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Disney Guests Warned To Stay Away From Theme Parks This December

A large Christmas tree adorned with multicolored lights stands illuminated at night next to a glowing geodesic dome structure. The tree is decorated with festive ornaments, and a streetlamp is visible in the foreground.
Credit: Disney

The holiday season is in full swing, and The Happiest Place on Earth is no exception. Crowds are flocking to Disneyland Resort to experience the most magical time of the year at the Southern California Disney parks.

Unlike Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort doesn’t offer a special ticketed Christmas party. Still, Disneyland Park, Downtown Disney District, and Disney California Adventure Park come to life with holiday lights and decorations.

Guests can enjoy seasonal offerings like the Festival of the Holidays, A Christmas Fantasy Parade, “Believe…In Holiday Magic” fireworks over Sleeping Beauty Castle, and World of Color – Season of Light. Limited-time attraction overlays exclusive to Disneyland Park include Haunted Mansion Holiday and “it’s a small world” Holiday.

A Christmas Fantasy Parade at disneyland resort with sleeping beauty castle in the background

Credit: Disney

The holiday offerings combined with lower temperatures and public school vacations bring masses of guests to Disneyland Resort. Even as many Magic Key Pass Holders are blocked out of Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, some guests say the theme parks are uncomfortably crowded.

TikToker @nikki.pnw recently shared a video of crowds on Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland Park, warning others to avoid the Southern California theme park.

@nikki.pnw

So pretty but the most packed ive ever seen it! #disneyland #disneytips #disneylandchristmas #fypシ

♬ original sound – disneyfanmedia

“Your reminder to avoid Disneyland during December if you hate crowds,” the Disney Park guest wrote. “So pretty but the most packed I’ve ever seen it!”

The guest said she decided not to renew her Magic Key Pass because Disneyland Resort doesn’t properly manage crowds.

“I don’t think I’m going to renew my pass when it’s time because the amount of people is insane,” she explained. “I wish they did a better job of trying to keep crowds low.”

A group of five costumed snowmen in front of a parade float with Mickey and Minnie Mouse in A Christmas Fantasy at Disneyland Resort

Credit: armadillo444, Flickr

Other Disney Park guests had similar experiences.

“Went on Tuesday and it was soo packed never seen it soo packed in a weekday before,” @stephanieefaith commented.

“I went today and it was PACKED!” said @kristen_k._. “Most the rides were over an hour wait.”

Tigger in a Christmas fantasy parade at disneyland

Credit: Inside the Magic

Disneyland Resort regulars recommended visiting Disneyland Park in the early morning and then hopping to Disney California Adventure Park, which seems less crowded during the holidays.

“I went to DCA on monday and it was so empty,” @gwen.pco wrote. “Most waits were under 30mins (except cars) because everyone is at Disneyland.”

“Me too! It was so nice,” @_wonderey_ replied.

Santa in A Christmas Fantasy Parade at Disneyland Park.

Credit: @nattybabe via TikTok

Still, others said to altogether avoid the Southern California Disney Parks in December.

“My tip is if you want the holiday season experience with reduced crowds, 1st week of January is the time to go,” said @addie_1013.

When is the best time of year to visit Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, and Downtown Disney District? Let us know in the comments! 

About Jess Colopy

Jess Colopy is a Disney College Program alum and kid-at-heart. When she’s not furiously typing in a coffee shop, you can find her on the hunt for the newest Stitch pin.

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