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

[Grumpy Grandma]

When do the dates for the CP and CM parties usually come out? I am so close to booking our flight and hotel but I am worried it will fall on some of these days? If we plan to be at the parks a Wed-Fri is it probable I would avoid both of these? I think the CP is always on weekends right? I know nothing guaranteed but am hoping to avoid.

If I'm wrong someone please correct me but if I remember correctly we usually go down for my birthday weekend (Dec 4th) and it seems like we always hit CP weekend ....

 

[Sherry E]

When do the dates for the CP and CM parties usually come out? I am so close to booking our flight and hotel but I am worried it will fall on some of these days? If we plan to be at the parks a Wed-Fri is it probable I would avoid both of these? I think the CP is always on weekends right? I know nothing guaranteed but am hoping to avoid.

Well, the good news is that no matter when the CP and CM parties occur, if you are in the parks Wed-Fri, you will miss both of those events! The CP always happens on the first Sat/Sun in December, and the CM parties occur on a Monday and Tuesday, which may or may not immediately follow the CP.

Believe it or not, despite rumored crowds, I am actually going to try to catch the CP this year if I can finagle a ticket! Just once I would like to see it in its Main Street location. It looks like it's a beautful ceremony.

 

[summer0407]

Thanks for the reply Grumpy Grandma and Sherry

 

[alphie1991]

So, the CP is DEFINITELY not the first Friday in December? For some reason I was thinking it was. I have 11/28-12/2 booked and it looks like there will be no Fantasmic but everything else will be on. So, I am now contemplating, should I change my dates so we can be there on Friday night for Fantasmic? That would mean we would be in the parks W/TH/F instead of T/W/TH. Is there a difference in days as far as crowds? I wouldn't be too concerned about missing Fantasmic because I've seen it before. Any thoughts on the dates/days/crowds?

 

[Sherry E]

So, the CP is DEFINITELY not the first Friday in December? For some reason I was thinking it was. I have 11/28-12/2 booked and it looks like there will be no Fantasmic but everything else will be on. So, I am now contemplating, should I change my dates so we can be there on Friday night for Fantasmic? That would mean we would be in the parks W/TH/F instead of T/W/TH. Is there a difference in days as far as crowds? I wouldn't be too concerned about missing Fantasmic because I've seen it before. Any thoughts on the dates/days/crowds?

alphie1991 -

Correct. The actual Candlelight Processional itself is always held on Saturday and Sunday, never on Friday. Maybe somewhere along the line someone mentioned something about "crowds for the CP" and that got you thinking it would be crowded on Friday too?? Since I have not been there on a CP weekend yet (this year will be the first time for me), I can't say what Friday's crowds will be.

The CP is not an event available to the general public anymore in terms of being able to buy special dinner packages and reserved seats. Now, the tickets are mainly given to private parties or Disney insiders - you kind of "have to know someone" as I was told by a CM on the phone. The CM's only start giving out tickets to the general public when there are no-shows. So I'm not sure how much this scenario would affect overall crowds for the entire weekend, including Friday. I suppose that there are people who are in town for the CP - the ones with the coveted tickets - who hang out in the parks on Friday too.

Fridays are always going to be more busy than other weekdays, no matter which week it is, but that whole week is still going to be less crowded overall than other points in the holiday season. But if you want to include Fantasmic in your trip, then definitely switch your days. (Although I am shocked that there's no Fantasmic on the other nights, since it is the holiday season which is so popular!)

 

[mvf-m11c]

Fridays will always be one of the busiest times at the park. Sherry is right about that after Thanksgiving weekend is one of the least busiest times during the Holiday season at the DLR. But the good thing about the weekdays during the Holiday season at DL is that "A Christmas Fantasy" parade and "Believe...In Holiday Magic" fireworks will be running all the days during the Holiday season even if it is during the short days at the park.

