As the holiday season kicks into high gear, Disneyland Resort guests have noticed a surprising trend regarding crowds at the Southern California theme parks. While Disneyland Park is bustling with festive crowds, its counterpart, Disney California Adventure Park, was recently described as a “ghost town.”
Holiday Hustle at Disneyland Park
The holiday season at Disneyland Resort is always a magical time, but it’s also one of the busiest. Guests flock to Disneyland Park to experience signature holiday offerings like A Christmas Fantasy Parade and the “Believe… In Holiday Magic” fireworks over Sleeping Beauty Castle. With schools on break and families eager to soak up the seasonal atmosphere, crowd levels have soared, creating a festive—but hectic—experience.
A Quieter Scene at Disney California Adventure Park
While Disneyland Park buzzes with activity, some guests at Disney California Adventure have reported a drastically different scene. One Magic Key Passholder said the park felt almost empty during a recent visit.
“I went to DCA [last] Monday and it was so empty,” the Disney Park guest shared. “Most waits were under 30 minutes (except [Radiator Springs Racers]) because everyone is at Disneyland.”
Reddit user u/That_Operation_2433 even described the second Southern California Disney park as a “ghost town,” noting the unique opportunity to enjoy short lines and repeat favorite attractions multiple times. “Most rides [had] 5-10 min standby [lines] the whole day! Longest was 60 minutes for Radiator Springs at midday. We did all of them so many times we headed home before close.”
The reduced crowds also gave some families personalized moments with Disney’s beloved attractions. The guest shared their experience at Turtle Talk with Crush: “Only two families were in it, so he talked to each kid for a while. That was a big highlight for my kids… Was so cool.”
Holiday Cheer Still Shines at DCA
Despite the lower attendance, Disney California Adventure Park still boasts its fair share of holiday magic. Guests can explore the Festival of the Holidays, marvel at the seasonal nighttime spectacular World of Color—Season of Light, and enjoy festive decorations throughout the park.
For those looking to avoid the hustle and bustle of Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure offers a chance to celebrate the holidays in a more relaxed setting.
Plan Ahead for a Magical Visit
If you’re planning a trip to Disneyland Resort during the holiday season, timing and preparation are everything. Arriving early to Disneyland Park can help you avoid the largest crowds, while using the Disneyland Resort app to monitor wait times ensures you get the most out of your visit to both theme parks.
Have you noticed a change in crowd levels at Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, or Downtown Disney? Let Disney Fanatic know in the comments.
