First time in 15 years. Planning help, please!

[Minnie1986]

Hi All,

This Christmas (day after, not actual xmas day), I'll be heading to Disneyland for the first time in 15 years. While I'm aware that it doesn't require the extensive planning that a trip to WDW does, any tips/strategies/etc to get the most out of this trip would be greatly appreciated!


Edit: 1- Does Disneyland have FastPass+ or anything like that?
2- I can go any day between 12/26-12/29; would any of these days be better than the other? Or, is it just the holiday season that sucks, crowd-wise?

 

[EPCOTCenterLover]

It will be packed! If you're staying on site, get to your top choices early. Radiator Springs Racers in particular requires it fi you want to see it at all during the Christmas season.

 

[George Lucas on a Bench]

In terms of crowds, chances are you'll be screwed. We wish we had better news for you, but it's the worst time to go.

Get there early, take antipsychotics and mix well with booze around noontime. Repeat in evening.

 

[Phroobar]

Just go with the flow the park. Don't try to hit everything just to check it off a list. Relax and take in the sights and sounds of the park. It will be more packed than usual. Enjoy yourself and don't let the massive crowds get to you.

 

[truecoat]

I say this everytime someone asks and I can't stress this enough. Get there early. You can do quite a bit by 1-2 pm and take a break. Come back later and enjoy the parade or fireworks.

 

[Minnie1986]

Thanks, everyone. I

In terms of crowds, chances are you'll be screwed. We wish we had better news for you, but it's the worst time to go.

Get there early, take antipsychotics and mix well with booze around noontime. Repeat in evening.

I know that Christmas is crazy, regardless of what Disney Park you go to. Nonetheless, I live nowhere near Anaheim, and I'd rather go with the flow than miss out and not go at all. I have no idea when I will next be in southern California.

Trust me, I will definitely be getting there early and there will be plenty of drink sampling, since there will be no children on this trip

 

[Minnie1986]

Are there any rides that anyone would suggest as must do? I'm looking forward to Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, since it is no longer at WDW.

 

[Minnie1986]

It will be packed! If you're staying on site, get to your top choices early. Radiator Springs Racers in particular requires it fi you want to see it at all during the Christmas season.

I won't be staying onsite

Just go with the flow the park. Don't try to hit everything just to check it off a list. Relax and take in the sights and sounds of the park. It will be more packed than usual. Enjoy yourself and don't let the massive crowds get to you.

This is mostly my goal. I literally just got home from WDW a week ago, so I will be skipping the rides that can be found at the Orlando parks.I mostly want to go because Christmas is the one holiday I've never been able to experience at Disney. I'm so excited to see the decorations, etc!

 

[mickEblu]

Are there any rides that anyone would suggest as must do? I'm looking forward to Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, since it is no longer at WDW.

Just DL Or DCA too? At DL: (in no particular order)

Toad
Alice (if you haven't before)
It's a Small World Holiday
Sleeping Beauty Castle Walk Through (one of those charming DL things)
Matterhorn (has new yeti AAs but still rough and may not be worth wait on a crowded day)
Pirates
Haunted Mansion Holiday
Splash Mountain (most people think WDWs is better but if it were me I would like the opportunity to compare. With that said since you have probably Been on WDWs and your going on a cold crowded holiday, I guess a water ride is expendable)
Indy
Enchanted Tiki room (if you haven't before, plus bonus of being one of the lower wait times you ll experience that day)
Thunder Mountain @ night (way better at night, similar to WDW from what I understand but we have the new explosion effects for the finale.
Space Mountain
Roger Rabbits Cartoon Spin (if you haven't before)

If time permits: I would do the Story book land canal boats but being the day after Christmas I don't think it's worth an hour plus wait.

 

[BasiltheBatLord]

Does Disneyland have FastPass+ or anything like that?

No, DLR is still essentially using the traditional paper FastPass system. However, there is a new service called "MaxPass" which is a $10 per day, per person service which allows you to book FP on your phone and across parks at any time, without having to physically go to the attractions FP distribution.

Are there any rides that anyone would suggest as must do? I'm looking forward to Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, since it is no longer at WDW.

I compiled a list of exclusive DL attractions + attractions that are different from or superior to WDW in a similar thread here

 

[Minnie1986]

No, DLR is still essentially using the traditional paper FastPass system. However, there is a new service called "MaxPass" which is a $10 per day, per person service which allows you to book FP on your phone and across parks at any time, without having to physically go to the attractions FP distribution.


I compiled a list of exclusive DL attractions + attractions that are different from or superior to WDW in a similar thread here

So incredibly helpful. Thanks!

