ABD Backstage Magic vs WDW 50th

[pensprincess]

I had been planning for several years to be at WDW for the 50th Celebration in December 2021. I am beginning to question if we should stick with this or do a late November/early December 2021 ABD at Disneyland. We have never been to DL but are big Disney fans and love all of the ins and outs. Would you recommend switching this to the ABD to see something new? It would just be myself and my boyfriend. Neither of us have been to DL, let alone CA but I feel like the ABD trip would be the perfect way for us to see DL as well as some of the special Disney spots. Any feedback, thoughts, opinions, etc would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Mathmagicland]

Are you also big fans of Christmas? I ask because Disneyland does Christmas a lot more than Florida seems to do (In my opinion). While it does not have a Mickey’s very merry Christmas party, it does have some additional ride make-overs (Small world, haunted mansion) plus the parks seem more decorated for the holidays. There is also a lot of in-park entertainment.

We also do not have the candlelight procession each night - it is only the first weekend, so that might also be a factor for you if it’s something you’d hope to see.

And then there’s the famous Disneyland handmade candy canes, only done here (Disneyland and Disney California Adventure on alternating days.

 

[pensprincess]

Are you also big fans of Christmas? I ask because Disneyland does Christmas a lot more than Florida seems to do (In my opinion). While it does not have a Mickey’s very merry Christmas party, it does have some additional ride make-overs (Small world, haunted mansion) plus the parks seem more decorated for the holidays. There is also a lot of in-park entertainment.

We also do not have the candlelight procession each night - it is only the first weekend, so that might also be a factor for you if it’s something you’d hope to see.

And then there’s the famous Disneyland handmade candy canes, only done here (Disneyland and Disney California Adventure on alternating days.

I LOVE Christmas... it's a tie with Disney love haha. That was part of the reason I was thinking the December timeline. Candlelight Processional isn't a deal-breaker for me. I've never heard of these candy canes you speak of but I am so down for those! I really would love to see the HM overlay. I'm leaning more and more toward the ABD trip. Now to convince the boyfriend

 

[Mathmagicland]

I've never heard of these candy canes you speak of but I am so down for those!

Here’s a video, from the Disney Parks blog. They usually release the schedule sometime in November. Each day (excludes Sundays) starting day after thanksgiving, the candy canes are made in one park. It has been Disneyland on Mon, Wed, Fri and DCA on Tues, Thurs, Sat - non-early morning hours park days so everyone has an equal chance.

You head to either Candy Palace (DL) left turnstiles) or Trolly Treats (DCA Right turnstiles)and join the line to get a coveted wristband. It is one per wristband. And they will tell you when you have to pick it up - usually no later than around 3pm or 3:30pm, then any leftovers are sold to those waiting in a standby line who missed out on the wristband.

I think it is around 120 per day, 40 per batch and three batches The wristbands go very quickly, DL seems to go faster than DCA - you have to skip the mad dash for Rope drop and a ride and go first thing to the candy cane line if you want one. The wristbands will all be gone within a few minutes. People will line up early to get In the parks to get one. If staying at Grand Cal you need to use the front entrance to DCA rather than the hotel guest entrance to have a chance.