Yes, I'm in!
I know, I feel really bad for those who planned a trip pre-Thanksgiving thinking they would see DLR in all it's glory - I had no idea everything wasn't out for the "start" of the holiday season. I understand the thinking, and know people are STILL seeing a wondrous sight, but still I would be bummed. That is one of the best things about this thread - the information that is gathered helps out so much and
will help out in future years. When someone asks "What is the best time to go," we now know to say, "For the full effect, go...."
Yes, Bret has done a great job finding many out of the way trees - I love seeing them and it is getting me even more excited for my trip, although I am now back on the "we need another day" mantra to my poor DH - we've already added a day and a half, but each time I see more pictures or read more reports, I want more time - there is just too much to do and see.
I know what you mean about the GCH tree! Here I am, pushing the GCH lobby experience as being a nice, cozy way to enjoy the season and get some free entertainment - all the while having no clue that the GCH decor (and I'm sure all 3 hotels have been lacking decor too) doesn't go up until around Thanksgiving. I'm a fraud!!!
I only thought the hotel stuff went up later if the season started later. Naturally I assumed that when the season began, all the decor would be up everywhere! How wrong I was!!
But you're right - even though now we kind of have an idea of when the 'best' time to go is to get the full experience, the people who go pre-Thanksgiving or between Christmasand New Year's will still have a wondrous time. That really says a lot about just how magical and beautiful DL is during the holiday season - even in the face of removing half of the NOS decorations, and despite waiting a few weeks to put up the hotel trees and release all the treats, etc. Even with those 'holes' in the seasonal offerings, it's
still the best place to be!
Uh-oh! Back to the 'we need another day' speech, huh?
That's too funny. But, really - and this is no joke - now we see how Disney operates and how sneaky they are. What's there one year may not be there the next year (NOS decor, for example). Who knows what will happen in 2011? They may decide to scale all the ToonTown decor way back or something! So if you didn't have the full amount of time to capture all that you want to capture on camera now, you may not get another chance next year if something suddenly disappears. I had planned to go back to NOS this year (it was too crowded for me to get in there last year) and spend more time getting photos. And now half the stuff - if not more - is gone!
So it's best to keep adding days now and not take a chance on what may or may not be there next year!
All the photos are wonderful. My DIL moved out and left my son and the 3 kids a week ago. Hard at any time of year, but extra difficult for them all with the holidays approaching. I am taking the grandkids to
Disneyland on 9-13th Dec. Last night my oldest GD (17) was looking at all the beautiful photos posted and for the first time in a week she was smiling and said she just can't wait to go. I had been wondering if, given everything that is going on, I should reschedule and take them for spring break but now I think it's the right time to go. Thanks for all the beautiful photos.
Disgram23kids - Oh dear... I feel so bad for your son and grandkids. I got a little choked up reading your post. I mean, that sort of thing happening would not be good under the best of circumstances, but right before the holidays is the worst timing ever. I can imagine the kids are just devastated, not to mention your son.
Well, given what you described about your granddaughter's smile at seeing the lovely holiday photos, I think that is the indicator that this would be the perfect time to take all of them to Disneyland. They would have a great time at Disneyland any time, but I really think the magic of the Christmas season may be just what they need right now. I think it sounds like absolutely the right time to go!!
Please let us know how the trip goes. I'm sure I'm not the only one who will be crossing my fingers and hoping it is the best trip ever for your family!!
MattsPrincess - gosh, could you guys be any cuter?! You're just adorabale together. Your pictures are so wonderful. I think you absolutely made the right choice to go for the holidays instead of Halloween Time.
I love seeing the characters in their Christmas sweaters (the Winter Sweater Army, as I call them)!!
My son (11) reallllly has his heart set on Mickey ears like that but I haven't noticed them in any of the pictures. It's possible that I have missed them though! 
the apple pie caramel apple & always get that one BUT I am a huge NBC fan. I can not see myself not getting a Jack apple this holiday season. To me it just looks like white chocolate but I am curious about what it really tastes like/is comprised of. 
) and soak in the Christmasy atmosphere again - but even better next time! Looking at Bret's pictures and MattsPrincess' photos is like seeing DLR during the season for the first time. I almost feel like I was never there at all and that this will be a new experience for me! 
