disney at christmas

[Sherry E]

Actually she has planned for 4 days...23, 24, 25, 26 and actually since they're not leaving until evening on the 27th they'll have a partial day as well.

You might consider getting one of the many guides available for Disneyland (Birnbaum is a popular one and many libraries will have it....there is also a Birnbaum for kids though it's not as informative). Read through it and write down the rides, shows, exhibits, etc that you want to see. This helps first time visitors because it's easy to get overwhelmed and unsure where to go next, lol.....not to mention lost in the maze of things and not realize you missed an entire section! The first time I took my girls to DL while waiting in line they'd pull out their list, mark off what we were in line for and start deciding what to do next with the help of the park map.....a great way to pass the time in line and build some excitement about what's coming up.

Yes, thanks for the clarification. I read both of AttilaTheHun's posts, and was throwing in my 2 cents on the initial question of whether 3 or 4 days was better, and then on the question in the second post about whether before or after Christmas was more crowded.

 

[mvf-m11c]

I have a Nikon D70 - what settings did you use for your nighttime shots? Absolutely gorgeous! Did you use a tripod?

I use the night portrait mode for the nighttime shots. Sometimes I even use the non flash mode for the night shots, but sometimes they don't turn out so well. Yes, I have a sunpak tripod that I carry with me around the park at night and sometimes during the day. I like to bring the tripod to video tape the night shows like F!, fireworks, and WoC. (I have video tape WoC during its debut week with the tripod and it turned out very well when the video camera is not shaking) You can go to my youtube channel and see part of my video taping of WoC and other Disney shows: http://www.youtube.com/user/mvfm11c

mvf-m11c -Those Nikons DSLRs get the job done every time! We've seen more great photos on this board that were taken by those Nikons. I would love to own one, but seeing that I can't even figure out the many manuals for my little Canon point and shoot SD880, I have a feeling I would be a lost cause with a DSLR!!

The Nikon DSLRs are good snapshot cameras. I'm glad that my friend got me interested in these cameras so I can take as many pictures very quickly than a normal camera.

 

[Sherry E]

The Nikon DSLRs are good snapshot cameras. I'm glad that my friend got me interested in these cameras so I can take as many pictures very quickly than a normal camera.

mvf-m11c - Did you have to take a class on how to operate all the features on the camera, or was it just trial by fire? Or did you just take to it naturally, like a fish in water, and without much guidance needed?

I've always said that I think even point and shoot cameras are capable of more than people realize (not as good as the DSLRs, but better than one would expect), but because the manuals are so technical or long these days, and sometimes the camera buttons and menus are hard to figure out, many folks probably don't want to bother trying to establish how to get cool night shots or effects, etc. People don't have time for that.

So there are probably many things that P&S cameras can do or that DSLRs can do, but I'd bet that many people just learn the very basic steps of how to operate it and that's it.

 

[mvf-m11c]

mvf-m11c - Did you have to take a class on how to operate all the features on the camera, or was it just trial by fire? Or did you just take to it naturally, like a fish in water, and without much guidance needed?

I've always said that I think even point and shoot cameras are capable of more than people realize (not as good as the DSLRs, but better than one would expecte), but because the manuals are so technical or long these days, and sometimes the camera buttons and menus are hard to figure out, many folks probably don't want to bother trying to establish how to get cool night shots or effects, etc. People don't have time for that.

So there are probably many things that P&S cameras can do or that DSLRs can do, but I'd bet that many people just learn the very basic steps of how to operate it and that's it.

Sherry E,

I didn't take a class on how to operate all the features on my Nikon D60. My friend that I referred too on my pp, is a professional photographer and showed me all the basics about the DSLR cameras. He gave me some good information on what DSLR camera to buy, he has a lot of different Nikon cameras and the quality of the pics are really clear. It was a good idea to get a Nikon than the other brands like Sony or Canon. Most of the features I know how to operate on my Nikon D60, but I don't know everything about my Nikon. I was planning on taking a digital photography class later this Fall so I could take and process better photos when I go to any Disney parks.

