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

[funatdisney]

I don't even have the Gallery CD, so I wouldn't know what was on it or not on it to be able to tell the difference. It all looks good to me!

These holiday pages are great, too, Liza. Having seen your Halloween calendar pages, I'm trying to decide which ones I like better. Hmmm... The Halloween pages really say 'Halloween' and are much less common than the Christmasy photos. Because of that, I'm almost tempted to go with those as my favorites.

But, see, for me, part of the reason why I love the holiday season more than the Halloween season is because of the wide array of colors and styles that can be used to say 'holidays.' It goes beyond just reds and greens. You can use blues and whites, silvers and golds, checkered patterns, pinks, etc. You can go with a rustic, Frontierland-style decor or a Mardi Gras/New Orleans-flavored theme, or a primary color-fueled ToonTown motif. You can go with all one color or all one style, or a mix of many colors together. There is more variety to work with in holiday decor.

So I like the variety of color and styles of the holiday season on your Christmas pages. I'm undecided!

I have to admit the November layout wasn't one of my favorites. But like I said, I was playing with color and wanted to take a chance on it. I do think it came out fine. As for December, the Castle and IASW Holiday are the cornerstone of DL's Christmas. I just had to highlight both of them, but by choosing to focus on them equally, it effect the overall look, IMHO. I am happy with these two and will be proud to have out for all to see.

I like the Halloween months better. The back round colors I used just worked with the colors form the photos. It does have a very Fall/Halloween feel to them, which is one of my favorite seasons of the year. You can guess what the other season is !

 

[Sherry E]

Does World of Color and Fantasmic play at Christmas time? Would hate to miss those. Thank You.

Yep. On Page 1 of this thread, in Post #3, I posted links to both the November and December Park Hours/calendars/entertainment schedules from last year (although the early part of December was strangely missing from the calendar). You can get an idea of when those shows (and any other entertainment) run. Even if the times change a bit this year or next, you'll have a basic idea.

 

[jnjusoioa]

Yep. On Page 1 of this thread, in Post #3, I posted links to both the November and December Park Hours/calendars/entertainment schedules from last year (although the early part of December was strangely missing from the calendar). You can get an idea of when those shows (and any other entertainment) run. Even if the times change a bit this year or next, you'll have a basic idea.

Thanks Sherry!!

 

[jnjusoioa]

Yep. On Page 1 of this thread, in Post #3, I posted links to both the November and December Park Hours/calendars/entertainment schedules from last year (although the early part of December was strangely missing from the calendar). You can get an idea of when those shows (and any other entertainment) run. Even if the times change a bit this year or next, you'll have a basic idea.

I am so torn, I really want to make the trip out there this year but money wise I don't think it will happen, can any of you help cheer me up, can you think of any reasons for me to hold onto that it would be better to wait until next year.

 

[Sherry E]

I am so torn, I really want to make the trip out there this year but money wise I don't think it will happen, can any of you help cheer me up, can you think of any reasons for me to hold onto that it would be better to wait until next year.

Jen -

Well, first of all, I'm sure many of us understand your situation. I have certainly had to postpone/cancel/modify DLR trips - or just avoid DLR for several years at a time - due to money issues.

And when it comes down to it, if it looks like money will be scarce for me and I will not be able to do the exact length of a trip that I would want, or I can't do both Halloween and Christmas trips, I always look at what will give me the most bang for my buck. If I have to choose one time of year to go, or if I have to choose one trip over another trip, I base it largely on which trip will give me the most extensive, satisfying overall experience.

So... in your particular case, going this year would be fun because you have been waiting to get to DLR - especially for a holiday trip - for so long. I know you have - I remember sending you the DLR holiday maps in 2008! BUT, at the end of the day, I think you will get much more bang for your buck by waiting until next year...if that makes it any easier on you!

First of all, waiting until next year will allow you more time to save up money.

