The week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve is always one of the busiest times at Disneyland Resort, and this year was no exception. Crowds surged at Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, and Downtown Disney, creating long lines and frustrating wait times for visitors. But one change during this holiday rush caught many guests off guard—Disneyland Resort temporarily banned guest drop-offs, requiring visitors to park or find another drop-off location.
Disneyland Blocks Drop-Offs Amid Holiday Crowds
On December 27, 2024, TikTok user @mandalodien shared a video of the chaos unfolding at Disneyland Resort. The footage showed the typically busy security screening area overwhelmed with guests, stretching into areas usually reserved for drop-offs. As a result, Disneyland Resort reportedly blocked drop-offs altogether, directing cars to other locations or paid parking areas.
“Drop off closed,” the TikTok user wrote in their video. “Looooonnnnggsg line to go through security.”
@mandalodien How long you think the security line is? #disneyland #disneyparks
In the comments, @mandalodien clarified that the video was taken at 10:15 a.m., a peak time for arrivals. The decision to redirect drop-offs came as Disney cast members worked to manage security wait times, which had grown significantly due to holiday crowds.
Guest Experiences
While some Disney Park guests shared similar frustrations, others found ways to make the most of the crowded day. TikTok user @a_elias1212 commented: “I was there. Took us an hour and a half to get through security and in the park…[Got there at] 8:30 and didn’t get in the park until 10:00.”
Another guest, @llajairagarcia, described a slightly shorter wait: “It was a good 45 minutes to get into the parks.”
For many, these delays reinforced the reputation of the week between Christmas and New Year’s as the most challenging time to visit Disney Parks.
“Never ever go the week between Xmas and New Year’s,” said @ksimmons3155.
“This is not enjoyable,” @gay_amv replied. “Disney shouldn’t let their parks get this crowded.”
Not all Disneyland Resort guests had a negative experience during the holiday rush. Some attributed their smooth visits to careful planning and the use of paid add-ons like Lightning Lane Multi Pass.
“It wasn’t that bad… it was OK and if you are going …… try to get the Lightning Lane it is worth it. We got on the Cars ride 3 times,” @oli.sando.
Another guest, @bgsu1972, added, “It really wasn’t that bad. Had a hopper ticket and LL. Got on everything more than once. Security was fast to get through on the other side of Downtown Disney. Rope dropped too!”
Should Disneyland Resort ban drop-offs more frequently? Share your opinion with Disney Dining in the comments.
Talk about discrimitory some people use taxi or rideshare because they are medically barred from driving. Disney might want to rethink that stance.