I agree with you about the shoot cameras are good cameras to use point and shoot. You are right about people don't care about reading the manuals on their cameras and some people do care. I like to shoot the best photos with my knowledge on cameras.

 

[Desert Dwellers]

mvf-m11c

http://www.youtube.com/user/mvfm11c

Thanks for the link to your video. Really enjoyed watching the WOC, makes me eager to go. Oh, well, six months will pass quickly. Meanwhile, I'll haunt this thread, enjoying the beautiful pictures.

 

[mvf-m11c]

mvf-m11c


Thanks for the link to your video. Really enjoyed watching the WOC, makes me eager to go. Oh, well, six months will pass quickly. Meanwhile, I'll haunt this thread, enjoying the beautiful pictures.

Your welcome

 

[mariezp]

Ooooh LOVE LOVE LOVE these pictures!!!

The first time we went to DL at Christmas, we went to take pictures with Santa and there was no one in line, so it was awesome! We got a great shot for our Christmas card.

When we went the second time, a few years later, we just assumed we'd be able to waltz right up again. Wrong! Boy had Christmas time gotten popular. The line was long, made worse by the whole "call my family to come meet us 'cause I'm close to the front of the line now" scenario. As we stood there, with the line getting bigger rather than shorter the longer we waited, we finally bailed. I was so sad as my mom was with us - her first time at DL in probably 30 years.

We made up for it with tons of pictures by the tree on Main St and the one in DCA.

Just goes to show that you can never predict the crowds all the time. It was very crowded when we went but we were there for the opening day of Reindeer Roundup because it was our last day. We just make the most of it even when we have to wait in lines cause even then I am still at DL so how bad could it be. My DD is getting old enough that we can make waiting in line fun. A little crowd won't stop us from snagging that picture with Santa! Of course, pictures around the tree are great too! At least you were able to get some of those in with your mom.

I love seeing all the Dec pictures!! We LOVE going in December!! We wont be able to do a Dec trip until 2011 We are doing birthday trips this year instead..But I am already getting excited about our next Dec trip!!!

2011 will be here in no time! At least you have some other trips to look forward to until your next Christmas trip.

Hello everyone, I have been reading all your posts and I have learned a lot. My son and I are planing to go to Disneyland this Christmas. We have been to Disney World in Florida before but this will be our first Christmas in Disneyland. After spending the past couple of weeks trying to decide which hotel to stay at I decided on the Sheraton Park Hotel across from the park. Have any of you ever stayed there. Is it a pretty nice place. I will try to get a room facing Disneyland for the nice view. At first I was going to get the 5 day hopper till my son said he also wanted to go see Universal Studios. So thought then we could go with 4 day hopper. While doing more research I saw that the Medieval Times was not that far away and I was there the last time in the early 90's. Well this would take us down to 3 days for Disneyland. My other question to you all is should I add a day to our trip and have 4 days at Disneyland and 2 days to go to the other 2 attractions? Or would 3 days in Disneyland be enough?? My son just turned 13 so he will have a lot of energy. We plan to fly down from up here in the San Francisco area and use the shuttles to get to the other places.

What do you all think?

Congratulations on making plans to spend your Christmas at the park. I think that would be neat but have just not worked up the courage yet to brave the crowds or be away from home that day. Bet you will have a wonderful time! If it were me and I could work it I would add a Disney day for any reason I could find! Sherry and ConnieB both offer some really good advice. I thoroughly agree with everything they had to say. Your plan after their responses looks much better than wasting precious time here and there.

Marie - I absolutely adore those photos!! I love all the details inside Santa's house. I love the pictures of the cookies for Santa, and those photos of your daughter with Santa (and Santa's helper) are so great - my favorite is the very last one, where they are both kind of looking at each other as if they are thinking, "Who is this peculiar person?"

Thanks Sherry! That's my favorite of the Santa pics too!

mvf-m11c -
I've always said that I think even point and shoot cameras are capable of more than people realize (not as good as the DSLRs, but better than one would expect), but because the manuals are so technical or long these days, and sometimes the camera buttons and menus are hard to figure out, many folks probably don't want to bother trying to establish how to get cool night shots or effects, etc. People don't have time for that.