Also, by holiday season of 2012, we are assuming that most or all of the DCA makeover will be complete, meaning street cars will be running, the DCA entrance will be totally redone, Carsland will be open, new restaurants will be open, new rides will be running, new shops will be open, the Disneyland Hotel will be far along in its remodel, etc.

In fact, DLR may make a bigger deal of decorating DCA once everything is finished and in place, and do much more with the holiday stuff.

If DLR decides to start having a Christmas party this year - and we don't know if they will have one this year or start it next year, or whether they will want to hold it in DL or in DCA - then they will surely have one next year, so it's not like you would miss the chance to go.

But if they do not begin a Christmas party this year, there is a much greater chance that a party will happen next year, when all the DCA work is complete.

I just think it will be an even bigger and better holiday season than it already is - and it's already pretty darn great!!

Really, the only down side that I can see to waiting another year to visit DLR for the holidays is that the prices for everything at DLR will undoubtedly skyrocket between now and December 2012. Still, if you keep that in mind, it won't be too much of a shock and you can start saving or planning really early (like now).

I am guessing that the prices for the hotels, for the food, for the tickets - everything - are going to spike as DLR makes itself a real vacation destination with the transformation of DCA.



I would be interested to hear some of our other DLR holiday fans' opinions (and people in this thread) as to why waiting until 2012 will be better for you - OR, perhaps, if they think that going this year would be better. Either way, it would be great to hear some other feedback!

 

[jnjusoioa]

Jen -

Well, first of all, I'm sure many of us understand your situation. I have certainly had to postpone/cancel/modify DLR trips - or just avoid DLR for several years at a time - due to money issues.

And when it comes down to it, if it looks like money will be scarce for me and I will not be able to do the exact length of a trip that I would want, or I can't do both Halloween and Christmas trips, I always look at what will give me the most bang for my buck. If I have to choose one time of year to go, or if I have to choose one trip over another trip, I base it largely on which trip will give me the most extensive, satisfying overall experience.

So... in your particular case, going this year would be fun because you have been waiting to get to DLR - especially for a holiday trip - for so long. I know you have - I remember sending you the DLR holiday maps in 2008! BUT, at the end of the day, I think you will get much more bang for your buck by waiting until next year...if that makes it any easier on you!

First of all, waiting until next year will allow you more time to save up money.

Also, by holiday season of 2012, we are assuming that most or all of the DCA makeover will be complete, meaning street cars will be running, the DCA entrance will be totally redone, Carsland will be open, new restaurants will be open, new rides will be running, new shops will be open, the Disneyland Hotel will be far along in its remodel, etc.

In fact, DLR may make a bigger deal of decorating DCA once everything is finished and in place, and do much more with the holiday stuff.

If DLR decides to start having a Christmas party this year - and we don't know if they will have one this year or start it next year, or whether they will want to hold it in DL or in DCA - then they will surely have one next year, so it's not like you would miss the chance to go.

But if they do not begin a Christmas party this year, there is a much greater chance that a party will happen next year, when all the DCA work is complete.

I just think it will be an even bigger and better holiday season than it already is - and it's already pretty darn great!!

Really, the only down side that I can see to waiting another year to visit DLR for the holidays is that the prices for everything at DLR will undoubtedly skyrocket between now and December 2012. Still, if you keep that in mind, it won't be too much of a shock and you can start saving or planning really early (like now).

I am guessing that the prices for the hotels, for the food, for the tickets - everything - are going to spike as DLR makes itself a real vacation destination with the transformation of DCA.



I would be interested to hear some of our other DLR holiday fans' opinions (and people in this thread) as to why waiting until 2012 will be better for you - OR, perhaps, if they think that going this year would be better. Either way, it would be great to hear some other feedback!

Sherry, as always I appreciate your input. Now it looks like I can do it this year, so not sure. Oh well. I am worried about the prices for next year, but still think I would have fun this year. I am not really all that excited for Cars Land as it isn't one of my favorite movies. Since I see the Holiday season kicks off Nov 11th this year, for those of you who have been, when they say that, does that mean most all the decorations are up, etc. Just curious. Was thinking of going early Dec. but might bump it up to Nov. at some point.