 

[fayt19]

Hi, guys! I am so happy to subscribe to this thread. My family's planning on going to the DLR for the Christmas season from roughly November 17th through the 21st. I'm a college student and my last class is early in the morning on the 17th, so we're planning to fly in that day as soon as my class finishes, and then I'll be on my Thanksgiving break.

I was hoping that we might encounter lower crowds at the beginning of our trip since it's before the official Thanksgiving week, but since the start of the holiday season is on the 14th at Disneyland, I'm afraid everyone will be going to see the decorations for the first time that weekend instead of on Monday. Oh well! That's the best time for us to get to go since I can't miss school. Also, from reading this wonderful thread I've discovered that probably not ALL the holiday decorations will be up yet, but I think enough will be up that my family will be happy. We love Christmas, and we love Disney, so we're pretty excited anyway.

 

[Sherry E]

Hi, guys! I am so happy to subscribe to this thread. My family's planning on going to the DLR for the Christmas season from roughly November 17th through the 21st. I'm a college student and my last class is early in the morning on the 17th, so we're planning to fly in that day as soon as my class finishes, and then I'll be on my Thanksgiving break.

I was hoping that we might encounter lower crowds at the beginning of our trip since it's before the official Thanksgiving week, but since the start of the holiday season is on the 14th at Disneyland, I'm afraid everyone will be going to see the decorations for the first time that weekend instead of on Monday. Oh well! That's the best time for us to get to go since I can't miss school. Also, from reading this wonderful thread I've discovered that probably not ALL the holiday decorations will be up yet, but I think enough will be up that my family will be happy. We love Christmas, and we love Disney, so we're pretty excited anyway.

fayt19 -

We're so happy to have you join us in this thread! Welcome!

It will be an awesome trip! You're right - you will miss some of the decorations, but you will definitely get enough of the DLR holiday experience to make everyone happy! I'm excited for you!

What you will miss are the 3 hotels' decorations and entertainment (including Santa and carolers) - the Grand Californian is a particular highlight because of its festive ambiance during the season - and some stuff in Downtown Disney. Those don't go up until right after Thanskgiving ends.

Otherwise, everything else will be in full swing - both parks will be decorated. We are not sure what California Adventure is going to look like in terms of decor this year because so many changes are happening, but I trust they will put some sorts of decorations up at the entrance. Also, DCA has a lovely Christmas tree and Santa. Plus, be sure to visit A Bug's Land to see their giant ornaments and lights!

In Disneyland, the nighttime Winter Castle will be aglow, A Christmas Fantasy Parade will be running, Believe in Holiday Magic fireworks will be showing, the snow will fall on Main Street, IASW Holiday will be illuminated in thousands of colorful lights, the Reindeer Round-Up will be open (with Santa), the holiday tour will be happening, all sorts of peppermint, gingerbread and other goodies will be on sale, lots of fun merchandise will be available in shops, ToonTown/New Orleans Square/Main Street/Frontierland, etc. will have all received their special themed decor and holiday music in those themes, and, of course, Haunted Mansion Holiday will be open.

The Storybook Land boats may or may not be open - they get teeny tiny Christmas decorations on the cottages, which are adorable, but I haven't yet figured out if that ride is open with its decorations right after Thanksgiving or if it opens with the decorations when the season starts. If it's open, don't miss that!

I think that the holiday season start date of 11/14 threw us all for a loop! After so many years of starting the season on Fridays, it is odd to suddenly do it on a Monday! I think that a lot of people may come out for the opening days just for the novelty of it, and weekends are always busier anyway. So you will probably encounter some crowds just by being there on a weekend. But it will still be wonderful! You'll have a great time!

 

[areweindisneyyet]

A bump again...

Less than 19 weeks to go....

A non Disney but Anaheim related Christmas question.

What are shopping mall opening hours like in the week before Christmas?

 

[Sherry E]

Since August is only 2 days away, I guess we can basically say that the holiday season at DLR begins in just about 3-1/2 months!!! I can't believe it's approaching that quickly! It'll probably be 85 degrees on November 14, but it will still be the holiday season!!

