The holiday season is a magical time to visit Disneyland, with festive decorations, Christmas-themed parades, and special events. But with the magic of the holiday season comes the question: How busy is Disneyland in December? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore crowd levels, popular attractions, operational hours, and tips for navigating Disneyland during one of its busiest months.
Disneyland in December can be quite busy, especially during the latter half of the month due to the holiday season and school breaks. The first two weeks of December usually see lighter crowds, but starting from the third week, crowd levels are expected to reach peak season holiday levels. The week of Christmas and New Year’s Eve is considered the busiest time at Disneyland. Despite the crowds, with careful planning and flexibility, you can still enjoy a magical Disneyland experience.
December Crowd Levels at Disneyland
Disneyland in December can be a tale of two halves. The first two weeks of December usually see lighter crowds, as they fall before the Christmas vacation and school breaks in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. However, starting from the third week of December, crowd levels are expected to reach peak season holiday levels of 10/10. The week of Christmas and New Year’s Eve is considered the busiest time at Disneyland, with massive crowds and long lines.
The average attendance numbers for Disneyland in December are not explicitly mentioned in the search results. However, it is clear that December is one of the busiest times of the year at Disneyland, with massive crowds and long lines, especially during the holiday season. The first two weeks of December tend to be less crowded compared to the weeks around Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
Comparing December to Other Months
In comparison to other months, December is generally busier due to the holiday season and school breaks. However, it is important to note that weekends are usually busy throughout the year, regardless of the month. To avoid crowds, it is recommended to visit during the end of August and the entire month of September, which are considered some of the least crowded times at Disneyland.
Peak Days in December
In December, Disneyland is generally busiest due to the holiday season. The best days to visit Disneyland in December are weekdays during the first two weeks of the month, with Tuesdays being the most manageable. Mondays through Thursdays in the first half of December are also good options, with Tuesdays and Wednesdays being the best overall days of the week to visit.
Popular December Events and Attractions
In December, Disneyland offers various events and attractions that draw in more visitors. Some of the most popular events and attractions during this time include:
- A Christmas Fantasy Parade
- “it’s a small world” Holiday
- “Believe…In Holiday Magic” Fireworks
- Wintertime Enchantment
- Disney Festival of Holidays
- Haunted Mansion Holiday
Navigating Disneyland in December
Despite the crowds, Disneyland in December has a lot to offer. The park is beautifully decorated for the holiday season, with festive events and attractions throughout both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Some of the highlights include the Christmas tree on Main Street, USA, holiday-themed parades and fireworks, and seasonal ride overlays.
To make the most of your Disneyland experience in December, consider visiting during the first two weeks of the month, when crowds are more manageable. Arriving at the park early, before it officially opens, can also help you experience the park with smaller crowds. Keep in mind that weekends and holidays will be busier, so plan your visit accordingly.
Tips For Navigating Disneyland in December
Navigating Disneyland in December can be challenging due to the holiday crowds, but with some planning and strategies, you can still have a great experience. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your visit:
- Arrive early: The first few hours after the park opens tend to have shorter wait times.
- Check the crowd calendar: Use a Disneyland crowd calendar to get an idea of the expected crowd levels during your visit.
- Use Disney Genie+: Disneyland has replaced the FastPass system with Disney Genie+, a paid service that allows you to access quicker lines for 15 attractions in both parks.
- Plan your day: Make a list of the attractions you want to visit and prioritize them.
- Take advantage of park hours: Check the park hours for your visit. During December, Disneyland often extends its operating hours to accommodate the holiday crowds.
- Be prepared for the weather: December can be colder and wetter than other months, so dress appropriately and bring layers.
- Enjoy holiday events: Disneyland offers special holiday events and attractions during December, so be sure to check the event schedule and plan your visit accordingly.
Operational Hours in December
In December, Disneyland typically extends its operational hours to accommodate the holiday crowds. The park is open every day, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. For December 2023, Disneyland Park is tentatively scheduled to be open from 8 AM to 2 AM on certain days, such as December 30th and New Year’s Eve. Disney California Adventure Park is also expected to have extended hours, with tentative closing times of 1 AM on some days.
In conclusion, Disneyland can be quite busy in December, especially during the latter half of the month. However, with careful planning and flexibility, you can still enjoy a magical Disneyland experience despite the crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the expected wait times for popular rides in December?
Wait times for popular rides can significantly increase during December, especially during the holiday season. On peak days, popular attractions like Space Mountain or the Haunted Mansion Holiday can have wait times exceeding 2 hours.
Are there any special ticket prices or packages for December?
Disneyland does not offer special ticket prices specifically for December. However, they do offer various ticket packages and deals throughout the year, which can sometimes be used during December. Always check Disneyland’s official website for the most current information.
Is Disneyland’s December schedule different from other months?
Yes, Disneyland’s December schedule is different from other months due to the holiday season. The park often extends its operating hours and offers special holiday-themed events and attractions.
Are all attractions and rides open in December?
Most attractions and rides at Disneyland remain open in December. However, some may be temporarily closed for maintenance or refurbishment. Additionally, some rides, like the Haunted Mansion and “it’s a small world,” are transformed with holiday themes.
How does the weather affect Disneyland’s operations in December?
Disneyland is open rain or shine, so the weather does not typically affect the park’s operations. However, some outdoor shows or parades may be canceled due to heavy rain or other severe weather conditions.