 

[mvf-m11c]

I would be interested to hear some of our other DLR holiday fans' opinions (and people in this thread) as to why waiting until 2012 will be better for you - OR, perhaps, if they think that going this year would be better. Either way, it would be great to hear some other feedback!

This my opinion of the Holiday season at the DLR. I always like going to the DLR during the Holiday season with all the decorations and the special events (A Christmas Fantasy Parade & Believe In Holiday Magic Fireworks) which comes with the regular park admission ticket. I would like it the way it is going at the DLR than at WDW where you have to buy another ticket to enjoy MVMCP. The party was nice with less crowds, drinks and cookies. But mostly I was there for Holiday Wishes Fireworks, Celebrate the Season Show, and Mickey's Once Upon A Christmastime Parade. Just like what we have been talking about for awhile now Sherry that the DLR will one day do a MVMCP at the DLR one day. I believe with all the construction over at DCA, I would say that they would do that exclusive party event next year in 2012. With all the construction being finished in 2012, the DLR can put up the new Holiday overlays on the front entrance (in the past we see the Golden Gate Bridge all decorated up during the Holiday season), Cars Land (I'm hoping that they would decorate it during the Holiday season).

There will be great excitement in 2012 and some disappointment in 2012. We just don't know what will happen. But it will depend on the Holiday season later this year if the DLR is going to have a exclusive party just like MVMCP or not.

 

[jnjusoioa]

Or I might just have to move over to the Halloween thread. For some reason the past couple Christmas's have been ruined for my family by certain situations. So it dosen't hold what it use to hold for me. So maybe Halloween would be the way to go. Not sure.

 

[funatdisney]

Well Sherry, you have a call out for opinions and never missing an opportunity in throw my opinion around , I'll respond.

I agree with Sherry's opinions. The number one reason I would give for waiting until next year would be the "more bang to your buck" reasoning. By going next year, ensures your chances that DCA will completely done. I can't remember what DCA felt like without all those construction walls! There will brand new experiences in DCA and so many new things to see such as the new entrance, new rides and the new Carsland. Hopefully the hype for all the new venues will settle down quite a bit by Dec 2012 and you will be able to enjoy the new venues without the crowds that new venues attract. Especially if you can plan your trip that will include weekdays in the first week or two of December. It is much quieter and the crowds are traditional very low during that time, but all of the Holiday Decor will be up, including in the hotels.

By giving yourself more than a year in advance to plan , you can set the dates now for 2012 in your calendar and plan around those dates. It will be easier to be sure that you have the availability to go. Also, as Sherry mentioned, you can save money to go and vacation without worrying about the expense too much.

As for the expense for your hotel stay, I bet you can find a good price for a Good Neighbor Hotel in the area. Although, I own a DVC timeshare, I still find myself looking for other hotels around Disneyland, since I can't always get to use my points at a DL hotel. I have read reviews and threads here to help find a hotel that I will like as a choice for a hotel outside of DLR for future visits. I have a booking for the Marriott Anaheim for the D23 convention this Aug to try that one out. There are so many hotels surrounding DLR for every price range and comfort level. You can have a lunch or dinner reservations at one of the DLR hotels to get the opportunity to visit and see the Grand Californian, Disneyland Hotel and/or Paradise Pier.

Well, I'm sure there is more to say, but I'll let others pipe in.

 

[Funball]

Omg I can't believe it another year and yet here we are march, xmas will be here before we know it!

 

[Sherry E]

Sherry, as always I appreciate your input. Now it looks like I can do it this year, so not sure. Oh well. I am worried about the prices for next year, but still think I would have fun this year. I am not really all that excited for Cars Land as it isn't one of my favorite movies. Since I see the Holiday season kicks off Nov 11th this year, for those of you who have been, when they say that, does that mean most all the decorations are up, etc. Just curious. Was thinking of going early Dec. but might bump it up to Nov. at some point.

