Holiday crowds at Disneyland Park have reached historic levels, creating a chaotic atmosphere that some guests are eager to avoid. A recent social media post from a Disneyland guest captured the overwhelming scene on Main Street, U.S.A., sparking widespread discussion about the challenges of visiting the Southern California theme park during the busiest time of the year.
Disneyland Resort is renowned for its magical holiday celebrations, featuring A Christmas Fantasy Parade, “Believe…In Holiday Magic” fireworks, and festive decorations throughout Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. Unlike Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort, where some holiday events require a Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party ticket, Disneyland Park offers its seasonal magic to all daytime guests. This openness, combined with school vacations and holiday breaks, often results in massive crowds between Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
Crowds Take Over Disneyland Park
TikTok user @luuv.ve shared a video of the packed Main Street, U.S.A., during the holiday season. “It’s Tuesday,” the guest wrote. “Ain’t nobody got work?”
@luuv.ve
The video, which showed shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, quickly amassed thousands of likes and comments from shocked Disney Parks fans. Even with most Magic Key Passholders blocked out during the holidays, the parks were still swarming with visitors.
“I went yesterday too like why were there so many ppl?” commented @moniqueluvsu.
“IT GOT SOOO BUSY AT NIGHT,” added @iheartu000.
Tips for Beating the Holiday Chaos
While some guests vowed to avoid Disneyland Resort during the holiday rush, others shared advice for navigating the crowds.
“Me and my bestie went in the morning and it was empty. We went on a lot of rides,” said @joannaibarraa. “But after 5pm it got packed.”
For those determined to visit during the holidays, planning ahead is key. Arriving early, using the Disneyland Resort app to monitor wait times, and purchasing Lightning Lane passes can help minimize stress. The deluxe Lightning Lane Premier Pass is also available two days in advance for those willing to pay extra for convenience.
Not everyone is willing to brave the holiday chaos: “The real secret is going to Disney in the off season,” shared @ali_lue1.
When is the best time of the year to visit Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park? Share your opinion with Disney Fanatic in the comments.
I love Disneyland during the holidays, but do NOT love the Christmas week crowds. I go early in the month, right after the Candlelight weekend. I get all the fun and beauty of the holidays with less crazy. Still busy, but not shoulder-to-shoulder!