2011 Holiday Tour. Who has booked and when?

[pattyduke34]

When I booked my tour...the CM said that I can pick up my tour tickets at will call when I pick up my park tickets...and that is 4 days before the tour??? She made a special note to make sure they were there when I picked up park tickets???? I booked for Dec 1, 3pm tour..

 

[DizMe]

I made our reservations for Friday, December 2 at 3PM -- 5 adults.

Now my story ... I called at EXACTLY 7AM and a very nice CM said that I was calling a day too early -- so "please call back tomorrow". OK ... I hung up ... counted the days on my calendar again ... and called back -- this time a very nice CM said that "even though it says 30 days -- a lot of times it's only 29 days -- so please call back tomorrow". I decided to just forget about it ... and call tomorrow --- but the more I thought about it -- the more it didn't make sense. I called a third time, 4 hours later, and a very nice CM said ... "Sure, of course" ... I made the reservations, and then explained to her what had happened ... and she said that sometimes the computer doesn't recognize the 30th day exactly when they open.

The first CM did say that they can run 3 groups of 15 each for each tour.

The third CM said that the 3PM tour was the only one they were running on Friday --even though the park is open late.

They do NOT send you a confirmation e-mail. You can NOT pick your tickets up a day early -- ONLY on the day of the tour at the ticket booth.

They meet at the beige gazebo to the left of City Hall. You should be there 20-30 minutes early.

That is all of my news ... we can't wait!!

I had something similar happen...we wanted to book Nov 30 so I called Oct. 30. I was told that since there were 31 days in Oct. I would have to call back the next day at 8 AM because the computer would only book 30 days in advance. Well, I was nervous because the cm had told me to be sure and call first thing as they book fast, so I called at 7 AM. The CM took all of my info and then when she went to book it, she told me that it was too soon! I would have to wait until 8 AM and call back. I guess that's when the new day officially rolls over or something

The 3 PM tour is the latest one they do. That's so you'll finish up right before the parade starts. On busier days, they also run an earlier tour. I think it's at 10 AM or something like that...coincides with the first parade.

Tip: have your reservation/confirmation number with you and ready when you go to pick up your tickets.

 

[DizMe]

Here are some pictures from previous holiday tours!

Waiting to begin...look at the lovely headsets you get to wear!

Just after the parade, with our tour guide! Me, sis, and BIL.

Cheers! Very cool cocoa mugs. Sis, BIL, me and my DD.

Yes, you are this close to the parade in a nice, comfy, padded chair!!

 

[hellotoyou]

pattyduke34 ... I sure hope that we can pick up the tickets earlier ... I'm going to try!

DizMe ... that makes sense ... so 8 AM may be the key time ... I'm glad that I did call back! You're right ... I had thought there was a later tour ... but how could there be when the last parade is at 530PM! I loved your photos ... they are so clear and sharp.

 

[kirstie101]

Can you bring a stroller on the tour? DS will be 9 months old and we really can't go anywhere without the stroller.

 

[nicolispicoli]

Can you bring a stroller on the tour? DS will be 9 months old and we really can't go anywhere without the stroller.

I read anothers previous post saying it was no problem at all. When riding rides, you just park it like you normally would. Also, you would need to fold it up on the train like you would anyway while riding the train.

My DD will be 7 months, so we're stuck in strollerville too.

 

[kirstie101]

I read anothers previous post saying it was no problem at all. When riding rides, you just park it like you normally would. Also, you would need to fold it up on the train like you would anyway while riding the train.

My DD will be 7 months, so we're stuck in strollerville too.

Thank you!

 

[areweindisneyyet]

No tour for me unless I go alone. Can't wait to read all of your reports!

That is so sad. I am sure that you will still have a wonderful magical time with your family.

please add us to the list....

planning on booking for 12/17 late tour! surprising my DD with a quick trip and meeting up with my friend and her DD too for the weekend and the tour. our girls are 11 and 16!

Mommy2mrb I am adding you to the list. What a great weekend it sounds to be with your daughter and friend. I love a good surprise. Even though everyone in my traveling party is very aware that we are going I still have few little tricks and surprises up my sleeve.
thanks!

I made our reservations for Friday, December 2 at 3PM -- 5 adults.

Now my story ... I called at EXACTLY 7AM and a very nice CM said that I was calling a day too early -- so "please call back tomorrow". OK ... I hung up ... counted the days on my calendar again ... and called back -- this time a very nice CM said that "even though it says 30 days -- a lot of times it's only 29 days -- so please call back tomorrow". I decided to just forget about it ... and call tomorrow --- but the more I thought about it -- the more it didn't make sense. I called a third time, 4 hours later, and a very nice CM said ... "Sure, of course" ... I made the reservations, and then explained to her what had happened ... and she said that sometimes the computer doesn't recognize the 30th day exactly when they open.

The first CM did say that they can run 3 groups of 15 each for each tour.

The third CM said that the 3PM tour was the only one they were running on Friday --even though the park is open late.

They do NOT send you a confirmation e-mail. You can NOT pick your tickets up a day early -- ONLY on the day of the tour at the ticket booth.

They meet at the beige gazebo to the left of City Hall. You should be there 20-30 minutes early.

