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

[rentayenta]

Sherry, we did decide on 3 days. Moving for a night didn't sounds great. I was seriously losing sleep which sounds comepletely insane. I told myself, if the flights dropped again I would buy our airfare and cancel my waitlist unless it had come through and then we would stay the extra day. I will make the most out of every holiday lovin' minute for sure. I made some PS and am still deciding on the F! desset package.

I won't be able to bring my usual Trader Joe's haul home but I'll pack lightly and stuff what I can.

I am really so excited. I'm looking into park hoppers and rental cars and found out via the DIS boards that Alamo has a rental place in DTD. I didn't want to keep the car 3 extra days- more $$$ for fun holiday souvenirs.

That pesky Al Lutz Where does he get his info?

I'm so excited to stay in the GCV during the holidays. I was reading my DVC Files today and can't wait to check out the DLH's new additions too.

It's going to be a magical holiday season.

 

[Sherry E]

Hi Sherry! I can't believe we get to come back again this year for the holidays! This thread and all your advice were so helpful last year (we went last year I think about the same time you did...mid-December...I think our dates were Dec. 12-15 or so). We just booked our trip for Thanksgiving this past weekend and I am so thrilled...didn't think we would be able to go again til next year!

Looking forward to catching up on all the pics and the "goings on" on this thread before our trip in November. It'll be quite an experience having Thanksgiving at DL!

One quick question...I saw where you mentioned Phase 3 of the holiday decorations...we are staying at the DLH this time...when you said decorations go up right after Thanksgiving, in your experience does that mean that very weekend? We'll be there Nov. 23-27 (Wed.-Sun.). I'd love it if they were up while we were there!

Welcome back, MinnieMama09! I most definitely remember your trip last year, and you're right - it was right around when I took mine. If not the exact same dates, I think our trips overlapped and may have only been different by a day or so.

I'm glad if I was able to help you in any way last year, but, really, it's a group effort! We have so many wonderful contributors who have had a wide variety of DLR holiday experiences, and fortunately, many of them are willing to share info and photos!

I'm so glad you get to go back for another holiday trip. It sounds like you're going a bit earlier in the season than last year, as am I (if I don't change my dates, that is).

Yes - my "Phase 3" description refers to when the 3 hotels and Downtown Disney seem to get their full holiday decorations. It wasn't until last year, after a couple of folks reported back, that we established that the GCH was not decorated until Thanksgiving weekend. I am pretty sure the DLH and PPH will be the same. Up until last year I was thinking the hotels were decorated as soon as the season officially began, but that was not so! (See? We learn something new all the time in this thread!)

I think - if I recall correctly - the GCH had its giant tree up and it was all decorated on the day after Thanksgiving last year. At the very least, I think the reports were that it was starting to be decorated in the morning on Friday, and then was fully finished later in the day. So I would guess that all 3 DLR hotels will be decorated by the day after Thanksgiving, or at the latest, Saturday. You will be able to catch the hotel decor before you leave!!

 

[Sherry E]

Sherry, we did decide on 3 days. Moving for a night didn't sounds great. I was seriously losing sleep which sounds comepletely insane. I told myself, if the flights dropped again I would buy our airfare and cancel my waitlist unless it had come through and then we would stay the extra day. I will make the most out of every holiday lovin' minute for sure. I made some PS and am still deciding on the F! desset package.

I won't be able to bring my usual Trader Joe's haul home but I'll pack lightly and stuff what I can.

I am really so excited. I'm looking into park hoppers and rental cars and found out via the DIS boards that Alamo has a rental place in DTD. I didn't want to keep the car 3 extra days- more $$$ for fun holiday souvenirs.

That pesky Al Lutz Where does he get his info?

I'm so excited to stay in the GCV during the holidays. I was reading my DVC Files today and can't wait to check out the DLH's new additions too.

It's going to be a magical holiday season.

Jenny -

You will definitely make the most of the 3 days! I've done 3 days before, and it usually leaves me wanting more...which is a good thing. Who knows? Maybe if you were to have added that extra night, it would have ended up being 'too much.' Three might be the perfect number for you!

