disney at christmas

[spacemermaid]

A question about Annual Passes?

I am considering getting an annual pass for our trip Christmas 2011. We have booked through WDTC and all eight of us are getting 6 day park hoppers.

1. Would the discounts be worth it? I am sure there would be no AP discount on accommodation over Christmas week.

2. If the parks reach capacity do they treat Park Hopper and AP tickets differently or as we are staying at GCH would that not matter when reopening?

Silly questions I know but the brain is thinking...

I shall add some Christmas pictures to help the your thinking, happy weekend all.

A bit of Toon Town Morning Madness

About the Park-reaching-capacity question: it was my experience that it makes no difference if you have an AP or a ticket, when the Park reaches capacity & you want to come back in. BFF & I were there during the Candlelight Processional weekend ( ) a couple of years ago. We went back to the hotel in the middle of the day to soak in the hot tub. When we came back, we were told that the Park was at capacity & neither of us could go back in unless the crowd situation changed. I had an AP; she had a regular park hopper ticket. AFAIK, that's standard procedure...AP holders don't take priority over regular ticket holders. They did warn everyone upon leaving that it wasn't guaranteed that we'd be let back in.

 

[areweindisneyyet]

We always think getting the passes are worth it! you save 10-15% off food, and this last season they even had the discount on merchandise for the deluxe passes as well! and you will get a discount at the hotel, maybe not the really great rate you can get off season, but still a discount. The only thing I don't know about is getting back into the park if they reach capacity with a pass as apposed to without a pass....I'm sure someone here will know!

Thanks Smiley Face.

That is really helpful and I appreciate it. We are also hoping to pop back in on our way to WDW in Sep 12 so will be able to use it then too!

Thanks, I shall read more on the AP Board.

Thanks.

 

[areweindisneyyet]

About the Park-reaching-capacity question: it was my experience that it makes no difference if you have an AP or a ticket, when the Park reaches capacity & you want to come back in. BFF & I were there during the Candlelight Processional weekend ( ) a couple of years ago. We went back to the hotel in the middle of the day to soak in the hot tub. When we came back, we were told that the Park was at capacity & neither of us could go back in unless the crowd situation changed. I had an AP; she had a regular park hopper ticket. AFAIK, that's standard procedure...AP holders don't take priority over regular ticket holders. They did warn everyone upon leaving that it wasn't guaranteed that we'd be let back in.

THanks Space Mermaid, I just wanted to be sure that if I changed my Park Hopper to an Annual Pass that I would not separate myself from the others in our group. There will be eight of us.

 

[areweindisneyyet]

I thought I would share some more of the spirit of the season.

I can hear the music playing...

 

[where's_my_prince]

mmmm ealy morning main street during xmas. its my favorite time, everybody is all bundled up excited to start the day... i cant wait!

 

[smiley_face2]

Thanks Smiley Face.

That is really helpful and I appreciate it. We are also hoping to pop back in on our way to WDW in Sep 12 so will be able to use it then too!

Thanks, I shall read more on the AP Board.

Thanks.

Don't forget to keep checking because as the date draws closer, really good deals on your days may just pop up, then you can call in and change it! Happy planning!

Freshly made caramel apples at the Candy Palace on Main Street.

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[smiley_face2]

Ok, so here is an update on our trip. I am sad to say our trip is off this year. There were some things that happened before school let out and due to court hearings we are unable to go this year. We are going to re-schedule and go next Christmas. I am in hopes that the money situation is going to be better. This trip this year was to be a new start for our girls, but unfortunatly they will still be dealing with the things that have happened. This last year my husbands son came to live with us for a few months...well, I don't have to say what happened...I am sure people can figure out. We have gone through hell and back and are still dealing with it. We have 2 different court hearings scheduled one at the end of Sept and then the next is Dec. 20 (the day after we were supposed to be in the happest place...instead we will be dealing with the horrible court systems). So....now we have to petition to get a refund for what we have already paid and reschedule for next year. Oh, well. I know the year will go by fast..I will definatly keep looking at the pictures here and reading everyones posts. It will be hard as it gets closer. It wasn't meant to be this year, we will just plan for next year. The good thing is I will be able to shop the after Christmas sales and get the girls the stockings, stuffers, gifts, mini tree, ornaments and everything for next year at a super cheap price. For all those that have given me pointers, I want to thank you. The next 2 to 4 months are going to be rough on our family and the girls are going to be going through a lot...all they can think is that their lives stink and now they will never get to go to DL..we keep telling them we will go next year. I just hope with my dad's health, the legal issues with my husbands son, and my illness will allow us to fullfill their dream of going. I think EVERY child should be able to go to DL at least once (even though it doesn't always happen).

sorry you and your family are having to go through this, and having to cancel your trip. I think most people here have had to cancel a trip at one time or another and we all know how bad it feels. I hope you can get things all sorted out for your future, and next years trip can be a real celebration!

