December or February: When is the better time to go?

[openattheseams]

My dad said that he'd take me to California when I have off from school.

I have the usual Winter Break (December 22-January 2) and a Mid-Winter Break (February 19-26).

I've never been to Disneyland outside of the Summer season, so I've never seen any of the Christmas decorations/ride overlays in their full glory. I've read about how crowded it is during that season, though, and that makes me a wary.

Are the crowds any better in February?

[Morrigoon]

This one's going to be entirely about personal preference. Your winter break will be VERY crowded, but it'll also be VERY Christmas, which is really something to see.

February is much quieter, but no Christmas and a lot of attractions go down for rehab during that time of year.

Do you live nearby? My suggestion would be go for Christmas, upgrade your ticket to a low-level AP, then go again in February

[openattheseams]

Thanks. I'm thinking about going in February now.

Do you know which rides are down at that time? I've heard about the PotC rehab, but if that's the only ride going down I guess I'll survive.

[MissChristine]

you can usually check at the disneyland.com website-there's usually a calendar there somewhere and it will list what is scheduled to be down. plus, like we're talking about in another thread, during February, beware of cheerleaders.

[Momzilla59]

I wouldn't count on light park attendence in Feb. Our school district also has a break that same week. I imagine there are a Lot of districts that do, you may have more company than you'd like!

The crowds will be crazy but Christmas Disney is so beautiful!
I'd have to pick Christmas time.

[Rissa_thehost]

I ahve been several times in February and whilst it is a little chilly and some of the rides are down for refurbishment the park is less crowded and there is more time to character hunt and have those personal moments without being squeezed to death in a crowd of vile children and their evil parents or waiting for ages in a queue ( and thats just to use the toilet). I would recommend it.

[aliasdisney]

For the dates you have to choose from, February all the way!

[openattheseams]

One more question: do I need to be a SoCal resident to get a SoCal AP, or can I go with a SoCal resident?

A pass that pays itself in 3 days sounds great.

[aliasdisney]

I know people who live in Arizona and Southern Utah who have bought the So Cal AP. I say try and get it, and if they've become more strict on who may purcahse it the worst thing they will tell you is no.