Disneyland at Christmas/Holiday Season Superthread #5

[mom2rtk]

We watched it on Tuesday 22nd and they were in it. I assume they prob started back on the weekend 19-20th,

Yeah, that wouldn't surprise me. We were still in the parks then but didn't watch the parade those days. We did Small World just as the 4:30 parade was starting on the 19th, but loaded our boat just as the first float rounded the corner. I laughed to my daughter saying it was probably better that I didn't see the soldiers just as I was going into the ride. We caught the tail end of the parade on our way out, so I was spared the tease. It was a great consolation prize to have the Small World lights as our boat came out of the tunnel.

 

[PoohsFan1]

It will be crazy busy. Those are some of the busiest days of the year at DLR. That said, you can still have a very fun time with good preparation and planning. Knowing what to expect and having positive attitudes are key at DLR at any time, but especially during the last week of the year. Whether you decide to try it is completely up to you. But just know that you can have a great time during those dates, but it will take a bit more organization.

Thank you for this, Dh and I just booked our first holiday stay for next Christmas and New Years, we will be there from 12/24-1/1 staying at PPH. This will be our first time going to any Disney park during a major holiday (we are up for the challenge). This will also be our Christmas gifts for our whole family. It will be Dh, DD16 (at time of trip), DD14 (at time of trip), and myself. DH and I are really excited (we aren't telling the girls until the day before) and we know we will be going during an extremely busy time, again we are up for the challenge. We figured since we are staying onsite, we will take advantage of the MMs and do a lot of resort time. We cannot wait to be at DLR for our favorite time of year .

 

[Miggee]

View attachment 207341

And this one is a close second. Sitting in our Holiday Tour viewing seats

were you there on Tuesday? my family was there on the holiday tour as well. we loved that we got to see IASW light up!

 

[poohj80]

I'm headed back to DL during the holiday season for the first time in 20 years, staying at the Disneyland Hotel for the first time ever and am SO excited! It will be my first chance to share Walt's original park with my DD during Christmas time (and she doesn't know yet . We are now WDW vets living out East and we visited DL a couple years ago, but even with all my research on the DIS Boards there were a lot of things that are different and caught us by surprise. So, I thought I'd ask on this super thread ... what are some of the special, must do, can't miss events/items/activities/etc at DL and DCA during the Christmas? Looking forward to the Jingle Cruise, Haunted Mansion and seeing Paint the Night parade and World of Color (booked dinner packages with reserved seating, worth it?). What are the little things we might not know about? Read about cookie decorating kits at GCH, DD would LOVE that! I know about the candy canes but doubt they are worth camping out for. Any special holiday character meet-n-greets besides Santa? I know it's going to be crazy busy but we will have 4 days so plan to get up early and stay up late (which may mean a mid afternoon nap and rest break).

Any tips/suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Many thanks!

 

[twitch]

Apologies if this is already asked and answered a hundred times...

Are there Main St. Projections with the Christmas fireworks? In other words, do I need to stake out a spot on Main St. for PTN and then the fireworks (like I did for the 60th)? Or are there other places that are just as good to watch from?

 

[Miggee]

I'm headed back to DL during the holiday season for the first time in 20 years, staying at the Disneyland Hotel for the first time ever and am SO excited! It will be my first chance to share Walt's original park with my DD during Christmas time (and she doesn't know yet . We are now WDW vets living out East and we visited DL a couple years ago, but even with all my research on the DIS Boards there were a lot of things that are different and caught us by surprise. So, I thought I'd ask on this super thread ... what are some of the special, must do, can't miss events/items/activities/etc at DL and DCA during the Christmas? Looking forward to the Jingle Cruise, Haunted Mansion and seeing Paint the Night parade and World of Color (booked dinner packages with reserved seating, worth it?). What are the little things we might not know about? Read about cookie decorating kits at GCH, DD would LOVE that! I know about the candy canes but doubt they are worth camping out for. Any special holiday character meet-n-greets besides Santa? I know it's going to be crazy busy but we will have 4 days so plan to get up early and stay up late (which may mean a mid afternoon nap and rest break).