So there are probably many things that P&S cameras can do or that DSLRs can do, but I'd bet that many people just learn the very basic steps of how to operate it and that's it.

I see you have me pegged! P&S+very basics= ME!



Love the pics tksbaskets, GrandBob and mvf-m11c!
PHXscuba, the girls trip sounds like a lot of fun!

 

[mariezp]

Oops! Double post!

 

[GrandBob]

GrandBob and GlamMa!! That is too cute!!! Well, DGD is adorable so I'm sure she will be a perfect fashionista when the time is right!!

Hee hee, too late! She's been dressing up in GlamMa's clothes and shoes since she's been able to walk. Here are a couple of her glamor poses from 2 years ago, when she was 5!!

OK, sorry about the hijack. Now we'll bring you back to your regularly scheduled Christmas discussion!

-Bob

 

[AttilaTheHun]

Just stopped by to wish everyone a Happy 4th of July and all my Military friends who I served with for 20 years in the Air Force and those still serving. I salute you all. God Bless America! Our Home Sweet Home

 

[Sherry E]

Just stopped by to wish everyone a Happy 4th of July and all my Military friends who I served with for 20 years in the Air Force and those still serving. I salute you all. God Bless America! Our Home Sweet Home

Happy Independence Day to you, too!! My late grandfather was an Air Force vet!! Woo hoo!!

 

[AttilaTheHun]

Hi Everyone,

I have spent the last couple of days trying to decide which hotel I wanted to stay at. Having decided I wanted to be able to see Disneyland from my window I think I am going to go with the Sheraton Park Hotel. I figure the weather being colder and maybe wet I will not hang out on the balcony but, it should be a nice view. Now I will start looking to see where I can get the best rate. I will take my son and his friend to the Alameda County Fair later, till then I will surf the Disney net. <grin> Has anyone stayed there before??

 

[NewbieMouse]

I just wanted to say hi and join you on this thread as we're now planning a 2-day stop-in visit for the week before Christmas. Yippee!!

 

[smiley_face2]

Don't know where else to post this so will start here. Remember last Christmas we were all excited because the Guy Fieri Christmas special taped in Disneyland at Christmas time 2009, (Guy's Disney Holiday) which some here were lucky enough to be present for!! ...anyway it was finally going to be showing. I recorded it on my DVR about 4 different times to make sure I got it, and we watched it a few times, and I kept meaning to record it to dvd on our dvd recorder but before I got the chance to, our DVR packed it in and I lost it along with everything else. I'm longing to be able to watch it again... I'm really hoping they will show it again this coming Christmas season, but.... is there is anyone here who did record it, and I could send some money to cover the mail cost to have it sent to me?? I know it's a long shot, but you never know! Thanks in advance
Oh, it is available to watch on youtube, but you know how that is, it's divided into 4 movies, and I don't have my comp streaming to our tv yet... I have watched it on there anyway though...it's a killer...makes you want it to be Christmas NOW!!
here's a link to the youtube video part 1 in case you want to have a gingerbread mickey or snowman shortbread cookie melt down....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WyvOU8KIzA

 

[specialks]

Don't know where else to post this so will start here. Remember last Christmas we were all excited because the Guy Fieri Christmas special taped in Disneyland at Christmas time 2009, (Guy's Disney Holiday) which some here were lucky enough to be present for!! ...anyway it was finally going to be showing. I recorded it on my DVR about 4 different times to make sure I got it, and we watched it a few times, and I kept meaning to record it to dvd on our dvd recorder but before I got the chance to, our DVR packed it in and I lost it along with everything else. I'm longing to be able to watch it again... I'm really hoping they will show it again this coming Christmas season, but.... is there is anyone here who did record it, and I could send some money to cover the mail cost to have it sent to me?? I know it's a long shot, but you never know! Thanks in advance
Oh, it is available to watch on youtube, but you know how that is, it's divided into 4 movies, and I don't have my comp streaming to our tv yet... I have watched it on there anyway though...it's a killer...makes you want it to be Christmas NOW!!
here's a link to the youtube video part 1 in case you want to have a gingerbread mickey or snowman shortbread cookie melt down....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WyvOU8KIzA

So funny! I didn't watch it (we don't have DVR) and after I decided on a Christmas trip I have been kicking myself that I didn't watch it. I wonder if Sherry E can help us and send us a copy -- I know she has it on her DVR!

