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

[Sherry E]

If I could crash the Dec party, I would Sherry. Sounds like you are all planning a fun meet.

Jenny -

I wish you could be there too! I have a feeling you'd be a lot of fun to hang out with and would probably have me laughing the entire time. At the very least I thought I would have a chance to overlap dates with you and have a quick drive-by hello in the parks.

My trip is most likely not going to be as long as what I have booked. I have a full 7 nights booked (because the rate is so crazy good!), and I haven't had the heart to lop off the last 3 nights yet. I am keeping hope alive! But most likely I will end up with a solid 4 nights - the first 2 days are open to either being solo (which is what I need for intensive photo-taking missions!), OR for random local friends to come and join me if they are able. The next 2 days are a combo of out-of-town friend time and DIS-friend time, in some way. By the final day I should be all done with the out-of-town friends and will probably be free to hang with Laurie (and I think Molly/Bumbershoot as well). And maybe we can get Liza/funatdisney in on the fun too!

If I don't get much solo time, I will probably not come back with the bounty of photos that I came back with after past December's outing because I function much better when I am by myself. I can't concentrate on photos when I am with people. So for me, it kind of either has to be 'friend time' or 'camera time,' and it's hard for me to merge the two. I'm weird that way...



Jenny - Seeing your post reminded me. Didn't you have a trip to DLR either last year or the year before that involved someone in a wheelchair? I seem to recall you had a thread going about which rides were wheelchair-friendly. Didn't you? Or am I imagining it?

If I am not going crazy and not imagining your wheelchair thread, I may have some questions for you! My friend's dad will be in a wheelchair, I think, and I have never gone to DLR with anyone who has been in one, so I haven't experienced/witnessed how it all works. My friend and her family are a collective, stressful ball of chaos as a rule, so I don't want them to be even more stressed because they don't know what to expect.

What was your experience like?

 

[dwheatl]

We've done the wheelchair thing several times. Pretty much every attraction in DCA is wheelchair friendly and you go through the regular line, at least up to a point.
In DL, you need a pamphlet from the wheelchair rental stand to tell you where to go. Many attractions have you come through the exit. The CMs are generally super helpful about this.There are wheelchair areas for parades and shows, and the pamphlet is helpful about those too.
If they are staying walking distance from the park and need to rent a wheelchair, as opposed to bringing their own, it makes sense to rent outside the park, because then you can use the chair to get back to the hotel.
I know you didn't ask me, but I'm a former librarian, and I just have to hand out info when I have it. If you have any questions, feel free to pm me. And everybody, please forgive my "buttinski" nature. It's all done with love.

 

[KCmike]

Sorry to jump in and jump out again but was wondering if the celebrity has been named yet for the candlelight processional?

 

[Sherry E]

We've done the wheelchair thing several times. Pretty much every attraction in DCA is wheelchair friendly and you go through the regular line, at least up to a point.
In DL, you need a pamphlet from the wheelchair rental stand to tell you where to go. Many attractions have you come through the exit. The CMs are generally super helpful about this.There are wheelchair areas for parades and shows, and the pamphlet is helpful about those too.
If they are staying walking distance from the park and need to rent a wheelchair, as opposed to bringing their own, it makes sense to rent outside the park, because then you can use the chair to get back to the hotel.
I know you didn't ask me, but I'm a former librarian, and I just have to hand out info when I have it. If you have any questions, feel free to pm me. And everybody, please forgive my "buttinski" nature. It's all done with love.

Danielle -

You're not being a buttinski at all! I really appreciate you speaking up to answer the question. This thread is for sharing and exchanging information, so we all contribute and learn from each other! I only thought of Jenny/rentayenta because I thought I recalled her having a wheelchair-related thread a long time ago. I couldn't think of anyone else off-hand that had the wheelchair experience. But I will take any input on the subject that I can get!

In fact, I am going to copy and paste your reply and e-mail it to my friend, so she can read exactly what you said. As mentioned previously, she and her family are kind of chaotic and disorganized anyway. While I don't expect them to plan every detail to a 'T', I am trying to get them to hone in a little bit on some aspects that may be important to figure out or learn about beforehand, so things don't have to be as much of a chaotic frenzy when they arrive!

Thank you again!

Sorry to jump in and jump out again but was wondering if the celebrity has been named yet for the candlelight processional?

Mike -

Not yet, as far as I know. I am anxious to learn this as well, as I am going to try my hardest to catch the CP on 12/4!

 

[rentayenta]

Jenny -

I wish you could be there too! I have a feeling you'd be a lot of fun to hang out with and would probably have me laughing the entire time. At the very least I thought I would have a chance to overlap dates with you and have a quick drive-by hello in the parks.

