Disneyland at Christmas/Holiday Season Superthread #2 (Closed)
- Thread starter Sherry E
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Sherry E
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First of all - a big thank you to Mike, TK, Bret and Chris for your recent excellent photographic contributions! We in this thread are truly fortunate that you all are willing to share your wonderful pictures with us! They are a treat, and they portray the beauty of the season in such a vivid way!
Also, it's always interesting to me to observe the different angles and perspectives that everyone comes up with (like in the case of A Bug's Land, or perhaps the DCA Christmas tree!). It's kind of fascinating for me to note whether or not it looks like 2 different photographers were standing in almost the same spot to get that perfect shot, or if a totally unusual vantage point was used for the same subject!
Kathleen -
Of course, as of now we only have Al Lutz's reports (on MiceAge) of rumors that Disney (or Team Disney Anaheim) is excited about a brand new, theme-specific "decorations package" that they plan to unveil in Cars Land for the holiday season. Al seemed pretty certain about this plan, but because it hasn't been officially confirmed yet - meaning that Disney has not yet published anything about the holiday plans for Cars Land on any of their official websites - we cannot be totally sure it will happen until we see the first official word from Disney.
Personally, before ever reading Al's report about the themed Cars Land decorations, I really did not think that we would see anything holiday-intensive in Cars Land to any major degree this year. I really thought that TDA would kind of do what they did with Toon Town when it opened in 1993 - let people get used to the way the land looks on its own, in its natural state, with only very minor holiday touches, and then as the years progress build up the holiday decorations. Currently, Toon Town is one of the best places to see in Disneyland during the season because of its wacky themed decorations - but it did not start out that way in its first year. It grew over the years, and things were added and removed in the process.
So if the rumored Cars Land decorations package is unveiled this year, I will be really be surprised and delighted at the same time. I know that a lot of people would not prefer to see Cars Land decorated this early on, but for a Christmas fanatic such as myself, and as someone who thinks DCA is sorely lacking in substantial decorations compared to Disneyland, I feel that they need to do something to make that park more holiday-ish.
Now, as for Buena Vista Street, Al Lutz also mentioned BVS as being destined for its own decorations "package." BVS is where the main large DCA Christmas tree will find its new home, which I think makes much more sense than having the main park tree all the way back in the Paradise Pier area. It needs to be closer to the entrance of DCA. Plus, I think that Trolley Treats will most likely be making some of the fresh candy canes this year. So Buena Vista Street will definitely have to be decorated in one way or the other.
However, Al Lutz made a bigger deal about emphasizing the Cars Land decorations and not as big of a deal about the BVS package. This makes me wonder if TDA is doing what they have a bad habit of doing - removing decorations from one area and sticking them somewhere else, instead of just buying all new stuff. Bret/mvf-m11c has noticed this as well, and we've discussed it - decorations seem to mysteriously disappear in New Orleans Square year after year, and last year Toon Town's colorful, festive Christmas trees were replaced with hideous 'new' trees that were 'borrowed' from Walt Disney World!
So even though I know BVS will have to be decorated this year, I cannot say that I trust TDA to put all new decorations there. If we suddenly notice that garland and some wreaths are missing from other areas around DLR, we may be able to guess that they ended up on BVS!
And, another thing - the Hollywood area of DCA has been lacking in decorations for a few years now. Ever since Glow Fest and ElecTRONica moved in, the decorations that used to adorn the lampposts and entrance to Hollywood Pictures Backlot vanished. This year, will they return?
julsmom -
Welcome! We've got lots of theme weeks (and pictures) coming up in this thread over the next couple of months. Of course, we are only into the second theme right now (Main Street was last week), but there is lots to come, and new themes every Monday. Stay tuned!
You have a lot to look forward to in the parks this year. The holiday season is a beautiful time of year to be at DLR!
TK -
I would have to agree - that's a great family picture! I don't see an "Aunt Betty" in the bunch!
Everyone looks happy to be there.
When I read your sentence, "The Pier bridge all decked out for the holidays!", I was looking at it, thinking "It is? I don't see it. What did I miss? What did she see that I didn't see?"
And then I saw the "not...." underneath it!
You're right about that, TK! "Not" is right!
There are so many areas around DCA that could use more decorations, more lights, etc. Even some of the areas that are decorated (a little bit), such as around GRR and the Little Mermaid, are barely even noticeable in that way! You hardly even know there are any decorations there. And the entrance to DCA doesn't make an impact in the way the Golden Gate Bridge and the CALIFORNIA letters used to make - they have got to fix that this year! I like the Pan Pacific Auditorium-inspired entrance to DCA, but at night it does not make a bold statement.
