Disneyland at Christmas/Holiday Season Superthread #2 (Closed)

[Sherry E]

Here are 3 of my recent Santa information posts (I just quoted myself to save time)! I hope this helps anyone headed out to meet him in the parks or hotels!

I've talked in detail about Santa at the hotels in the past, but for any of the newcomers to this thread, I'll go over it again!

First of all, when I was at DLR on 11/12 (the official first day of the holiday season for this year), I intentionally went to the hotels to check for decorations. When the hotels have their decorations up, Santa is likely to follow. None of the hotels were decorated at that time - which is pretty much what I expected based on every other year. The hotels kind of operate separately from the parks as far as seasonal decorations.

The parking guy (in the little office) at the Paradise Pier Hotel told me that the Grand Californian is the first hotel to get decorated, with the Disneyland Hotel next and the Paradise Pier last. All of the hotels are decorated by the week after Thanksgiving, and probably a couple of days before that. When the trees go up in the hotels, that's when Santa makes his hotel appearances.

When the season begins, only the two parks' Santas are at their posts. I think I showed Santa at his Jingle Jangle Jamboree post when I shared my photos last week, and I showed a photo of the location in Elias & Co. (figment_jii showed one as well). There was a long line at the Elias spot.

Most reports that I have heard over the years have said that the Grand Californian's tree goes up on the morning after Thanksgiving. This would fit with what the PPH guy told me. However, I know that one or two DIS'ers claimed to have seen the GCH tree up on the weekend before Thanksgiving in one year, which does not fit with what the PPH guy told me! Maybe it was a fluke and they just happened to get the GCH decorated earlier than usual, but it doesn't seem to be the norm.

Bret/mvf-m11c was just at DLR this past weekend (including yesterday) and he did not see a tree in the GCH lobby. No tree = no Santa. But, by this coming Friday, the tree should be nicely situated in the GCH lobby, along with Santa, a PhotoPass person, some Dickens carolers, etc.

Shortly thereafter, the Disneyland Hotel's Santa should be in place, followed by the PPH's Santa.

I have observed that the GCH Santa usually has a 2-hour 'shift,' during which he sits for maybe 45 minutes or so, then takes a break, then comes back to sit again. (I am rough-guessing the time frame, but it's in that range.) He is generally there in the late afternoon to early evening, unless his shift has been changed this year.

The Disneyland Hotel Santa is usually there in the mid-to-late afternoon (again, unless his shift has changed). Sometimes there is a PhotoPass person; sometimes there is not. This location is a bit more elaborate than the other hotels' set-ups.

The Paradise Pier Santa is always there in the morning - usually the latter part of the morning - by the gorgeous, glowing blue-green tree. There is no PhotoPass person in this spot.

JennyN -

Santa is in some form of a red suit at all 5 of the posts (though each suit may differ in style a bit, depending on the location/theme). He was only in the green plaid ensemble at the (former) Reindeer Round-Up, post-Christmas. Since Santa is supposed to be gone from the Jamboree/Round-Up this year by 12/24, I don't think he will be in the green plaid anywhere!

As far as which locations might be better...setting aside the parks for a moment and just focusing on the hotels alone, each hotel has its high points.

I really like the setting in the Grand Californian Hotel lobby. Santa sits in front of the tree, and it's a dimly lit, elegant, holiday-esque environment. There will be a PhotoPass person here.

The Santa spot in the Disneyland Hotel (unless it has changed) is a bit more elaborate, with a whole fireplace set-up, a plate of milk and cookies for Santa, reindeer decor and various trees. There may or may not be a PhotoPass person at this spot.

The Paradise Pier Hotel Santa backdrop is very simple - it's in the lobby; it's not dim or atmospheric; it's not elaborate. It's just Santa sitting in front of the very, very beautiful blue-green glowing tree (which is my favorite of the 3 hotels' trees because it is the most colorful and striking to me). But there is no PhotoPass person here.


The Santa spot at the Jingle Jangle Jamboree is outdoors, which could be problematic on rainy days in December! I don't know why they didn't just let him stay in his little cabin at this spot, as the cabin is still available for photos!

