disney at christmas

[btrinfo]

my wife and I would take the kids to Disneyland on Christmas eve when we lived down there. It was awesome, absolutely love going to Disneyland during the holiday season, especially during Christmas.

Worked out great for the kids, the day was quick for the kids, they were wiped out when we got home, did not have to wait all night to put presents under the tree. Good times

 

[tksbaskets]

I can't answer the Jack and Sally question but I can post a pic of what Main Street looks like when you enter on Magic Morning the week between Christmas and New Years.

Sherry E had an unscrupulous individual cyber-steal her precious photos. She is responsible for me learning how to watermark my pictures before I post them. (At least from now on).

It was surprising easy in Photoshop Elements. Probably a good idea for us all. At least this would be a bit of a deterrent. I'm going to learn how to do an embossed one next.

TK

 

[Sherry E]

Can anyone tell me if Jack and Sally are out through the winter season, or if they stop being out after Halloween?

I've never heard of anyone seeing them during the holiday season. I could be wrong on that - I've been so unlucky that I have missed them every time I've been at DLR for Halloween Time - but I think they only appear during Halloween Time and not during Christmas time. Seems to make little sense - the HMH ride lasts all the way until early January. They might as well have Jack and Sally out for the duration.

 

[emum]

I can't answer the Jack and Sally question but I can post a pic of what Main Street looks like when you enter on Magic Morning the week between Christmas and New Years.

TK

Great photo, TK

Looking at that photo reminds me how cold it's likely to be while we're there. We'll be leaving behind temps of 90-ish, and landing straight into jeans and jackets weather !

Cheers,
Sally

 

[tksbaskets]

Great photo, TK

Looking at that photo reminds me how cold it's likely to be while we're there. We'll be leaving behind temps of 90-ish, and landing straight into jeans and jackets weather !

Cheers,
Sally

We were very comfortable in jeans and a sweat shirt. In the middle of the day we didn't need the sweatshirts. Zippered fleece jackets were great for our family.

 

[jemilah]

Cold feels like Christmas

 

[ironpig70]

Do to school(mine), and the kids school we have to go on the holiday break. We have 5 days in the parks from the 23rd to 27th. From the sounds of it It could be busy and anywhere from sunny to cold and wet.


Either way we are going. Loving the pictures and comments from those who have been before.

 

[Littleprincess2010]

Do to school(mine), and the kids school we have to go on the holiday break. We have 5 days in the parks from the 23rd to 27th. From the sounds of it It could be busy and anywhere from sunny to cold and wet.


Either way we are going. Loving the pictures and comments from those who have been before.

You are going over Christmas and Boxing day!! No matter how the crowds are you are going to have a great time!!

 

[princess lovers mom]

brrrr ... looking at the morning photo by tksbaskets makes me rethink what I need to be packing!!!! is it jeans and jackets weather all day or do we need to be prepared to strip down layers throughout the day thing?

I am planning a surprise trip for family and we are leaving Christmas night - I need to have the girls' suitcases packed and in the car!!! I was planning capris - but looks like jeans will be a better idea...

we are right at the Grand Californian so can always go back I guess to change -

 

[Sherry E]

Cold feels like Christmas

Agreed!!

Do to school(mine), and the kids school we have to go on the holiday break. We have 5 days in the parks from the 23rd to 27th. From the sounds of it It could be busy and anywhere from sunny to cold and wet.

Either way we are going. Loving the pictures and comments from those who have been before.

You're correct - it could be in the 30-degree range at night in December, or it could be in the upper 50's. Or anywhere in between. It could be in the 40's in the daytime or it could be in the 70's. I have literally experienced December days at DLR where I was so cold I couldn't get warm enough (but I LOVED it that way), and I was piling on sweaters and coats and scarves and mittens and earmuffs.

I have also seen December days at DLR where it was raining.

I have also been to DLR where it was in the upper 70's in the daytime and in the 50's at night, and I wore my t-shirt all day long - no coat needed because it didn't feel cold at all!

brrrr ... looking at the morning photo by tksbaskets makes me rethink what I need to be packing!!!! is it jeans and jackets weather all day or do we need to be prepared to strip down layers throughout the day thing?

I am planning a surprise trip for family and we are leaving Christmas night - I need to have the girls' suitcases packed and in the car!!! I was planning capris - but looks like jeans will be a better idea...

we are right at the Grand Californian so can always go back I guess to change -

Today it's supposed to be 107 degrees in L.A. and Anaheim. I would pay money to get temperatures like what I imagine from Tksbaskets' photo above!! I cannot wait for that weather! My only complaint is that we don't get that weather often enough in December here in SoCal. Too often the weather is like 70 degrees in the daytime and that feels Summer-like to me and not Winter-ish or holiday-ish. I want more of the 40-degree days and 30-degree nights!!

 

[Spritie]

Hello everyone!

My best friend and I just decided to go to Disneyland for Christmas this year (hooray!). We'll be there from the 20 to the 28th of December.

I've been to DL once but it was ages ago and I don't remember much so I am in need of advice! Can anyone recommend the best place for Xmas eve and xmas day dinner? Are there any holiday events that we just have to attend?

Thanks in advance and I love all your pictures!

 

[Goofy_Mom]

My DD with Goofy

 

[greens_in_WA]

All these cool pictures is making me really excited for Christmas at DLR. We'll be there Dec 2nd - 6th. Last time we were there was Dec 2006:

DD was 5 and DS 18mo.