And, really, even though I always advocate adding nights for the holiday season IF possible, the truth is that it would have been a pain to switch hotels just for one extra night. That's the reality, I think. I can see how it would be worth the hassle if you were getting 2 extra nights out of it, but just for 1 extra night, to have to relocate would be annoying, I think.

Oh, you know, I've seen that Alamo place in DTD a bunch of times - but for some reason, I always forget it's Alamo! I just think of it as 'the car rental place,' and never attached a name to it! (Yep, that's me - noticing all the details!)

Anyway, as I recall, the Alamo place is right next to or near the Walt Disney Travel Company office. Be sure to pop into the WDTC and grab some of their free DLR and WDW planning "brochures" (which are actually like magazines or thin books). They also have Disney Cruise Line books, too.


Yes, it will be a magical holiday season, indeed!

 

[rentayenta]

Sherry, I know 3 days will leave me wanting a 4th. But 4 would leave me wanting a 5th...etc etc...

I am going to take your advice and upload photos to both laptops.

I can't wait to get my grubby paws on some candy canes.

I can't wait to sip a mocha while waiting for the parade. I can't wait to see the tree on Main St for the first time on the trip. So excited to spoil the kids with holiday treats and too much sugar.



What are you looking most forward to?

 

[Sherry E]

Sherry, I know 3 days will leave me wanting a 4th. But 4 would leave me wanting a 5th...etc etc...

I am going to take your advice and upload photos to both laptops.

I can't wait to get my grubby paws on some candy canes.

I can't wait to sip a mocha while waiting for the parade. I can't wait to see the tree on Main St for the first time on the trip. So excited to spoil the kids with holiday treats and too much sugar.



What are you looking most forward to?

Hmmm...what am I looking most forward to? I'm trying to put some thought into that so I can give a more original answer than what I would usually say, which would be something like, "The peppermint ice cream cones, the gingerbread cookies with mouse ears, the souvenirs, taking photos of everything, etc." Oh, and last year I was heavily involved in "Tree Quest" and "Wreath Quest," so there were many photos to be taken.

Of course I am still looking forward to all of those things - those are perennial musts and favorites for me.

But I am trying to think of something different than what I would normally say.

You know, there's a lot to be said for getting to DLR and being able to find a nice place to sit in the middle of the holiday action, just relaxing and taking it all in. Last year I felt like I was in 'go go go' mode, first with my friend and then off on my photo quests. I didn't carve out time to really just sit somewhere and people watch for too long, or to take in the atmosphere for too long.

One of my favorite things to do, of course, is to plant myself in one of the GCH lobby chairs or sofas and enjoy the merriment of families posing with Santa or the carolers performing, etc. ...and yet, I didn't do it last year! I ran out of time to go there and just...sit down! So I know I am looking forward to doing that.

When I was at DLR a couple of weeks ago for Halloween Time, I spent a while in the afternoon just sitting in Town Square, by the flagpole, and people watching. Of course, a CM who was managing pre-parade traffic saw me sitting there and thought I wasn't having a good time when, in actuality, I was having a great time just sitting, relaxing, people-watching and taking in the whole atmosphere. In my mind, I was drawing comparisons between the Halloween crowds and ambiance and the holiday crowds and ambiance, as well as decorations.

So I guess you could say I am most looking forward to getting to DLR...so I can sit down!!

 

[radiatorsprings]

I am looking at possibly going Tuesday January 3 through Thursday the 5th since I have never gone during Christmastime. Anyone know how the crowds will be during that week?

 

[rentayenta]

So I guess you could say I am most looking forward to getting to DLR...so I can sit down!!

I love this! I could sit for hours and people watch while noticing all of the little touches that make Disneyland so special. I always seem to find the nicest people and CMs to chat with too when waiting and sitting 2+ hours for the fireworks.

It's nice that you give yourself time to take it all in.

 

[Sherry E]

I am looking at possibly going Tuesday January 3 through Thursday the 5th since I have never gone during Christmastime. Anyone know how the crowds will be during that week?

Hi, Tiffani!