I would totally stick with early December instead of that time in November. A lot of the holiday stuff is not even up and out until Thanksgiving or immediately after it ends (such as all the decorations at the hotels!).

So if you want the full holiday experience, wait until December, whichever year you choose!! I've done November and December - as I think many of us here have - and December is more Christmasy all over DLR than early-mid November. One of the highlights of the season is the great atmosphere and (free) entertainment in the Grand Californian Hotel, along with the wonderful PhotoPass opportunity with Santa by the GCH tree, and the carolers performing by the tree. None of that is there pre-Thanksgiving weekend, sadly.

I'm not thrilled about CarsLand either - it's not my favorite Pixar movie and to me, it seems a curious choice for an entire land. But, it will have new rides and restaurants - and it will be a place where there may be extra decorations.

Also, more of the work at the DLH will be done by next year.


I'm now going to read Bret's and Liza's replies - I was hoping they would pop in with opinons!

This my opinion of the Holiday season at the DLR. I always like going to the DLR during the Holiday season with all the decorations and the special events (A Christmas Fantasy Parade & Believe In Holiday Magic Fireworks) which comes with the regular park admission ticket. I would like it the way it is going at the DLR than at WDW where you have to buy another ticket to enjoy MVMCP. The party was nice with less crowds, drinks and cookies. But mostly I was there for Holiday Wishes Fireworks, Celebrate the Season Show, and Mickey's Once Upon A Christmastime Parade. Just like what we have been talking about for awhile now Sherry that the DLR will one day do a MVMCP at the DLR one day. I believe with all the construction over at DCA, I would say that they would do that exclusive party event next year in 2012. With all the construction being finished in 2012, the DLR can put up the new Holiday overlays on the front entrance (in the past we see the Golden Gate Bridge all decorated up during the Holiday season), Cars Land (I'm hoping that they would decorate it during the Holiday season).

There will be great excitement in 2012 and some disappointment in 2012. We just don't know what will happen. But it will depend on the Holiday season later this year if the DLR is going to have a exclusive party just like MVMCP or not.

Or I might just have to move over to the Halloween thread. For some reason the past couple Christmas's have been ruined for my family by certain situations. So it dosen't hold what it use to hold for me. So maybe Halloween would be the way to go. Not sure.

Well Sherry, you have a call out for opinions and never missing an opportunity in throw my opinion around , I'll respond.

I agree with Sherry's opinions. The number one reason I would give for waiting until next year would be the "more bang to your buck" reasoning. By going next year, ensures your chances that DCA will completely done. I can't remember what DCA felt like without all those construction walls! There will brand new experiences in DCA and so many new things to see such as the new entrance, new rides and the new Carsland. Hopefully the hype for all the new venues will settle down quite a bit by Dec 2012 and you will be able to enjoy the new venues without the crowds that new venues attract. Especially if you can plan your trip that will include weekdays in the first week or two of December. It is much quieter and the crowds are traditional very low during that time, but all of the Holiday Decor will be up, including in the hotels.

By giving yourself more than a year in advance to plan , you can set the dates now for 2012 in your calendar and plan around those dates. It will be easier to be sure that you the availability to go. Also, as Sherry mentioned, you can save money to go and vacation without worrying about the expense too much.

As for the expense for your hotel stay, I bet you can find a good price for a Good Neighbor Hotel in the area. Although, I own a DVC timeshare, I still find myself looking for other hotels around Disneyland, since I can't always get to use my points at a DL hotel. I have read reviews and threads here to help find a hotel that I will like as a choice for a hotel outside of DLR for future visits. I have a booking for the Marriott Anaheim for the D23 convention this Aug to try that one out. There are so many hotels surrounding DLR for every price range and comfort level. You can have a lunch or dinner reservations at one of the DLR hotels to get the opportunity to visit and see the Grand Californian, Disneyland Hotel and/or Paradise Pier.

