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

[Minnie Loves Mickey]

I always plan on trying the treats, but I am usually so full from our meals I can't eat anything else.

 

[6Smiles]

Kicking around the idea of December 16 - 20th are the crowds really busy or will we beat some of the madness?

Kris

 

[Sherry E]

Kicking around the idea of December 16 - 20th are the crowds really busy or will we beat some of the madness?

Kris

Hello, Kris!! I knew you'd make it over here sooner or later - I remembered you said that a holiday trip was possibly going to be the next plan!

To be honest, I think you will run into some crowds over those days you plan to go. I've done that 'weekend before Christmas' time at DLR three years in a row (2007, 2008 & 2009), with each year getting more crowded, and it was pretty darn crowded in 2009, which is why I switched my dates to earlier in December for 2010, and even earlier this year. I think that a lot of people start to get off of work/school by that time and they head to DLR.

That's not to say that you can't have a good time anyway. It won't be as mad as the crowds in between Christmas and New Year's, but it will be crowded. Just plan for it!

 

[Sherry E]

We decided that we are going to upgrade our hoppers to AP's this year when we go on our fall trip soooo as my DH suspected I would do, I found an excuse to plan another trip! My mom and I are going to take the kids (DD 4, DS infant) to Disneyland on 12/16-18 since DH has a guys weekend planned! I'm super excited. Mom and the kids have never been to DL at Christmas time and I havent been since the late 90's.

For now I'm planning on keeping it a secret from DD...I think it would be super cool for her to wake up and just have me tell her we're heading for DL that day! And the other reasons are if its storming or if her or the baby are sick, then sadly we will cancel and I dont want to disappoint her. Anyway, fingers are crossed for healthy kids and decent weather come mid December (and late Oct for our fall trip!)

kirstie101 -

I forgot to say earlier that I think it's a good idea to keep your trip a secret from your DD for the time being. Good reasoning for that! But I hope it all works out for you and that you, your mom and the kids will be able to go to DLR! I think your mom and kids will love the DLR holiday experience, and you will have a lot of new holiday things to see that were not there in the late '90s (also, sadly, some things are missing that used to be there in the '90s).

Be sure to bring your kids into A Bug's Land in DCA, as there are giant Christmas ornaments and lights to see! And ToonTown is especially festive for the season as well -much more so than it used to be in the '90s! The Storybook Land boats have teeny tiny decorations on the cottages - don't miss that either!

 

[NewbieMouse]

To be honest, I think you will run into some crowds over those days you plan to go. I've done that 'weekend before Christmas' time at DLR three years in a row (2007, 2008 & 2009), with each year getting more crowded, and it was pretty darn crowded in 2009, which is why I switched my dates to earlier in December for 2010, and even earlier this year. I think that a lot of people start to get off of work/school by that time and they head to DLR.

I'm starting to get nervous now as I'm going around the same time frame (a little earlier) as Kris. Basically we can pick any (consecutive) 3 days from Monday December 12 to Friday December 16th. What do you think would be best? Probably not staying on site, so we only have one MM.

 

[6Smiles]

I think the earlier in the week you plan the lower the crowds. Where I live the school districts tend to get out on Thursday 15 or Friday 16. I imagine going before the schools let out will lean towards smaller crowds.

Kris

 

[6Smiles]

Hello, Kris!! I knew you'd make it over here sooner or later - I remembered you said that a holiday trip was possibly going to be the next plan!

To be honest, I think you will run into some crowds over those days you plan to go. I've done that 'weekend before Christmas' time at DLR three years in a row (2007, 2008 & 2009), with each year getting more crowded, and it was pretty darn crowded in 2009, which is why I switched my dates to earlier in December for 2010, and even earlier this year. I think that a lot of people start to get off of work/school by that time and they head to DLR.

That's not to say that you can't have a good time anyway. It won't be as mad as the crowds in between Christmas and New Year's, but it will be crowded. Just plan for it!

Hi Sherry -

This is the weekend my daughter went with a group from church last year and it was that weekend that was pouring down rain. Is rain common for this weekend or was last year an unusual occurance? I wasn't planning for this year, but with having to cancel Halloween and learning Oscar maybe retiring, the urge to go to Carnation Cafe before the remodel has me kicking around dates. I have two high school students so I really do have to plan around their schedules or I would try to move it to earlier. I kind of figured after Christmas would be worse.

