10 Mths of WDW Planning leads us to~~DISNEYLAND!! Report Completed~Pic Heavy!!!

[DizNee Luver]

All caught up now

Mrs. C is sooo pretty, wow! I can only dream of looking that good later one!

I am amazed by all the details of the country-style decorations, I particularly like the rope snowflakes! I might try making them someday...your report is really inspiring me to try to get us to Disney at the holidays!

Shy is becoming quite a picture gal, now isn't she! So great to see! Her smile is so warm

We are off tomorrow, heading to Bellingham then San Francisco to visit DH's sister and family, but are planning a day at the Disney Family Museum, so a Disney fix for me! Thus I'm not sure if I will have a chance to check in, but I am hoping to find a way, as I enjoy your updates so much!!

-Ally

I loved those snowflakes.....they definitely say country!!

Shy is really becoming quite the little character.....it's so fun to see her light up and have personality.....even Michayla is having her moments!!!

Enjoy the museum....that is something we've wanted to do since they opened but haven't made it yet. I think we're shooting to do it end of Aug/first of Sept before my oldest's wedding.

Now I remember - it was the Storybookland Canal Boats (I think lol) and yes I think the statues at WDW are the same (or very similar). Your pics are so great - all of them! You really have an eye for capturing great shots

Thank you......but there were 3 of us taking pictures......and after I mesh them all together...I'm not sure who belongs to which ones. Mike did take the majority this trip, and Tyler filled in and I tended to do the more detailed shots.

I'm here and reading along. I always make a point of reading your reports as they have a lovely personal feel to them, along with great descriptions and pics

Welcome!! Thank you for joining along!! I consider everyone here just part of my extended family!!

I'm reading along too, loving the details and the fantastic photos. I've not been to DL in the holiday season and won't be there for a few years so this gives me the closet I can get for now!

Welcome!! The holidays are very well done and if you get that chance down the road.....do it!! I have plenty more holiday pics to come.....we'll keep the Christmas spirit going into January!!!

 

[DizNee Luver]

Let's watch the Christmas Fantasy Parade!!!

The first float has Duffy the Bear and the Ballerina from your music box.

Enter the Toy Soldiers!!

Next is the float carrying Daisy & Donald Duck, Pluto (or Doggy as Shy calls him) and Mrs. Claus!

Lots more parade to come!

 

[DizNee Luver]

I see Tigger & Pooh Bear sledding down the street!

It's a Winter Wonderland on Main Street with big, sparkly snowflakes!

A snow covered tree.

The cute little snowmen and snowwomen.

Mickey and Minnie ice skating!!

Poor Eeyore........

Lots more parade to come!!

 

[DizNee Luver]

Here come the Gingerbread Men!!

Clarabell Cow!

The Gingerbread House with Goofy & Max.

The Royalty will be coming up next, but they are preceded by the Wicked Stepmother and her 2 daughters.

Snow White and the Royalty float is coming up next.

 

[DizNee Luver]

The Royalty and their float (which is stunning in person and if you can see it at night).

The twins were fascinated with the parade and music!!

Santa's Toyland section is up next.......Here come Chip & Dale!!

Even more parade to come!!

 

[DizNee Luver]

Here comes Woody and the toys!!

Next was the gift wrapping machine manned by Geppetto, Jiminy Cricket and Pinocchio.

Buzz Lightyear to the Rescue!!

One more post of parade pics coming up!

 

[DizNee Luver]

Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho....it's time for the Seven Dwarfs.

The Carolers....do you see what's coming up behind them??

The reindeer!!!!!

Which means.....here comes Santa in his sleigh!!!

This is what the crowds look like after the parade lets out!!

We stayed put for a while to let the crowd levels die down a bit before trying to head out of the park and into DTD.

 

[Sherry E]

I'm glad you got in another parade viewing - especially when you had the family with you to see it as well. I know that we don't know yet when/if you all will be able to do another DLR holiday trip, but chances are that by the time you do get there for another holiday that particular Christmas Fantasy Parade will be held hostage to a paid party.

I forgot to comment on those rope snowflakes in my previous post, but you guys reminded me! I don't think those snowflakes were at the JJJ on 11/12 - but I may have missed them - and I don't even really recall them being at the Reindeer Round-Up in the past. I know I certainly did not get any pictures of them when I was thoroughly combing the Round-Up a couple of years ago so I tend to think they were not there. It makes me wonder if they were added in just for the Jamboree.

The reason why those rope snowflakes are so great is because they are so subtle - it would be very easy to overlook them or pass them by without a glance. They don't stand out, and yet they are the perfect holiday decoration in that location. They are the ideal holiday detail to support the "Christmas at the ranch" theme. That is one thing that forever amazes and impresses me about Disney parks - the little details everywhere, some of which may go unnoticed but yet are soooooo integral to adding to the various themes.