So I guess the reasons to get hotel Santa photos instead of or in addition to the parks' Santa photos would be for the different backdrops, ambiance, coloring, etc. I find that a picture of the Santa at the GCH is very different from a photo with the Santa at Elias & Co. in DCA because the setting/backdrop looks so drastically different!

JennyN -

You're very welcome!

In fact, just for photographic reference (and I am guessing there are other people out there who will be meeting Santa too), I compiled some of my photos to give examples of each Santa location.

(2010) - This is the Santa spot at the Paradise Pier Hotel – it's bright, cheery, and basic. The tree is gorgeous and glowing in person, but does not translate well in photos. There is no PhotoPass person here...

See the Santa chair on the left side of the picture...

Santa’s chair...

Santa hugging a random child...

Carolers on the other side of the tree greet guests as they enter the lobby...

(2010) - This is the Santa spot at the Grand Californian Hotel. It is dimly lit, elegant, comfortable, and there's an overall very nice holiday atmosphere. There is always a PhotoPass person with Santa...

Hello, Santa!

Presents under the tree...

Carolers sing and take requests on the other side of the tree (this picture is from 2008, but they were there in 2010 and last year too)...

And a Santa PhotoPass picture from 2008...

(2010) - This is the Disneyland Hotel Santa photo spot. It's more elaborate, detailed; sometimes there is a PhotoPass person; sometimes no PhotoPass person...

(2012) - Here is Santa at his new Elias and Company post in California Adventure – it's bright, cheery and there is a long line of people waiting to meet him. He was there in the afternoon and at night. There is a PhotoPass person with him...

(2012) - This is Santa at his new, outdoor, rustic Jingle Jangle Jamboree post in Disneyland (with a PhotoPass person)...

​

I hope that helps everyone debating on which Santa spots to go to!

 

[luulu1999]

I keep wavering back and forth on the PhotoPass Plus order. Right now I am at a "no" but that could change. I just don't typically do many typical pictures on our trip and the idea of standing in line after rides at the ride photo booth sounds like no fun at all. I have only ever once bought a ride photo and that's cause my guys all made funny faces at once and it was just too perfect to pass up.

I was the same way...my kids are smaller so probably RSR will be the only ride they ride with a picture and we are doing one character meal...But I went ahead and got one and Ill just make sure and get our money's worth...this is our first trip so I wanted to make sure and have as many memories as possible!!

 

[ImTooExcitedToSleep]

The DIS Unplugged: Disneyland Edition podcast team along with Moderator Sherry E are recording a special Christmas podcast Wednesday (12/5) and we'll be taking your calls! Call in to share your favorite thing to do during the holidays at the Disneyland Resort OR ask a question of the team.

The number to call is 877-845-0054 and we'll start taking your calls at 7pm (pacific).

More information can be found here: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3029207

 

[papamouse1]

Oh I forgot to add the 2013 Sorcerer Mickey ornament I saw at the Acorn gift shop. The CM at the gift shop told me they have only been out for a week.

I didn't see this ornament at every shop that carried ornaments. May be a hard one to find but I think worth getting when you see. The ornaments at the Acorn gift shop were almost gone by the time I left the resort. I mean I bought two myself. (Sorcerer Mickey is my favorite and I have two Christmas trees)

We found this very odd... there were plenty of cool 2013 ornaments, but 2012 were literally non-existent. Did I get my calendar wrong, isn't this Christmas 2012?

We were bummed, because we always get an ornament to commemorate our tiep for that year... had to buy ornaments with no year on them

 

[papamouse1]

ONE HINT FOR THOSE DOING THE DESSERT PARTY...

They don't give you any kind of e-mail with confirm or instructions, and so it is easy to forget that you have to go to Guest Services to get your actual tickets BEFORE you show up at the party. I forgot, but luckily I had gotten there way early to reserve prime seats. When I asked they told me I needed to go to the front of the park, I ran to GS, got my tickets, ran back and still prime front row seats. BUT while I was waiting later for the area to open up I watched as 3 different families got into it with the CM's over the fact they had paid for this but couldn't go in now because they never got their tickets. It got ugly!!

