disney at christmas

[PHXscuba]

FYI, since we were discussing it a few pages back, the Disney mailer I got today with discounts for onsite listed the "holidays" as ending 1/2/11.

Of course they didn't give any other information besides the dates!

PHXscuba

 

[Sherry E]

FYI, since we were discussing it a few pages back, the Disney mailer I got today with discounts for onsite listed the "holidays" as ending 1/2/11.

Of course they didn't give any other information besides the dates!

PHXscuba

Good! Thank you! So someone else has now seen the same exact date I saw! You now know I was telling the truth all along or that I was not reading the date incorrectly!! It is 1/2/11!! This is why I am mystified as to where the idea of 1/3/11 as the end date ever came from in the first place, unless someone glanced at the date, mistook the '2' for a '3' and the mistake got passed on down the line? Because it does not appear to have come from Disney.

 

[AttilaTheHun]

Hi Everyone,

Just now had time to catch up with all the posts. I put in for my Christmas vacation back in July from Dec 21 through the 27th. They approved the 21 & 22 but not the 23 and 27th. Figures my Fed Gov job are so strange when it comes to vacations. I will now have to put in a second request with proof of my pending trip to ask them to also give me the 23rd and 27th. What a pain.

I have a question as to the weather down there during Christmas. In some of the pictures people are in shorts and tea shirts and in others in full jackets with hats and gloves and in others with umbrellas, so what type of clothes should we bring if all goes well and we are able to go?

 

[Sherry E]

Hi Everyone,

Just now had time to catch up with all the posts. I put in for my Christmas vacation back in July from Dec 21 through the 27th. They approved the 21 & 22 but not the 23 and 27th. Figures my Fed Gov job are so strange when it comes to vacations. I will now have to put in a second request with proof of my pending trip to ask them to also give me the 23rd and 27th. What a pain.

I have a question as to the weather down there during Christmas. In some of the pictures people are in shorts and tea shirts and in others in full jackets with hats and gloves and in others with umbrellas, so what type of clothes should we bring if all goes well and we are able to go?

AttilaTheHun -

It's so hard to say. I would say to bring some warm clothes with you just in case. I wouldn't want to be there and not have warm clothes if you need them.

In December, it could be raining - I've certainly seen that happen. It could also be in the 70's or very low 80's in the daytime and in the 60's or 50's at night. It could also be in the 40's in the daytime and in the low 30's at night. I live in Southern California anyway, but I've been to DLR under all of those weather circumstances. I've been so cold that I had to bundle up in ear muffs, mittens, gloves, a couple of sweaters and a heavy jacket or coat because my teeth couldn't stop chattering. And I've also been walking around with bare arms in the daytime and all night long, in the middle of December, without having to wear a coat at all. And I've also been fumbling with the umbrella to stay dry.


I am no meteorologist. And certainly the "average" temperatures for SoCal in December do not mean that those are the temps you will get when you go. But....my personal feeling? Just a hunch - and of course, I could be entirely wrong, I have a feeling that this coming December is either going to be a very cold one (compared to the 'norm') or a very rainy one. Or both. We have not had a totally wet December in a long while. We have had certain days that were rainy, but in the past, I have seen some Decembers that were rainy non-stop (usually because of an "El Nino" condition or a "La Nina" effect) for a while.

The reason I think we are in for a cold or rainy December this year is that this past week we had some crazy record high temperatures for late September/early October. We hadn't been close to that warm at this time of year since 1990, according to the news. So...if I think back to 1990, not only was that a crazy hot Fall, BUT it was also a crazy COLD December. 1990 was the year I was at DLR, running around at DLR in mittens, scarves, heavy sweaters and coats, knit caps, looking for ear muffs, etc., because it was like 30 degrees at night.

So my very uneducated reasoning is - abnormally high temps in Fall might equal abnormally cold weather or rainy conditions in December this year, as it did in 1990. Again, that is only my hunch!! For all I know, it will probably end up being 90 degrees in December!!

 

[Sherry E]

I think someone - was it Halloweenqueen or Newbie Mouse? - asked about the restaurants' decorations during the season a couple of pages back. I don't think that ever got answered, did it? I can't recall!

Well, I wanted to say that the nice thing is that each restaurant (and each shop) has some sort of decoration or touch of the season - unlike Halloween Time. That's part of what I love about the holidays at DLR - the fact that they leave no stone unturned and pretty much decorate everywhere. It's such an immersive experience. During Halloween Time, you could eat in several restaurants and peek in several shops around DLR and maybe never get a clear idea that it's Halloween season. But during November and December, it's the holidays everywhere you go.