 

[DizNee Luver]

I'm glad you got in another parade viewing - especially when you had the family with you to see it as well. I know that we don't know yet when/if you all will be able to do another DLR holiday trip, but chances are that by the time you do get there for another holiday that particular Christmas Fantasy Parade will be held hostage to a paid party.

I forgot to comment on thosee rope snowflakes in my previous post, but you guys reminded me! I don't think those snowflakes were at the JJJ on 11/12 - but I may have missed them - and I don't even really recall them being at the Reindeer Round-Up in the past. I know I certainly did not get any pictures of them when I was thoroughly combing the Round-Up a couple of years ago so I tend to think they were not there.

The reason why those rope snowflakes are so great is because they are so subtle - it would be very easy to overlook them or pass them by without a glance. They don't stand out, and yet they are the perfect holiday decoration in that location. They are the ideal holiday detail to support the "Christmas at the ranch" theme. That is one thing that forever amazes and impresses me about Disney parks - the little details everywhere, some of which may go unnoticed but yet are soooooo integral to adding to the various themes.

We actually saw the parade twice......so I'll have even more pics to share later on.....lol I wish Disneyland would stop trying to be WDW......we don't need to do the party thing. Heavy sigh......it's all about the money these days and it frankly is getting annoying!!

I don't remember those snowflakes last year either.....and I'm a snowflake person......love them!! So if they were around last year, I'm almost certain I would have noticed them.

I love how Disney makes sure every nook and cranny is themed......that's what makes them special!!

 

[Trentmom]

I loved all the train scenery. It looked like they had all the different princesses houses or castles depicted. Very neat

Partner statues are soooo cute

My god, your parade is amazing. I don't think we have all of that in our christmas parade that I can remember

Freaking amazing

I love the one pic of Mrs. Claus, she has funniest expression on her face, like she saw someone doing something naughty


The pic with Woody on the horse, with him leaning over is such a cool pic

Again, Love love that parade pics

 

[DizNee Luver]

I loved all the train scenery. It looked like they had all the different princesses houses or castles depicted. Very neat

Partner statues are soooo cute

My god, your parade is amazing. I don't think we have all of that in our christmas parade that I can remember

Freaking amazing

I love the one pic of Mrs. Claus, she has funniest expression on her face, like she saw someone doing something naughty


The pic with Woody on the horse, with him leaning over is such a cool pic

Again, Love love that parade pics

The miniatures are of things like the castle, Jasmine's palace, Mr Toad's place, etc.

I can tell you that the parade they show on Christmas day is not how the parade actually is......now that I've seen the DL one....it bugs me.....lol

I'm sure someone was being naughty in a crowd that big......

The guy doing Woody was really good at "flopping" and looking toy-like!!

You'll just have to come out west and see the parade for yourself!!

 

[nwdisgal]

Hi Laurie!

I am reading along and really enjoying your reports. I am one of the quiet ones out here in cyberland (and believe me, quiet isn't usually my forte unless there is a good read involved )

Great report so far. So happy to see the twins took so well to it and seemed to be enjoying all the new experiences.

 

[DizNee Luver]

Hi Laurie!

I am reading along and really enjoying your reports. I am one of the quiet ones out here in cyberland (and believe me, quiet isn't usually my forte unless there is a good read involved )

Great report so far. So happy to see the twins took so well to it and seemed to be enjoying all the new experiences.

Hi Pam!!! I'm glad you're enjoying it!! The twins did so much better than expected!!

 

[DnA2010]

Great pics! The colours of the parade are soo vivid!

We are ranch people (my inlaws have one and keep our horses there) so the snowflakes would really suite our place- they really are totally appropriate yet subtle.

Yes, we are looking forward to the Museum...great to hear some more of the history and that.

Hanging in Bellingham so I thought I would check for an update.

Also, isn't the Spaghetti factory great! So much food and good too! We visit the one in Vancouver often when we are there (that is the original one) yum! :fat:

 

[DizNee Luver]

Great pics! The colours of the parade are soo vivid!

We are ranch people (my inlaws have one and keep our horses there) so the snowflakes would really suite our place- they really are totally appropriate yet subtle.

Yes, we are looking forward to the Museum...great to hear some more of the history and that.

Hanging in Bellingham so I thought I would check for an update.

Also, isn't the Spaghetti factory great! So much food and good too! We visit the one in Vancouver often when we are there (that is the original one) yum! :fat:

I love all the Disney parades because of the colors and music. I figured the twins would enjoy them as well.....and they did!

If you decide to make some of the snowflakes, you'll have to post pics......I think they are awesome!

The museum will be fun. I know there are areas you aren't allowed to take pictures (which I think is strange.....but it's the rules).......but I imagine there are many, MANY things to see........looking forward to going myself!!

We'd never gone to an Old Spaghetti Factory but it was very good!! I was happy to see they offered the gluten free pasta so Shy could have spaghetti....which is one of her favorites!

