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

[nicolispicoli]

The disney treats are making me more excited for some reason! LOL!

I also FINALLY booked my holiday tour today for 11/14, soooo excited!!!

Can't believe there is only a little over 3 weeks until our trip! Unfortunately, we are all a little under the weather right now. Fortunately though, all illnesses should subside before our trip

Can't wait for my first gingerbread mickey!!

 

[rentayenta]

Where is Jenny/rentayenta? This theme week should be to her liking - it covers both snacks and souvenirs!!

I literally, just said, outloud, in my office: I love Sherry! Now I have to go back and drool all over myself and the keyboard.


Joshua collects Vinylmation, Chloe loves her plush, and all three like to pin trade. I can feel the balance on my debit card decreasing as I type.

 

[dalstitch45]

My favorite time at Disney is Christmastime! You guys have me so excited! Keep them coming!

 

[merrrydeath]

They also had these gingerbread men last year. SO yummy and quite large.

 

[Niebz]

This is my absolute favourite theme! I can't wait to go crazy buying up all those souvenirs and eating all those goodies.

I do have one question for all you Christmas at Disneyland veterans. Do the stores stay pretty well stocked with Christmas merchandise throughout the season? Do any of the items sell out? We'll be there from November30-December13 and there's so many things I want! Thanks everyone.

 

[areweindisneyyet]

Oh how to decorate my tree and what tree do I get,

Love the theme Sherry , I love the stores at Disneyland At Christmas. We already have a DL tree at home,

Can't wait to see what's in store this year. I get to DL in8 weeks today.

 

[mvf-m11c]

Wow, Bret - you're fast!

You must have been whipping up your batch of pictures with lightning speed while I was putting together my second post of the Treats/Treasures! I can't believe you can access them that quickly - then again, I haven't had a computer that worked properly in years so I have forgotten what it's like to actually get things done in a reasonable period of time!

Great pictures, as usual!!

Thank you Sherry.

To finished off my post, I'll post some more Treats & Treasures and some Window displays

Window Displays

Treasures

Light up toys

 

[rentayenta]

I want those flannel jammies.

 

[I❤MICKEY]

I was wondering if anyone knows if during the holidays you can have the mickey head ornaments personalized?

When we go to WDW we always buy an ornament in DTD Christmas shop and have it personalized with our names and date. There is actually a booth with an artist who hand paints them. I was super bummed that we couldn't find anywhere in DL during our visit in June. I'm hoping that maybe they do it during the holidays.

Any insight?

 

[WDWFigment]

I read the first page of this thread, and started to look at the last couple of pages for these answers, but I had to stop due to the photos (not to insult the photos, I liked what I saw, but I don't want to spoil the surprise!). Anyway, at the risk of asking a few questions that have probably been asked countless times, I wondered if anyone could assist me.

We're heading to Disneyland for "Christmas" for the first time ever November 16-23. Christmas is, by far, our favorite time of the year. We have been making an annual Christmas trip to Walt Disney World for years, and we absolutely love the decorations at the parks and resorts there, along with the music, and general ambiance. I say this as background so you know we're incredibly enthusiastic about Christmas.

Now, with the questions:

1. I've read nothing but GLOWING reviews, but it sounds like the Holiday Time at Disneyland tour offers little more than quick access to HMH and IASW, seating for the parade, snacks, and a pin. As far as the information presented and the actual tour itself, is it worth the money? Do the guides show you things you wouldn't otherwise see yourself? The comparable tour at WDW takes you to storage facilities and places you couldn't go on your own. Based on reviews I'm reading, I suspect that's not the case with this tour. That said, is it still worth it? Is it likely to be busy even before that first weekend (Nov 16, 17, and 18?) If we do end up doing the Holiday tour, would it be smartest to do it over the weekend when the crowds will be higher and the access/seating will really help most? Nevermind this one, we decided to book it.