As for which restaurants have better decorations than others - I don't know an answer to that yet. I know that some of the shops/stores have much better decorations than others. But as for restaurants, I'm not sure. For example, I've never seen the Christmas tree at the Blue Bayou, but I would want it to be cool. But is it? Not sure. Other restaurants have your garden variety Christmas trees, with no real theme to speak of. Goofy's Kitchen has an appropriately wacky-looking kind of tree. I think it was Coke Corner that had a tree with red and white colors like the coloring of the restaurant?

That's the cool thing about the decorations all over DLR. You could be walking for a while and see decorations that look pretty much like your typical beautiful Christmas decorations that you could find anywhere. And then you suddenly stumble upon a tree or a set of decorations in an unexpected place that catches your attention because it's so clever and specific to that area (like ToonTown or A Bug's Land). The tree in Pooh's Corner is so perfect for that area. You might find a gem hidden away in Frontierland or something.

Best thing to do is always be on the lookout - peek in as many shops as you can and try to peek in as many restaurants as you can because you never know what you will find!!

 

[smiley_face2]

Hi Everyone,

Just now had time to catch up with all the posts. I put in for my Christmas vacation back in July from Dec 21 through the 27th. They approved the 21 & 22 but not the 23 and 27th. Figures my Fed Gov job are so strange when it comes to vacations. I will now have to put in a second request with proof of my pending trip to ask them to also give me the 23rd and 27th. What a pain.

I have a question as to the weather down there during Christmas. In some of the pictures people are in shorts and tea shirts and in others in full jackets with hats and gloves and in others with umbrellas, so what type of clothes should we bring if all goes well and we are able to go?

After having been there at that time swimming in the pool and having to buy t-shirts to wear because we had not packed for the summer like conditions....and one year having to wear layers of t-shirts and fleece, buy gloves, and socks because we did not pack for how cool it was for 2 of the days we were there.... we now pack a bit of everything! We've been down there many times now at close to the same time of year, and generally we have had very nice warm weather with the exception of 2008 when we nearly froze for about 3 days, and last year it rained the first day we were there, and was chilly, but then got so hot and sunny for the next 10 days we came home sunburned! So all in all, I'd say there are more warm sunny days than cool ones, but bring something for cool weather just in case! I bet that's clear as mud.....

 

[tksbaskets]

After having been there at that time swimming in the pool and having to buy t-shirts to wear because we had not packed for the summer like conditions....and one year having to wear layers of t-shirts and fleece, buy gloves, and socks because we did not pack for how cool it was for 2 of the days we were there.... we now pack a bit of everything! We've been down there many times now at close to the same time of year, and generally we have had very nice warm weather with the exception of 2008 when we nearly froze for about 3 days, and last year it rained the first day we were there, and was chilly, but then got so hot and sunny for the next 10 days we came home sunburned! So all in all, I'd say there are more warm sunny days than cool ones, but bring something for cool weather just in case! I bet that's clear as mud.....

LOL but it describes the weather and how to prepare for it perfectly!

 

[Spixydust]

I've been reading for a day now!

Gonna go on my first ever girls only DLR Christmas trip. Last year we went with a group of 12! This will seem tame I think in comparison!

It completely drenched us and was cold as the Matterhorn one day, our clothes and shoes were soaking wet. The next we were all running around without jackets on, in short sleeved shirts!

So dress for either the North Pole, or the Rain Forest! Or both!

We are going November 18 - 20th, and experience it just before the huge rush happens. I can't wait!!!!

 

[disneylovingfamily:4]

I am trying to plan the kids outfits now.. and just made an order from etsy for some cute embroidered shirts!!!

 

[Belle Ella]

Well, I suppose I'll need to start following this thread closely now as I'm going to attempt to make it down for a short trip this year, lol.

 

[Sherry E]

Well, I suppose I'll need to start following this thread closely now as I'm going to attempt to make it down for a short trip this year, lol.

Woo hoo, Jazz! That's what I like to hear! It's been a long time since you were at DLR during the magical holiday season, and I think you even said at one point that during that trip you weren't really paying much attention or appreciating it all back at that time (maybe I am misquoting, but it was something like that). So now would be the perfect time!!

I know you never, ever dreamed that you'd be able to get to DLR for Halloween Time so soon - and if your birthday trip plan had worked out, you would not have gotten there for Halloween at all (see how everything worked out the way it was destined to work out?).

So you must have really thought that another holiday trip was not on the agenda for several years, I imagine.