I am crossing my fingers and hoping against hope that this year we will see the most exciting holiday season in DCA in several years. When we walk into that park we should automatically know what time of year it is (because of sights, sounds, smells, colors, whatever) and not have to seek out signs of the season wherever we can randomly find them. The walls are down now - there are no more excuses! TDA has to get on the ball and bring DCA into the holiday mix!
julsmom -
Living in Southern California my entire life (and the weather forecast for my area also applies to "Inland Orange County"), I've seen a range of temps and weather events over the years, in November and December.
There was one Thanksgiving weekend when I was at Disneyland many years ago, and it was pouring heavy, messy, annoying rain. The sort of rain that renders umbrellas totally useless because you get soaked anyway!
However, it is not always like that. There have been many Novembers when it's been in the upper 70's and even in the 80's. There are times when it's downright hot, and other times when it's on the cooler side. Sometimes it's windy - our wildfire 'season' tends to extend into November, which means it could be hot, windy and dry. Or it could be cool and breezy.
One thing I will say is that when it gets 'cold' (by California's standards) in November, it is usually not as cold as it is in December. So it probably will not drop down to 30 or 40 degrees at night. It may get down as far as 50-ish, possibly. But it could also be 85 degrees in the daytime! Or it could be a monsoon!
I guess the best advice is to dress in layers because you never quite know what to expect from November (or October, either, really). I've seen everything but snow happen in my exact area of Los Angeles.
Also, it's always interesting to me to observe the different angles and perspectives that everyone comes up with (like in the case of A Bug's Land, or perhaps the DCA Christmas tree!). It's kind of fascinating for me to note whether or not it looks like 2 different photographers were standing in almost the same spot to get that perfect shot, or if a totally unusual vantage point was used for the same subject!
Thanks, Sherry!
I'm also hoping for more decorations there. When you suggested vintage style decorations for the Buena Vista St. etc area, I thought, YES!! That would be amazing! They could really take advantage of that and do something special. Like how the New Orleans Square decorations are so distinctive.
Kathleen -
Of course, as of now we only have Al Lutz's reports (on MiceAge) of rumors that Disney (or Team Disney Anaheim) is excited about a brand new, theme-specific "decorations package" that they plan to unveil in Cars Land for the holiday season. Al seemed pretty certain about this plan, but because it hasn't been officially confirmed yet - meaning that Disney has not yet published anything about the holiday plans for Cars Land on any of their official websites - we cannot be totally sure it will happen until we see the first official word from Disney.
Personally, before ever reading Al's report about the themed Cars Land decorations, I really did not think that we would see anything holiday-intensive in Cars Land to any major degree this year. I really thought that TDA would kind of do what they did with Toon Town when it opened in 1993 - let people get used to the way the land looks on its own, in its natural state, with only very minor holiday touches, and then as the years progress build up the holiday decorations. Currently, Toon Town is one of the best places to see in Disneyland during the season because of its wacky themed decorations - but it did not start out that way in its first year. It grew over the years, and things were added and removed in the process.
So if the rumored Cars Land decorations package is unveiled this year, I will be really be surprised and delighted at the same time. I know that a lot of people would not prefer to see Cars Land decorated this early on, but for a Christmas fanatic such as myself, and as someone who thinks DCA is sorely lacking in substantial decorations compared to Disneyland, I feel that they need to do something to make that park more holiday-ish.
Now, as for Buena Vista Street, Al Lutz also mentioned BVS as being destined for its own decorations "package." BVS is where the main large DCA Christmas tree will find its new home, which I think makes much more sense than having the main park tree all the way back in the Paradise Pier area. It needs to be closer to the entrance of DCA. Plus, I think that Trolley Treats will most likely be making some of the fresh candy canes this year. So Buena Vista Street will definitely have to be decorated in one way or the other.
However, Al Lutz made a bigger deal about emphasizing the Cars Land decorations and not as big of a deal about the BVS package. This makes me wonder if TDA is doing what they have a bad habit of doing - removing decorations from one area and sticking them somewhere else, instead of just buying all new stuff. Bret/mvf-m11c has noticed this as well, and we've discussed it - decorations seem to mysteriously disappear in New Orleans Square year after year, and last year Toon Town's colorful, festive Christmas trees were replaced with hideous 'new' trees that were 'borrowed' from Walt Disney World!
So even though I know BVS will have to be decorated this year, I cannot say that I trust TDA to put all new decorations there. If we suddenly notice that garland and some wreaths are missing from other areas around DLR, we may be able to guess that they ended up on BVS!
And, another thing - the Hollywood area of DCA has been lacking in decorations for a few years now. Ever since Glow Fest and ElecTRONica moved in, the decorations that used to adorn the lampposts and entrance to Hollywood Pictures Backlot vanished. This year, will they return?
julsmom -
Welcome! We've got lots of theme weeks (and pictures) coming up in this thread over the next couple of months. Of course, we are only into the second theme right now (Main Street was last week), but there is lots to come, and new themes every Monday. Stay tuned!