Well, the interesting thing - and kind of a wild card, I guess you could say - is the fact that, this time around, the holiday season is "officially" extending so much later in January than it often does. The season typically ends on the Sunday immediately following New Year's Day, so that part is staying the same...it's just that the Sunday immediately after New Year's Day is usually not one full week later! Sometimes it's a matter of just a day or two after NYD and then the season is over...sometimes 3 or 4 days. This is the first time in recent history (that we can remember) when the season is stretching all the way until January 8th - and it's "official" because it's posted on DLR's website.

So, keeping all that in mind, it's possible the upcoming January 2-5 crowds could be a little heavier than they would have been in other years. I am picturing that anyone who is not able to make it to DLR in November or December might make a last minute run to DLR in January to try to catch what's left of the holidays before 1/8/12. Possibly, too, there could be people who really, really want to enjoy the season but don't want to battle crowds, so they head there in the first week of January when they expect the crowds will be lighter.

Some folks have stated that there are still a few schools that are out on break until January 9th (not sure which ones), and that those kids could be packed into Disneyland in that first week of 2012.

Personally, my feeling is that I think the crowds will drop considerably after New Year's Day, or at least after January 2nd (which is when the Rose Bowl and Rose Parade will be held), as most people head back to work and school. Sure, there may be some extra people in the parks that week to soak up whatever is left of the holidays, but I don't think it will be as crazy as the week of Christmas or the week between Christmas and New Year's.

How crowded it is could also depend on exactly what is still open until January 8. For example, is DLR going to keep Haunted Mansion Holiday open until 1/8? Is Santa's Reindeer Round-Up going to be open until 1/8? Are the holiday fireworks and parade still going to be happening? Is peppermint fudge still going to be sold at the assorted candy shops around DLR, and can we still buy shortbread snowman cookies? If the holiday offerings substantially decrease after New Year's Day, some of the crowds will go with it.

I love this! I could sit for hours and people watch while noticing all of the little touches that make Disneyland so special. I always seem to find the nicest people and CMs to chat with too when waiting and sitting 2+ hours for the fireworks.

It's nice that you give yourself time to take it all in.

Jenny -

I was partially forced to sit down a couple of weeks ago because I was having some pain in my leg! (Oh, the joys of getting older!) But once I sat down - and I made sure to sit in Town Square, which is bustling with activity - then I just kind of silently enjoyed observing everything and making the Halloween/holiday comparisons in my mind.

The key to 'good sitting' is to pick a good place to sit! I'm sure you would agree. If you pick some random bench on a side path that is tucked around a corner somewhere (and I have found those too), it may be good for getting away from the madness and having some quiet time for a bit, but it won't be good for really taking in the ambiance and people watching. When you plop down in the middle of the GCH lobby, you are right in the thick of things, in the middle of all the happenings. When you sit in Town Square or at the end of Main Street, same thing. You're facing all the action.

So if I am going to sit for quiet time, I may sit in a different location than if I wanted to take it all in and chat with people.

You're right - when you do take time to sit down, there are always nice people to talk to, whether they are other guests or CM's. There never seems to be any shortage of people to chat with. All throughout DLR, really, you end up talking to people from around the U.S. and all over the world who you may have never met any other way!

 

[rentayenta]

Sherry, we met some folks from Israel during our October 2009 trip while in DCA who are now very dear friends. The girls were in line for TSMM and heard two girls behind them speaking Hebrew. My girls said hi to them, they were/are learning Hebrew, and they started a conversation . After spending some time, the 4 of them riding together, they found their respective families (us) and we ended up spending the evening toegther and next day.

We adore them and stay in constant contact, so you are right, you never know who you will meet.

 

[rentayenta]

And Sherry, I hope your leg is feeling better.

 

[Sherry E]

Sherry, we met some folks from Israel during our October 2009 trip while in DCA who are now very dear friends. The girls were in line for TSMM and heard two girls behind them speaking Hebrew. My girls said hi to them, they were/are learning Hebrew, and they started a conversation . After spending some time, the 4 of them riding together, they found their respective families (us) and we ended up spending the evening toegther and next day.

We adore them and stay in constant contact, so you are right, you never know who you will meet.

How wonderful! Learning Hebrew and a love of Disney brought new friends into your lives!

I have not met any lasting friends at DLR yet, but we have certainly had some lovely chats with people from Australia, from Japan, from random states around the U.S., etc. - all while waiting in some ghastly line for something or while waiting for other friends.

