Disneyland at Christmas/Holiday Season Superthread #2 (Closed)

[fronkfam]

fronkfam, that's wonderful!! I can appreciate how excited you are... when we go, it will be 3 years and 4 months since the last time we were there. And the reason it's been so long... $$$. And even still, it will be a stretch financially. But we're GOING. I can not WAIT!! Congrats to you... so happy for you!

MommyLove-----I'm so excited for you! Waiting in between visits is SO hard!!! Congrats!!!

 

[tksbaskets]

Ready for more parade pics?? Here is the evening parade 2009. Seems like only yesterday we had our excellent tour and primo seats!

I dare you not to smile looking at this guy!

Afternoon parade January 2012 - same excellent seats and worth the price of the tour (again)

Oh dear...

See you soon at TSMM Woody!

My favorite princess~

I'm thinking a tad too much makeup...

What's my son doing in the parade?

Come on...admit to the song you are about to sing...

Hi Ho!

To infinity and beyond! Hey Buzz, do you think you can help me with my dreadful scores on BLAB??

Obviously I had much better luck with the day parade pictures...

 

[Mommy2PrincessAbby]

Hi,

We are planning on 2 nights (Sat & Sun) and flying home on Monday. I looked at historical hours for some of the Mondays in Dec. and it looks like DL closes at 6:00 pm. Is this because of Candlelight Processional?

What happens during Candlelight Processional? Do they close the park early because of Candlelight Processional?

I've only experienced the CP at WDW at Epcot. I didn't think that they closed the park but, it does get pretty crowded in the vicinity of Epcot where the stage is set up.

Does anyone know the dates of CP - do they fall during my visit (12/8 - 12/10)?

TIA!

CP will be running almost every night in December this year... they are trying something new at DL. The reason you saw such short hours on the historical calendar is because of the cast parties... they closed the park early for those. They have been cancelled this year. If you look back a few posts, I put the hours for my visit--thanks to Disney Dining--and our visits overlap!

 

[labattblue]

I've been to WDW when the decorations are up, and have been dreaming of going back in the coming years, but after browsing through this thread, I am blown away. DLR at Xmas time just moved up to the top of my bucket list!

 

[bjmbr1223]

tksbaskets- such beautiful pics. We have talked about doing the tour for the wonderful seats for the parade but unfortunately don't know if it will ever happen. We were going to try for an anniversary gift to us from us but now we have no one to watch our kids since our family has backed out of the trip. Oh well we will still see it and all its splender.

Can't wait to get down to Dland knowing that it is so close. It's feeling more real now that our PS is taken care of. We are now debating if I make a reservation for Carnation Cafe. I am craving their potato soup. We have never eaten there. Looking forward to Goofy's kitchen, Minnie's breakfast, and Rainforest Cafe. Sooooo excited.

 

[Bex258]

Hello, new to the board posting wise although I've been reading posts for ages as research for this trip and my WDW one.
I love this thread; I'm already in the mood for Christmas.

I've only skimmed through the pages, I think if I looked through them all I'd explode with excitement. I'm hopefully visiting a friend in LA for New years and I have 3 days to visit DLR. I was looking at getting the SoCal pass so I have a Disney 3 day park hopper and a magic morning.

I've looked at last years opening times and show times to try and work out how to do it. My plan is to do DCA on Jan 2nd, Cars land first thing and catch world of colour, and the Aladdin show.
DL on Jan 3rd and use the magic morning to do Fantasyland and visit Toon town as the park opens (I've heard these are the places that get potentially the biggest lines in general) my main priority is rides that are not a WDW, DL POC and of course IASW and HM in holiday decor as well as the Christmas fireworks and parade.
Then spend the third day between parks doing rides I didn't have time for/taking photos/shopping.

My question is do you think this plan is realistic given that schools won't have gone back etc? I've never done DL before but on my WDW trip we spent open till close at the parks on most of the days were where there. Thanks in advance for any help/advice.

 

[tksbaskets]

tksbaskets- such beautiful pics. We have talked about doing the tour for the wonderful seats for the parade but unfortunately don't know if it will ever happen. We were going to try for an anniversary gift to us from us but now we have no one to watch our kids since our family has backed out of the trip. Oh well we will still see it and all its splender.