 

[smiley_face2]

The balcony scene in Haunted Mansion Holiday. They change what is on the table every year because it is made out of real gingerbread!! and they pump in the smell of gingerbread when you come round the corner to this scene...always makes us go buy a gingerbread man to eat!! This was 2008, last year was a big gingerbread carousel, I only had my iphone to video so it did not turn out as good, but I may put it up anyway..... after doing this, I actually went to my kitchen and baked gingerbread cookies!

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[Sherry E]

Ok, so here is an update on our trip. I am sad to say our trip is off this year. There were some things that happened before school let out and due to court hearings we are unable to go this year. We are going to re-schedule and go next Christmas. I am in hopes that the money situation is going to be better. This trip this year was to be a new start for our girls, but unfortunatly they will still be dealing with the things that have happened. This last year my husbands son came to live with us for a few months...well, I don't have to say what happened...I am sure people can figure out. We have gone through hell and back and are still dealing with it. We have 2 different court hearings scheduled one at the end of Sept and then the next is Dec. 20 (the day after we were supposed to be in the happest place...instead we will be dealing with the horrible court systems). So....now we have to petition to get a refund for what we have already paid and reschedule for next year. Oh, well. I know the year will go by fast..I will definatly keep looking at the pictures here and reading everyones posts. It will be hard as it gets closer. It wasn't meant to be this year, we will just plan for next year. The good thing is I will be able to shop the after Christmas sales and get the girls the stockings, stuffers, gifts, mini tree, ornaments and everything for next year at a super cheap price. For all those that have given me pointers, I want to thank you. The next 2 to 4 months are going to be rough on our family and the girls are going to be going through a lot...all they can think is that their lives stink and now they will never get to go to DL..we keep telling them we will go next year. I just hope with my dad's health, the legal issues with my husbands son, and my illness will allow us to fullfill their dream of going. I think EVERY child should be able to go to DL at least once (even though it doesn't always happen).

Scrappinbear78 - As you know, I've been following your story since your very first post here a few months ago and offering up suggestions. I'm sorry to hear that this trip won't be happening this year. You're right - it most likely was not meant to be. I do hope that next year will bring more luck and better finances for you, so a DLR trip can happen. I agree - every child should get to experience DLR at least once, and during the holidays is the most magical time to see it.

Well, we'll still be here next year, so just come on back to this thread any time. Even if this thread reaches its page limit eventually (long way off from that, though), we will start a Part 2 to this Disney at Christmas super thread, with a link to find us on the new thread.

Thanks for letting us know the outcome - I know many of us were eager to hear what would would happen with your trip.

As long as your dad did not book anything through the Walt Disney Travel Company that they could even conceive of as a "package," he should get a full refund within a month. Room-Only reservations will give you a full refund up to 5 days before the expected date of arrival. It's only when the Walt Disney Travel Company gets involved and calls it a package that there are penalties for cancelling at a certain point.

 

[HaleyB]

THanks Space Mermaid, I just wanted to be sure that if I changed my Park Hopper to an Annual Pass that I would not separate myself from the others in our group. There will be eight of us.

I have not lived in SoCal for 15 years, so take this with a grain of salt. But.

Back then the closing of the MK (I left right before DCA opened, I think) they closed the gate in stages.

The last stage also know as a "Hard Close" no one got through the gate.
I believe there is a point where only DLR guests got in (and possibly AP holders, not sure about that as I always had the local pass and never went on busy days) and possibly there was a stage where you could only re-enter, but I am less sure about that. Not that I am sure about much of it except the Hard Close.

If you go on a day the gate might close don't leave (you knew that) book a sit down late lunch and linger over your food. It is better than no rest at all.

 

[areweindisneyyet]

I have not lived in SoCal for 15 years, so take this with a grain of salt. But.

Back then the closing of the MK (I left right before DCA opened, I think) they closed the gate in stages.

The last stage also know as a "Hard Close" no one got through the gate.
I believe there is a point where only DLR guests got in (and possibly AP holders, not sure about that as I always had the local pass and never went on busy days) and possibly there was a stage where you could only re-enter, but I am less sure about that. Not that I am sure about much of it except the Hard Close.