My trip is most likely not going to be as long as what I have booked. I have a full 7 nights booked (because the rate is so crazy good!), and I haven't had the heart to lop off the last 3 nights yet. I am keeping hope alive! But most likely I will end up with a solid 4 nights - the first 2 days are open to either being solo (which is what I need for intensive photo-taking missions!), OR for random local friends to come and join me if they are able. The next 2 days are a combo of out-of-town friend time and DIS-friend time, in some way. By the final day I should be all done with the out-of-town friends and will probably be free to hang with Laurie (and I think Molly/Bumbershoot as well). And maybe we can get Liza/funatdisney in on the fun too!

If I don't get much solo time, I will probably not come back with the bounty of photos that I came back with after past December's outing because I function much better when I am by myself. I can't concentrate on photos when I am with people. So for me, it kind of either has to be 'friend time' or 'camera time,' and it's hard for me to merge the two. I'm weird that way...



Jenny - Seeing your post reminded me. Didn't you have a trip to DLR either last year or the year before that involved someone in a wheelchair? I seem to recall you had a thread going about which rides were wheelchair-friendly. Didn't you? Or am I imagining it?

If I am not going crazy and not imagining your wheelchair thread, I may have some questions for you! My friend's dad will be in a wheelchair, I think, and I have never gone to DLR with anyone who has been in one, so I haven't experienced/witnessed how it all works. My friend and her family are a collective, stressful ball of chaos as a rule, so I don't want them to be even more stressed because they don't know what to expect.

What was your experience like?

I have no doubt that you will soak up every bit og Disney magic even with 4 solid days.

We'll overlap one of these times.

I was going to take my father last time but he wasn't well enough to go. He is disabled due to a major stroke 5 years ago. He has good days and bad days. I did do a lot of research though and it seems that Disneyland makes it as easy as possible for those who are disabled in some way. I have some notes on my desktop at work if you'd like me to email them to you Monday.

 

[wamommy2four]

Hello everyone! I have been reading this thread trying to gather information for our first Christmas trip to Disneyland. We are planning to be at the park Dec. 5th - 10th. We are beyond excited to get there. So, as a 1st timer, what are the must do, must see, must experience things to do. We will be traveling with kids ages 11, 9, 6 and 16 mo.

Also, where should we park ourselves for the fireworks and Christmas parade? DH can handle the crowds, but would be much happier if we weren't right in the busiest of spots. Any great views from an out of the way spot? I do want the kids to see the "snow" though. Hmmm.

Anyway, thanks for the great thread and for any help.

Michell

 

[Eeee-va]

I did not see anyone post this...Al Lutz reported at the top of MiceAge that World of Color will have a Prep and Landing/Christmas pre-show starting November 11! Good news for almost everyone here, I think.

http://miceage.micechat.com/

 

[areweindisneyyet]

Hello everyone! I have been reading this thread trying to gather information for our first Christmas trip to Disneyland. We are planning to be at the park Dec. 5th - 10th. We are beyond excited to get there. So, as a 1st timer, what are the must do, must see, must experience things to do. We will be traveling with kids ages 11, 9, 6 and 16 mo.

Also, where should we park ourselves for the fireworks and Christmas parade? DH can handle the crowds, but would be much happier if we weren't right in the busiest of spots. Any great views from an out of the way spot? I do want the kids to see the "snow" though. Hmmm.

Anyway, thanks for the great thread and for any help.

Michell

Hi Michell

Welcome. The must dos for me are the Parade, the snow on the Castle with the Fireworks, riding Haunted Mansion and Is a Small World all decked out. A visit to Santa at Reindeer Roundup should also be on the list.

Everywhere you turn in the parks are decorations, beautiful window displays and Christmas tunes are piped through.

Oh and the yummy Christmas treats,

This is a great start and I am sure others will pop in to share there favourite things.

Mia

 

[ColoradoMom!!]

Just had to jump in for two reasons. My son was invited to play in a baseball tournament in San Diego on Dec. 16th and 17th, so I said we could go as long as we hit DL on the 18th!! SO excited although I know it will be crazy busy!

Second - wow Sherry E - your avatar looks like mine! So cool! My pic is 1971.

 

[rentayenta]

I did not see anyone post this...Al Lutz reported at the top of MiceAge that World of Color will have a Prep and Landing/Christmas pre-show starting November 11! Good news for almost everyone here, I think.

http://miceage.micechat.com/

Fun, thanks!!

 

[mvf-m11c]

Also, where should we park ourselves for the fireworks and Christmas parade? DH can handle the crowds, but would be much happier if we weren't right in the busiest of spots. Any great views from an out of the way spot? I do want the kids to see the "snow" though. Hmmm.

Anyway, thanks for the great thread and for any help.