Given the number of threads that have been popping up around the DIS with holiday season-related questions (about crowds, weather, etc.), I think it's safe to say that many folks are now starting to get serious about planning their trips.

I must confess - I was in need of some Christmas cheer a couple of days ago, and I watched part of the Guy Fieri DLR Christmas show on Food Network from 2009 (saved on the DVR!) and I watched a couple of 'Christmas lights' shows from the Travel Channel and The Learning Channel! I know it's Summer, but I just had to! Visions of sugar plums were dancing in my head and I couldn't help myself!!

I think I am particularly interested to see what kinds of decorations (if any) will be in DCA this year. There's an all-new entrance. No more CALIFORNIA letters and no more Golden Gate Bridge. I'm hoping they put something up that's holiday-esque at the front of the park, even though there's still a lot of construction happening.

 

[jernysgirl]

I must confess - I was in need of some Christmas cheer a couple of days ago, and I watched part of the Guy Fieri DLR Christmas show on Food Network from 2009 (saved on the DVR!) and I watched a couple of 'Christmas lights' shows from the Travel Channel and The Learning Channel! I know it's Summer, but I just had to! Visions of sugar plums were dancing in my head and I couldn't help myself!!

You're not the only one! I was just watching National Lampoon's Christmas vacation earlier today! It's one of my all time favorite movies and I just felt like I needed some good-ole' Christmas thoughts (along with a few laughs).

I think I am particularly interested to see what kinds of decorations (if any) will be in DCA this year. There's an all-new entrance. No more CALIFORNIA letters and no more Golden Gate Bridge. I'm hoping they put something up that's holiday-esque at the front of the park, even though there's still a lot of construction happening.

I am also interested to see if anything goes up at the new front gates this year. DCA could sure use some curb appeal with all those construction walls that will be/are looming around the front entrance of the park. I am actually more interested to see what Christmas will look like for 2012. I vintage Christmas decorations (and Halloween, and Easter, and Valentines.... well, heck any holiday really! ) and I think that they could really add a lot of "character" to the place by really continuing with the retro theme of Buena Vista Street @ Christmas-time.

 

[Jillchristina]

Less than 19 weeks to go....

I love to see it phrased this way! Makes it seem like there isn't *too* much time left until vacation.

Our family will be at the parks 11/29 - 12/2. We took our kids to the parks last February and had a great time. Such a great time that I HAD to immediately start planning another visit to DL.

I am so looking forward to this visit because we have never been to DL during any holiday season. I can't wait for the magic!!

Jill

 

[mariezp]

Thought I would post some pics from Reindeer Roundup 2010. We will be heading to DL in early November so looks like we will miss it this year.

 

[jemilah]

very excited to spend my 40th B-day and have Christmas magic at the same time at Disneyland this year! I cant wait!

 

[irisheyes123]

Hi all I'm going to join In I am going to be DL from November 12- November 19th this is my first trip to DL so I'm super excited and even more excited that I will get too see the parks decorated for christmas . I'm loving the photos too and Information I will be a pro by the time I go lol.

 

[emacat]

I must confess - I was in need of some Christmas cheer a couple of days ago, and I watched part of the Guy Fieri DLR Christmas show on Food Network from 2009 (saved on the DVR!) and I watched a couple of 'Christmas lights' shows from the Travel Channel and The Learning Channel! I know it's Summer, but I just had to! Visions of sugar plums were dancing in my head and I couldn't help myself!!

LOL- I watched the Guy Fieri one last week! My mom thinks we're nuts to race for candy canes...

One question- can DL ship purchases home for us? And if they are sent on 12/20 or earlier, do you think there would be a chance of them reaching the midwest in time for Christmas? I plan to buy A LOT of xmas gifts for everyone when there the 15-21st...

 

[Sherry E]

You're not the only one! I was just watching National Lampoon's Christmas vacation earlier today! It's one of my all time favorite movies and I just felt like I needed some good-ole' Christmas thoughts (along with a few laughs).


