(THIS POST PROBABLY CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS. OUR FULL DISCLOSURE POLICY IS REALLY BORING, BUT YOU CAN FIND IT HERE.)
Tips for Christmastime at Disneyland
The year is coming to an end, which means that holiday décor, seasons greetings and joyful music will be around every corner (YAYYYYY!!!). And if you’re lucky enough to be headed to Disneyland this holiday season, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in even more Christmas magic. The Holidays at the Disneyland Resort begin November 10, 2017 and continues until January 7, 2018.
Related: Giving a vacation as a Christmas gift (why + how!)
If you’re planning on traveling to The Merriest Place on Earth during the most wonderful time of the year, I have provided four tips to enhance your vacation to Disneyland over Christmas. No matter what time of year you’re traveling to Disneyland, I strongly suggest you book with Get Away Today. They have the best price and best service, guaranteed. Plus – if you find a lower rate somewhere else, they will not only match it, but beat it! (I used to be a travel agent, and I have seen far too many I-booked-online-without-a-real-human-to-contact disasters. Get Away Today allows the best of both worlds!) With their expert knowledge and discounted prices, you’re sure to have the best experience on your Disneyland vacation.
(If you’re taking a very tiny person, you’ll want to read 6 tips for a great Disney vacation with a baby or toddler.)
Related: How much does it cost to go to Disneyland?
1. MaxPass & FastPass
While it’s easy to have a merry little Christmas in Disneyland, it can also be one of the busiest times of the year. This can mean long lines and sometimes tiring days. However, as long as you take advantage of FastPass and MaxPass, you won’t notice the crowds as much and will be able to enjoy your vacation even more.
First, FastPass is a free feature and is included in every admission ticket into the park. (My husband and I loved FastPass even before we had kids!) To reserve a FastPass, you will need to go to the FastPass distribution sight, which is located near the entrance of participating attractions. Then, you’ll insert your Disneyland ticket into the FastPass machine and it will generate a receipt with your return-time listed. During the return-time timeframe, you will come back to the attraction and enjoy it at a minimal wait. Utilizing FastPasses has saved us so much time, which has allowed us to spend more time enjoying everything that the park has to offer.
You can also take advantage of Disney’s new feature, MaxPass. This feature costs $10 per person, per day, however, it allows you to reserve your FastPasses straight from the official Disneyland Resort app. Plus – PhotoPass is also included in the price. This means that you can download all ride and official Disneyland photographer photos, directly onto your device. I was skeptical about MaxPass at first, however, not having to run around the park and reserve your FastPasses is a true life saver. Plus- it’s a fun way to save all of your memories from your trip with PhotoPass as well. Even if you use MaxPass for just for one day, it’s totally worth it.
2. Ride Attractions During Parades and Entertainment
During the holiday season, Disneyland has introduced new parades and entertainment which are sure to get you in the holiday spirit. Some of the exclusive shows that are around for the holiday season include the “Believe… In Holiday Magic” Fireworks spectacular, World of Color – Season of Light and A Christmas Fantasy Parade. While you’re there, you’ll want to be sure to catch each one during your time in the park. However once you’ve already seen them, I would recommend riding attractions or eating meals while parades and shows are happening. By doing this, you’ll be able to experience shorter lines and wait times on all of your favorite rides and even restaurants.
3. Travel During Off-Peak Times
Another way to enhance your vacation to Disneyland during the holiday season is to travel during off-peak times. While going to Disneyland over Christmas Day is magical, it’s going to be one of the busiest times of the year. By traveling during the month of November or early parts of December, you’ll be able to beat some of the crowds. However, if being right in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is something you enjoy, then you’re sure to love anytime you go.
4. Utilize Rider Switch and Single Rider Lines
If you aren’t able to snag a FastPass during the timeframe you want, don’t fret. You can always utilize the Single Rider line. This line is a useful way to ride some of the more popular attractions, without having to wait for an extended amount of time. Plus – you might even be able to ride along with your friends and family still, on rides like Indiana Jones, Radiator Springs Racers and the Matterhorn Bobsleds.
Or if you have little ones, you can always take advantage of Rider Switch. Rider Switch is where one adult can wait with small children or non-riders while the rest of your party enjoys the ride. Once the other party is finished, they can simply switch roles with the adult who waited. This allows everyone to experience the attractions for themselves, without having to wait in line again. Both of these options are great ways to navigate the busy, holiday season.
Now that you have all of the best tips for the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort, why wait? To book, visit getawaytoday.com or call one of their travel experts at 855-GET-AWAY. You can even save an additional $10 off when you use promo code MommyOnPurpose. Make sure to mention that Mommy on Purpose sent you!
