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

[Sherry E]

Sherry - Thanks for the welcome

I am really looking forward to the christmas season at Disneyland. It will be our first christmas visit, our first visit in 2009 was in October and we got to see the place all decked out for Halloween and that was amazing so i am sure christmas will be great.

We are planning on staying at the Anaheim Plaza like we did last year, it was clean, close and best of all cheap.

I think that the AP will more than pay for themselves with 2 trips on them plus the discounts on food and merchandise (with a 4 year old i go a little merchandise crazy!)

We will spend the majority of the time at DLR (we are Disney nuts ) But we do plan on a day trip to Universal Studios and maybe Legoland if its worth doing?

So looking forward to it, its going to be a long 8 months i bet but i just cannot wait.

Ihaveamickeymousekid - You're welcome! We're happy to have you with us in this thread! I've never been to Legoland so I can't offer up any info there. Universal Studios might be worth a day trip, since you will have a good long visit in SoCal.

Well, I can tell you that as long as you enjoy the Christmas season, you will love DLR at Christmas time. It's so immersive. You can literally get a sampling of Christmas in a variety of themes just by roaming from land to land.

Frontierland has its own style of decorations and its own Western variations on familiar Christmas songs. The Reindeer Round-Up is a highlight, full of charming rustic details. Same thing with New Orleans Square - unique decorations and holiday tunes with a jazzy edge. ToonTown is fully decorated in vibrant primary colors and clever inside jokes (pay special attention to the wreaths) and you will hear Mickey and his friends singing carols. On Main Street, the various drivers toot out holiday songs on their horns. In Adventureland, it's not unheard of to stroll through and encounter more tropical/calypso takes on the Yuletide classics.

At night, the lights on Main Street, on the Winter Castle and on IASW Holiday are just breathtaking. The Grand Californian Hotel offers a cozy environment in which to relax and enjoy the festive atmosphere, such as the guitarist by the fire and the pianist - as well as Santa, of course.

Be sure to check out Santa in California Adventure - he has a particularly picturesque location in the Paradise Pier area.

Downtown Disney has an interesting rotation of Christmas songs playing around the clock, ranging from Bing Crosby and Johnny Mathis to Sheryl Crow and U2. But as you walk through DTD, it really helps build the mood.

And don't forget the treats. Aside from the fact that the one I got was a Peppermint Cone of Death (those who read my TR will understand that reference), I highly recommend getting a big peppermint ice cream cone from Gibson Girl on Main Street, in either a cone with chocolate and red & green sprinkles, or in a cone encrusted with crushed candy cane!

When looking at the 2011 December calendar, the first week's dates after Thanksgiving weekend are November 28th to December 4th. I think all the hotels will be decorated and all the Christmas events will be running by Monday, Nov 28. If so, this would be a good week to go. Most likely the Cast Members Parties will not be scheduled on that Monday and Tuesday, and it would be very slow, too. I would go early in the week. I am sure that the weekend will be very busy.

On the other hand, "Believe... In Holiday Magic" fireworks may not start until the weekend, though.

Thanks for weighing in, Liza!

Hmm... well, if there's no Christmas dinner buffet in the banquet room, we'll have to do something else. We'll be disapointed, but maybe we'll find something just as special. I wonder if Storyteller's Cafe or PCH Grill will have any character dining that day?

I'm assuming the park hours are regular that day? Does anything (in DL/DCA/DD) NOT have normal operating hours on Christmas Day?

spiderdust - Here are the park hours and entertainment schedule for December of last year (though, oddly, the first 10 days are missing entertainment!). I copied the link from Post #3. It looks like everything was in full swing on Christmas day, complete with long hours and entertainment.

December 2010 hours:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/disneyland/park-hours.cfm?month=12&year=2010

I don't think the dinners at Storytellers or PCH Grill will have characters for the special holiday meals, but I imagine that the usual character breakfasts will happen on Christmas Day. I don't see why they wouldn't.

