December 2024 Check In Thread

[disneychrista]

I think I found the answer for this, but please assure me it's correct, the parks no longer close due to capacity since the implementation of the reservation system? We are coming the week between Christmas & New Years and I want to be sure that if we leave the parks for a mid-day break, we can still get back in later in the afternoon/evening with our park reservation.

It is unlikely but not impossible that they could close sue to capacity. I think it really depends on hopping. If you have a hopper and book DCA as your start park you might be denied access to Disneyland due to capacity.

 

[iHEARTflorida]

With the ticket deal that just came out for December , was thinking of doing a trip 7-9 Dec - just realised 7th and 8th is candlelight.

My main purpose of the trip would be to meet the characters at the front of the park - would they still be out ? Relocated ?

 

[LKing]

My main purpose of the trip would be to meet the characters at the front of the park - would they still be out ? Relocated ?

The characters should be out throughout the day. Candlelight Processional isn't until after 5 pm.

 

[iHEARTflorida]

Wouldn’t the setting up get in the way for it ?

 

[LKing]

Wouldn’t the setting up get in the way for it ?

Are you talking about the midday performance with the band or individual characters posing for pictures with guests?

 

[Tinkaboo]

On Thanksgiving Day, i just want to say I am thankful for all my wonderful friends on this board, i love reading your trip reports, learning tips from all of you, sharing your adventures! I wish everyone a wonderful trip in December filled with Disney magic!

 

[iHEARTflorida]

Are you talking about the midday performance with the band or individual characters posing for pictures with guests?

Mainly taking individual photos with characters.

I noticed the parade times are earlier on the Saturday. Haven’t checked Sunday.

 

[amyg1975]

The parade times are early on the weekend of the 7th because they will set up for the Candlelight Processional.

 

[xApril]

It’s becoming so real and I am very excited! I drafted up an entertainment schedule so we don’t miss anything we want to see and while that might’ve stressed some out, it brought me a strange sense of peace.

Hoping to luck into a better Lamplight but we have a Carnation right now on our arrival day so we will hopefully get to sit outside and see all the snoap and lights. Literally what’s getting me through the holiday week at work.

Hope everyone is getting excited or having a great time if they’re there!

 

[LKing]

They started setting up for the Candlelight Processional on Saturday.

 

[Elk Grove Chris]

Going to be in the parks December 6th and 7th with everybody. Have a ressie for Blue Bayou on the 6th and Carthay on the 7th, otherwise going to check out the holiday food booths and just soak in the atmosphere and decorations. Happy Holidays all!

 

[kpmdjm]

Can you get a special order birthday cake like at Disney world? I’m not looking for the Mickey head cake.

 

[amyg1975]

We arrived today! I was able to get both the Sully and Gingerbread popcorn buckets at DCA in case any of you are looking. Disneyland had plenty of the Mickey ones.

 

[disneychrista]

Just saw that Tiana’s will be off VQ starting on Tuesday 12/10. Just in time for my trip. I am glad that I won’t need to fight the VQ but also concerned about the wait time and I won’t have an opportunity to check the app to see what they will be as I will be on the road that day.

 

[Lm3js]

Doing the happy dance! Last minute solo trip added Dec 13-15 for my birthday weekend. Excited for the holiday decorations.

 

[xApril]

Leaving now to go back home. What a magical trip. It was so nice to be back for the holiday season and see candlelight. Sad to leave and very tired for our red eye home.

 

[Primerz]

Christmas Surprise- December 30 to Jan 4! Letting our kids know that we have one more gift- a trip to Disneyland with their cousins. Staying at GCH. So excited, first holidays at any Disney park! I feel like I’m going to learn a lot. For example, even at the 60 day mark, not a lot of dining options for NYE. What’s important, though, is that we’re together- we’re from NYC and the cousins from LA so we don’t get to see them much. DLR is icing on the cake!

 

[DizMe]

Christmas Surprise- December 30 to Jan 4! Letting our kids know that we have one more gift- a trip to Disneyland with their cousins. Staying at GCH. So excited, first holidays at any Disney park! I feel like I’m going to learn a lot. For example, even at the 60 day mark, not a lot of dining options for NYE. What’s important, though, is that we’re together- we’re from NYC and the cousins from LA so we don’t get to see them much. DLR is icing on the cake!

What a fabulous surprise!! And so cool that you'll be at GCH and seeing family. DL dining reservations are often hard to get and I imagine NYE is especially difficult. It sounds like you may have a larger party which adds to the task of finding something, but keep checking and maybe sign up for dining alerts that let you know when a cancelation occurs. There may be some options in DTD? I'm not familiar with the new restaurants there. You could maybe ask GCH about getting a dining reservation for NYE.

Anyway, welcome and I'm so excited to hear about your trip!

ETA that you might try breaking up your group into 2 groups when searching for dining reservations. I had success with that once when we needed a reservation for 7.

 

[xApril]

Christmas Surprise- December 30 to Jan 4! Letting our kids know that we have one more gift- a trip to Disneyland with their cousins. Staying at GCH. So excited, first holidays at any Disney park! I feel like I’m going to learn a lot. For example, even at the 60 day mark, not a lot of dining options for NYE. What’s important, though, is that we’re together- we’re from NYC and the cousins from LA so we don’t get to see them much. DLR is icing on the cake!

Don’t give up! Found last minute reservations day of while I was there. Granted, not a holiday but it’s always possible. Just check here and there while in line.

 

[DizMe]

Don’t give up! Found last minute reservations day of while I was there. Granted, not a holiday but it’s always possible. Just check here and there while in line.

This is good advice. Also, try the concierge at GCH. They may have access to more info on cancellations etc.