 

[PHXscuba]

OK, I finally got onto my computer (my parents are currently staying in my office) and got caught up.

Loved the Country Bears visit to the Billy show. I think it's really nice that DL is maximizing that big Jamboree space and even adding the characters too. The pictures of your son getting kissed are priceless.

I haven't been on Casey Jr. in forever; my family is so getting dragged on it in March. Think I could fit my DS16 (6 foot 1 with size 13 feet) into the lion cage?

I saw the Christmas Fantasy Parade at night. It's harder to get good pictures but I do think it is more magical with the lights. I am a big light person.

PHXscuba

 

[DizNee Luver]

OK, I finally got onto my computer (my parents are currently staying in my office) and got caught up.

Loved the Country Bears visit to the Billy show. I think it's really nice that DL is maximizing that big Jamboree space and even adding the characters too. The pictures of your son getting kissed are priceless.

I haven't been on Casey Jr. in forever; my family is so getting dragged on it in March. Think I could fit my DS16 (6 foot 1 with size 13 feet) into the lion cage?

I saw the Christmas Fantasy Parade at night. It's harder to get good pictures but I do think it is more magical with the lights. I am a big light person.

PHXscuba

It would be nice if Disneyland offered up different characters more often. They obviously have the costumes, so why not mix things up?! We saw Piglet and Rabbit in 2005 and I think I've seen Piglet once since then. WDW has Piglet daily at a meal. They also have Marie from the Aristocats and Belle in her blue dress.....why can't we get that occasionally? I had got wind of the Country Bears joining Billy at the end of their show, but kept it secret from the family!! I knew they'd be excited to see some new characters!!

Getting in and out of those cages on Casey Jr. are hard for "bigger" people. I like the open cars......lol

I saw the parade twice last December at night and loved it all lit up.....but you're right....it's hard to get good pictures!

Speaking of lights.......I was really disappointed that when we were planted in front of the castle for fireworks for an hour (or more).....that they didn't do the castle lighting and snow. They did they snow after the fireworks but I really missed that little show and watching the castle come to life with lights/icicles and snow.

 

[DisneyStitch626]

Wow, I really loved the last few updates! The photos of the parade were awesome! I really hope that we can see that parade when we go next December! So cool. Love the little snowmen.

The candy cane cotton candy will have to be another thing we try too! Looks so good. But will have to practice saying it I think....

Also it looks like one of these trips I will have to catch the Billy Hill show. Still haven't seen it!

 

[DizNee Luver]

Wow, I really loved the last few updates! The photos of the parade were awesome! I really hope that we can see that parade when we go next December! So cool. Love the little snowmen.

The candy cane cotton candy will have to be another thing we try too! Looks so good. But will have to practice saying it I think....

Also it looks like one of these trips I will have to catch the Billy Hill show. Still haven't seen it!

The snowmen are so darned cute!! It's a fun parade!!

Just order the cotton candy......the jamboree was the only place you could get it.......

What??? If you go on the Diva trip, I'm sure you'll get dragged to one of the shows......lol We are fans!!

 

[yupikgal]

Even if I was just there the week before you were, I LOVE looking at all the pictures you took, and the detailed ones at that! I was relying only on my iphone to take pics, and for some reason, my battery was draining a lot more than normal (hmm, you think the videos I took could have something to do with it?) I need to take my actual camera when we go this summer!! It's just so handy to use my phone camera.

Anyway, I know it will be totally different atmosphere when we go this summer without all the beautiful shimmery lights, trees, decor, Christmas music & parades, etc. but I'm still soooo looking forward to it!!

I love all the things you captured, the fun times, the happy faces of your kids, you can just feel the excitement in them!! What wonderful parents you and Mike are. They will never forget all the good times at Disney!! I'm always thrilled to see that your big kids love it as much as the little ones too! That's how our kids are. I'm sad that Kelsey won't be able to go with us this summer, and probably not my husband either (he has other plans for that time) so I am thinking about inviting either my MIL or my oldest sister along, she came with me and my niece on our last trip and loved Disney! I don't know how much she would like the summer crowds though, I hate to spoil it for her!

I've reserved a room at the Howard Johnsons on Harbor for now, in the quiet bldg in the back of the property by the "adult" pool, so I'll keep looking to see if anyone else has any good deals before we go. Having my son's girlfriend along with us will be different, I"m still trying to figure out how that's going to work. They are very excited though, she's never been to the West Coast, she's originally from Wisconsin, and has gone to WDW several times to visit an aunt who lives in the area! Since it's both of their graduation trip, I plan on doing some really fun things like character breakfasts, a nice dinner at either BB or the new Carthay Circle restaurant, and maybe a dessert seating for Fantastmic!!

I'm excited to read the rest of your TR, I need to finish mine, although I've been enjoying everyone else's so much, I'm getting lazy! Thanks for making my days a little bit brighter! Happy 2013!!