Guest Post by Yvette Armendariz, a mother of two young adults and a former award-winning business journalist.
Disney during the winter holidays…how I wanted that magic to gift my kids.
Every year I thought about it, I knew the parks would be decked out better than anything Martha Stewart or Oprah could envision. I imaged taking the coolest family pictures, sipping on hot cocoa while watching fireworks and cool projections as it snows down Main Street, and sharing our Christmas wish list with Santa. I craved that for the family.
I didn’t always plan ahead enough, so I thought.
Planning early no doubt gives you more choices, but even a last-minute-ish plan could work.
Keep reading for my last-minute tips for booking Disneyland.
XO,
Yvette
Is it possible to plan a last minute Disney trip for the holidays?
When I finally got to Christmas-trip planning (because I decided it would be THE Christmas gift that year), I did most in October and November. I stayed off property but that’s the way I wanted it.
I also got my park days, but I was flexible. And it was the best trip in part because my bestie from high school also happened to be vacationing at Disneyland with her family at the same time. She came in from Oregon.
For planner moms: I know, starting in October is late. If you want the most choices, you need to start in the summer. But today (Oct. 24), I found tickets for every day in November and December. Vacation packages and hotel deals can still be found, but if you are a bargain hunter, consider celebrating just after New Years Day.
Or, use the expertise of a Disney Certified Travel Planner (no cost to you!!) to do the heavy lifting for you (dining reservations, logistics, etc.). One local East Valley Disney Certified Travel Planner we love is Maile Schnitzer.
Last Minute Disneyland Pricing for Holiday 2024
Kid tickets are on sale for $50 per day for one park Jan.7-March 20. Adult tickets during those dates are as low as $104. Prices vary by date. You need to click on the Kids’ Special Ticket Offer box to get the deal.
Pricing for tickets and rooms tend to be better around Lunar New Year, which personally I love. Holiday decor does take time to fully come down. Lunar celebration dates haven’t been announced but generally take place late January through mid-February. Plus, the weather is generally fantastic.
The most expensive dates are Nov. 25-29 (Thanksgiving week) and Dec. 21-Jan. 4 {Christmas through New Year weeks) – clearly that’s when there will be the most demand. At $206 per adult and $196 per child, that’s a no for me.
We did the week before Christmas, as I recall our kids just got out of school. Also, the prices were less shocking then. Best prices for the 2024 winter holidays are for Nov. 19-20 ($126/$116), then Nov. 18, Nov. 21 and Dec. 3-4 ($142/$132). That only works if you have little ones not in school, or if you are able to get class work ahead of time and have an understanding teacher. Midweek is always better.
A few more tips: When buying your tickets, check if you get a better deal buying individual days vs. two- or three-day pass. This works best for single park days. You can also pay for your tickets with gift cards, and some retailers offer discounts on their gift cards. I tend to get them at Sam’s Club.
I’m a big believer in limiting the park to one or two days, especially when little. Your kids will be tired, and you don’t want them cranky after spending so much money.
Also, hopping isn’t worth it to me. But some love it. I don’t like that you have to navigate out of the park and get in line to get into the other. Better, take a break. Head to your hotel for a nap, then return for the evening. It will look more appealing after dark and with fresh eyes.
When planning a Disney winter vacation, remember:
Santa is only at the parks/resorts between Nov. 15 and Dec. 24. Find him at Pixar Place and Disneyland Hotel in the main lobby, Grand Californian in the Great Hall, Disneyland at the Fantasyland Theatre and California Adventure Park in the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. Schedule subject to change.
Disney Festival of Holidays (California Adventure Park only) runs Nov. 15-Jan. 6, 2025. You can buy a pass with 4 or 8 digital coupons to sample internationally inspired holiday foods.
Disney ¡Viva Navidad! features daily entertainment, food and décor highlighting Hispanic culture. The Street Party – featuring the Three Caballeros, folklórico dancers, mariachis, Brazilian samba dancers, an incredible 12-foot-tall mojiganga puppets of Santa and Mrs. Claus and more – takes place only on weekends beginning Nov. 16 and ending Jan. 5. On weekdays, you’ll encounter Mirabel from Encanto or Miguel from Coco.
New Disneyland Holiday experiences this year:
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens Nov. 15. This is Splash Mountain reimagined with Princess Tiana, Mama Odie and gator pal Louis taking guests on a musical adventure that includes a 50-foot drop where you might get soaked. Must be 40 inches tall to ride.
Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail takes place Nov. 22-Jan.1, 2025. Search for ornaments hidden on holiday trees throughout Downtown Disney. Map with ornament stickers cost $9.99 plus tax. Return your map for a holiday keepsake (one per map).
Disney Budget Hacks for Families
- Check to see if you have enough points to cover your hotel or even flights. Those with Disney Visa cards might have enough points to get a few park tickets.
- Generally, stay at a Good Neighbor Hotel within walking distance, in case you need a mid-day break. Some can be found as low as $119/night over the holidays, and a few include breakfast.
- Skip Lightning Lanes and Park Hoppers. Make a plan for your “must” rides, and prioritize that.
- Bring water and snacks to minimize food costs.
- Set a budget for souvenirs.
- Buy discounted Disney gift cards to pay for park tickets, merchandise, and food.
Splurge:
- Stay at the Grand Californian. Perks include direct park access to DCA. Stays in December will cost $900+ a night.
- Make reservations to a few of the nicer restaurants, such as Carthay Circle in DCA and Blue Bayou (if you can get it) at Disneyland.
- Build a customized droid at the Droid Depot in Galaxy’s Edge (pricing starts at $99 per astromech droid unit).
- Get a makeover at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Princess packages start at $99.95; Knights packages start at $19.95.
- Go for the Lightning Lane to reduce ride wait times.
Yvette Armendariz is a mother of two young adults and a former award-winning business journalist.