Any tips/suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Many thanks!

we LOVED ISAW holidays, so magical.. as for PTN, i think last night was the last night? I dont see it on their schedule anymore. we got cookie decorating kits at CA right past redwood creek challenge. as for the candy cane, I got to Disneyland close to 9am (it was open for MM at 7) and there was still wrist bands! haunted mansion holiday and jingle cruise were both great as well!

 

[poohj80]

Thanks so much for the feedback.

as for PTN, i think last night was the last night? I dont see it on their schedule anymore.

I thought it was done too but Disney Dining is booking dinner packages for our dates with two showings per night so I assume they are bringing it back for the holidays.

 

[MacMama0930]

were you there on Tuesday? my family was there on the holiday tour as well. we loved that we got to see IASW light up!

We were there on Monday the 14th
The IASW lighting was incredible.

 

[MacMama0930]

Thanks so much for the feedback.



I thought it was done too but Disney Dining is booking dinner packages for our dates with two showings per night so I assume they are bringing it back for the holidays.

When are you going? PTN shows on weekends and every night during the Christmas break.

 

[poohj80]

When are you going? PTN shows on weekends and every night during the Christmas break.

Dec 18-22

Can anyone tell me where the PTN dining package seating is located? Is it worth it (I'm assuming so since it will definitely be crowded)?

 

[mom2rtk]

Dec 18-22

Can anyone tell me where the PTN dining package seating is located? Is it worth it (I'm assuming so since it will definitely be crowded)?

Which dining package?

 

[poohj80]

Which dining package?

Paint the Night Dinner Dining Package

 

[mom2rtk]

Paint the Night Dinner Dining Package

Blue Bayou or Aladdin's Oasis?

 

[poohj80]

Blue Bayou or Aladdin's Oasis?

Sorry, didn't know there was a difference in packages (see, that's why I have to ask all these questions which may be no brainers to those who frequent DL often ). Blue Bayou.

 

[mom2rtk]

Sorry, didn't know there was a difference in packages (see, that's why I have to ask all these questions which may be no brainers to those who frequent DL often ). Blue Bayou.

No problem. The BB viewing area is in the Town Square hub, near the flag pole, on the curb directly across from the Train Station. There is no seating, it's just a roped off area.

 

[poohj80]

No problem. The BB viewing area is in the Town Square hub, near the flag pole, on the curb directly across from the Train Station. There is no seating, it's just a roped off area.

Thanks so much! How early would you recommend getting there for a curbside seat? I have no idea how many packages they sell per day.

 

[mom2rtk]

Thanks so much! How early would you recommend getting there for a curbside seat? I have no idea how many packages they sell per day.

I really can't say for sure since we were there the first night and it was so lightly attended. I think our passes said to arrive at 6 for a 6:30 parade time. Your ticket will specify. Whatever time it says, I would get there 15 to 30 minutes prior to the stated arrival time if curbside is important to you.

 

[poohj80]

I really can't say for sure since we were there the first night and it was so lightly attended. I think our passes said to arrive at 6 for a 6:30 parade time. Your ticket will specify. Whatever time it says, I would get there 15 to 30 minutes prior to the stated arrival time if curbside is important to you.

Thanks again! I just know DD will be tired by then (9 pm parade) and if sitting she'll need to be in front to be able to see.

I also booked a WoC dining package at Carthay Circle. I know there are several seating areas for WoC too, do you happen to know where that one will be?

 

[mom2rtk]

Thanks again! I just know DD will be tired by then (9 pm parade) and if sitting she'll need to be in front to be able to see.

I also booked a WoC dining package at Carthay Circle. I know there are several seating areas for WoC too, do you happen to know where that one will be?

Not sure about the viewing area for CC at WoC. It's been a couple years since we did that. There should be signs near the back of the WoC area. Just be sure to get there ahead of the stated return time if you want front row.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

Thanks again! I just know DD will be tired by then (9 pm parade) and if sitting she'll need to be in front to be able to see.

I also booked a WoC dining package at Carthay Circle. I know there are several seating areas for WoC too, do you happen to know where that one will be?

Just wanted to clarify that outside of the dessert party, there is no seating area for WOC. You can sit on the ground while you wait, but for the show it's all standing, even with the dining packages.