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Thanksgiving and Disneyland

Disneyland: Will it be less busy the day after Thanksgiving (Friday) or the day after Thanksgiving weekend (Monday)?

From Caroline Davis
Posted September 23, 2010 at 1:16 PM
I'm from the UK and have never been to Disneyland or California Adventure before (or been to the USA when it's Thanksgiving!). I only have one day to do both parks and I need some help figuring out what day would be least busy so I can do the most.

I am guessing the whole time near this holiday will be extremely busy, but will it be less busy the day after Thanksgiving (Friday) or the day after Thanksgiving weekend (Monday)?

I find it really strange how little information there is compared to Disney World. The times Disneyland are going to be open haven't even been announced yet! And there doesn't seem to be as many 'die hard' fans with strong opinions on what to see or do either, so if anyone has any tips on restaurants or anything that would be really helpful. I got so many great tips that really helped me out for my Disney World/Universal trip from a variety of places (mainly from here, but from more specific websites too), anyone know any good websites for Disneyland?

Thanks


Comments in chronological order. Most recent at the bottom. Scroll down to respond.

From Nick Markham
Posted September 23, 2010 at 2:18 PM
As to die hard fans, there should be more for Disneyland than WDW. You will have trouble doing everything at both parks on a single day any day let alone Thanksgiving, one of the busiest times of the year. It is, however, not impossible...

From Robert Niles
Posted September 28, 2010 at 7:11 AM
The Friday after Thanksgiving will be quite busy, the Monday after, less so. The busiest days of the year are Christmas week, plus the days when local schools are out and SoCal annual passes aren't blocked out. You can see the list of blockout days on Disneyland's AP page, and clicking the "View Calendar" down a bit on the left.

From Robert Niles
Posted September 28, 2010 at 7:14 AM
Also, as opposed to Walt Disney World, Disneyland tends to be almost exclusively a "locals'" park, with relatively fewer out-of-town visitors. So there's not as much demand for advance information as there is for Disney World.

From David L.
Posted September 28, 2010 at 6:17 PM
Check out Micechat/miceage.

From George Yen
Posted September 29, 2010 at 2:25 PM
When many locals are on holiday like the day of and after Thanksgiving Disneyland will be very busy and crowded. I would suggest the Mon or Tues before of after Thanksgiving for more forgiving crowds.

From Victoria Jurkowski
Posted September 29, 2010 at 7:19 PM
What kinds of tips are you looking for?

As for rides, the Etickets are 'must dos'. these include Indiana Jones, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Matterhorn, Thunder Mountain. The list is debatable for some, I also include Pirates and Haunted Mansion. However, with crowds these rides can have very long lines. If you have already been to WDW and the lines are terribly long that day, you can skip Splash Mountain, Haunted Mansion, and Thunder Mountain as these are basically the same as their florida siblings. Pretty much every single ride at Disneyland is a must do, the only things I would skip would be the treehouse, gadget's go coaster in toontown, innoventions, dumbo, and astro orbitor.

In the freak chance that there aren't crowds and you have extra time, I suggest riding the train, the mark twain or columbia boats, and all the little rides in fantasyland.

Fastpasses are your friend. Aquire new ones whenever you can. Even if you may not use the pass, pick it up. You can use it anytime after the start time.

What kind of places do you prefer to eat? Disneyland has a large variety of types of service, though the variety of food is slim.

I hope I helped in some way, if you have any questions or anything else you want advice on feel free to ask me.

From Caroline Davis
Posted September 30, 2010 at 10:24 AM
I was just looking for little tips and opinions that came to mind really. I've found that the DIS boards have a special section on Disneyland.

I've now booked a stay in the Grand Californian for two nights (Sunday and Monday) as a treat. I've never stayed on any Disney property before. It does mean I'll be at the theme park for two days, I'm looking forward to Pirates and Space Mountain the most. Pirates because I just don't get the WDW version and why it's popular and Space Mountain as a comparison to the DLRP and the WDW. Also as a coaster fan I'll probably try and go on California Screamin' more than once.

I was more curious as to why there are less resources for Disneyland and it seems that's been answered. I guess us foreigners are more inclined to go to WDW as it is very well advertised. Especially in the UK, in fact it's probably the dream destination of most people with families over here.

Dining wise I'm pretty laid back and like most cuisines. I was hoping to make a reservation at Napa Rose and maybe Cafe Orleans. Other than that I've had a little look but haven't been 'inspired'. Napa Rose seems like nobody has a bad word about it (except the price, which seems more than justified to me) and Cafe Orleans had a couple of the things on the menu that looked like things I couldn't get at home. I know it won't be proper Creole food, but it looks like a good start for me as I've never been to New Orleans. If there's anything, snack, counter service or table service you particularly like then I'm all ears.

From Victoria Jurkowski
Posted September 30, 2010 at 11:59 AM
My favorite food place is the Pizza Port in tomorrowland, the cafeteria style service is pretty quick and I like the old posters around the restaurant. But I like the atmosphere more than the food. In California Adventure I always eat at the Boudin Bakery right outside paradise pier, the soup in the sourdough bowl is amazing.

I have a theory on why Disneyland is less popular/less advertised. Disneyland was Walt's park, and it's focus is more on the theming and environment than on tourism. Disney doesn't want to advertise it to tourists because too many tourists will spoil the magic. Instead, they push all the tourists to the more spacious and commercialized Disneyworld and keep all the die hard fans at Disneyland who will respect the park and keep the atmosphere magical and the park looking nice. But that's merely my theory

From George Yen
Posted October 4, 2010 at 10:27 AM
Disney wants to push WDW more. They control most of the hotels and transportation and resturants around WDW. they can keep you there and spend all your money there.

with Disneyland, most hotels are owned outside of Disney. so people don't spend 7 days just near disneyworld. they go Knott or Hollywood or other So Cal attractions. Disney can't keep all the tourist time and money to disney only events.

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