1st Timer - Newbie questions for Dec..

[PrincessAbby'sMom]

Just downloaded the December schedule (YYYEEEAAAHHHHHHH ) trying to compose myself - sorry...
and there are a few things I wondered are they:

not to be missed
you came this far you should do it
you can do without ever doing/seeing that

To explain a bit: husband, myself, 7yr old daughter, & my parents 60-70's. Want to see the Princesses, no character meals, will be there 4 days (Tue - Fri), only been to WDW 1 time, 1st time to DL.

and if there are any descriptions - I would appreciate it.

-Tomorrowland Terrace Presents Sandbox ?????
-Princess Fantasy Faire (worth the wait?) any WDW comparisson?
-Brother Bear totem cermony?
-Billy Hill & the Hillbillies?
-Sword & the Stone?

Princess Fantasy Faire - will it be crowded on a weekday in December?

Friday will be my only day for Fantasmic!, Block Party Bash, & the Sword & the Stone. The 1st 2 are a Must Do on my list, but what about the last?

Any other December suggestion, please.....

Thanks a bunch!

 

[Disneyland1084]

:

not to be missed
you came this far you should do it
you can do without ever doing/seeing that

Sorry I can't be of help to everything. The NOT to be missed is dining at the Blue Bayou inside Pirates and going on Tower of Terror at DCA. You came this far-hhmmm, again Tower of Terror. You CAN'T miss that. You can do without ever doing-that miniature land ride where you go in a shark's mouth at the beginning. It's cute, but if time is limited I wouldn't bother. I hope you have a very fun and magical trip.

 

[AidansMommy911]

You should really try to watch the Aladdin Music Spectacular in California Adventure. It is a really great show for all ages. It's a theater production of the movie and the magic carpet even flies over the audience. It lasts 45 minutes and shows 3+ times on select days. I've seen it twice and would definately go again!

 

[shoppingmom]

Definitely go and get pictures taken with Santa at the log cabin (I can't remember the name Reindeer Ranch?)

 

[PrincessAbby'sMom]

Santa & Aladdin were "Musts" for me, already on my list.

Anymore?

 

[BillyFan]

Billy Hill is our very favorite thing to do in the park. They are a comedy/fiddle group that is fun for all ages. Saturday thru Tuesdays are the best days to go, IMO, because that is when you'll see our favorite Billys, since they are a rotating group. If you do go, get there about 30 minutes, get the seat closest to the front that you can, and then get in line for food. They serve chicken strips, cheese sticks and fish in chips, as well as chili cheese frys and ice cream.

We like to visit with Santa over at DCA, where he is dressed in his best Hula shirt and plays games at his Beach Party Blast.

You must see Fantasmic! I think it is much better than the WDW version.

Block Party Bash is fun. Wait for it over by the Golden Dreams Theater for a less crowded spot.

The Tomorrowland Terrace band, I believe, is usually cover bands that play on the weekend evenings. We've seen the 80's Allstars and a Beatles tribute band that were fun. But if this was a once in a lifetime trip, I would not bother spending the time there. Agai, JMO.

For a lot of great advice on getting the most out of your trip, check with the stickys at the top of the page.

Enjoy your trip! There is nothing better than Disneyland at Christmas time!!!!!!

 

[Mommy2PrincessAbby]

I know you said no character meals, but there is a thread here somewhere and I think most everyone recommends the character meal to meet the princesses over going to PFF. We did the Ariel dinner and it was really a great (and easy) way to meet and take pics with 5 princesses...

Not to be missed: ToT, Screamin' (even your folks will like it! It is a very smooth rollercoaster) and Aladdin.

--Lisa

 

[PrincessAbby'sMom]

Wierd question for BillyFan.....at the Billy Hill you said get in line for the food - is it included in the show? Or extra? Just wondering if that is a way to see a show & have supper too! Great time saver!

 

[lilpixie]

Unfortunately, the princesses are no longer in front of the castle, available for pics. They have been moved to the PFF, which is a pretty long wait. However, if you don't mind the wait, your daughter might enjoy it. We met Princess Minnie at the PFF and she was soooo cute! They met a few other princesses as well. Like someone else mentioned, Ariel's Grotto is a great option for meeting princesses without lines -- .
My girls also really love the Aladdin and Jasmine storytime adventures (Aladdin's Oasis in adventureland). Pretty cute. They do pictures/autographs at the end of the show. The Aladdin Musical in DCA is great -- it was one of our faves.
Make some reservations to cut down on waiting in line for meals -- Carnation Cafe and Cafe Orleans are great options. Call Disney Dining to schedule a time.
Other "musts":
There is a candy shoppe in DCA before you come to the Hollywood Backlot. They sell the Marceline's candy (they have a better variety than the shop on Main Street in DL). One word - YUM! We had the Oreo Brownies, which were fab (they are huge and I remember thinking "I could never eat all that" ha -- next thing I look down and it is almost gone LOL). Also the caramel and chocolate covered marshmallows and the white chocolate chip cookies.
Try the Monte Cristo sandwich at Cafe Orleans or Blue Bayou. They also have Mickey shaped beignets (donuts) at Cafe Orleans which are soooo cute!
Dole Whips (by the Tiki Room in adventureland)
Mickey Shaped Pretzels (fun for kids and lots of carts sell them)
My 8 year old DD favorite ride was TOT, My husband loved California Screamin
I could go on and on . . .
have fun planning!

 

[BillyFan]

Wierd question for BillyFan.....at the Billy Hill you said get in line for the food - is it included in the show? Or extra? Just wondering if that is a way to see a show & have supper too! Great time saver!

Sorry about the confusion. The Billy Hill show is free, but if you want to eat, they have decent fast food there. I mentioned getting a table first because the show can get packed, and we like to sit up front.

 

[PrincessAbby'sMom]

Thanks everyone - you are really helping alot!

Keep them coming...........