2. We picked the days we're going because it looks like crowds are historically low the first few days when we're visiting, I know no one can predict the future, but what kind of waits should we encounter for HMH and IASW these first few days? What about over the weekend? We plan on getting up for rope drop every morning, so I suspect we can see the attractions plenty of times without long waits. Is that true?

3. I've heard that the resort-hotel decorations and carolers aren't out, despite what the schedule says, until after Thanksgiving. Is this the case? I've been hearing that they should be up starting Nov 14th this year. Can anyone confirm or deny?

4. We REALLY want to get in the Christmas mood. We want to see, hear, and EAT Christmas! Which restaurants, table service and counter service, would be our best bets for "Christmas cuisine" (even if it's just desserts)?

5. Of the desserts/drinks on the first page list, which do you like the best? Although we LOVE pumpkin, I consider pumpkin a Halloween/Thanksgiving food, and even though this is before Thanksgiving, it's a Christmas trip for us, so I'll probably stay away from pumpkin treats. (Odd? Yes, I know!)

6. Any details that tourists generally overlook? Really cool decorations that most people don't notice that shouldn't be overlooked? Are there any not-to-be-missed souvenirs that are a "must-buy" during the holidays at Disneyland?

I really, really appreciate any answers anyone can provide to these questions. I promise I will "repay" you with some excellent photos when we return!

It feels oddly exhilarating to be a "newbie" to something Disney-related. We are longtime veterans of Walt Disney World at Christmas, and I know the ins and outs of touring there at Christmas. It's still just as fun every season as it was the last, but there is really something exciting about anticipating experiencing something for the first time--especially something DISNEY and CHRISTMAS related! Of course, trying to plan while doing it 'blindly' (avoiding photos and videos) has been really tough, but I think the payoff will be great!

Thanks so much to anyone who helps!!!

Sorry, don't mean to be a pest, but can anyone help with any of these questions? I'll be eternally grateful!

 

[Sherry E]

Sorry, don't mean to be a pest, but can anyone help with any of these questions? I'll be eternally grateful!

WDWFigment -

I'm so, so sorry that your first post didn't really get addressed. I'm glad you came back here - you posted quite a long time ago (along with sharing one of your beautiful photos of the Castle in the MK) and then disappeared!

I was not on the DIS too much last week - or if I was, I didn't pop into this thread much after I posted the weekly theme on Monday. Also, I don't always get e-mail notices to alert me about new posts in this thread, so I didn't even realize you posted something until today! (I just went back now and saw that you posted your questions last week, or several days ago at least!)

Usually what happens is that other folks in this thread will step in to answer questions when I'm not here - or even if I am here, I may not have the answers to all the holiday-related questions and need other people to offer some insight and opinions. I guess that other than Vala and Mike, your post got lost in the mix and overlooked by most of us! Again, my apologies!

Anyway, I have to go back read your post and see if there is anything else I can answer for you - I'm sure there is, but I have to go over your questions again.

May I ask - where is it that you've been hearing that the 3 DLR hotels' decorations will be or could be up on 11/14 this year? The reason I ask this is because if it came from any kind of official Disney source, then it would actually be considered "news" over here! It would be good news, in fact. Many early-November visitors would be thrilled to enjoy the Grand Californian's holiday atmosphere, for example.

But, alas, unless DLR suddenly changes how they do things this year, the 3 hotels do not get their decorations until Thanksgiving or the day after. Right around in that time frame. Technically, I'm sure they have to begin putting up some stuff a couple of days early - a random wreath here, a random wreath there, some garland strewn over an awning or something - just to get it all situated and make sure nothing needs to be fixed, replaced or removed.

So there may be some wreath sightings before Thanksgiving! The thing is, I suspect that a lot of people venture to the hotels and see "a wreath" and assume the hotels are all decorated for the season and are in full holiday mode. I don't know if the carolers will be out on 11/14, and I don't know if Santa will be out at the hotels yet (both the carolers and Santa appear at all 3 hotels, in shifts). The Grand Californian Hotel's pianist is there year-round, but I don't know if he/she starts playing holiday music as of 11/14 or as of Thanksgiving, or somewhere in between.