I am also interested to see if anything goes up at the new front gates this year. DCA could sure use some curb appeal with all those construction walls that will be/are looming around the front entrance of the park. I am actually more interested to see what Christmas will look like for 2012. I vintage Christmas decorations (and Halloween, and Easter, and Valentines.... well, heck any holiday really! ) and I think that they could really add a lot of "character" to the place by really continuing with the retro theme of Buena Vista Street @ Christmas-time.

Kim -

I love "Christmas Vacation"! Well, I love most of the "Vacation" movies, but that one is very amusing. I also just caught a little bit of "Elf," which was playing on some channel or other last week, I think. That's another great one. And I adore "Love Actually," so I look forward to that every year.

Yes, it will be interesting to see what DCA has in the way of holiday decor this year. They need something holiday-esque at the entrance, somewhere, even with all the construction. Otherwise it's like DCA is not participating in the holidays at all.

I must admit - not seeing those candy cane CALIFORNIA letters is going to be so odd. I had gotten used to them. Not seeing the Golden Gate Bridge lit up in holiday lights at night is going to be very strange. If the new bridge is finished by the time the season begins (is there any reason it shouldn't be finished?), they could feasibly stick some wreaths and lights on it.

Even the presence of ElecTRONica has interefered with holiday decor - all the garland bells and candy canes and such in the Hollywood Backlot disappeared as soon as ElecTRONica took over.

I totally agree with you - the 2012 holiday season is the real curiosity! By that time, ElecTRONica should be long gone. This means that, once again, the Hollywood area can be decorated. And, as you said, if they applied a sort of vintage/retro holiday theme, it would add a lot of character and flavor to the season. Plus...the big question mark is Cars Land?? Maybe 2012 would be too soon to really involve CarsLand in special holiday decorations since it will be so new, but I wonder if, down the road, that area of the park will receive its own themed decor? It seems like any land that is particularly whimsical or disctinctive (ToonTown, A Bug's Land, New Orleans Square, Frontierland, etc.) receives special holiday decor. And yet, Fantasyland is largely untouched (with the exception of the IASW Holiday area). And yet, Adventureland and Tomorrowland have virtually nothing as far as decorations. Which direction will DLR take with CarsLand?

I love to see it phrased this way! Makes it seem like there isn't *too* much time left until vacation.

Our family will be at the parks 11/29 - 12/2. We took our kids to the parks last February and had a great time. Such a great time that I HAD to immediately start planning another visit to DL.

I am so looking forward to this visit because we have never been to DL during any holiday season. I can't wait for the magic!!

Jill

Jill -

Wow - you're going to be at DLR at a time when it seems like a lot of us are going to be there this year! I am noticing how many people from this board are going to be in the parks in that post-Thanksgiving time frame! We should all arrange a quick meet-up by the GCH lobby tree or something!

I'm so excited for you that this will be your first time getting to experience DLR for Christmas time! If you love the holiday season in general - or at least love the colors, aromas, sounds, lights, etc. - you will absolutely adore DLR during the holidays! Just seeing things like the nighttime Winter Castle and IASW Holiday aglow in gorgeous lights will bring a smile to your face. Hearing familiar seasonal songs in different lands will immediately have you humming along. And will this be your first time seeing Haunted Mansion Holiday? What a treat you have waiting for you (a fresh, spooky gingerbread centerpiece on the table in the ballroom scene is a highlight)!


Oh, and by the way...we now have....

105 Days Until
the Holiday Season Begins!!!!!

​

Thought I would post some pics from Reindeer Roundup 2010. We will be heading to DL in early November so looks like we will miss it this year.

Thank for posting the wonderfuy photos, Marie!

Strangely, in all the time I spent at the Round-Up last year, examining every ornament on every tree, the one area I did not spend any time in was Santa's cabin!! But it's on my DLR holiday bucket list for this year!

very excited to spend my 40th B-day and have Christmas magic at the same time at Disneyland this year! I cant wait!

jemilah -

What a wonderful, special way to spend your 40th b-day! That's awesome!

