Christmas decorations????

[Jenn1116]

I was wondering if anyone can tell if DL will be decorated for the holidays as early as 11/18/08. I'm thinking about moving our dates from Dec to Nov in hopes of having warmer weather since my mom's arthritis has been really bothering her.

Also, if I do change to Nov, will I need the 2008 ent book? I know Bumber shoot told me once already when the cards expire, but I didn't pay attention to the actual date, just that it was before our Dec dates. (Sorry!) Thanks for your help everyone!

 

[BillyFan]

My entertainment card expires November 1, so you would need the 2009 card.

As for holiday decorations, they will definitely be up, at least most of them. But I'm not sure when the official holiday season, with parade, etc will begin this year.

 

[Jenn1116]

Thanks BillyFan. Do you think the snow on the castle will have started? Also, is that a busy week? I'm thinking that since it's the week before Thanksgiving, it won't be too busy.

 

[BillyFan]

We usually go the Thursday-Sunday before Thanksgiving, so that would be around the time you're going. The crowds have not been too bad for us during the week, but once the weekend hits, they tend to pick up. Our plan is to go commando on Thursday, when we can get most of the park done. Then the rest of the trip we still collect FPs in the mornings, but we're not as concerned about getting on everything.
The snow was on the castle last year when we were there., so I'd guess that you'd be fine in the same time frame this year.

 

[S. S. Columbia]

... As for holiday decorations, they will definitely be up, at least most of them. But I'm not sure when the official holiday season, with parade, etc will begin this year.

I don't know when the official holiday season, with parade, etc., will begin this year, either. But last November the Christmas fireworks and Christmas parade started the Friday before Thanksgiving. This year Thanksgiving will be Nov. 27, so the Friday before will be Nov. 21. But we won't know for sure until the official DLR calendar comes out with the November dates, which will probably be next August.

Based on last year, this year, from Friday, Nov. 21, through Sunday, Nov. 30, DL will most likely have nightly (Christmas) fireworks, two (Christmas) parades, and two nightly Fantasmics, and DL will most likely be open each night until midnight. I know it's not exactly a news flash , but it looks like DL will be busy during that time.

 

[Jenn1116]

Thanks SS Columbia. I really would like to see the Christmas fireworks, and catching Fantasmic would be great too since I've only seen it once and the view wasn't very good. The biggest thing is fireworks though, since they will be the holiday ones. Since it looks like we'll probably be able to catch them Friday the 21st, I think I may go ahead and change our travel dates. The plan is to be there Tue - Sat. Right now I'm booked for Dec 3-7 which is Wed - Sun. Plus, my DD will be on break from school in Nov... and we'll arrive 2 days after her Birthday so she can wear a birthday pin.

 

[AmericanItGirl]

The official holiday season always begins on Thanksgiving weekend.

 

[Jenn1116]

I know this may sound stupid, but I guess I'm really looking for someone to agree that this change is a good plan. I even went as far as asking my mom if she has any conferences or out of town trip in midNov - early Dec. She wants to know why I asked but I don't want to ruin the surprise!

 

[Jenn1116]

Ahhhhh Why can't I make up my mind???? Do I change to Nov or stay with Dec?? If I'm going to change, I'd like to email Loreale today. I'd like some professional opinions please!

 

[JadeDarkstar]

id stay with dec but i did end nov last year the crouds were fine in the week but once weekend hit boom lots crouds.
also weather was rainy last couple days for us.

 

[mariezp]

We have been the first week of December. It was really nice but it will be most likely be crowded on the 6th & 7th for CP. We are going this year November 9-23. Like you, we hope to catch the start of the festivities without the huge crowds. From my research it looks like decorations start popping up gradually all November, with the big kick off probably on the 21st. The park will probably close at 8 through the week, with longer hours on the weekend.

My main reason to back up our dates was because the year we went in December it threw off our whole routine at home. When we got back it was almost Christmas time. I felt so rushed and was not able to really get into the holiday season at home. I am probably one of the few people who wouldn't want to go back in December! Still, something to keep in mind if you really love to savor the holidays at home.

As far as weather, you never know. I have packed thinking it would be cold and ended up buying t-shirts because everything I brought was too hot. Just be sure to bring a jacket because evenings are likely to be chilly during either month.

 

[DangerMouse]

Ahhhhh Why can't I make up my mind???? Do I change to Nov or stay with Dec?? If I'm going to change, I'd like to email Loreale today. I'd like some professional opinions please!

Hi Jenn! Why don't you keep ressies for both? You do know there is a 48 cancellation period? That way you can wait until the official holiday calendar is released before canceling one.

Didn't you say your main reason for changing the dates was because you needed warmer weather for your mom? I honestly don't think there is that large of a difference in the weather between mid-November and mid-December in S. Cal. I have gone for "Christmas season" plenty of times (see my siggie below), ranging from the week after Thanksgiving to the second week in January. I had torrential rain in Nov, and 87 degrees in January. It's so hard to predict! If you are looking for lowest crowds, I'd pick the week prior to Thanksgiving, and include the weekend of the 21-23 so you can be sure to get the Christmas entertainment in. You will have very low crowds mid-week, and then the locals will set in on Friday because it will most likely be the opening day of the entertainment. Altneratively, mid-week any day the first two weeks of December should be light with fireworks and parades showing daily. It would be easier to avoid weekends in December, while still catching a good amt. of holiday entertainment. My preferred Dec. dates would be the 14-17.

It's really a toss-up. Just make sure you avoid Dec 6-7 for crowds from the CP. We still aren't sure of hte CM party dates.

Not sure if all that was helpful or not. . .

 

[Jenn1116]

I didn't even consider making ressies for both. Thank you so much!!!!! Now I've got to email Lorealle...

 

[Master Mason]

I was there the weekend that had Nov 11th in it this year, which was the weekend before the official holliday. However it was 99% decorated, and they were taping the Holiday special that weekend.

 

[Padstack]

I was there the weekend that had Nov 11th in it this year, which was the weekend before the official holliday. However it was 99% decorated, and they were taping the Holiday special that weekend.

I was there on Staurday, November 17th and everything looked decorated. They also had the Christmas parade going. We didn't make it to the fireworks, though.

 

[Jenn1116]

I added ressies for Nov 18 - 22, with 2 days at ent rate of $59 and the other 2 at $101.15 which is with a 15% discount. So now I have both sets of dates booked Maybe I should add a new ticker...
I'm planning on getting APs for me and DD. Maybe we'll go with my folks in Nov and I'll take DD back in Dec! Ok, that is not at all financially realistic but I can fantasize can't I?