disney at christmas

[mvf-m11c]

I have a fireworks question I've been meaning to ask. For the holiday ones, is there a lot of stuff on the castle like for the RDCT ones? Like, should we plan to see them once up close to see that stuff and once from farther back? Or can you watch them from farther back and not miss much?

The only ones we've seen are the RDCT, and we had to give up two nights to see them because the first night we didn't expect more than fireworks and missed everything on the castle, so then the next night we camped out and got right on the rope and saw everything. Just trying to decide if we need to plan for that or not...as we leave in 4 DAYS!!!!

There is fireworks around SB castle during "Believe...In Holiday Magic" fireworks, not as many as RDCT but a good amount of fireworks around the castle. I think it is worth it seeing in front of SB castle during the Holiday season. But the best part after Believe fireworks is when it snows on MS, ROA seating area for F!, and FL by IASWH. It you want a front viewing of SB castle, it will be at least one hour to get a front row spot (that is mostly in the street not on the curb or benches). Another good spot is right in front of IASWH where you can see the projections on IASWH.

Here is one of my pics from last year showing some fireworks by SB castle.

RDCT is an excellent firework show and Believe...In Holiday Magic is great and is the longest running firework show at DL since 2000 for the Holiday season. But many of us DISers would say that RDCT is better than Believe.

 

[where's_my_prince]

Yeah! What kind of camera do you have? I'm putting it on my list for Black Friday!

thats a really good idea! i should do that!

 

[Sherry E]

Yeah! What kind of camera do you have? I'm putting it on my list for Black Friday!

I know she has mentioned the type of camera she has before, but I have forgotten. It's a Nikon. It's some model of Cool Pix, I think.

Sara, am I wrong?

 

[mvf-m11c]

Bret - Thank you! Seeing that your photos are always amazing, I am glad you like anything I posted. Yes, I think you're right about where we were located for the fireworks and the parade. I didn't get a good look at the price for the IASWH pin, but I'm guessing you must be right about the price.

I can't wait to see the photos you come back with after your DLR November visit!

Your welcome. I can't wait to see more pics during your December trip.

This year during the Holiday season at DL is more special than my previous years at the Holiday season because of the Tree Quest game, getting character autographs for my dad's colleagues daughters and the last year to see the front entrance of DCA with the Holiday decorations (which I am sad to see the CALIFORNIA letters for the last time). I'll be doing my TR live at the park and posting all my pics on my flickr account from my room when I am taking a break and also I will upload the pics from my iPad when I am waiting for the nighttime shows (Believe & WoC).

I have a lot of picture to take in just a few days at DL. But being solo is good so I can do whatever I want to do during my visit. I still got to get some pics for the Tree Quest, Wreath Quest, and also taking pics of all the ride vehicles at the resort.

 

[Sherry E]

Your welcome. I can't wait to see more pics during your December trip.

This year during the Holiday season at DL is more special than my previous years at the Holiday season because of the Tree Quest game, getting character autographs for my dad's colleagues daughters and the last year to see the front entrance of DCA with the Holiday decorations (which I am sad to see the CALIFORNIA letters for the last time). I'll be doing my TR live at the park and posting all my pics on my flickr account from my room when I am taking a break and also I will upload the pics from my iPad when I am waiting for the nighttime shows (Believe & WoC).

I have a lot of picture to take in just a few days at DL. But being solo is good so I can do whatever I want to do during my visit. I still got to get some pics for the Tree Quest, Wreath Quest, and also taking pics of all the ride vehicles at the resort.

Wow, you will have a very busy trip at DLR this time around! Lots of photos to be taken, lots of tasks to accomplish and a few things to see for the very last time.

I must say - even though I, sadly, did not make it into DCA yesterday (there just wasn't enough time), I glance at the Golden Gate Bridge at night, as we were leaving, and it really is quite pretty with its wreath (Wreath Quest!!!!) and lights, garland, etc. It stands out across the Esplanade. I will be sad to see it go.

 

[LisaCat]

When I saw the pics on micechat today, they had that nice candy cane ears. I was hoping that DL would have a new Santa's hat like the Goofy Joker Christmas hat. But right now they just have the regular Mickey ears Santa hat.

We are only just one week away to the Holiday season.

They had some REALLY CUTE holiday ears and headband ears out at WDW the first week of November. I'm sure they will have the same ones at DLR.

 

[skiingfast]

I know she has mentioned the type of camera she has before, but I have forgotten. It's a Nikon. It's some model of Cool Pix, I think.

Sara, am I wrong?

Funball's is in fact a Coolpix L22, it was only $80 on amazon. Oh and she says it's real important to note that it's color is champagne.

What is your's Sherry?

 

[LisaCat]

They really, really, really could have rolled out the candy corn letters one final time this year. Those were very fleeting. They didn't have them in 2009 either - and the Halloween Party was still being held in DCA at that point!! They let World of Color and ElecTRONica totally dominate DCA through the Halloween season this year, so bye bye all traces of candy corn.