Michell

For "A Christmas Fantasy" parade, you can get any spot as long it is on the parade route. The busiest areas that get alot of people for the parade are around MS. Fantasyland doesn't get too many people until the parade is about to start. So the best spot with little wait is Fantasyland.

For "Believe...In Holidsy Magic" fireworks, the spot you want to see the fireworks is right in front of SB castle. That is the best spot to see the fireworks, but it does require waiting time,but not too much. The areas that will snow after the fireworks is MS, FL around IASWH and around the ROA sitting area for the people that watched F!.

 

[Eeee-va]

In another thread csoul posted the holiday page on the official site. It confirms a World of Color Prep and Landing pre-show and strongly hints that it will start 11/14:

http://disneyland.disney.go.com/events/holidays/

Of course, it also says you can shop at "Engine-Ears Toys" so I'm not sure they proofread the site...

 

[Sherry E]

Whee!!!!!!! Whee!!!!!!! Whee!!!!!! It's so exciting just to see that the holiday page is up on the DLR site (thank you so much, Eeee-va, for letting us know about that, and about the Prep & Landing pre-show!)!!

The holidays are getting ever closer!!! Woo hoo!!! Not that I don't love me some pumpkins and ghouls and goblins and all that, but I am ready to deck those halls once again!

And then to hear about the Prep & Landing pre-show and whatever else - yay!!! I see that I am actually now in the position of having to think about planning my evenings at DLR out. Hmmm.... I wasn't going to really think too much about what to do and on which nights, but now that I look at how my schedule might go, I realize I may not get certain things done if I don't think about it and figure it all out. See, this is why I really need that full week I have booked! There's simply not enough time for me. And yet, I don't think I will be able to swing a full week. Booooooo.



ColoradoMom!! - My avatar photo is from 1972! Mickey looked just as weird in 1971 when you met him, I see!



Jenny - Those wheelchair/DLR notes might be helpful. I would appreciate it! Thank you. I am so sorry to hear about your dad - I hope he is managing okay and has more good days than bad ones. I've known a few people who have had strokes and it really is so distressing and upsetting on so many levels.


Welcome to our thread, Michell!!! I'm so glad you found us and are sharing your holiday trip planning with us! It looks like Bret and Mia got you off to a great start with information!!

 

[areweindisneyyet]

Whee!!!!!!! Whee!!!!!!! Whee!!!!!! It's so exciting just to see that the holiday page is up on the DLR site (thank you so much, Eeee-va, for letting us know about that, and about the Prep & Landing pre-show!)!!

The holidays are getting ever closer!!! Woo hoo!!! Not that I don't love me some pumpkins and ghouls and goblins and all that, but I am ready to deck those halls once again!

And then to hear about the Prep & Landing pre-show and whatever else - yay!!! I see that I am actually now in the position of having to think about planning my evenings at DLR out. Hmmm.... I wasn't going to really think too much about what to do and on which nights, but now that I look at how my schedule might go, I realize I may not get certain things done if I don't think about it and figure it all out. See, this is why I really need that full week I have booked! There's simply not enough time for me. And yet, I don't think I will be able to swing a full week. Booooooo.



ColoradoMom!! - My avatar photo is from 1972! Mickey looked just as weird in 1971 when you met him, I see!



Jenny - Those wheelchair/DLR notes might be helpful. I would appreciate it! Thank you. I am so sorry to hear about your dad - I hope he is managing okay and has more good days than bad ones. I've known a few people who have had strokes and it really is so distressing and upsetting on so many levels.


Welcome to our thread, Michell!!! I'm so glad you found us and are sharing your holiday trip planning with us! It looks like Bret and Mia got you off to a great start with information!!

Hi Sherry

I am so excited. I have been waiting for this all year. It means my trip is getting really close, the Disneyland people say so now that it is on the website. I booked at Cafe Orleans this morning so bring me some of those holiday beignets.

Glad to see your trip is coming together.

Deck the Halls with boughs of holly....


Mia

 

[mvf-m11c]

Thank you Eeee-va for the link. This will make the Holiday season at DCA even more special with the Prep and Landing pre-show. Looks like I have to see WoC during my upcoming Holiday trip and I will have to videotape it. Just 23 days away till we are in the Holiday season.

 

[rentayenta]

Jenny - Those wheelchair/DLR notes might be helpful. I would appreciate it! Thank you. I am so sorry to hear about your dad - I hope he is managing okay and has more good days than bad ones. I've known a few people who have had strokes and it really is so distressing and upsetting on so many levels.

Thanks! It's hard for sure especially because I'm here in Utah and he's in Anaheim. So far but I do what I can. If you PM me your email, I'll be happy to send the notes to you.






I love the new WoC pre show idea. The holidays at the DLR are so close, I can taste them! Can't wait until they release the candy cane dates. DS also said he'd wait with me and get 2 candy canes. He is such a trooper.