Can't wait to get down to Dland knowing that it is so close. It's feeling more real now that our PS is taken care of. We are now debating if I make a reservation for Carnation Cafe. I am craving their potato soup. We have never eaten there. Looking forward to Goofy's kitchen, Minnie's breakfast, and Rainforest Cafe. Sooooo excited.

How little are your children. Many youngsters were on our tour and enjoyed the rides and the seating.

DO the Carnation Cafe. You won't be sorry. Have a pot pie and the soup for me. YUM.

 

[mickey+minnie91]

Im assuming that if we are at Disneyland the weekend before the 12th that some of the decorations will be up for xmas. Has anyone been there to experience what is going on right before the actual "opening" ?

 

[goofyfordisney]

CP will be running almost every night in December this year... they are trying something new at DL. The reason you saw such short hours on the historical calendar is because of the cast parties... they closed the park early for those. They have been cancelled this year. If you look back a few posts, I put the hours for my visit--thanks to Disney Dining--and our visits overlap!

SO the lovely cm also gave me the tentative hours for my trip... she did say it was subject to change, which we all know:

Wed Dec 5th--DL 9 am to 9 pm, DCA 9 am to 8 pm (DCA EE at 8 am)
Thurs Dec 6th--DL 9 am to 10 pm, DCA 9 am to 8 pm (DL EE at 8 am)
Fri Dec 7th--DL 8 am to Mid, DCA 8 am to 10 pm (DCA EE at 7 am)
Sat Dec 8th--DL 8 am to Mid, DCA 8 am to 10 pm (DL EE at 7 am)
Sun Dec 9th--DL 8 am to Mid, DCA 8 am to 10 pm (DCA EE at 7 am)
Mon Dec 10th--DL 9 am to 9 pm, DCA 9 am to 8 pm (DCA EE at 8 am)

I am really really not used to DCA being open before 10... so that sure is going to be interesting to get used to.

I'm glad to see a few late night closings on Saturday and Sunday. We decided to book our flight home at 7:00 pm so that we could get almost a full day in on Monday.

Thank you!

 

[Sherry E]

Ready for more parade pics?? Here is the evening parade 2009. Seems like only yesterday we had our excellent tour and primo seats!

I dare you not to smile looking at this guy!

Afternoon parade January 2012 - same excellent seats and worth the price of the tour (again)

Oh dear...

See you soon at TSMM Woody!

My favorite princess~

I'm thinking a tad too much makeup...

What's my son doing in the parade?

Come on...admit to the song you are about to sing...

Hi Ho!

To infinity and beyond! Hey Buzz, do you think you can help me with my dreadful scores on BLAB??

Obviously I had much better luck with the day parade pictures...

TK -

Those parade photos are amazing! They came out crystal clear - so bright and colorful!!

...Thanks for the link to the TR you just finished. I'll have to check that out!

Kathleen -

One of my TR followers suggested that I should subtitle the 12/11 TR, "The Nightmare Before Christmas," and not because of anything having to do with Jack Skellington! I had already settled into the "Aunt Betty..." title, but she has me seriously considering changing it to that. I still may do it.

In December 2010, I had comical run-ins in Disneyland with a peppermint ice cream cone and a trash can, and a little girl banged herself into the back of my chair in a restaurant, prompting her to erupt in tears. I didn't think things would get worse than that, but in December 2011 they sure did!

I've been to WDW when the decorations are up, and have been dreaming of going back in the coming years, but after browsing through this thread, I am blown away. DLR at Xmas time just moved up to the top of my bucket list!

labattblue -

I think you'll love it if you can make it to DLR for the holidays! While DLR is not nearly as large of a resort as WDW is (and therefore there is not as much ground to cover in decorations), it is fully involved and extensive. It's truly a magical experience! I wish we had the Osborne Lights and some of the amazing hotel decorations, but we do have IASW Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday! And this year we will have Cars Land/Buena Vista Street decorations!