 

[Minnie1986]

Just DL Or DCA too? At DL: (in no particular order)

Toad
Alice (if you haven't before)
It's a Small World Holiday
Sleeping Beauty Castle Walk Through (one of those charming DL things)
Matterhorn (has new yeti AAs but still rough and may not be worth wait on a crowded day)
Pirates
Haunted Mansion Holiday
Splash Mountain (most people think WDWs is better but if it were me I would like the opportunity to compare. With that said since you have probably Been on WDWs and your going on a cold crowded holiday, I guess a water ride is expendable)
Indy
Enchanted Tiki room (if you haven't before, plus bonus of being one of the lower wait times you ll experience that day)
Thunder Mountain @ night (way better at night, similar to WDW from what I understand but we have the new explosion effects for the finale.
Space Mountain
Roger Rabbits Cartoon Spin (if you haven't before)

If time permits: I would do the Story book land canal boats but being the day after Christmas I don't think it's worth an hour plus wait.

Completely forgot that California Adventures was a thing. Would you recommend it?

 

[mickEblu]

Completely forgot that California Adventures was a thing. Would you recommend it?

I would but not if your only doing one day. My suggestion would be 2 days 1 park per day since it will be pretty crowded. I don't think you need to get a park hopper and waste time walking back and forth. Would be a shame not to see DCA since it's literally across the esplanade and a lot has changed and there are a few DCA exclusive attractions.

 

[EPCOTCenterLover]

^^^ Agreed!

 

[Disneyland/DCA]

DCA is SIGNIFICANTLY better than it was in 2002 and definitely worth a visit. But if ur only there for a day, Disneyland does Christmas better, and with crowds ur better off sticking to one park. I'll reiterate the advice to get there early and/ or get maxpass

 

[Minnie1986]

DCA is SIGNIFICANTLY better than it was in 2002 and definitely worth a visit. But if ur only there for a day, Disneyland does Christmas better, and with crowds ur better off sticking to one park. I'll reiterate the advice to get there early and/ or get maxpass

Would you mind explaining what Maxpass is? Since I'd like to do both Harry Potter and Disney on this trip, I don't think I'll have time to do DCA on this trip. But, I'm okay with that.

 

[mickEblu]

Would you mind explaining what Maxpass is? Since I'd like to do both Harry Potter and Disney on this trip, I don't think I'll have time to do DCA on this trip. But, I'm okay with that.

Hmmmm. Have you been to Harry Potter in Florida? How big of a Potter fan are you? I would wait and maybe make it a part of a WDW trip and go to DCA since there is a lot more to do. Now, if you're a huge Potter fan (haven't been to Potter in Florida) and have never been to Universal Studios Hollywood and want to do the tram tour then I get it. But just comparing park to park, there is much more to do at DCA. It gets a little repetitive at Universal Studios Hollywood where most of the attractions are motion simulators. There are a lot more attractions at DCA and a lot more a variety.

 

[Minnie1986]

Hmmmm. Have you been to Harry Potter in Florida? How big of a Potter fan are you? I would wait and maybe make it a part of a WDW trip and go to DCA since there is a lot more to do. Now, if you're a huge Potter fan (haven't been to Potter in Florida) and have never been to Universal Studios Hollywood and want to do the tram tour then I get it. But just comparing park to park, there is much more to do at DCA. It gets a little repetitive at Universal Studios Hollywood where most of the attractions are motion simulators. There are a lot more attractions at DCA and a lot more a variety.

Thanks for this. I am a HUGE Potter fan, however, I have been to the one in Florida multiple times. If I'm understanding you correctly, I would get more out of DCA? I remember not being a huge fan of Universal in California, and would like to use my days wisely.

 

[disneygeek90]

Thanks for this. I am a HUGE Potter fan, however, I have been to the one in Florida multiple times. If I'm understanding you correctly, I would get more out of DCA? I remember not being a huge fan of Universal in California, and would like to use my days wisely.

DCA is beautiful. There's nothing quite like that first time you walk to the pier and see the water, California Screamin and the big Mickey wheel.

IMO, DCA is not to be missed, especially if you have been to HP in Florida. Carsland is stunning, the Monsters Inc. ride is unique if you're used to WDW, and I personally am looking forward to the live Frozen stage show.

I am planning on a 2 day (no hopper) ticket in a month. One park each day.

 

[Minnie1986]

DCA is beautiful. There's nothing quite like that first time you walk to the pier and see the water, California Screamin and the big Mickey wheel.

IMO, DCA is not to be missed, especially if you have been to HP in Florida. Carsland is stunning, the Monsters Inc. ride is unique if you're used to WDW, and I personally am looking forward to the live Frozen stage show.

I am planning on a 2 day (no hopper) ticket in a month. One park each day.

I think this will end up being my plan. Thank you!!