 

[nerdboyrockstar]

In another thread csoul posted the holiday page on the official site. It confirms a World of Color Prep and Landing pre-show and strongly hints that it will start 11/14:

http://disneyland.disney.go.com/events/holidays/

Of course, it also says you can shop at "Engine-Ears Toys" so I'm not sure they proofread the site...

Thanks for the link. I see the official description for the new show on there too:

World of Color

Breathtaking artistry, innovative storytelling and brilliant effects come together to create World of Color, the nighttime water spectacular at Disney California Adventure Park. Plus, be ready to experience the magic of Kringle Academy elves, Lenny and Wayne — from Disney Prep & Landing — as they prepare for the arrival of the Big Guy!

 

[emacat]

Eeeeeeeeeeee! I just keep getting more and more excited! I can't wait for our first holiday trip to DL! Thanks for all the pics and tips, everyone!

I have to admit, we're here in Illinois, and I'm a little nervous about bad weather, especially since United changed our connecting flight from Denver to Chicago (grrrrrrrrrr). I hate O'hare at the best of times, hence why I booked through Denver in the first place...

 

[hockey101]

Hi everyone!

First time poster, loooong time reader. I swear I`ve read every post in this thread going back 50 pages

My name is Jessica, I`m 22 and living in Vancouver. The boyfriend and I have never been to Disneyland before which is why this year we decided to take a trip down there together for Christmas. We arrive Dec. 27th at noon and catch a late flight back on Jan 4th.

This thread has been very helpful, pretty much covered any questions that I`ve had (or that anyone could possibly have ) However, there are a few things I`ve missed/forgotten.

1. Our flight is scheduled to arrive at noon, if everything goes as planned we should be getting into Hotel Menage around 2-2:30. Since we have 5 day parkhopper passes, (as well as 2 day universal and 1 day knotts) we decided we're going to Disneyland the day we arrive. What are the chances Disneyland will reach capacity that day? Also, will the fastpasses most likely been gone by that point?

2. Is it worth is to get PD when seeing WOC? I know it's about $35-$40, but if that will get me a decent meal and a decent view, sound worth it to me. Anyone ever done this?

3. As I mention before, we have 5 day parkhoppers, 2 days and Universal and 1 day at Knotts. We would also like to spend the day checking out the city.

We've been trying to plan out what we are doing on which day. For starters, we know we want to go to DL on the 27th when we arrive. We have to do one day at Universal before the new year in order to validate our tickets, and we one MM to use. If this were you, how would you plan out what parks to visit on these days? Also keeping in mind the crowd level, which is probably unavoidable anyways.

I know I have more questions, I just can't think of them right now. Thanks again for all your help!

 

[DizNee Luver]

Hi everyone!

First time poster, loooong time reader. I swear I`ve read every post in this thread going back 50 pages

My name is Jessica, I`m 22 and living in Vancouver. The boyfriend and I have never been to Disneyland before which is why this year we decided to take a trip down there together for Christmas. We arrive Dec. 27th at noon and catch a late flight back on Jan 4th.

This thread has been very helpful, pretty much covered any questions that I`ve had (or that anyone could possibly have ) However, there are a few things I`ve missed/forgotten.

1. Our flight is scheduled to arrive at noon, if everything goes as planned we should be getting into Hotel Menage around 2-2:30. Since we have 5 day parkhopper passes, (as well as 2 day universal and 1 day knotts) we decided we're going to Disneyland the day we arrive. What are the chances Disneyland will reach capacity that day? Also, will the fastpasses most likely been gone by that point?

2. Is it worth is to get PD when seeing WOC? I know it's about $35-$40, but if that will get me a decent meal and a decent view, sound worth it to me. Anyone ever done this?

3. As I mention before, we have 5 day parkhoppers, 2 days and Universal and 1 day at Knotts. We would also like to spend the day checking out the city.

We've been trying to plan out what we are doing on which day. For starters, we know we want to go to DL on the 27th when we arrive. We have to do one day at Universal before the new year in order to validate our tickets, and we one MM to use. If this were you, how would you plan out what parks to visit on these days? Also keeping in mind the crowd level, which is probably unavoidable anyways.

I know I have more questions, I just can't think of them right now. Thanks again for all your help!

I'll let the experts help you out on these questions....but wanted to say Welcome!!!

I will say that I wouldn't waste one of my DL days on the day you arrive.....I'd go hit up Knott's that day. We went in August last summer & the place was almost empty......We also found that this park did nothing for our family that were ages 3, 3, 5, 9, 21, 23, 25, 47, 48 & 80. After 3 hours we were ready to leave. I would highly suggest eating at Mrs Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant.....that was the only highlight of our trip there.