You have a lot to look forward to in the parks this year. The holiday season is a beautiful time of year to be at DLR!
Starting with 2009 (I'll wait a few days for 2012
Paradise Pier
This ranks as one of my favorite family photos ever at DL/WDW
The Pier bridge all decked out for the holidays!
not....
Can't wait to see what everyone else posts!
TK -
I would have to agree - that's a great family picture! I don't see an "Aunt Betty" in the bunch!
Everyone looks happy to be there.When I read your sentence, "The Pier bridge all decked out for the holidays!", I was looking at it, thinking "It is? I don't see it. What did I miss? What did she see that I didn't see?"
And then I saw the "not...." underneath it!
You're right about that, TK! "Not" is right! There are so many areas around DCA that could use more decorations, more lights, etc. Even some of the areas that are decorated (a little bit), such as around GRR and the Little Mermaid, are barely even noticeable in that way! You hardly even know there are any decorations there. And the entrance to DCA doesn't make an impact in the way the Golden Gate Bridge and the CALIFORNIA letters used to make - they have got to fix that this year! I like the Pan Pacific Auditorium-inspired entrance to DCA, but at night it does not make a bold statement.
I am crossing my fingers and hoping against hope that this year we will see the most exciting holiday season in DCA in several years. When we walk into that park we should automatically know what time of year it is (because of sights, sounds, smells, colors, whatever) and not have to seek out signs of the season wherever we can randomly find them. The walls are down now - there are no more excuses! TDA has to get on the ball and bring DCA into the holiday mix!
julsmom -
Living in Southern California my entire life (and the weather forecast for my area also applies to "Inland Orange County"), I've seen a range of temps and weather events over the years, in November and December.
There was one Thanksgiving weekend when I was at Disneyland many years ago, and it was pouring heavy, messy, annoying rain. The sort of rain that renders umbrellas totally useless because you get soaked anyway!
However, it is not always like that. There have been many Novembers when it's been in the upper 70's and even in the 80's. There are times when it's downright hot, and other times when it's on the cooler side. Sometimes it's windy - our wildfire 'season' tends to extend into November, which means it could be hot, windy and dry. Or it could be cool and breezy.
One thing I will say is that when it gets 'cold' (by California's standards) in November, it is usually not as cold as it is in December. So it probably will not drop down to 30 or 40 degrees at night. It may get down as far as 50-ish, possibly. But it could also be 85 degrees in the daytime! Or it could be a monsoon!
I guess the best advice is to dress in layers because you never quite know what to expect from November (or October, either, really). I've seen everything but snow happen in my exact area of Los Angeles.
DisneyIsMagical
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Ahhh, I've been looking forward to this weekly theme, and of course my photobucket account is "down for maintenance" at the moment 
I will be sure to add the few minimal DCA pics that I got last year, we did end up with some cute photo pass one's with Duffy and Santa....
Fantastic pics everyone!
Elk Grove Chris...I might be in love with your Christmas lights/ ToT shot! That is fabulous!
I will be sure to add the few minimal DCA pics that I got last year, we did end up with some cute photo pass one's with Duffy and Santa....Fantastic pics everyone!
Elk Grove Chris...I might be in love with your Christmas lights/ ToT shot! That is fabulous!
Sherry E
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Ahhh, I've been looking forward to this weekly theme, and of course my photobucket account is "down for maintenance" at the moment
Fantastic pics everyone!
Elk Grove Chris...I might be in love with your Christmas lights/ ToT shot! That is fabulous!
Vanessa -
Is Photobucket still giving you trouble? I recall you mentioned that it was acting weird a while back. Of course, all the problems are stemming from this new format/layout that Photobucket is introducing.
Over the last couple of weeks I have been reading some comments from annoyed customers on the Photobucket Facebook page, and it seemed like many of us were having the same sorts of issues - not being able to log in to our accounts because the site was down, not being able to save any edits we made (like, for example, if you wanted to simply resize a picture or crop off some unnecessary space on the end, the changes would not save), not being able to upload pictures to different albums, etc.
Photobucket, of course, gave us the expected 'everything should be fixed now and while you're already ticked off at us and nothing it working, why don't you try out our fabulous new format' speech a couple of times, but I finally had to send them a private message on Facebook (they suggested it). It turns out that dealing with them through Facebook was more effective than dealing with them through their usual Support section on the actual Photobucket site. The guy I dealt with on FB was more interactive - and he even ended up crediting me for a month of Pro service. From what I can tell, I don't seem to be having any trouble with my account now - though I am probably speaking too soon.