We absolutely loved the show that way and desserts were a hit for the next 3 days while we tried to finish them all off

 

[ColoradoMom!!]

We found this very odd... there were plenty of cool 2013 ornaments, but 2012 were literally non-existent. Did I get my calendar wrong, isn't this Christmas 2012?

We were bummed, because we always get an ornament to commemorate our trip for that year... had to buy ornaments with no year on them

This happened to us last year when we were there Dec. 20-22 or so, and no 2011 Christmas ornaments to be found. It was so strange!

 

[lisachrystine]

This happened to us last year when we were there Dec. 20-22 or so, and no 2011 Christmas ornaments to be found. It was so strange!

Yep, me too! We were there last December and the selection of 2011 ornaments was nearly non-existent, but I could find plenty of 2012. I don't get it, either.

 

[papamouse1]

Yep kinda sad to not have ornaments... but this year, it wasn't even Thanksgiving yet and there were none.
It might make more sense if they were out by Christmastime... but by Thanksgiving?

 

[sirvin12]

Here are some Santa pictures from this weekend. The first 5 were at Jingle Jangle Jamboree, the other 2 are from Elias and Co.

Shannon

 

[cherrybluff]

Shannon I just have to say the celtic dresses on your daughters are beautiful!!

 

[sirvin12]

Shannon I just have to say the celtic dresses on your daughters are beautiful!!

Thank you! Disney Store.

Shannon

 

[tksbaskets]

Here are some Santa pictures from this weekend. The first 5 were at Jingle Jangle Jamboree, the other 2 are from Elias and Co.

Shannon

These pictures are so sweet! Thanks for sharing.

TK

 

[jrfish96]

I'm seeing questions about 2012 ornaments in the parks but I'm wondering about 2012 photo albums. Can you still find those in the parks?

 

[focusondisney]

Well, our trip is almost over. We've had a really nice trip. Parks seem pretty crowded, but except for the few big headline attractions, the wait times haven't been too bad. I found the 2 things I really wanted: the Mickey popcorn bucket & the Mickey head demitasse cup (got that at Jolly Holiday Bakery). The Castle Lighting was beautiful. We saw the parade after our Holiday Tour yesterday, so we had wonderful front row seats.

I originally was told by vacation planning that there would be a premium holiday tour that included reserved seating & was disappointed when that turned out not to be true. But we got some special Disney magic. We were sitting on a bench outside of the Jolly Holiday Bakery about 1:30 as I ate my Mickey Demitasse treat. We were approached by a CM, one of the guest services CMs with the plaid & blue outfits. He chatted with us about our day & if it was just the 2 of us. Asked if we had seen CP & if we would like to go! We were happy to accept his offer of tickets to the 5:30 show. We sat next to a couple that was given tickets as they were entering their hotel (forgot to ask which hotel). We were seated in the red seats, behind AP holders who had green wristbands. So it seems Disney is reserving some seats to make Magic happen randomly for all guests. The show was amazing. Kurt Russell ended by acknowledging Walt's birthday.

We have seen CP at Epcot but I must say, DL's version blew me away..so many singers, seeing them all enter the stage, just beautiful. I'm so happy we got that big of pixie dust! I never would have imagined it to be so much better.

Thanks to everyone here for all your help & info!

 

[dalstitch45]

Did you happen to notice if the sweatshirt was a hoodie with a zipper or a pullover? My DH loves to get a pullover every trip, and I'd love to get him THIS one!!

Thanks!

It is a hoodie with a zipper. Just got one last night. The CP is so beautiful. I can't wait to see it again tonight. Getting ready to go back to the now. There is nothing like Christmas at DLR.

Just one side note not Christmas related: If you have a Galaxy III phone, they just put out the D-Tech phone cases for them last night at the World of Disney. They only had Minnie and vintage Mickey. Maybe more will be added before I leave. FINALLY!!!!