Hello, new to the board posting wise although I've been reading posts for ages as research for this trip and my WDW one.
I love this thread; I'm already in the mood for Christmas.

I've only skimmed through the pages, I think if I looked through them all I'd explode with excitement. I'm hopefully visiting a friend in LA for New years and I have 3 days to visit DLR. I was looking at getting the SoCal pass so I have a Disney 3 day park hopper and a magic morning.

I've looked at last years opening times and show times to try and work out how to do it. My plan is to do DCA on Jan 2nd, Cars land first thing and catch world of colour, and the Aladdin show.
DL on Jan 3rd and use the magic morning to do Fantasyland and visit Toon town as the park opens (I've heard these are the places that get potentially the biggest lines in general) my main priority is rides that are not a WDW, DL POC and of course IASW and HM in holiday decor as well as the Christmas fireworks and parade.
Then spend the third day between parks doing rides I didn't have time for/taking photos/shopping.

My question is do you think this plan is realistic given that schools won't have gone back etc? I've never done DL before but on my WDW trip we spent open till close at the parks on most of the days were where there. Thanks in advance for any help/advice.

Bex258 -

Welcome! I'm so glad you're enjoying the thread. We have a lot of great people here who contribute important information, breaking news items and wonderful photos!

From what I can tell, I think the plan looks realistic. It looks as if you are making the most of your time and trying to plan everything out in a logical way. Heading to Fantasyland during the MM hour is a good idea, and Toon Town does get crowded pretty fast - this is true!

It will be crowded, this is true - unless it rains, that is, in which case it won't be - but it sounds like you are expecting that, so it won't be a shock.

Im assuming that if we are at Disneyland the weekend before the 12th that some of the decorations will be up for xmas. Has anyone been there to experience what is going on right before the actual "opening" ?

mickey+minnie91 -

Hello and welcome!

First of all, on a side note, you have no idea how happy I am that you just posted! Why is that, you may wonder? Because, in your signature, you have the "rockin Christmas" tree graphic with the swaying tree and two Mickey heads!

I spent so much time trying to find that darn tree emoticon a couple of months ago! I'd had it saved on my PC at one point - in fact, I think I used it in my own signature a few years ago, during the holiday season. I wanted to include it in one of my upcoming Theme Week countdowns in this thread (which take place every Monday).

But I think the graphic disappeared from my files after my PC crashed last year, and I could not find it anywhere on the Internet recently. I knew that someone, somewhere on the DIS, had to have it - but I had no clue who to ask because it's not the holiday season yet and no one would have it in their signatures. You appeared today, and there it was! The old familiar rockin' Christmas tree!

Anyway, as to your question...there is always a lot of discussion on the DIS about what happens before the official opening. I pay a lot of attention to what everyone says because it helps to have that information for this thread.

The season officially begins on 11/12 this year, as you know. But...all the decorations in both parks begin to slowly go up even before Halloween rolls around, and then it's a little-by-little decoration process up to the 12th. New things are put up every day.

So you will get to see all or 99% of the decorations in both parks. It sounds like the Believe in Holiday Magic fireworks will be running on the weekend - but we don't yet know for sure if there will be snowfall on Main Street and in front of IASWH at the end of them, or if that starts on 11/12. It appears that It's a Small World Holiday will be open before 11/12. I think that most of the treats and merchandise will be available (with the exception of a couple of things).

I don't know if Santa will be out in the park, and I'm not sure how much of the Round-Up/Holly Jolly Jamboree will be open before 11/12. I'm not sure about the parade - that may not start until 11/12. And the nighttime Castle lighting in icicles may not take place until 11/12.

The hotels will not be decorated before 11/12.

 

[NMDisneyMom]

So, I've been reading all the wonderful posts, taking in the beautiful pictures, and getting more and more excited about the surprise I have planned for my DD(8). After numerous other trips to DL (last one before and after our MR Cruise is March), we are headed back 12/31-1/6. To say I'm excited to see the holiday decorations is an understatment (and I think everyone at work is ready for the trip to be here and gone!) I know to expect crowds, but I think with as many days as I've got planned, we should be able to see/do most everything we want to - Carsland being at the top of the list. DD says: "Mommy how soon can be go back to Disneyland and see Carsland?" I say: "Maybe next summer."