Kris

 

[disneydreamer74]

Hello Christmas Superthreaders!!!
I have been lurking for some time and yesterday Dbf and I finally finalized our plans to go to DLR for Thanksgiving weekend!! Woohoo!! I have always wanted to go during Christmas Season!! I have a few questions that I am hoping someone can help me with:
1). We will arrive the day before Thanksgiving, so we will be eating our T-day meal there. Does anybody have any suggestions of where to have our meal? I read in an old thread that Storyteller's has a nice buffet! We have to avoid character meals because DD5 does not appreciate characters up close. (From afar is supercool though!! ) I do realize that we have to reserve the meal 30 days in advance. But any reviews would be greatly appreciated.
2) Do the parks typically close down early during this time?

 

[NewbieMouse]

I think the earlier in the week you plan the lower the crowds. Where I live the school districts tend to get out on Thursday 15 or Friday 16. I imagine going before the schools let out will lean towards smaller crowds.

Kris

I think you're right, Kris. I was paranoid about the CM party that *may* take place on the Tuesday, but I think I'll just plan to go to DCA that night, and on the Thursday MM we'll start at DCA. Thanks!

 

[spiderdust]

Looks like you'd better add us for a SECOND trip during the Christmas season -- January 4, 2012!

We just realized that we'd already have pre-paid transportation plus our annual passes... so we'd just have to pay for food and lodging. Whoo hoo!!

 

[kailuagirl]

Have any of you ever gone the Sat. and Sun after Thanksgiving? How's the crowd levels?

We went the date after (Fri) last year and it was pretty crowded, and then went back M-Th. and it was great. Trying to play around with our dates this year still of when to go. We went to squeeze in a couple days in vegas too and 5 days at DLR.

Thanks!!

I can't wait!!! So excited!!!

 

[kirstie101]

I'm fully expecting crowds when we go but Im confiendent that we'll be able to handle it...and that it will be good practice for next years August trip! Since we'll have just been less then two months prior, I think DD will be fine with doing rides just one time and only visiting with her favorite characters rather than every character she can possibly find! And Im going to have to be happy with whatever does get done and seen...whatever we miss we'll just have to see next year That is the nice thing about living in nor cal...it's always just a 6 hour drive away which is totally doable if I want it tobe!

Thanks for the Tip about the Bugs Life Area! I was thinking of skipping DCA all together but maybe I'll make that priority for us on the afternoon we arrive!

 

[Sherry E]

It's Monday, soooo......


It's time for the Weekly Monday Countdown!

Only 77 Days Until the
Holiday Season Begins at the Disneyland Resort!!!!​

I think that, what I will do is - if the technology gods allow - when I post the weekly countdown on Mondays, I will try to include a few photos of one particular area of interest at DLR during the holiday season, whether it's a ride, treats, the hotels, merchandise, a particular land, or whatever. Each Monday I will feature a different thing.

So, what will it be today?

Let's take a little trip to Santa's Reindeer Round-Up and soak in the charming rustic atmosphere, shall we?​

 

[jemilah]

Thanks Sherry I needed a lil magic this morning!

 

[larina]

Wow, I feel like a little kid in awe just thinking about it all. I have a million questions but will try to read through the thread first. We have 5 days PH tickets. We will be Arrive Friday the 23rd in the morning (maybe even by the time the park opens, but getting 8 people up and out will be interesting). We leave on Tuesday the 27th, when we will leave around noon. We are staying at the Paradise Pier (with WOC view!!!). We are 3 generations, my parents, my husband and I, and two 18 year olds, an 8 year old and a three year old. We were there in May, but my 8 year old got very sick, our trip was rushed and it was an overall disaster for us, but at the same time there were all these magical moments and the Cast Members were AMAZING over and over again. We can't wait to have the magical trip we had always envisioned. So, what do we have to make sure we don't miss, no matter what??? (Forgive me if this has been asked a thousand times, I'm very excited!!)

 

[Sherry E]

Thanks Sherry I needed a lil magic this morning!

You're welcome, jemilah! I was in need of some magic myself! I knew I would be doing the Monday countdown and figured I may as well dip into the photos. And when I did, I started to think, "Yay! The holidays are coming! The holidays are coming!" Now, to decide on what next Monday's holiday photo 'focus' will be.... Hmmm....