I can't help but think that if there was no holiday buffet at the DLH on Christmas Day last year, it had to have something to do with the fact that Goofy's was relocated to the ballroom. Now that Goofy is back in his regular home, perhaps they will resume the holiday meal.

We were there Christmas Day 2010 and we ate at Goofy's "ballroom" for Christmas Dinner, we crawled all over the DLH while waiting for our table and I did not see any signs or anything up about a buffet, however that may indeed have been due to Goofy taking over the ballroom.

Thank you, Sherri! I'm so glad you spoke up! In the back of my mind I thought of you, but for some reason I keep forgetting that you were there on the actual holiday! I kept thinking that you arrived the day after Christmas, and I'm not sure why I think that!

Anyway, the fact that you didn't see any signs indicating a special Christmas meal either leads me to believe that what I thought I remembered is correct.

 

[TheColtonsMom]

Thank you, Sherri! I'm so glad you spoke up! In the back of my mind I thought of you, but for some reason I keep forgetting that you were there on the actual holiday! I kept thinking that you arrived the day after Christmas, and I'm not sure why I think that!

Anyway, the fact that you didn't see any signs indicating a special Christmas meal either leads me to believe that what I thought I remembered is correct.
__________________

Probably because we didn't go to the park that day so really I "arrived" on Main St the day after Christmas...Christmas day was mostly travel then DTD & Goofy's.

 

[Sherry E]

Probably because we didn't go to the park that day so really I "arrived" on Main St the day after Christmas...Christmas day was mostly travel then DTD & Goofy's.

That's right - you did Goofy's on that first night. Now it's all coming back to me! It seems like it's been 6 months that have passed since your trip, and 7 months since my own trip (even though it hasn't been nearly that long for either of us) so I'm getting blurry on details!

 

[TheColtonsMom]

That's right - you did Goofy's on that first night. Now it's all coming back to me! It seems like it's been 6 months that have passed since your trip, and 7 months since my own trip (even though it hasn't been nearly that long for either of us) so I'm getting blurry on details!

NO it hasn't been that long yet...feels like forever ago though! I am currently working at a goal of finishing my TR before it hits 3 months so I am down to about 10 more days to finish it YIKES! I did the fireworks from our last night today though so as much as I am enjoying the whole extending my trip by writing the TR that too is almost over. But you know the minute that my Christmas TR is done I will be starting the PTR for our Halloween trip!

 

[NewbieMouse]

NewbieMouse - Woo hoo! Your second holiday trip is on its way!

So far, there is no official word on a Christmas Party yet. There has been lots of speculation and discussion. It seems inevitable that there will be a party because the Halloween party is so popular, and because the Christmas party at WDW is so popular. I think it's just a matter of when and where it will happen.

If DLR were to have a party this year, for example, and they held it in Disneyland, that would most likely be controversial because they would have to have something as the selling point of the party to get people to buy tickets. If they made the Christmas Fantasy Parade or Believe...In Holiday Magic fireworks party exclusives, that means they would be removing things that have been part of the regular holiday entertainment schedule for years and years and years, and making them exclusive. People would probably be ticked. Also, as you know, the parade (with seats) was a selling point of the holiday tour, so if that became exclusive to a party it would most likely have to be removed from the tour...another controversial decision.

Now they could always decide to start off by having the party in DCA instead of DL - and make a holiday version of World of Color the highlight. That would be something that was brand new to everyone, so it would not be like they were holding any existing entertainment hostage to a party. But if they were to hold it in DCA, it wouldn't be this year, I'm sure. Too much construction.

There has also been talk of the Candlelight Processional moving to DCA. If that happens, then I think the party will be held in DL. That way each park could have a signature holiday event.

