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The holidays are the most wonderful times of the year, but if you've ever been to DLR in December you'll also know it's the most crowded time of the year. The next time you go for a holiday trip here are some ways to come out on top and not get trampled on by the thousands who flock to those magical gates each season. UPDATED 8 Nov 2017
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5. Plan Ahead
This seems obvious, but make a plan for what you want to do when before you get to the park. You can always alter the plan as the day goes on, but you'll pay the price if you don't plan at all. It's frustrating when you find yourself trapped on the east side of Main Street during a parade and you have FastPasses for Splash Mountain that expire in 10 minutes. Don't let that happen to you! Know when the parades are and, if you don't plan on spending that time in Tomorrowland, get on the other side of the park before it starts.
It may also be easier to switch parks and spend some time at California Adventure. The holidays have gotten much bigger there over the years so now you can check out the decorations in Cars Land or wander through the Festival Marketplace as part of the Festival of Holidays. Consider planning out some time to be in other parts of the resort.
It may also be easier to switch parks and spend some time at California Adventure. The holidays have gotten much bigger there over the years so now you can check out the decorations in Cars Land or wander through the Festival Marketplace as part of the Festival of Holidays. Consider planning out some time to be in other parts of the resort.
4. Use FastPasses Wisely
FastPasses become invaluable during busy seasons. Sometimes using a FastPass is the only way you can avoid waiting over an hour in line for each of your favourite attractions. That being said, the more popular the ride the faster the FastPasses run out. On super busy days you can expect the Indiana Jones FastPasses to be out before lunch, for example. Plan for that. Grab FastPasses for what you consider your favourite rides early in the day. You may not be able to return until about 2p or so, but you'll most likely be able to pick up another FastPass for a less busy attraction well before then! Get the system down.
This may also be a time to consider getting MaxPass which will save you time having to run around everywhere. Another benefit is the fact that you do not have to wait as long before you make your next FastPass selection if you have the MaxPass. Obviously this costs extra, but it's something you may want to consider.
For help understanding DLR's Fastpass system, click here.
This may also be a time to consider getting MaxPass which will save you time having to run around everywhere. Another benefit is the fact that you do not have to wait as long before you make your next FastPass selection if you have the MaxPass. Obviously this costs extra, but it's something you may want to consider.
For help understanding DLR's Fastpass system, click here.
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3. Avoid Peak Times
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Crowds at Disneyland surge after 11a and about 5p. Avoid attractions around those times. The crowds are much thinner before 11a and around 3p so make those your busiest and most attraction-filled hours. To avoid rushes, eat lunch and dinner early. There will be more tables available and then you can get in line for rides while everyone else is eating!
Also, since most FastPasses are gone by mid-afternoon, it's not totally necessary to plan on riding any large attractions after that point if you don't already have a FastPass for it. Take that time to shop or even rest at your hotel for an hour or two. Let the evening be slower and don't bother staying late. Crowds are ridiculous after the nighttime shows so you may as well go to bed earlier and be there when the gates open the next morning and those night owls are still asleep!
Also, since most FastPasses are gone by mid-afternoon, it's not totally necessary to plan on riding any large attractions after that point if you don't already have a FastPass for it. Take that time to shop or even rest at your hotel for an hour or two. Let the evening be slower and don't bother staying late. Crowds are ridiculous after the nighttime shows so you may as well go to bed earlier and be there when the gates open the next morning and those night owls are still asleep!
2. Know the One-Way Routes
As crowds get thicker, CMs have a system down to keep traffic flowing. If you don't already know their patterns you can end up frustrated with an extra 5 to 10 minute detour on your hands. Here are some of the routes they utilize:
- Frontierland in/Adventureland out - To head west only enter through Frontierland, to go east you can only exit through Adventureland.
- Tomorrowland - The south end of Tomorrowland's entrance (near Star Tours) is "in" only and the north side (by Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters) is "out" only.
- New Orleans Square - Traffic heading to Critter Country should stay close to the shores of the Rivers of America. Most of the garden areas of New Orleans Square are used as extra queue space for Haunted Mansion Holiday and Pirates of the Caribbean.
- Central Hub Round-about - The Central Hub of the park is used as a round-about with all traffic heading counter-clockwise.
1. Choose Another Time
Late December is the busiest time of year for DLR and they regularly have to turn guests away at the gates when they reach maximum capacity. It's so crowded that it is now considered a premium time of year to go and APs have to pay a considerable extra amount to gain admission during those two weeks.
If your schedule allows, go sooner. Early November and December are much slower and yet have the same holiday offerings as the rest of the season. You won't miss out on anything and will have a much easier time fitting it all in. Obviously, though, this is not a viable option for everyone but it's something to consider.
If your schedule allows, go sooner. Early November and December are much slower and yet have the same holiday offerings as the rest of the season. You won't miss out on anything and will have a much easier time fitting it all in. Obviously, though, this is not a viable option for everyone but it's something to consider.