Well, I'm sure there is more to say, but I'll let others pipe in.

Omg I can't believe it another year and yet here we are march, xmas will be here before we know it!

Bret & Liza! I was hoping that you guys and some of our holiday peeps would weigh in on the subject.




Jen - (I'm not about your Christmases being ruined and the holiday not holding the same meaning for you, of course - but, rather, laughing about going back and forth between making a Halloween trip or a Christmas trip, because I was in that same situation myself, more or less, last year and in the past!)

Even if you switch to Halloween instead of Christmas (and I think most of us here are big Halloween at DLR fans as well), I would still suggest waiting until next year. There is much more of a chance that Disney will put some Halloween touches back in DCA next year, after all that pesky work is complete. The construction - although necessary - really inhibits what they might normally do.

So I think that waiting until 2012 would be beneficial, whether doing a Halloween or a Christmas trip. If you think you will only be able to make one trip to DLR for a few years, I would go when you know you are going to get the fullest, most satisfying experience. Right now, Halloween is limited to Disneyland itself and nowhere else in the Resort (not the hotels, not DTD, not DCA), and it's only in certain areas of DL at that. At least in 2012, there is a good chance we might see some Halloween touches back in DCA.




Sara - I know! Time flies so fast. After Easter at the end of April, there's one holiday after another - Mothers Day, Memorial Day, Fathers Day, then July 4th, then a long summer....2 months or so until another holiday hits! Once Labor Day arrives in September, Halloween Time at DLR is right after that...and then it's on to the holiday season!!

 

[mvf-m11c]

I also forgot to say that if the DLR doesn't do the exclusive party event just like MVMCP at WDW and possibly do it next year in 2012, I would do it this year because it is part of the regular admission. The price would be at least $50 for the event just like MHP during the Halloween Season. Even though next year would be better without all the construction walls around the resort, I would say the samething and go next year to see the new DCA during the Holiday season would be special.

 

[goldies 5]

I personally am not looking forward to the idea of a ticketed event. We always go this time of year and love the nightly Holiday events. To have to pay more than I already do to see the Christmas Parade would really not sit well with me. Would be a shame to have to pay more money to enjoy something we have been doing for years.

 

[Sherry E]

I personally am not looking forward to the idea of a ticketed event. We always go this time of year and love the nightly Holiday events. To have to pay more than I already do to see the Christmas Parade would really not sit well with me. Would be a shame to have to pay more money to enjoy something we have been doing for years.

goldies 5! I'm so glad to see you back here in the Christmas thread with us! We need to get all of our old holiday peeps from the first thread back, and start sharing some more pictures with some of the newer folks here.

That's such a cute photo you posted, too! How adorable!

Yep - I think you will not be alone in that thinking about a ticketed event. It's going to be very tricky.

With Halloween Time/Mickey's Halloween Party, they could get away with making the Halloween Screams fireworks exclusive to the party because Halloween Screams had only run for one year/one Halloween season in DL as a show for the general public. It's not like they had been doing HS for years and years and then suddenly made it an exclusive.

But Christmas Time is different. To suddenly make the parade, fireworks and/or snow exclusive to a ticketed party would be very controversial to those who had made treks to DLR year after year after year to see them with the price of admission.

In my estimation, to make a party in Disneyland successful and less controversial, they would have to add in something totally new - different fireworks or a different parade. Some new thing. That's the only way I could see people accepting the idea.

I mean, DLR may still go ahead and have the party in DL and make those things exclusive whether people like it or not, but they will get a ton of 'feedback' flooding into their offices, I am sure!

Or, as I've said before, once DCA is all shiny and new in 2012, they could begin having the holiday party there, and roll out the expected holiday version of World of Color - which will be brand new to everyone - or a holiday TSMM overlay, and make that/those the selling points of a ticketed holiday party. Now, many people would say that having a party in DCA won't be good, but that would make more sense to me - at least to start off with.