 

[ironpig70]

We are coming down from Oregon so cold and wet is what is norm so I doubt it will phase us



So my question of the minute is about the parade on Christmas day?

Any place to avoid viewing from? Best viewing spot?

How long before the start should you line up?

Heard that Main Street is the best viewing but leaving can be a head ache.

Any advice is appreciated.

 

[tksbaskets]

All these cool pictures is making me really excited for Christmas at DLR. We'll be there Dec 2nd - 6th. Last time we were there was Dec 2006:

DD was 5 and DS 18mo.

So cute - nice watermark

My DD with Goofy

Thanks for sharing - looks like she's having fun.

We are coming down from Oregon so cold and wet is what is norm so I doubt it will phase us



So my question of the minute is about the parade on Christmas day?

Any place to avoid viewing from? Best viewing spot?

How long before the start should you line up?

Heard that Main Street is the best viewing but leaving can be a head ache.

Any advice is appreciated.

If you think your dd's would enjoy it - I'd fork out for the Holiday Tour on Christmas Day (don't know if they have it ON Christmas) but you get priority seating for the parade without waiting for an hour on a curb. Your daughters would probably really enjoy the walk on to the IASW Holiday. Don't know how brave they are but we got to walk onto the Haunted Mansion too. Treats and Hot chocolate too!

Other people can probably suggest where to park it if you want to stake your spot for the parade. I let Mickey hold mine!

 

[Sherry E]

Hello everyone!

My best friend and I just decided to go to Disneyland for Christmas this year (hooray!). We'll be there from the 20 to the 28th of December.

I've been to DL once but it was ages ago and I don't remember much so I am in need of advice! Can anyone recommend the best place for Xmas eve and xmas day dinner? Are there any holiday events that we just have to attend?

Thanks in advance and I love all your pictures!

Hi, Spritie!!

Well, you'll be at DLR a good, long time so you will have lots of time to do everything. And it's such a magical time of year that you will want to see and do it all!

Okay, let's see...if you enjoy fine dining, Napa Rose in the Grand Californian Hotel is a critically acclaimed restaurant (also widely praised by DLR guests). Chances are, they probably have a special menu for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. In fact, if I recall, on Guy Fieri's Food Network special last year, "Guy's Disney Holiday," he did a segment on the Napa Rose Christmas meal.

I have also heard that Storytellers Cafe (also in the GCH) might also have some special menu or buffet items on Christmas Eve and Day. I cannot confirm that - but I love Storytellers as a restaurant anyway, and it has a really cozy, warm atmosphere that works well during the holidays.

I'm not sure what Goofy's Kitchen in the Disneyland Hotel does on Christmas, but they have a huge buffet to begin with, so I imagine they might put some special items out for the actual holiday itself.

Ariel's Grotto in California Adventure serves slightly upscale dishes (not quite to the level of Napa Rose but more upscale than your average park fare). I wouldn't be shocked if they had a special meal on Christmas too.

You can always check with Disneyland Dining - 714-781-DINE - and ask them about Christmas Day meals.

You probably will want to eat at Blue Bayou, too - can't beat the atmosphere!!

As for events - this is not an actual event, but one thing I really like to do at DLR during the holiday season is to go into the Grand Californian Hotel lobby and plunk down on one of the comfy chairs or sofas to listen to the pianist, the guitarist and the carolers - all of whom provide free holiday musical entertainment!! The setting is just lovely - the dim lighting, the dark wood, the fireplace and the giant Christmas tree all set the mood and contribute to the elegant but rustic feel of the lobby/hearth area. People curl up on the sofas - or even on the carpet - with drinks and treats in hand, enjoying the musical interludes. The carolers even take requests. Plus, Santa sets up shop by the tree with a PhotoPass photographer, and it's great fun to watch everyone go up to get their photo taken with him.

Don't miss getting your photo taken in front of the Winter Castle at night, when it is all aglow. Also don't miss getting your photo taken in front of the spectacularly gorgeous It's a Small World Holiday at night, when its colors draw people from all corners of the parks like moths to a flame!!

Be sure to ride IASWH as well as Haunted Mansion Holiday - those are the two major rides that receive the holiday overlay treatment, and they are not to be missed.

Also take a cruise on the Storybook Land Canal Boats - many of the tiny cottages have their own teeny tiny holiday decorations!!

Can anyone else think of some other things that are not to be missed? I know I'm skipping something!

 

[mitchwebb]

Two of three girlies

 

[smiley_face2]

Can anyone tell me if Jack and Sally are out through the winter season, or if they stop being out after Halloween?

It has been reported on another site that they will indeed be there this year right through January 3rd!

 

[JustAKid]

It has been reported on another site that they will indeed be there this year right through January 3rd!

Hooray! This is what I wanted to hear. DH and DD are both HUGE NBC fans. I reckon I'll check back a little later, further into the actual season, to ensure that other site was accurate but for now, this has made my day. Thanks!

 

[JustAKid]

Alright all you Christmas goers, I have got a toughy for you! Can you name the ONE thing you're looking forward to seeing/feeling/experiencing most this holiday season in the parks?

I love the holiday season because everyone seems to dig deep and really find the humanitarian in themself. The generosity is astounding that time of year, and I love the sense of community. What I'm looking forward to most is observing if that generosity, and that community carry over to The Happiest Place on Earth.

I'd just like to point out that if it does, I may never leave.