Wow, I feel like a little kid in awe just thinking about it all. I have a million questions but will try to read through the thread first. We have 5 days PH tickets. We will be Arrive Friday the 23rd in the morning (maybe even by the time the park opens, but getting 8 people up and out will be interesting). We leave on Tuesday the 27th, when we will leave around noon. We are staying at the Paradise Pier (with WOC view!!!). We are 3 generations, my parents, my husband and I, and two 18 year olds, an 8 year old and a three year old. We were there in May, but my 8 year old got very sick, our trip was rushed and it was an overall disaster for us, but at the same time there were all these magical moments and the Cast Members were AMAZING over and over again. We can't wait to have the magical trip we had always envisioned. So, what do we have to make sure we don't miss, no matter what??? (Forgive me if this has been asked a thousand times, I'm very excited!!)

Hi, larina!

Start out with Page 1 of this thread and skim over the first 3 posts. Those will give you a great idea of what to look forward to in terms of highlights, treats, merchandise, rides, etc.!

Don't worry about asking something that has been asked before - we are here to help! Sometimes I can't get on here to answer things as quickly as other times, or sometimes I just don't have a specific answer, so I always hope that the wonderful people on this thread will jump in to help out and share their knowledge!

First of all, the park view from the PPH (which is what you will have) is awesome! I had that view last year and every time I was in my room I kept gravitating towards the window! Whether it was in the wee hours of the morning or late at night, I was always peeking out the window at what was happening in DCA across the street. They run tests for WoC in the middle of the night, so that was kind of interesting to see. One cool thing is that you can see people milling about in DCA, near Ariel's Grotto, and you can see the DCA Christmas tree. You can hear the screams of terror from Mickey's Fun Wheel and California Screamin.' It's a great view.

Now...on to the things that cannot be missed:

1. Well, I say don't miss the Reindeer Round-Up (which is what I posted photos of, above). It's really charming and fun. Meet Santa (although Santa can be found in 5 locations around DLR, this is one of them!).

2. Don't miss the 'snow' falling on Main Street and the nighttime Winter Castle lighting in icicle lights - it is just stunning (lots of links to photos of it in Post #2 of this thread).

3. Don't miss It's a Small World Holiday at night. I would say to try to ride it in the daytime - morning, if possible - but at night, it is aglow in thousands of colored lights and is just breathtaking! At least go back and take a peek at it at night for photos!

4. Don't miss ToonTown, New Orleans Square and A Bug's Land in DCA, as they all have their own unique decorations specific to the theme of the land.

5. Don't miss Haunted Mansion Holiday.

6. Don't miss getting some gingerbread men with mouse ears cookies! Or, if you like peppermint, try some peppermint ice cream at Gibson Girl, some peppermint fudge at any of the candy shops, or peppermint cupcakes. Or grab a holiday demitasse dessert in a Santa Mickey mug from the table service restaurants in DL or from Blue Ribbon Bakery.

7. Don't miss the Storybook Land boats - the tiny cottages have Christmas decorations.

8. Don't miss enjoying some time just relaxing in the Grand Californian Hotel lobby. It's a really nice, festive environment during the holiday season. Santa has a PhotoPass spot by the giant tree. A pianist and guitarist play holiday tunes. Dickens Carolers come to perform both in front of the tree and in one of the halls every night. People curl up on the couches, or plunk down in the comfy chairs with their beverages and treats and enjoy the atmosphere.

​

Maybe some of our other DIS'ers will have additional ideas for you! This is a start, in any case! I'm sure I will think of more things as the day goes on. Stay tuned for next Monday when I will do a new Monday countdown and shine a spotlight on another area of Disneyland Resort during the holiday season!!

 

[NewbieMouse]

Don't miss the Storybook Land boats - the tiny cottages have Christmas decorations.

I really loved the Storybook Land boats in June 2010 when we went, unit I saw them at Christmastime in December and I now ADORE that ride. Worth the trip, IMHO!

 

[tksbaskets]

Maybe some of our other DIS'ers will have additional ideas for you! This is a start, in any case! I'm sure I will think of more things as the day goes on. Stay tuned for next Monday when I will do a new Monday countdown and shine a spotlight on another area of Disneyland Resort during the holiday season!!

YEAH~ Perhaps I can find pics of each area spotlighted to add. That will be fun!!

 

[areweindisneyyet]

100 days to go!!!!

 

[Kauinohea]

Beginning to see reality that to stay on site, we will need to pay rack rates :

I was really hoping to see some kind of special etc....but I knew very well that my chances were slim being that we will be there during the peak period - Dec 25- Jan 2!

Oh well, guess staying at BWPPI will leave us with more $$$ to spend on other Holiday goodies!