How sad! I was at DLR for Halloween in 2008 and thought the candy corn theme was the CUTEST!

 

[Sherry E]

Funball's is in fact a Coolpix L22, it was only $80 on amazon. Oh and she says it's real important to note that it's color is champagne.

What is your's Sherry?

My camera is a Canon SD880. It's just a little thing. I think I like Sara's camera better!

How sad! I was at DLR for Halloween in 2008 and thought the candy corn theme was the CUTEST!

Me too! I don't know why those candy corn letters were so short-lived, but this was the last year we had even a remote chance to see them and they haven't brought them back since 2008. And no more Candy Corn Acres, either. That was totally gone this year, and I doubt it will ever come back now that DCA is getting an all new entrance and 1920's theme.

 

[mvf-m11c]

Wow, you will have a very busy trip at DLR this time around! Lots of photos to be taken, lots of tasks to accomplish and a few things to see for the very last time.

I must say - even though I, sadly, did not make it into DCA yesterday (there just wasn't enough time), I glance at the Golden Gate Bridge at night, as we were leaving, and it really is quite pretty with its wreath (Wreath Quest!!!!) and lights, garland, etc. It stands out across the Esplanade. I will be sad to see it go.

Yes, it will be a busy time for me to do all these tasks in just less than 3 days at the parks. At least I don't have to go on too many rides during my visit since I have done every ride at DL & DCA. But to take pics of the ride vehicles that are not visible outside (SM, POTC, BLAB, etc.) I have to go on the ride to get it. But I have np going on and follow my plan on ridemax and my experience at the parks.

I did like the Golden gate Bridge at night with all the Holiday decorations on it. It will be sad to see it go, but I am looking forward to the new entrance to DCA in less than two years.

I just posted my[post=38951729]1985 Holiday pics[/post] on my TR. So you can all look at it or here are some pics of the Christmas parade back in 1985.

 

[Sherry E]

Oh wow! Bret, the gingerbread men and Pooh looked so different in 1985 - I vaguely remember them looking that way!! Those are great parade photos!

 

[where's_my_prince]

oh those pictures reminded me of a story
i went to work saturday and was at one of the CM stores backstage and 2 elves walk in! they were performers from the parade, but it was still the most surreal thing ever!!!! they legitimately looked like real christmas elves just shopping! it was the coolest thing!

 

[Goofy_Mom]

My camera is a Canon SD880. It's just a little thing. I think I like Sara's camera better!



Me too! I don't know why those candy corn letters were so short-lived, but this was the last year we had even a remote chance to see them and they haven't brought them back since 2008. And no more Candy Corn Acres, either. That was totally gone this year, and I doubt it will ever come back now that DCA is getting an all new entrance and 1920's theme.

I wonder if, when the new theme comes through, if there will be "Hollywood type" characters? Maybe Bing Crosby and Clark Gable look a likes walking around. I would love to hear "Bing" sing.

 

[funatdisney]

I couldn't get on last night, and did I miss a lot of great photos! Well done Sherry E. You just about covered everything in a "tip of the iceberg way". And Funball, you got some every good shots, too. Both of you made my morning!

Brett, great shots from years past. It is always nice to have them to compare with pictures from this year.

Thanks for bring the season at DLR in my home. Look forward to lots more in the coming weeks.

 

[kylie71]

Sara and Sherri, Awespme pics!
Thanks so much for doing that for us!! I will do my best to get some good pics..
I have a Nikon Cool Pics as well, mine is Cranberry in color!

 

[Sherry E]

I couldn't get on last night, and did I miss a lot of great photos! Well done Sherry E. You just about covered everything in a "tip of the iceberg way". And Funball, you got some every good shots, too. Both of you made my morning!

Brett, great shots from years past. It is always nice to have them to compare with pictures from this year.

Thanks for bring the season at DLR in my home. Look forward to lots more in the coming weeks.

Thank you, Liza!! I'm glad you like them. Yes, we were posting up a storm!! I'm glad you got caught up. When threads move fast it's so easy for things to get lost in the shuffle. I knew my posts would be broken up on two pages and sure enough, they were. "Tip of the iceberg" was what I was aiming for. Well, that and a head start on Tree Quest and Wreath Quest!! I will get more in-depth with the photos next month! I really need to get into NOS, ToonTown, A Bug's Land, the Round-Up and back by IASWH at night and do some damage with the camera!! There are so many trees and wreaths to conquer!!

Sometimes it helps to look at photos to really get me in the spirit of the season. When we all first get to DLR, usually we have to get situated and figure out where we're going, what we're eating, what we're riding, do we need a locker or not, who is meeting us at which times, who has to get their Hopper or AP, do we need to drop our stuff off at the hotel, how crowded is it, do we need Fast Passes, etc., etc. Those kinds of things can sometimes take away from the initial impact of seeing DLR in all its holiday beauty. Sometimes it takes a while to kind of get the agenda straight and get into the spirit - at least I find that's what happens with me. Once everything gets settled, then I can relax and really start taking it in, looking around and just absorbing all the wonderful colors and sounds and details.

