Disney Land: Thanksgiving or Christmas?

Question

I am going to Disney land this year, and hope to avoid the horror I went through last year. I have been to disney land about 11 times, and the last time was horrible. We went last spring break, and ended up leaving because it was way more over crowded than normal. This year we want to either go for thanksgiving, or Christmas. I have heard from one person, Thanksgiving is the best time, no lines over 20 min, if that. Has anyone gone during any of these holidays? what was it like?

Answer 1

I live about 30 minutes away from D-land and have been there just about every time of year and Thanksgiving is a far better time to go. Christmas is horribly crowded, even if you wait till just after the holiday. Try going as early as possible, even the day before Thanksgiving if you can. You will find the lines a lot smaller. Also, check and see if the park is doing early entrance that day (you may get in an hour earlier than the park hours say).  

Answer 2

I live in FL and have gone during Christmas, it was packed but they make it so nice during Christmas. The decorations are so nice during Christmas. And of course theres the Christmas parade along main street infront of the castle, and of course that gets packed.  I'm sure Thanksgiving time is less crowded by far, people flock to Disney for Christmas to see all the decorations and the parade.  BUT in late November (from what I recall) they film parts of the regis and kelly christmas thing that comes on tv, and theres different musical acts..this gets pre-recorded weeks before Christmas. I went for a filming in Nov 2005 - I can't recall how close to thanksgiving it was. But I do think Thanksgiving time is less crowded yes.

Answer 3

Definately Christmas- Florida takes some of the sting out of winter.

Answer 4

i think christmas because most people want to be home with their families. But that is just a thought i could be wrong

Answer 5

On a tip, my parents took us the first week of January.  Park staff had time to chat, and told us that the park is pretty busy over the holidays (with everyone having the time off, I suppose).  We had minimal crowds, and there was a great relaxed atmosphere compared to my other trip in late spring a few years later.  I know my answer is neither, but the lead up to the trip added to the Christmas atmosphere and gave the kids something to look forward to and keep busy with over the break, while my  parents could take the time to prepare.  Also keep in mind how many families think of the idea as a trip to Disney Land as the X-mas present for the kids.  Plus, who in the Northern Hemisphere vacations in January?  While everyone is working out their X-mas hangovers and getting back into non-holiday mode, you'll be out having fun, and probbly snagging some great hotel/flight bargains in the process.

Answer 6

christmas, there are shops dedicated to christmas so that might feel more fun. I have been at both times and noticed that more themed things happen at christmas

Answer 7

Thanksgiving is fun, and you can even eat Thanksgiving dinner with some of the characters

Answer 8

Thanksgiving because most people are at home for thanksgiving....if u want a fun filled new year go to disneyland again!!!