So we have decided we won't visit the parks during xmas week even though we are soooooooooooo close by in Irvine. So sad to not visit when traveling all the way from the east coast. But we just don't want to battle the crowds. As an alternative, we are thinking about a hotel character meal. We have been to Surfs Up once, so maybe one of the others (although I have to look through the characters - is there is a list somewhere?). But tell me the truth. What will driving/parking be like coming from Irvine? And, would it be super crowded to walk around Downtown Disney? Our date choices would be the 26th or 27th. THANKS!