 

[Sherry E]

So funny! I didn't watch it (we don't have DVR) and after I decided on a Christmas trip I have been kicking myself that I didn't watch it. I wonder if Sherry E can help us and send us a copy -- I know she has it on her DVR!

I have it on the DVR. I don't have a set-up to make copies, though, unfortunately. I wish I could. I have quite a few cool Disney shows saved on there and I would love to just copy them all to DVDs for everyone if I could!!

I would almost be willing to bet that Food Network will air Guy's Disney Holiday again this holiday season, but I would make sure to get it on tape or DVR this year and not let it slip away again. Next year it might not be back.

I say this because there was a wonderful WDW special that used to run on Food Network for the holidays - it was hosted by Raven Symone and it featured all the different decorations and, particularly, edible decorations/displays around WDW, including all the hotels. I saw it, I think, two years in a row on Food Network - with 2007 being the last time I saw it. And then they stopped airing it. It didn't run in 2008, and then in 2009, they ran Guy's special. No more Raven WDW show.

 

[Sherry E]

Well, according to Al Lutz's column today (which may or may not be accurate):

The Electrical Parade is slated to be shipped back to Anaheim this Christmas, once the sun sets early enough that DCA can pull off multiple World of Color shows and a night parade to try and balance out the maddening crowds that pack into Disneyland for the Christmas Fantasy Parade and Believe In Holiday Magic fireworks show. But after the Christmas run of the Electrical Parade, the parade route through the DCA Sun Plaza will go into heavy construction mode as part of the switch to the newly expanded DCA parade route that starts near Tower of Terror and ends near the Silly Symphony Swings.

The new parade route will debut in 2012 with an all-new day parade for DCA, using the same type of low-slung modular floats currently being designed for Disneyland’s new parade coming in 2011, Soundsational. The Soundsational parade is a salute to favorite Disney music through the decades, and it will use a new fleet of floats that are designed to have a modular chassis and underpinnings that can be used over and over again with different parades every few years. The same concept is being planned for DCA, with a fleet of DCA-specific parade floats that will allow different parades to be created for that park every few years without having to worry about the overhead wires of the Red Car Trolley.

 

[christa2766]

I was wondering if Disney has a history of running any resort hotel specials in Nov. and Dec.? We usually stay onsight but are trying to save a little money so staying at Ayres. Hoping as the dates get closer they will have a special rate. Does anyone have any information on holiday hotel rates?

 

[Sherry E]

I was wondering if Disney has a history of running any resort hotel specials in Nov. and Dec.? We usually stay onsight but are trying to save a little money so staying at Ayres. Hoping as the dates get closer they will have a special rate. Does anyone have any information on holiday hotel rates?

They sometimes have discount offers. If you have an Annual Pass, there are often AP rates for November and December. Sometimes there are special hotel promos on the DLR website that may last through late Fall, possibly up to early or mid-December. Usually nothing past mid-December, though (they hit a really busy time right around Christmas and on to New Year's). Sometimes they also send out special PIN code offers with discounts that last until early or mid-December. So there is hope! These offers would likely not start to come out for another couple of months, I would guess.

 

[MattsPrincess]

Sorry if this has been asked already. I searched the thread and even the results for that were overwhelming! lol. But hey, at least im bumping this up off the 2nd page!

DH and I are considering changing our Halloween trip to a Christmas trip, probably the 21st-26th with either 4 or 5 day hoppers. I was just wondering if the xmas parade runs everyday or only weekends? We would want to book the holiday tour, so i'd need to know if I could only get it with the reserved seating on a weekend or any day we are there?

Also, how should those dates be crowd wise? Depending on which tickets we bought, we'd either be in park the 21st-25th or the 22nd-25th. So, that's getting there on a Tuesday late afternoon/early evening, and then leaving first thing Sunday morning, with most of our in park days being weekdays, if that makes any difference for that time frame.