Everyone is kind of in the same boat with waiting and standing in lines at DLR (even if we do our best to avoid it, sometimes we just can't!), so you can either ignore each other or start talking! There are always nice people to talk to - and at the GCH, we seem to get a lot of folks asking if we will take their photo together by the giant tree...lots of young couples and groups of friends. People kind of sprawl around on the couches with their snacks and beverages and chat amongst each other, which is nice.

The leg problem comes and goes! It just forces me to pop Advil and sit down here and there! Lol!!

 

[nerdboyrockstar]

Adding to Sherry's sitting memories!

This was my favorite place to sit during the Holidays at DLR.. When I used to decorate christmas cookies at the Big Thunder Ranch! I'm guessing they don't do this anymore because of the BBQ restaurant that's now there?


Oh and in case you were interested in the final product..

 

[Eeee-va]

Adding to Sherry's sitting memories!

This was my favorite place to sit during the Holidays at DLR.. When I used to decorate christmas cookies at the Big Thunder Ranch! I'm guessing they don't do this anymore because of the BBQ restaurant that's now there?


Oh and in case you were interested in the final product..

LOVE IT! In 2009 they had that outside by the Plaza Pavilion (where they were doing the AP processing). I swear the adults were enjoying it more than the kids!

She turned out kind of homely because I was trying to use as much frosting as possible. (May have used some of my friend's Christmas tree frosting and/or decorations; I forget.) I still liked her, though.

I don't know if they will be able to have the decorating there this year.

 

[mariezp]

So I guess you could say I am most looking forward to getting to DLR...so I can sit down!!

Too funny Sherry! BUT you know... in all of our long trips we have never made a huge effort to just sit down for very long and soak up the atmosphere. DD and I have decided that this year we are really, really, really going to make an effort to do just that. So, while I am looking forward to every little part of our trip, this year I will also be looking forward to just sitting down.

nerdboyrockstar & Eeee-va, love the cookie photos! Decorating cookies and coloring at Big Thunder Ranch has actually been some of our rare and most favorite sitting time.


Our trip is approaching fast! Only 29 days! Since we are going to be there for the questionable time period between Halloween and the official Christmas season I am hoping I might get a chance to check in here and report back with some of the daily goings ons at the park. We'll see how that goes or if I get sidetracked as so easily happens when one is on vacation. I am hoping we get to take advantage of a soft opening on Small World. I know we have before so I'm thinking the chances are pretty fair. And, while I am wishing.... if only POTC would have a way early soft opening.... my entire bunch would be oh so happy. Geesh we are going to really miss that one! Oh well. I may just have to buy extra souvenirs for DD and, if need be, ply DS with turkey legs and DH with gingerbread men to help ease the pain.

 

[radiatorsprings]

Hi, Tiffani!

Well, the interesting thing - and kind of a wild card, I guess you could say - is the fact that, this time around, the holiday season is "officially" extending so much later in January than it often does. The season typically ends on the Sunday immediately following New Year's Day, so that part is staying the same...it's just that the Sunday immediately after New Year's Day is usually not one full week later! Sometimes it's a matter of just a day or two after NYD and then the season is over...sometimes 3 or 4 days. This is the first time in recent history (that we can remember) when the season is stretching all the way until January 8th - and it's "official" because it's posted on DLR's website.

So, keeping all that in mind, it's possible the upcoming January 2-5 crowds could be a little heavier than they would have been in other years. I am picturing that anyone who is not able to make it to DLR in November or December might make a last minute run to DLR in January to try to catch what's left of the holidays before 1/8/12. Possibly, too, there could be people who really, really want to enjoy the season but don't want to battle crowds, so they head there in the first week of January when they expect the crowds will be lighter.

Some folks have stated that there are still a few schools that are out on break until January 9th (not sure which ones), and that those kids could be packed into Disneyland in that first week of 2012.

Personally, my feeling is that I think the crowds will drop considerably after New Year's Day, or at least after January 2nd (which is when the Rose Bowl and Rose Parade will be held), as most people head back to work and school. Sure, there may be some extra people in the parks that week to soak up whatever is left of the holidays, but I don't think it will be as crazy as the week of Christmas or the week between Christmas and New Year's.

