I'm thinking of surprising my DH with a quick trip to Disneyland after Christmas. We'd be driving from Las Vegas, so Dec. 27th and 28th would be reserved for Disneyland and California Adventure exploring.

Are the parks really busy during this time? How are the lines for the major attractions? Are there a lot of families there for Christmas break?

This would make such a great, short roadtrip, but wouldn't be worth it if we can't see the parks in 2 days... Any insight you have would be great!!

One word - Packed!!

When every child is on vacation? Must be a zoo in there!

You guys are supposed to give me GOOD news and tell me there's no kids in sight!

Okay then. I guess that's probably out. Maybe we'll run to the King Tut exhibit instead. Any other ideas for a quick, fun So. Cal trip?

It's especially crowded this year because of the whole 50th anniversary thing.

King Tut - first get the tickets from what I've heard.

San Diego, Palm Springs - look into these trips.

Catalina Island too.

Run quick to King Tut at LACMA-- the exhibition ends November 15!

Best time to visit Disneyland or Disney World is the week after Thanksgiving IMO

I'm a former cast member who worked several Christmas seasons in the park. Yes, it's crowded that week, but the weather is very nice (generally mild, in the 60s) and the park is decorated for Christmas, which makes it very special. The park also stays open late that week (generally closes much earlier in winter). You should be able to do both parks just fine in two day (esp. making use of fast passes).

If you are thinking King Tut -- get your tickets now (ticketmaster.com). Some dates are already sold out...

Being mid-week, those dates may not be as bad as you think. Do not even think about going on New Year's Eve, however.

rjw- Thanks for the heads-up on King Tut before I got too excited. I think we'll try to catch it on the East coast later then...

I really think Disneyland is out. I get enough crowds at home.

So here's my new research list: San Diego, Palm Springs, Catalina Island, and 29 Palms Hotel.

Any other suggestions for a quick 2-day jaunt from Vegas? What about the other amusement parks in the L.A. area? Will those be just as packed or more doable?

Good time of year for Palm Springs/Palm Desert area. The rates are still low and the weather is good (warmer than in LA). If you want some activities thrown in with the lounging and eating, there's the Indian Canyons for hiking, Tram (a bit of a theme-park thrill), and my favorite zoo, the Living Desert in Palm Desert.

I would consider San Diego--less busy in the winter when the ocean is less of a lure. You could do the Zoo--probably still busy but you don't have to wait in lines to see the animals. Or get tickets to a show.

We've flown into San Diego in late January from Northern CA and loved the weather. We spent last Thanksgiving in Balboa, Newport Beach and loved being at the beach when the weather was great and NO one was there. We are OC transplants and couldn't belive we could enjoy being tourists down there!

Disneyland is quite lovely at Christmas. The poster above pointed out that the weather should be good.
The park puts on its best with parades , decorations etc."It's A Small World" is completely transformed during the holidays and should not be missed.

If there is any chance you could go to Disneyland after New Years it is much, much less crowded and the decorations are still up for the week following. Of course the reason is that everyone has to go back to work, so that may not work out.

We spent a week in Southern California this past winter at exactly the same time you are looking at.

Click on my screen name for my trip report. Have fun!

Thanks, Lamchop! I read it and it reminded me of some stuff in the L.A. area I just wasn't thinking about. We've never done the whole "tourist thing" with the Chinese Theater, etc. That could be fun!