That is all of my news ... we can't wait!!

Thanks Hello To You, I have added this information to the first post of the thread. Thanks for your help. I have also added you to the roll call. Congrats on making your booking.

When I booked my tour...the CM said that I can pick up my tour tickets at will call when I pick up my park tickets...and that is 4 days before the tour??? She made a special note to make sure they were there when I picked up park tickets???? I booked for Dec 1, 3pm tour..

Nothing like a little confusion Patty Duke. I have added you to the list. Let us know how you go with the early pick up.

Have a great time.

 

[Sleepless Knight]

Just a couple of thoughts about the tour from me. I've done it the past 2 years. In 2009, it was during the pouring rain. They offered the chance to rebook for free for a later tour or refund the money, but as this was my last day I opted to take the tour in the rain anyways.

The rain never let up. Everyone was soaking wet and huddled under umbrellas when possible. The headphones were screwed up because of the rain so our tour guide had to speak up and keep us all close together in order to hear. On top of that, Haunted Mansion Holiday was down during when we got there and the parade was rained out so we had tremendous seats for the Rainy Day Cavalcade. Now, to Disney's credit, they gave everyone who endured that tour 3 fastpasses good for any attraction in either park except Toy Story Midway Mania to compensate for Haunted Mansion Holiday being closed, the parade being rained out, and the rain in general.

In 2010, I had much better weather for the tour and really enjoyed it. That said, it's the same tour every year. For me personally, the tremendous benefits of the tour are not enough for me to spend the money every year, but I would do it again in the right circumstances. And last year, I was especially happy since the tour badge and pin were of Prince Phillip and Princess Aurora. And somewhere I still have my waterlogged badge of Donald and Daisy.

In short, I don't advise taking the tour in the rain if you can possibly help it. If they'll let you reschedule due to the weather and your schedule will allow it, by all means do it. And sign up for the later tour to get the Small World Holiday lit up at night. In 2010, I had to take the early tour because it was CM Christmas parties and I didn't want to repeat my 2009 rain tour if I could help it.

 

[areweindisneyyet]

I had something similar happen...we wanted to book Nov 30 so I called Oct. 30. I was told that since there were 31 days in Oct. I would have to call back the next day at 8 AM because the computer would only book 30 days in advance. Well, I was nervous because the cm had told me to be sure and call first thing as they book fast, so I called at 7 AM. The CM took all of my info and then when she went to book it, she told me that it was too soon! I would have to wait until 8 AM and call back. I guess that's when the new day officially rolls over or something

The 3 PM tour is the latest one they do. That's so you'll finish up right before the parade starts. On busier days, they also run an earlier tour. I think it's at 10 AM or something like that...coincides with the first parade.

Tip: have your reservation/confirmation number with you and ready when you go to pick up your tickets.

I have added your tips to the original post, thanks DizMe.

And thanks for the photos, they are great. They certainly have me looking forward to our tour.

 

[canadadisney]

I am still wondering...does the holiday tour extend past Christmas into the first week in January?

 

[areweindisneyyet]

Not sure, but we shall keep asking.

The Christmas Parade traditionally continues to the end of the Christmas season so I would take a guess that the Tour would continue.

So I would think you would be able to see it through to the end on January 8.

I know it isn't a definite of answer, but based on previous years....

 

[hellotoyou]

canadadisney ...

"Christmas at the Disneyland Resort
Celebrate the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort from November 14, 2011 through January 8, 2012"

I found this information here: (hopefully the tour will run during this time, also)
http://www.wdwinfo.com/disneyland/events.html#christmas

Hope this helps!

 

[mommy2mrb]

thanks for adding me.....but we are going Dec 17th not Nov 17th...

 

[wdwmickey]

please add us to the list....

planning on booking for 12/17 late tour! surprising my DD with a quick trip and meeting up with my friend and her DD too for the weekend and the tour. our girls are 11 and 16!

thanks!

Hey, that's us Thanks for putting us on the list Lisa

 

[Nox54]

Hi Nox54

Happy as to add you to the roll call. Have a great time.

Thanks for the add.

 

[rentayenta]

Here are some pictures from previous holiday tours!

Waiting to begin...look at the lovely headsets you get to wear!

Just after the parade, with our tour guide! Me, sis, and BIL.

Cheers! Very cool cocoa mugs. Sis, BIL, me and my DD.

Yes, you are this close to the parade in a nice, comfy, padded chair!!

These are great!

That is so sad. I am sure that you will still have a wonderful magical time with your family.

It will be a magical trip regardless. The kids are freaking because we usually do 5 days wonder where they get it from and this trip we only have 3 days. They convinced DS that we don't have time for a tour.

 

[areweindisneyyet]

thanks for adding me.....but we are going Dec 17th not Nov 17th...

Fixing it up right now, sorry....

 

[areweindisneyyet]

Hey, that's us Thanks for putting us on the list Lisa

Added you too wdwmickey

Mia

 

[mommy2mrb]

Hey, that's us Thanks for putting us on the list Lisa

why yes it is we are going to have so much fun with our girls! did you tell "R" yet we are doing it...or are you planning to surprise her like I am for Megan?

Fixing it up right now, sorry....

thanks, not a problem!