 

[luvslikepi]

DisBaby and I leave in just a few hours. I am going to try and do live updates here and on my trip report, link in signature. Hoping DisBaby can handle the flight....it's her first. Thankfully it's less than two hours. See you all real soon live from the Grand Californian.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[hpfan100]

I'm seeing questions about 2012 ornaments in the parks but I'm wondering about 2012 photo albums. Can you still find those in the parks?

I only saw a few over Veteran's Day weekend. They have tons of 2012 merchandise at the outlet store out here so I nabbed one from there.

 

[luulu1999]

Our trip is getting closer!!! We will be leaving in two weeks!!!!! I am planning on the next two weekends getting our things packed to make absolute sure not to forget anything!!!!!!

OUR FIRST TRIP EVER!!!!! SOOOO EXCITED!!!!!

 

[Sherry E]

Well, our trip is almost over. We've had a really nice trip. Parks seem pretty crowded, but except for the few big headline attractions, the wait times haven't been too bad. I found the 2 things I really wanted: the Mickey popcorn bucket & the Mickey head demitasse cup (got that at Jolly Holiday Bakery). The Castle Lighting was beautiful. We saw the parade after our Holiday Tour yesterday, so we had wonderful front row seats.

I originally was told by vacation planning that there would be a premium holiday tour that included reserved seating & was disappointed when that turned out not to be true. But we got some special Disney magic. We were sitting on a bench outside of the Jolly Holiday Bakery about 1:30 as I ate my Mickey Demitasse treat. We were approached by a CM, one of the guest services CMs with the plaid & blue outfits. He chatted with us about our day & if it was just the 2 of us. Asked if we had seen CP & if we would like to go! We were happy to accept his offer of tickets to the 5:30 show. We sat next to a couple that was given tickets as they were entering their hotel (forgot to ask which hotel). We were seated in the red seats, behind AP holders who had green wristbands. So it seems Disney is reserving some seats to make Magic happen randomly for all guests. The show was amazing. Kurt Russell ended by acknowledging Walt's birthday.

We have seen CP at Epcot but I must say, DL's version blew me away..so many singers, seeing them all enter the stage, just beautiful. I'm so happy we got that big of pixie dust! I never would have imagined it to be so much better.

Thanks to everyone here for all your help & info!

focusondisney -

I'm very encouraged to hear this 'random magic' news about the CP! To be honest, this is what I thought would end up happening all along. I had a feeling that the CM's could dole out extra tickets/seats to certain people if they wanted to - and I had a feeling that there would be no-shows, leaving some available seats for people to take advantage of.

If this kind of magic happened for the Kurt Russell nights (which were very popular, I think), then I can only imagine that there will be similar CP magic happening on the Lou Diamond Phillips nights (which are not as sought after, but will be happening when I am there!), the Marcia Gay Harden night, etc.

The Dick Van Dyke nights may be tough to score tickets for.

This news almost makes me wish I had kept my original 12/2-12/5 trip dates. I might have had a chance to see Kurt Russell. I can only hope to find a benevolent CM who will gift me with a ticket for one of the LDP-narrated Processionals. I just want to see the CP one time (without having to stand for hours to stake out a spot). I've never seen it - not even once. And in all likelihood, the CP will probably move to a different venue at DLR in the next year or two. I want to see it while it's in Town Square.


Aside from all of that, it sounds like your first holiday trip to Disneyland has been a great one - and you even found your demitasse at JHB! I am so glad to hear it. Actually, to be honest, I love hearing back from all the people who joined this thread long ago and started planning for their trips way back when. It's nice to see these trips coming to fruition and finding out how they went after so much time has passed!

​

 

[dalstitch45]

OMG, last night the CP was amazing. Edward James Olmos was the narrator. I've seen him at WDW a few times. He does such an awesome job. I was talking to a couple of CM's before the 7:30 pm show with just general conversation near the Christmas tree. Right before the show started, I was the recipient of some of that "special magic" you are referring to Sherry. She took me right up front, three rows from where Mr. Olmos' podium was. Don't know if we are allowed to give the CM's name, but I would just like to thank her again. Going back tonight so I can watch the CP processional down Main Street.