Let's think positively and assume the best - which is that you'll be able to steal 2 or 3 days and head on down to DLR for the holidays. Do you have any idea in mind of when you would prefer to go? I mean, would you prefer November or December? Would you try to do it on a weekend (like an extended weekend) or earlier, during the week? Before Christmas or after Christmas/before New Year's? Any thoughts so far on the ideal scenario?

 

[greens_in_WA]

Oooooh! Nice! I like the lighting - it's not quite evening yet, but it's not quite daytime either. It's in between. I like the look of the tree on the right - it has some odd natural patterns & shapes to it that give it character. I like the train and the arch in the background. Great photo!

Thanks!

 

[Belle Ella]

Woo hoo, Jazz! That's what I like to hear! It's been a long time since you were at DLR during the magical holiday season, and I think you even said at one point that during that trip you weren't really paying much attention or appreciating it all back at that time (maybe I am misquoting, but it was something like that). So now would be the perfect time!!

I know you never, ever dreamed that you'd be able to get to DLR for Halloween Time so soon - and if your birthday trip plan had worked out, you would not have gotten there for Halloween at all (see how everything worked out the way it was destined to work out?).

So you must have really thought that another holiday trip was not on the agenda for several years, I imagine.

Let's think positively and assume the best - which is that you'll be able to steal 2 or 3 days and head on down to DLR for the holidays. Do you have any idea in mind of when you would prefer to go? I mean, would you prefer November or December? Would you try to do it on a weekend (like an extended weekend) or earlier, during the week? Before Christmas or after Christmas/before New Year's? Any thoughts so far on the ideal scenario?

You didn't entirely misquote It's just that my one and only visit during the holidays was back in my surly "I hate my family" phase and I didn't really enjoy it much. I spent more time in DTD just chilling out and being by myself than anything if I remember correctly. And it was back in the day before I got any camera so I don't have photos to remember it by. I could definitely appreciate it more now. Yes, I could.

I'm not going to put all my eggs in one basket or anything, but if this happens it will be in December sometime, definitely before Christmas, but still in December. I wont physically see my boss to talk to her about it until Friday and I'd rather get that out of the way now!!

Keep your fingers crossed for me. I really, really, really want to make it happen.

 

[Desert Dwellers]

Yay! At dinner, my fortune cookie read "Cheerful company and a merry time are ahead for you!" I'm getting excited for Christmas.

 

[caimakale]

I'm not going to put all my eggs in one basket or anything, but if this happens it will be in December sometime, definitely before Christmas, but still in December. I wont physically see my boss to talk to her about it until Friday and I'd rather get that out of the way now!!

I know how you feel! We were at DL a week before you (in September) and decided we wanted to return for the Christmas season. I dreaded the thought of asking for more time off since my recent vacation was just a few weeks ago and I took a week and a half off for it. I don't know why I worry so much, I get three weeks of vacation a year and on top of it, am sitting on 4 weeks that I've accrued. I probably should take more time off but I'm a workaholic and feel guilty about asking for any time off...

I actually booked our room and airfare before asking for the time off. This weekend, in a quick email, I asked for the time off and got it approved! Wahoooooooo, we're going to DL 12/8 to 12/12!

 

[LisaCat]

I'm hoping to catch some of the Holiday Magic this year at DLR...... I arrive on the 20th of November!!!!!

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

I've been bitten by the Disneybug. We're trying to plan a trip during Christmas..we have visions of our kids opening their Christmas presents (all Disney themed..like matching outfits or ornaments or something)and then including a letter saying "Pack your bags, you leave for disneyland in a few hours" or whatever.

Our biggest worry is how busy it'll be the 26-29th..

 

[Husker Mickey]

That's when we will be there! We have been in the parks during Spring Break and Easter break, so we are prepared for large lines and will use all tips and hints we have learned over the years to make it as enjoyable as possible, i.e. at rope drop every morning, early fastpass collection, afternoon breaks, stay after fireworks. . . I love to watch people, so will have fun at Christmas time seeing how the disney magic affects people. There will be 22 of us as my DMIL is taking all of her grown kids and grandkids to the parks for our Christmas presents. (Great DMIL, huh?!) She just finished telling the last of the grandkids. They were already arguing about which ride to go on first. Don't ya love it!!!

 

[Tablefor5]

WOOHOO!!!!
We are planning a ChristmasTime trip, thanks to our new AP's!!!!
Now, I need to decide if it will be the few days before T-giving week 11/20-23 or the week before Christmas like 12/18-22?? ...
After my fun at HalloweenTime (TR still in progress) I thought I would hop on board this train too....
I think my mom will be joining us on this trip so it will also depend on her schedule as well!

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

That's true. And if we have 3 days we should be able to hit everything..Hmmm