I’d also recommend bringing a blanket to sit on! I forgot to do this and by the end our bums were so cold! We got hot chocolate and treats to help pass the time and watched a movie on my phone. Even though it was a lot of waiting, it was absolutely worth it to me.
 
Is rope drop still as beneficial during this time, or is it even busier during rope drop time this week? Do crowds dwindle down during the last hours? I'm guessing not on the 31st?

How beneficial is it to have a park hopper? Scale of 1-10, leaving out preference for being able to do both parks in one day, and just focusing on if one park is really really busy and the other is not as busy.

Which do you think would be more beneficial if it's not feasible for us to do both. Max pass or hopper?

I've read things like 'we could barely move' When it gets like that, are we talking the entire park or just bottle neck areas? Are there places we should avoid at certain times of the day?

Does small world get really busy during Christmas time because of the overlay? I know haunted mansion does because we've done Halloween time before. My nephew acts like he's been triggered if someone so much as hums the tune, but the rest of us still love this ride.

What is the weather like? We've been during spring break, very end of May, early and late June and mid October for comparison.

We do enjoy the parades and fireworks but stuff like that has never been a huge priority for us. Are ride lines shorter during these times?

Any other advice you have? Things not to miss? Must try treats?

Yes, Rope Drop is always beneficial. Even on the busiest days the lines will be lower first thing in the morning. End of the night depends, it definitely clears out some after the first fireworks show.

I like having park hoppers but I’ve also gone without. The flexibility is nice but on real busy days I find it easier to just focus on one park and a MaxPass for those rides. I’d always pick MaxPass over a park hopper though.

Bottleneck areas that come to mind for me is any parade route right before or after a parade. Same with nighttime shows and fireworks. Another area that comes to mind is the entrance to Adventureland. One time we were there on one of those crazy busy days and we ended up just taking the train to get around to avoid the walkways.

Use FastPass for it’s a small world. Definitely save it for when it’s dark to enjoy the lights!

Last December I wore T-shirt’s and jeans with a flannel and was comfy. I threw on a light sherpa hoodie at night. Not too cold IMO.

My advice is to not miss the parade or fireworks and all the things that make the holidays so magical. That’s the best part of this time of year!
 


I'm trying to map out our couple of days at DLR this November and wanted to get peoples' opinions: what do you prefer? The daytime Christmas parade or the evening one? My DD is 4.5 years old and it will be her first time seeing a parade at Disneyland (not that that matters, but for context, I guess).

Thanks!

We preferred the evening one. I thought the costumes underneath the lights sparkled so much more!
 
We preferred the evening one. I thought the costumes underneath the lights sparkled so much more!
Thank you! I signed us up for the Plaza Inn dining package, which it turns out only gives passes for the second show anyway, but I'm glad to hear this is the one you liked best!
 
Thank you! I signed us up for the Plaza Inn dining package, which it turns out only gives passes for the second show anyway, but I'm glad to hear this is the one you liked best!

For the Christmas parade? I didn’t realize those had opened! I still have a few days before I can book, so I am glad to hear it is posted.
 
Noticed that in the details about the seating area for the Plaza Inn Christmas Parade reservation that is it was standing room only?? I thought last year people said that they sat on the cement in that area and then there were benches on the back row. My father will not be able to stand that long so I was hoping to snag him a bench, but it people are standing in that area he wont' see anything.
 
Noticed that in the details about the seating area for the Plaza Inn Christmas Parade reservation that is it was standing room only?? I thought last year people said that they sat on the cement in that area and then there were benches on the back row. My father will not be able to stand that long so I was hoping to snag him a bench, but it people are standing in that area he wont' see anything.
If it's in the same spot as the Pixar parade package (in front of Jolly Holiday) then everyone was sitting. There were 2-3 benches on the back. All around ppl not on the package were standing (except those on the curb).
 
Taking my 4yo niece the week before Thanksgiving while mom and dad are out of town. :lovestruc It will be her 2nd time going...first time was last year for her 3rd birthday in June but with mom and dad who are Disneyland fuddy duddies... :laughing: so she's going to have a blast with her favorite(only...lol) auntie...

I just made an ADR for Minnie and Friends. So excited to take her...wasn't able to go last year during holiday time.
 
So our last park day is Nov. 8 - if you had to choose between WOC - Season of Light or Believe in holiday magic fireworks, which would you chose?? We will see the regular WOC earlier on in the week. Won’t see any other fireworks. I’m leaning towards the fireworks, but I haven’t seen either of them before!
 
So our last park day is Nov. 8 - if you had to choose between WOC - Season of Light or Believe in holiday magic fireworks, which would you chose?? We will see the regular WOC earlier on in the week. Won’t see any other fireworks. I’m leaning towards the fireworks, but I haven’t seen either of them before!

Actually it looks like you should be able to do both. There will be two showings of Season of Light on the 8th at 9:00 and 10:15. Get a FP for the 2nd show which may possibly not be completely full and just get over to the viewing area for WoC right after the fireworks are done.

If you had to choose just one show though for whatever reason, as much as I love WoC and the Season of Light version may be my favorite of all the variations of WoC over the years, nothing beats Believe in Holiday Magic. Best night time spectacular of any domestic Disney park IMO. The music, the fireworks and the snowfall at the end with "I'm dreaming of a white Christmas" playing truly is magical.
 
Actually it looks like you should be able to do both. There will be two showings of Season of Light on the 8th at 9:00 and 10:15. Get a FP for the 2nd show which may possibly not be completely full and just get over to the viewing area for WoC right after the fireworks are done.

If you had to choose just one show though for whatever reason, as much as I love WoC and the Season of Light version may be my favorite of all the variations of WoC over the years, nothing beats Believe in Holiday Magic. Best night time spectacular of any domestic Disney park IMO. The music, the fireworks and the snowfall at the end with "I'm dreaming of a white Christmas" playing truly is magical.
Agree with this and would encourage trying to do both if possible. Getting a WOC FP to the second show is a great backup in case the fireworks get cancelled (always a possibility at DL). If for some reason "Believe in Holiday Magic" doesn't go on/ends mid-show, being able to head over for "Seasons of Light" will be balm for the soul!
 
Actually it looks like you should be able to do both. There will be two showings of Season of Light on the 8th at 9:00 and 10:15. Get a FP for the 2nd show which may possibly not be completely full and just get over to the viewing area for WoC right after the fireworks are done.

If you had to choose just one show though for whatever reason, as much as I love WoC and the Season of Light version may be my favorite of all the variations of WoC over the years, nothing beats Believe in Holiday Magic. Best night time spectacular of any domestic Disney park IMO. The music, the fireworks and the snowfall at the end with "I'm dreaming of a white Christmas" playing truly is magical.

We are travelling with young kids - there is no way they would last through the 10:15 show :(. Well, they would last through it, but then when the show was over and they realized how overtired they were, they would meltdown :P. But I will keep it in mind, I suppose it doesn’t hurt to grab a FP for WOC just in case they have long naps or seem wide awake :)
 

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