So, now I'm planning the Christmas morning surprise present. DD loves churros (I think she tried to eat all that DL had last time). So I'm thinking about giving her a giftcard with a note that says "For Churros" and a picture of her favorite ride, Haunted Mansion. Then she only has 7 days to wait before we leave. What do you think?

I've surprised her before (one trip to DL for Halloween and a DCL cruise to the Bahamas). But she never seems to suspect when I've got something planned, and when she finally figures it out, her face is priceless.

Can't wait to read more as the time gets closer.

 

[DisneytheKid]

Hi everyone,

So we had to push our trip back by a week and are now going from Jan 6th-8th. Does anyone know if the Haunted Mansion is closed after the 6th for remodel? Are there any other rides we should expect to be closed to remove the holiday theming?

Thanks for the responses

 

[tksbaskets]

So, I've been reading all the wonderful posts, taking in the beautiful pictures, and getting more and more excited about the surprise I have planned for my DD(8). After numerous other trips to DL (last one before and after our MR Cruise is March), we are headed back 12/31-1/6. To say I'm excited to see the holiday decorations is an understatment (and I think everyone at work is ready for the trip to be here and gone!) I know to expect crowds, but I think with as many days as I've got planned, we should be able to see/do most everything we want to - Carsland being at the top of the list. DD says: "Mommy how soon can be go back to Disneyland and see Carsland?" I say: "Maybe next summer."

So, now I'm planning the Christmas morning surprise present. DD loves churros (I think she tried to eat all that DL had last time). So I'm thinking about giving her a giftcard with a note that says "For Churros" and a picture of her favorite ride, Haunted Mansion. Then she only has 7 days to wait before we leave. What do you think?

I've surprised her before (one trip to DL for Halloween and a DCL cruise to the Bahamas). But she never seems to suspect when I've got something planned, and when she finally figures it out, her face is priceless.

Can't wait to read more as the time gets closer.

That sounds wonderful. I love the Disney commercials where young children are told they are going to DL or WDW. Let us know the look on her face

Sherry - glad you like the pictures. It was a beautiful day and I love how our parade viewing in the afternoon was right when they came from behind the scenes.

 

[bjmbr1223]

How little are your children. Many youngsters were on our tour and enjoyed the rides and the seating.

DO the Carnation Cafe. You won't be sorry. Have a pot pie and the soup for me. YUM.

I have DS9 and DD5. Don't know if they would be too young for the holiday tour. I am hoping that we have the money to do it if we think they can handle it.
I think we just might make it to Carnation Cafe. My taste buds are reving up.

 

[Here4mydisneyfix]

Hi everyone! The hubs and I just got back from our first ever Halloween trip sans kiddos a few days ago and loved it, besides the INSANE crowds!! We were planning on returning next year with the kids for Halloween time, but now I am actually thinking maybe Christmas season might be better! For those with experience in the Christmas season, I have a question for ya! DH works in retail, so anytime after Thanksgiving until after new years is a no-go for vacation time for us, so that leaves the the week before Thanksgiving (the first week of Christmas time) or the week after Christmas (last week of Christmas time). We are not crowd people...this Halloween season just about did us in! So of these two options, what is the best time to go for Christmas time? First or last week, or are both insane?? No experience here! Thanks everyone!!

 

[Sherry E]

Hi everyone,

So we had to push our trip back by a week and are now going from Jan 6th-8th. Does anyone know if the Haunted Mansion is closed after the 6th for remodel? Are there any other rides we should expect to be closed to remove the holiday theming?

Thanks for the responses

DisneytheKid -

As far as I know (based on previous patterns - but then again, this year seems to be breaking a few typical DLR patterns, so who knows?), Haunted Mansion Holiday will shut down (after DL closes for the night) late on 1/6/13/early 1/7/13 for the removal of the holiday overlay, and stay down for the next 2 or 3 weeks.

Maybe tksbaskets can verify if that info is correct, as she has done a couple of DLR trips that extended through that time frame!