One thing I can tell you is that if DLR has any 'new' stuff up its sleeve for this year - such as a Christmas party - we will probably hear about it on the Parks Blog or on Disneyland News within the next couple of months. It seems like when they add in new things or make significant changes to a season, they let the info out early on (such as Halloween Screams debuting in 2009 and the Halloween party moving to DL last year).

Thank you, Sherry! You have created another Christmas at DLR devotee!

I never seriously considered a Halloween trip, so I didn't keep up to date on how those parties work. Is it that the park would close early to "regular" guests, and then ticket holders get let in, or is it that there's a party in a specific area of the park but there are still other guests without tickets elsewhere?

 

[Sherry E]

Thank you, Sherry! You have created another Christmas at DLR devotee!

I never seriously considered a Halloween trip, so I didn't keep up to date on how those parties work. Is it that the park would close early to "regular" guests, and then ticket holders get let in, or is it that there's a party in a specific area of the park but there are still other guests without tickets elsewhere?

When the Halloween party was held in DCA, they simply closed DCA at its usual early hour (this was pre-World of Color, of course) and then opened it back up for party guests only.

Last year, when the party moved into Disneyland, they began letting party guests with special tickets into DL at 3 p.m. on Tuesdays and 4 p.m. on Fridays. The actual party did not start until 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., respectively, so there were 3 hours on Tuesdays and Fridays of overlap time, in which party guests and regular park visitors were in the park together. When 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. rolled around, everyone who did not have a party ticket had to leave the park. The party guests had special wristband things so that the CM's at the various attractions and treat stations could make sure they were, indeed, party guests and not just regular visitors who stayed past the witching hour!

There was initially a lot of concern among people who paid for party tickets that the regular, non-party people would find sneaky ways to stay in the park, making the exclusive party ticket a waste of money and increasing crowds on Main Street for the Halloween Screams fireworks. But it seems to have been managed pretty well in that way, though most folks say that the lines for rides were not nearly short enough for an event that was exclusive. They, understandably, were hoping for low crowds and short lines and that didn't happen a lot of the time. I think DLR may have sold too many tickets.

 

[NewbieMouse]

I see, so non-party goers might not really get a "full day", so to speak? Are the rides still open, or is it just parades and stuff?

 

[TheColtonsMom]

to answer your question, i do not remember a christmas party from last year, But if it's anything like the halloween party then yes the park does close down at a certain time for those with tickets to the party, regular park guests will have to leave, if the party is at DL then the guests can go to DCA and or vise versa. i hope this answers your question..

They don't have a Christmas Party at DLR YET...but it is rumored to be coming in the next couple of years...

 

[Sherry E]

I see, so non-party goers might not really get a "full day", so to speak? Are the rides still open, or is it just parades and stuff?

I think all the rides were open during the Halloween party that would normally be open at night, excluding anything in ToonTown, of course. They made the Halloween Screams fireworks exclusive to the party. There were special PhotoPass locations set up just for the party, with Villains and other characters in Halloween outfits (like Jack Sparrow, for example, was one of the rarely seen characters they brought out). There were treat stations set up all over the park. They had interesting light projections on the Castle and on various structures (spider web and skull images and things like that). They pumped fog into the Rivers of America. There were a few dance stations set up. They also had a little mini-parade/character cavalcade, though not on the scale of the one that WDW has, apparently.

At the Christmas party that is held in WDW - though I've never been, I've read enough about it - one of the things that is part of the event is the snowfall on Main Street. I hope they don't make our DLR snow a party exclusive when they eventually start having a holiday party! They also give out cookies and candy canes, I've heard (instead of candy like they do at the Halloween party).

Yep - the non-party people would have to leave at 6 p.m. or 7 p.m., depending on the day, and so if they'd planned to be in Disneyland itself until late at night, that would not happen unless they had a party ticket. But DCA stays open for those folks who have no interest in the DL party...which is a perfect way to lure people over to see World of Color, I suppose!