How crowded it is could also depend on exactly what is still open until January 8. For example, is DLR going to keep Haunted Mansion Holiday open until 1/8? Is Santa's Reindeer Round-Up going to be open until 1/8? Are the holiday fireworks and parade still going to be happening? Is peppermint fudge still going to be sold at the assorted candy shops around DLR, and can we still buy shortbread snowman cookies? If the holiday offerings substantially decrease after New Year's Day, some of the crowds will go with it.

Thank you, you're very helpful!

 

[areweindisneyyet]

Whilst I leave for my holiday in just under 10 weeks, I am will be back in Disneyland in 11 weeks today. 77 sleeps, until Christmas around every corner, a Christmas tree for every occasion and of course, Churros and Hot Chocolate watching the Christmas Parade.

And on that not, let the working week begin!

 

[Sherry E]

I am heading off to DLR today for Mickey's Halloween Party, but....It's Monday, and you know what that means.....



Time for the Weekly Monday Countdown!!!

...Only 42 Days Until the
Holiday Season Begins at Disneyland Resort!!!!​

And with the new week comes a new DLR holiday theme!!

As you know, I'm going to showcase a particular area of interest of DLR's holiday season festivities each week until the 2011 merriment officially begins in Monday, November 14!! It is a good way to keep the photos rolling in on a regular basis and build anticipation for 11/14! Also, it's a way to display the different aspects and details of the holidays at DLR that may be totally new to some people...or previously unnoticed/undiscovered by others.

We began with the rustic, down home appeal of Santa’s Reindeer Round-Up five weeks ago. We followed that up with the small town American charm of Main Street . The next theme was the mysterious, mystical, musical allure of New Orleans Square. We then caught a glimpse of the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort and their special decorations. Last week we celebrated holidays around the world with the children of It’s a Small World Holiday. There are quite a few more themes to come over the next six weeks.

So, that said....drum roll please…..

In the Spotlight this Week......
MICKEY’S TOONTOWN!!!​

Since 1993, Mickey’s Toontown has been a place that is easily dismissed as a playground “just for kids.” However, anyone who appreciates the famous attention to detail that Disneyland offers in all of its theme parks will agree that Toontown is one of the best places to enjoy those details.

Located at the far reaches of Disneyland, beyond the magical It’s a Small World Holiday, Mickey’s Toontown seems a long way to go for a bit of holiday cheer. But holiday cheer you will surely find if you care to visit this city made of exaggerated, slightly askew structures and shapes; signs, sight gags and inside jokes; talking inanimate objects; and bright, vivid colors. Toontown is wild. It’s wacky. It’s whimsical. It’s off-kilter. And it has its own special style of decorating for the season.

As Toontown is the place where Disney luminaries such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck and Chip & Dale reside, it will be no surprise to hear their familiar voices ‘singing’ Christmas songs as you stroll through the streets of this madcap world.

One of the first Christmas-y things to catch your eye is the town’s tree, adorned with oversized ornaments comprised of mostly primary & secondary colors, candy canes, etc. But there are touches of the season everywhere you look. Roger Rabbit wears a Santa Claus suit in his cozy nook situated above the Car Toon Spin ride. Mickey and Minnie display trees on their lawns (Minnie’s tree is decidedly pink-ish!). Decorations hanging from various Toontown ‘businesses’ bear symbols of the themes they represent, i.e., some of the Fire House ornaments are Dalmatian-spotted; there are letters/envelopes in the garland above the Post Office; there are daisies above Daisy’s Diner, etc. The details are absolutely amazing, and are just one of the elements that make Toontown such a special place in Disneyland all year long, and specifically from November to January!


Please feel free to post your holiday photos of Mickey’s Toontown this week!

​

 

[Elk Grove Chris]

great pics Sherry

 

[DTDkettleCORNfan]

Sherry and Chris.....GREAT pictures! Thanks for posting. I love TT's decorations. I think my favorite is the Donald wreath that you posted Sherry...love those colors. And thanks again for a great thread.

 

[rentayenta]

Great pictures Sherry and Elk Grove Chris! Now, somehow, I have to fit ToonTown into my 3 tiny days at Disneyland! I love how fun ToonTown is.