So when I was at DLR a couple of days ago, it took a minute to get situated and figure out what we were doing and I probably overlooked many wonderful things. But looking at Sara's nice pictures makes me want to get back to DLR ASAP.

It's funny how that can happen - you can get home from DLR, no matter what the length of trip it is, and be exhausted. You can be glad you are away from the crowds and feel like you don't need to get back to DLR for a good while.

And then the next day, someone posts some great photos or photos of things you missed and you think, "Oh! I have to get back to DLR right away!! I can't wait!!!"

Sara and Sherri, Awespme pics!
Thanks so much for doing that for us!! I will do my best to get some good pics..
I have a Nikon Cool Pics as well, mine is Cranberry in color!

Thank you again, kylie71!! As I told you, every time I looked at the giant tree on Main Street, I thought specifically of you! I can't wait for you to get to DLR so you can see it in person and take your own wonderful photos!

Sara has a much better Nikon Cool Pix, apparently, than the one my friend was trying to use at DLR last year. My friend could not get a decent shot to save her life on that Nikon. But Sara's might be a more advanced model of Nikon.

I almost got a Nikon Cool Pix last year, but Canon has served me well with other cameras in the past, so I just stuck with that brand. However, if I ever get an SLR, it will be Nikon!

 

[JH87]

I love those old pictures Bret!!! Thanks for sharing!

oh those pictures reminded me of a story
i went to work saturday and was at one of the CM stores backstage and 2 elves walk in! they were performers from the parade, but it was still the most surreal thing ever!!!! they legitimately looked like real christmas elves just shopping! it was the coolest thing!

that is funny! you guys have backstage stores?!? that's cool

 

[specialks]

SPECIALKS,
We have the EXACT same dates as you, and we are also from the Pacific Northwest. Too funny!

GREAT! I am hoping it turns out to be a great vacation! I can't decide if I am secretly wishing for some rain on Saturday or not...being a PNW'er I would gladly take the coastal drizzle for fewer people.

Thanks again Funball & Sherry for the amazing pics. I really can't wait to see it all in person. I am 'planning' on doing my TR during my trip as well. I have to see how it all works out. I have my iPhone but I don't know how well it will work to websurf & post pics on the spotty 3G network I hear the DLR has. It will still be fun. Our plans so far:

Tues Dec 7: arrive in SNA, rent car, check into RI GG, enjoy the free reception meal and a glass of wine!

Wed Dec 8: DCA day - my oldest daughter is finally tall enough for CS and literally cried in 2008 (she was 4.5) when we told her she couldn't ride it. Her favorite ride that year was Space Mountain. She is our roller coaster enthusiast. However, she doesn't like ToT (she tried it in 08 & 09) and now my youngest (just turned 4) is convinced she is going to give ToT a try. Crazy girls! This will also be our WOC night and I am preordering the picnics today. I am hoping for a blue FP and bridge viewing.

Thurs Dec 9: MM & DL day, we will probably try to catch the parade and/or the fireworks on this day.

Fri Dec 10: Knotts - I am so bummed because I pre-purchased my tickets and now they have the Toys for Tots deal. It could have saved us $57. Oh well, no biggie.

Sat Dec 11: DL or DCA depending on where the girls want to go

Sun Dec 12: DL and F!

Mon Dec 13: our last day so we might park hop to finish out with our favorites!

Tues Dec 14: 6 pm flight home, we might head to a local beach just to see it and walk on it -- too cold to swim. (any advice on a good beach to drive to from DLR with our flight leaving out of SNA)??

A bit of exciting news is my DM got a job at our local Disney Store and she is hoping to buy all our tickets with a CM discount. That will be an unexpected and wonderful gift!

 

[where's_my_prince]

I love those old pictures Bret!!! Thanks for sharing!



that is funny! you guys have backstage stores?!? that's cool

it's just one store it just has like cast merchandise like pins and shirts

 

[Sally_fan]

Sally_fan - You're welcome!! I can't wait to see your photos too!

I wondered that myself about the candy trees. I didn't see anything outright to make me think they were selling them, but I agree - I love them too. I would love to have a couple of them. I'm inclined to think they were just for decoration, but I could be wrong. Maybe I just didn't see the boxes for them or something. Why put something out that is so clever and festive and then rob us of the chance to be able to buy it?

They are soooo beautiful!! Ribbon candy always makes me think of Christmas so it being shaped into the shape of a Christmas tree just makes my heart melt. I am now wondering if they are actually candy? Or just ornaments made to look like candy? Either way I love, love, LOVE them!! Do you remember where they were Sherry? I must go visit them whilst we are there!