If you go on a day the gate might close don't leave (you knew that) book a sit down late lunch and linger over your food. It is better than no rest at all.

Thanks Haley

I am sure I have read something about this to but I think it was in context of WDW so was not sure if it was the same at DL.

We will all be staying at GCH and I suppose if I get locked out I can go shopping without kids & husband We will be there a few days before Christmas so aim to get our must dos done then and anything after is a bonus. 7 of the eight of us have all been before and one of the 7 has never done DCA.

 

[scrappinbear78]

SherreE thank you so much. I will definately be coming back often...even if it is just to linger and look. I know that my dad is going to be getting a full refund, he just has to send them documentation proving why we had to cancel. It is ok, we WILL make it next year. My dad already has a savings account and we are going to just put money back every month and then pay for the trip...so, it will work out. When he originally planned the trip for this year, nothing had happened...now we have to get our lives back on track and we will plan for next year. Until then, will enjoy looking at the pictures from everyone else.

 

[smiley_face2]

Haunted Mansion Holiday (Nightmare Before Christmas overlay) 2009 Gingerbread carousel

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[funatdisney]

Haunted Mansion Holiday (Nightmare Before Christmas overlay) 2009 Gingerbread carousel

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Oh my! Your video brings me back to riding HMH. Now I just can't wait! Only 2 1/2 weeks left until Halloween Time.

 

[PHXscuba]

Seeing those HMH pictures reminds me ... does anyone know what the big gingerbread centerpiece in the ballroom scene is going to be this year? Maybe someone double-dipping on the Halloween thread?

Great ... now I want peppermint AND gingerbread.

PHXscuba

 

[summer0407]

Hello everyone. First off I want to say THANK YOU so much for this thread. I stumbled upon it started reading and showing my hubby and kids the photos and now we are officially going for the holiday season, YAY!! This will be out third trip this year and I am so excited. I wanted to see if anyone could confirm the televised parade dates for me? Last night I was pretty sure I read that a poster said her daughter would be in the parade on Dec 11th but I can't find that post now. I started a thread about it but I am thinking this may be a better place to ask since we have a lot of experts here. Our trip is planned Dec 9-11. Is this a good time crowd wise? We were thinking of coming the week before but we will be in Lake Tahoe for Thanksgiving and wanted a little break before we head out on another trip.
Thanks again for keeping the thread alive and for all the wonderful photos and information. I still have about 30 pages to read through and I am getting more excited with each page

 

[Littleprincess2010]

I have not lived in SoCal for 15 years, so take this with a grain of salt. But.

Back then the closing of the MK (I left right before DCA opened, I think) they closed the gate in stages.

The last stage also know as a "Hard Close" no one got through the gate.
I believe there is a point where only DLR guests got in (and possibly AP holders, not sure about that as I always had the local pass and never went on busy days) and possibly there was a stage where you could only re-enter, but I am less sure about that. Not that I am sure about much of it except the Hard Close.

If you go on a day the gate might close don't leave (you knew that) book a sit down late lunch and linger over your food. It is better than no rest at all.

Does this happen often? We'll be there on Christmas Opening Day (Nov. 12) and its our last day so we would be so sad if we got locked out.

 

[tksbaskets]

Hello everyone. First off I want to say THANK YOU so much for this thread. I stumbled upon it started reading and showing my hubby and kids the photos and now we are officially going for the holiday season, YAY!! This will be out third trip this year and I am so excited. I wanted to see if anyone could confirm the televised parade dates for me? Last night I was pretty sure I read that a poster said her daughter would be in the parade on Dec 11th but I can't find that post now. I started a thread about it but I am thinking this may be a better place to ask since we have a lot of experts here. Our trip is planned Dec 9-11. Is this a good time crowd wise? We were thinking of coming the week before but we will be in Lake Tahoe for Thanksgiving and wanted a little break before we head out on another trip.
Thanks again for keeping the thread alive and for all the wonderful photos and information. I still have about 30 pages to read through and I am getting more excited with each page

Welcome to our fun DL Christmas thread. I'm not going to be there this year (visiting Mickey in Orlando) but will still enjoy seeing what is happening in CA.

We love questions!

 

[bumbershoot]

scrappinbear78, how awful, I'm so sorry. I'm sorry about your trip too, but oh I feel bad for your girls.

 

[areweindisneyyet]

Does this happen often? We'll be there on Christmas Opening Day (Nov. 12) and its our last day so we would be so sad if we got locked out.

You should be just fine then. The big crowds are on Christmas Eve through to New Years Day so I believe. We are staying over Christmas Day. Yikes. I think my husband would much rather be going in November.