Hi all I'm going to join In I am going to be DL from November 12- November 19th this is my first trip to DL so I'm super excited and even more excited that I will get too see the parks decorated for christmas . I'm loving the photos too and Information I will be a pro by the time I go lol.

irisheyes123 -

Welcome aboard!! I'm so glad you have joined us - and all the way from Ireland, no less! Wow! One of these years I will eventually get to Ireland - I must delve into my heritage! Ireland, Italy and Greece are on my European must-do/bucket list before I die!

I am so excited for you that not only will you be making your first trip to DL, but during the Christmas season! It is absolutely magical and enchanting at that time of year. That can't be said often enough. The sights and sounds are just amazing to behold. You will love it!

Thank you for taking the time to look through the information and photos in this thread! Stay tuned for updates as they come in - our DIS'ers (like jernysgirl and others) are great about sharing breaking news as soon as it's available, and I will post anything pertaining to this year's season on the first page (in either Post #1 or Post #3).

 

[rentayenta]

105 Days Until
the Holiday Season Begins!!!!!

​

​

 

[Sherry E]

A bump again...

Less than 19 weeks to go....

A non Disney but Anaheim related Christmas question.

What are shopping mall opening hours like in the week before Christmas?

areweindisneyyet -

I was waiting to see if anyone else replied to your question about the mall hours. I don't know the exact hours, but I know the malls in SoCal (at least the ones right around where I live) extend their hours for the holiday season, especially between Thanksgiving and Christmas and right before Christmas (to accommodate the last minute shoppers!). Some of them open earlier than normal and stay open later than normal. Others only stay open later. I would think that most major malls would be open at least by 9 a.m., if not 8 a.m.

LOL- I watched the Guy Fieri one last week! My mom thinks we're nuts to race for candy canes...

One question- can DL ship purchases home for us? And if they are sent on 12/20 or earlier, do you think there would be a chance of them reaching the midwest in time for Christmas? I plan to buy A LOT of xmas gifts for everyone when there the 15-21st...

emacat -

How funny that a few of us had the urge to watch Christmas shows/movies last week! And even funnier is that you also watched the Guy Fieri special too! I thought I was the only one!

That Fieri special was filmed in 2008, but it aired last year and in 2009. I worry that we may have seen the last of it on Food Network, as they tend to run special holiday shows for a couple of years and then retire them when one of their other hosts makes a new special. (They used to run this great show with Raven Symone at WDW for the holidays, which featured all the elaborate 'edible' holiday displays at the various WDW hotels, and after a couple of years it disappeared forever!)

I fully suspect that we will see a new holiday special on Food Network this year - oh, let's say..... Melissa D'Arabian at Epcot or Ina Garten at Animal Kingdom or so! But, honestly, the Guy Fieri show was not only special and fun, it was also unique - because, quite frankly, most holiday/Disney parks shows focus on WDW's celebration. I watch those too, of course, but the Fieri show was the ONLY show to ever solely focus on the Disneyland Resort during the holiday season. That's what made it so wonderful. There are very few Disneyland-specific shows anyway, but especially not about the holiday season! But I fear it may disappear this year, or if it doesn't, they may not air it more than once or twice.

As far as I know, unless something has changed, DLR can still ship packages for you. You can either arrange it directly from the shops themselves, or from the hotels. I recall my friend having something shipped directly from the China Closet a long time ago, and another from the Emporium. I would imagine this service is very popular, as many international visitors come to the parks and don't want to schlep 10 bags of goodies home...not to mention that things like big snowglobes cannot be taken on planes.

I would have to assume that there is some sort of 'rush shipping' option they could give you at DLR, to ensure things arrived by Christmas. I can't guarantee that, but it would only make sense, I think.

 

[Sherry E]

​

(Although 105 days still sounds kind of long...)