 

[mvf-m11c]

I think all the rides were open during the Halloween party that would normally be open at night, excluding anything in ToonTown, of course. They made the Halloween Screams fireworks exclusive to the party. There were special PhotoPass locations set up just for the party, with Villains and other characters in Halloween outfits (like Jack Sparrow, for example, was one of the rarely seen characters they brought out). There were treat stations set up all over the park. They had interesting light projections on the Castle and on various structures (spider web and skull images and things like that). They pumped fog into the Rivers of America. There were a few dance stations set up. They also had a little mini-parade/character cavalcade, though not on the scale of the one that WDW has, apparently.

At the Christmas party that is held in WDW - though I've never been, I've read enough about it - one of the things that is part of the event is the snowfall on Main Street. I hope they don't make our DLR snow a party exclusive when they eventually start having a holiday party! They also give out cookies and candy canes, I've heard (instead of candy like they do at the Halloween party).

Yep - the non-party people would have to leave at 6 p.m. or 7 p.m., depending on the day, and so if they'd planned to be in Disneyland itself until late at night, that would not happen unless they had a party ticket. But DCA stays open for those folks who have no interest in the DL party...which is a perfect way to lure people over to see World of Color, I suppose!

Most of the rides during MHP are opened. If you looked at the MHP Map from last year that some of the attractions during the party were closed. When I looked at the map from last year, rides like IASW, Casey Jr., SBC Boats, & Monorail were not running during the party.

As for MVMCP, when I was there last December, I didn't see it snow that day. Maybe it was due to high winds that party night and the park didn't show any snow on MS. Just like you Sherry, that the DLR won't make the Holiday season at DL a exclusive party just like MVMCP. The party did gave out holiday cookies and hot chocolate. I don't think I got a candy cane while I was out there during the MVMCP.

You are right that when it gets to 6 or 7 pm for the party, the guests without a ticket must leave the park. The park lets the non-guests stay in the park for one hour after the part starts at those times and than they must leave the park unless they get a wristband at the AP Center.

 

[NewbieMouse]

Thank you guys so much for the info; I think I'm getting a clearer picture now. It sounds like fun, but it probably wouldn't be every night, right?

 

[Sherry E]

Thank you guys so much for the info; I think I'm getting a clearer picture now. It sounds like fun, but it probably wouldn't be every night, right?

I don't think so. The holiday season is hugely popular at DLR, and they attract way too many visitors all season long to try to limit the hours every night for a party - and that's in either park. Even if the (eventual) holiday party ends up in DCA at first, I think it would still be a couple of nights a week - maybe 3 nights at most. Probably just 2 nights. Same with DL.

So now it's just a matter of when and where will this happen? Will they start doing a party this year, next year, or wait until 2013, when all the new stuff in DCA has 'settled' a bit? Will they start the party in DCA and do a holiday World of Color as the focal point, or will they make a risky decision and have the party in DL, suddenly designation the fireworks and/or parade exclusives?


Bret - Thanks so much for filling in the blanks of what I was trying to explain. I could swear that I read or saw on a TV show that candy canes are or were handed out at MVMCP at WDW, and that snow was part of the party. Either I was totally wrong, or they changed something in the last few years.

In any case, I don't want the snow at DLR to become exclusive!

 

[mvf-m11c]

Bret - Thanks so much for filling in the blanks of what I was trying to explain. I could swear that I read or saw on a TV show that candy canes are or were handed out at MVMCP at WDW, and that snow was part of the party. Either I was totally wrong, or they changed something in the last few years.

In any case, I don't want the snow at DLR to become exclusive!

Your welcome Sherry

Maybe they do hand out candy canes in the past, I didn't see any at the treat stations that were handing out candy canes except for the cookies and hot chocolate.

It is always nice to see the snow during SBWC and after Believe...In Holiday Magic fireworks.

I can't wait till we get to the Holiday season in less than 8 months.

 

[spiderdust]

Oh, dear! Between the potential holiday party and not knowing whether or not there will be a Christmas dinner buffet, I don't know how much to budget for our trip!

