Hi, Shari! Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel and thanks for your question. I love your idea of experiencing the Disneyland Resort during the Holidays and after the Holidays all in one trip!
As you are aware, the
Holidays will officially end on January 7, 2018, and the parks will start to transition that night. While it will take several days for all the holiday decorations to come down, you will see a noticeable difference over the course of your trip. Make sure to experience "it's a small world" Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday before January 8th as those attractions will close after the Holidays in order to remove their special overlays. In addition, a few attractions and restaurants in Disney California Adventure Park will close to prepare for the
transition to the new Pixar Pier. California Screamin', Mickey's Fun Wheel, Games of the Boardwalk, Cove Bar, and Ariel's Grotto will also close for refurbishment on January 8th and will remain closed until next summer.
Operating hours for January 2018 haven't quite been released yet, but continue to check the
calendar as your travel dates approach. As far as crowds, it can be a bit unpredictable. My guess would be that the parks would remain quite busy through the end of the Holidays, but during the latter part of your trip, you might see less crowds. But no matter what, you and your daughter are sure to have a magical time at the Happiest Place on Earth!
-Linda M.