IASW Holiday should still remain open all the way to mid-January (like somewhere close to MLK Day).

I am not sure if the Storybook Land ride closes immediately after that time to remove its tiny decorations. Right now that ride is closed, but it will open for the holiday season.

I am also not sure if the Holly Jolly Jamboree/Reindeer Round-Up closes immediately after 1/6/13.

Hi everyone! The hubs and I just got back from our first ever Halloween trip sans kiddos a few days ago and loved it, besides the INSANE crowds!! We were planning on returning next year with the kids for Halloween time, but now I am actually thinking maybe Christmas season might be better! For those with experience in the Christmas season, I have a question for ya! DH works in retail, so anytime after Thanksgiving until after new years is a no-go for vacation time for us, so that leaves the the week before Thanksgiving (the first week of Christmas time) or the week after Christmas (last week of Christmas time). We are not crowd people...this Halloween season just about did us in! So of these two options, what is the best time to go for Christmas time? First or last week, or are both insane?? No experience here! Thanks everyone!!

Here4mydisneyfix -

Hello, and welcome! I'm glad you made it over to this thread! I remember your posts in the Halloween thread. I'm so glad to see that you had a great time, despite the huge crowds!

Christmas season is 100 times better in terms of overall decorations and seasonal immersion. If you like Christmas, you should love DLR at Christmas time!

I think I'd go with the November week. The holiday season will either officially begin on 11/8, 11/11 or 11/15 in 2013, and probably go through 1/5/14. The hotels may not be decorated yet (sometimes they don't get decorated until Thanksgiving weekend), but as long as the season is officially underway, everything else should be in place. It may still be a bit crowded, but you are limited in your choices of weeks so I think that may be the better choice.

If you are saying that the second option is to go after New Year's (when your DH is free from work), it will not only still be crowded, most likely, but you may also miss out on a few little seasonal things here and there (like Santa could possibly disappear from his photos spots, for example). Also, Disney is so sneaky that we assume the holiday season will be in effect through January 5, 2014, but they could always pull a fast one and end it mid-week. You never know with them.

So I choose your November option because at least you won't miss out on much of anything, as long as it's after the official start date!

 

[julieheyer]

So, I've been reading all the wonderful posts, taking in the beautiful pictures, and getting more and more excited about the surprise I have planned for my DD(8). After numerous other trips to DL (last one before and after our MR Cruise is March), we are headed back 12/31-1/6. To say I'm excited to see the holiday decorations is an understatment (and I think everyone at work is ready for the trip to be here and gone!) I know to expect crowds, but I think with as many days as I've got planned, we should be able to see/do most everything we want to - Carsland being at the top of the list. DD says: "Mommy how soon can be go back to Disneyland and see Carsland?" I say: "Maybe next summer."

So, now I'm planning the Christmas morning surprise present. DD loves churros (I think she tried to eat all that DL had last time). So I'm thinking about giving her a giftcard with a note that says "For Churros" and a picture of her favorite ride, Haunted Mansion. Then she only has 7 days to wait before we leave. What do you think?

I've surprised her before (one trip to DL for Halloween and a DCL cruise to the Bahamas). But she never seems to suspect when I've got something planned, and when she finally figures it out, her face is priceless.

Can't wait to read more as the time gets closer.

I would like to be your daughter. I'm 43, but a well behaved little girl

 

[pixleyyy]

I'm just so excited to plan our trip and am not-so-patiently awaiting park hours and details so I can do that! I paid off the last of our vacation today and made dining reservations. I guess I'll start my PTR report now, since there's not much else to do. I CAN'T WAIT!!!

 

[pixleyyy]

It took almost an hour, but here's the first part of my PTR. Stop in, say hi and share in the fun!
WE'RE CANCELLING CHRISTMAS (Take 2)

 

[lurpee]

I'm just so excited to plan our trip and am not-so-patiently awaiting park hours and details so I can do that! I paid off the last of our vacation today and made dining reservations. I guess I'll start my PTR report now, since there's not much else to do. I CAN'T WAIT!!!

When are you going?