I guess I'll look at how much last year's Thanksgiving buffet cost, and figure out how much the Halloween party costs... and from there I can estimate a little as to how much we'll need.

We had originally planned to go in October for my 40th birthday, but there's a family gathering in June that is going to wipe out a good chunk of our travel budget. In order to make Disneyland still happen, we decided to move it to December and have that be our Christmas present. That will give us an additional 2 months to save up, plus M's annual Christmas bonus from work, plus the amount we budget for the family Christmas gifts.

I'm hoping to get a few things for the girls to open on Christmas morning and may bring a small tree along to decorate our room, but overall the trip will be the present.

 

[TheColtonsMom]

Oh, dear! Between the potential holiday party and not knowing whether or not there will be a Christmas dinner buffet, I don't know how much to budget for our trip!

I guess I'll look at how much last year's Thanksgiving buffet cost, and figure out how much the Halloween party costs... and from there I can estimate a little as to how much we'll need.

We had originally planned to go in October for my 40th birthday, but there's a family gathering in June that is going to wipe out a good chunk of our travel budget. In order to make Disneyland still happen, we decided to move it to December and have that be our Christmas present. That will give us an additional 2 months to save up, plus M's annual Christmas bonus from work, plus the amount we budget for the family Christmas gifts.

I'm hoping to get a few things for the girls to open on Christmas morning and may bring a small tree along to decorate our room, but overall the trip will be the present.

We did this last year..my son (6) got a stocking and a gift from Santa but his present from Mommy & Daddy was Disneyland and he was so OK with that ...I thought he might balk at no presents from us but he didn't at all!

 

[areweindisneyyet]

Hi spider dust

We will be there for christmas morning this year too. We are planning on some small gifts under a tree which we will get when we get to Anaheim. We are looking for a special Christmas day lunch and will either do a party or a holiday tour.

Look forward to planning with you

Mia

 

[Belle Ella]

Jessica - Sure! Of course you are a seasoned vet! You had a good number of days spent at DLR during this past holiday season - both pre-and post-Christmas - and I knew you were there early in the month so you had direct experience with that week and could comment on it!

Your AP expires in early December, doesn't it? So that deadline will be there to tempt you. It will be looming ominously, beckoning you to make one last holiday jaunt before it expires!

But, as you say, if you get the new job it may be tricky getting time off for a while, at least so soon.

I guess I never thought about it in terms of how many actual days I was there So I guess I am a seasoned vet! Cool beans.

Yeah, it expires on December 6th, although as of right now I am 99.9% sure I will still be renewing it for 2012 so long as I can budget for it and set the money aside (and the new job would help -- keeping my fingers crossed). I'm already planning on 2 definite/hopeful trips for next year and even if those are the only two I can make than it will be worth it. And then maybe I'll be in a better place to make a couple more trips next year, although I wont hold my breath. As a non-local even 2 trips in a year is pretty nice.

But it will be very, very, very, very hard not to bite for a December trip even if I renew. Oh, don't you love when all you can do is speculate!

 

[Sherry E]

I'd better give this a bump - it seems like holiday questions are trickling in on the DIS more often in the last few days.

I hope everyone is still out there and ready to jump in to answer questions if new folks come aboard in search of info! All of my holiday peeps from this thread and its predecessor have been so vital to providing information for DLR holiday planners!

I was going to bump this with some photos yesterday, but stupid Photobucket - the bane of my existence - was giving me trouble, as usual!!

We need more photos!!

 

[spiderdust]

Here's one from 2009... it was Chickadee's first trip to Disneyland. Her eyes just lit up when she saw Pooh!

Wow, I look much rounder in that picture than usual. But at least the kids look cute!

 

[funatdisney]

Oh how I wish I could see the Castle tonight. 272 days until the next time I can see the Castle decked out for Christmas.