I have Theme Weeks to tackle in both this thread and the Halloween thread, and a long-delayed holiday Trip Report which is in progress - I cannot be without my Photobucket account! Do they not understand the urgency of this matter?
DisneyIsMagical
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Yes, my photobucket account is spazing today. It keeps saying "this account is undergoing maintenance" or something similar, only today though. I uploaded a bunch of pics on Saturday (for impending theme weeks to come ) without any problems. I will try again on my laptop later. I have some from 2009 and some from last year to contribute.
) without any problems. I will try again on my laptop later. I have some from 2009 and some from last year to contribute.
Sherry E
Currently tag-less...
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Yes, my photobucket account is spazing today. It keeps saying "this account is undergoing maintenance" or something similar, only today though. I uploaded a bunch of pics on Saturday (for impending theme weeks to come
The "maintenance" message is very random in and of itself. At first, I and others were getting some crazy "code message" like a "503 code" (whatever that means) when trying to log in to our accounts. It looked as though we had just reached a site that didn't exist. It was a blank page.
And now, even while some folks are still having trouble with their accounts (like you did today), others of us are not - I didn't get that maintenance message at all today!
It's crazy. I guess the important thing is that all the pictures are still in the account when you finally get in!!
StyledSugar
Love The Mouse
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Well since we were there for Halloween and the first week in November last year my Christmas pictures are very limited. I have ONE picture of DCA, which I tried to upload tonight but I'm getting the Photobucket Maintenance thing as well. I will try again in the morning.
Great pictures so far though!! I'm very excited to see what 2012 has in store!
Great pictures so far though!! I'm very excited to see what 2012 has in store!
MommyLove
DL fan in California
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What?
Really?! Where would they be putting them? 
That's so strange (and disappointing). I think I took the most photos of the Christmas decorations in NOS. I will be sad 4 years later, to notice a big difference in decorations there. 
P.S. Love that pic of Flick in the Santa get-up!
tksbaskets
DIS Veteran
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Great pictures everyone!
Sherry - I wondered if anyone would notice my sarcasm... The lack of holiday decorations at DCA is conspicuous.
EEEE-va - love the little Duffy duo in your pics! One trip my family had 'Pal Mickey' along and we dressed him and had him in our family pics. The pic with Big Duffy (who I still don't 'get') and the tiny Duffies (is that the correct pleural?) is ADORABLE!
T
Sherry - I wondered if anyone would notice my sarcasm...
The lack of holiday decorations at DCA is conspicuous.EEEE-va - love the little Duffy duo in your pics! One trip my family had 'Pal Mickey' along and we dressed him and had him in our family pics. The pic with Big Duffy (who I still don't 'get') and the tiny Duffies (is that the correct pleural?) is ADORABLE!
T
DisneyIsMagical
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Still having issues with Photobucket 
I'll keep on trying.
I'll keep on trying.
OregonDisneyFanatic
<marquee><font color=darkorchid>Plays a fine game<
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Help! I have been lurking on this thread and have gone back and reread some of the thread and now that its time to make hotel reservations I have myself more confused than ever 
So I am just going to ask the experts. What would everyone recommend? Nov 27th - Dec 1rst or Dec 4th -8th? Thanks everyone 
So I am just going to ask the experts. What would everyone recommend? Nov 27th - Dec 1rst or Dec 4th -8th? Thanks everyone 
Goofy_Mom
Disney Princess
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Help! I have been lurking on this thread and have gone back and reread some of the thread and now that its time to make hotel reservations I have myself more confused than ever
Flip a coin, both weeks would be ideal as far as low crowds go and the Christmas season will be in full swing by Thanksgiving.
mariners1999
Earning My Ears
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Help! I have been lurking on this thread and have gone back and reread some of the thread and now that its time to make hotel reservations I have myself more confused than ever
Also depends if you want to do the CP or not. You should be able to do it December 4th-8th but packages and prices have not been released yet.
tksbaskets
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2011 into 2012 - slim pickins trying to find any holiday decorations in my 500+ pics from our Holiday trip and the guys and I spend a lot of time at DCA!
Proof that adult sons will still humor their mother and stand in line with the little guys to see Mickey!
Proof that adult sons will still humor their mother and stand in line with the little guys to see Mickey!
shishigirl
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2011 into 2012 - slim pickins trying to find any holiday decorations in my 500+ pics from our Holiday trip and the guys and I spend a lot of time at DCA!
Proof that adult sons will still humor their mother and stand in line with the little guys to see Mickey!
These are the best pictures!
Is Santa Mickey always there in DCA?
tksbaskets
DIS Veteran
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I know they alternate because in 2009 we got Santa Goofy. Don't know if they rotate by year or by day.
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