 

[goldies 5]

Thanks Sherry. I am glad to be back. We had a great time as always.
Kim

 

[Sherry E]

Thanks Sherry. I am glad to be back. We had a great time as always.
Kim

I will miss that Mickey from the CALIFORNIA letters! It will be so odd to go there for the holidays this year and not see those letters! I just got so used to them.

 

[dsneygirl]

We're looking at possibly being in DL Nov 20/21/22 Looks like we will get some of the holiday decor but what about crowds right before Thanksgiving?

Thanks

 

[Funball]

I will miss that Mickey from the CALIFORNIA letters! It will be so odd to go there for the holidays this year and not see those letters! I just got so used to them.

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]I miss the letters too....It is really trippy not seeing them now when I go, but the construction walls are growing on me! before you know it the new entrance will be in and I will be missing the construction walls! oh yeah can u tell i am ready for st patty's day? lol [/FONT]

 

[Sherry E]

We're looking at possibly being in DL Nov 20/21/22 Looks like we will get some of the holiday decor but what about crowds right before Thanksgiving?

Thanks

dsneygirl -

I've heard mixed things about that period immediately leading up to Thanksgiving. It seems like more folks have been saying that the pre-Thanksgiving days are quite crowded, while the days immediately following Thanksgiving are blissfully uncrowded (I think one of our wonderful DIS'ers, GrandBob, is in that camp). I would assume that this could be because a lot of folks take off the entire week of Thanksgiving and head to DLR, whereas after Thanksgiving ends, they all head back to work and/or school before the Christmas break.

However, I've also read reports that said the pre-Thanksgiving days are not bad. So it's hard to say with 100% certainty.

I think it's safe to say that, with the arrival of World of Color and the coming Little Mermaid ride, as well as Star Tours 2.0, DLR is going to see pretty healthy crowds through the year and certainly next year. That doesn't mean the crowds will be unbearable. With planning and preparation, you can have a great time.

And yes, if you go pre-Thanksgiving, I'd say that 80% of all the holiday offerings will be in full effect. It's really the hotels that are not decked out until Thanksgiving hits (which cuts out 3 Santa opportunities), and a couple of the food items and merchandise items may not be out yet. Some of the stuff at the Reindeer Round-Up may not be out yet. I, personally, think the hotels are worth seeing during the season - especially the GCH - but you will still have a wonderful time even if you miss those things.

 

[dsneygirl]

dsneygirl -

I've heard mixed things about that period immediately leading up to Thanksgiving. It seems like more folks have been saying that the pre-Thanksgiving days are quite crowded, while the days immediately following Thanksgiving are blissfully uncrowded (I think one of our wonderful DIS'ers, GrandBob, is in that camp). I would assume that this could be because a lot of folks take off the entire week of Thanksgiving and head to DLR, whereas after Thanksgiving ends, they all head back to work and/or school before the Christmas break.

However, I've also read reports that said the pre-Thanksgiving days are not bad. So it's hard to say with 100% certainty.

I think it's safe to say that, with the arrival of World of Color and the coming Little Mermaid ride, as well as Star Tours 2.0, DLR is going to see pretty healthy crowds through the year and certainly next year. That doesn't mean the crowds will be unbearable. With planning and preparation, you can have a great time.

And yes, if you go pre-Thanksgiving, I'd say that 80% of all the holiday offerings will be in full effect. It's really the hotels that are not decked out until Thanksgiving hits (which cuts out 3 Santa opportunities), and a couple of the food items and merchandise items may not be out yet. Some of the stuff at the Reindeer Round-Up may not be out yet. I, personally, think the hotels are worth seeing during the season - especially the GCH - but you will still have a wonderful time even if you miss those things.

Thanks so much for your help. We haven't been to DL in 5 years and are possibly tacking this on to a trip to Hawaii so we'll just deal the crowds as they come.