Fellow DIS'er KCMike was at DLR last year over the opening weekend of DLR's holiday season, and he went to GCH and saw that there was no Christmas tree (which would mean no carolers and no Santa, either). And now that I think back, I recall a couple of other people telling me that in the last few years they stayed at the GCH until just after Thanksgiving and that the tree did not go up until the morning after Thanksgiving.

So it's hard to say - maybe in some years the decorators at the hotels are able to get all the decor up a little bit early and then they can begin the 'entertainment' such as Carolers and Santa earlier too. But no one seems to be able to say with 100% certainty that they have seen the hotels fully holiday-ized when the season started in the parks, in early/mid-November.

Personally, I think DLR should get the hotels all ready to go on the opening day of the season, just like the parks are ready to go. Especially in a year when one of those parks is under so much construction, I feel that DLR should do what it can to make sure that all the other holiday offerings at DL, DLH, GCH, PPH and DTD are ready to go at the same time.

But unless there have been some recent developments that have not trickled back to us here yet, as far as I know it will be the usual pattern at the 3 hotels - no tree, Santa or Carolers at the hotels until right around Thanksgiving (give or take a day).


I'll go back to your other post in a minute and see what I can answer.

 

[tksbaskets]

LOVE the theme this week and the pictures. My visa is humming and my stomach rumbling. LOL

 

[WDWFigment]

WDWFigment -

I'm so, so sorry that your first post didn't really get addressed. I'm glad you came back here - you posted quite a long time ago (along with sharing one of your beautiful photos of the Castle in the MK) and then disappeared!

I was not on the DIS too much last week - or if I was, I didn't pop into this thread much after I posted the weekly theme on Monday. Also, I don't always get e-mail notices to alert me about new posts in this thread, so I didn't even realize you posted something until today! (I just went back now and saw that you posted your questions last week, or several days ago at least!)

Usually what happens is that other folks in this thread will step in to answer questions when I'm not here - or even if I am here, I may not have the answers to all the holiday-related questions and need other people to offer some insight and opinions. I guess that other than Vala and Mike, your post got lost in the mix and overlooked by most of us! Again, my apologies!

Anyway, I have to go back read your post and see if there is anything else I can answer for you - I'm sure there is, but I have to go over your questions again.

May I ask - where is it that you've been hearing that the 3 DLR hotels' decorations will be or could be up on 11/14 this year? The reason I ask this is because if it came from any kind of official Disney source, then it would actually be considered "news" over here! It would be good news, in fact. Many early-November visitors would be thrilled to enjoy the Grand Californian's holiday atmosphere, for example.

But, alas, unless DLR suddenly changes how they do things this year, the 3 hotels do not get their decorations until Thanksgiving or the day after. Right around in that time frame. Technically, I'm sure they have to begin putting up some stuff a couple of days early - a random wreath here, a random wreath there, some garland strewn over an awning or something - just to get it all situated and make sure nothing needs to be fixed, replaced or removed.

So there may be some wreath sightings before Thanksgiving! The thing is, I suspect that a lot of people venture to the hotels and see "a wreath" and assume the hotels are all decorated for the season and are in full holiday mode. I don't know if the carolers will be out on 11/14, and I don't know if Santa will be out at the hotels yet (both the carolers and Santa appear at all 3 hotels, in shifts). The Grand Californian Hotel's pianist is there year-round, but I don't know if he/she starts playing holiday music as of 11/14 or as of Thanksgiving, or somewhere in between.


Fellow DIS'er KCMike was at DLR last year over the opening weekend of DLR's holiday season, and he went to GCH and saw that there was no Christmas tree (which would mean no carolers and no Santa, either). And now that I think back, I recall a couple of other people telling me that in the last few years they stayed at the GCH until just after Thanksgiving and that the tree did not go up until the morning after Thanksgiving.

So it's hard to say - maybe in some years the decorators at the hotels are able to get all the decor up a little bit early and then they can begin the 'entertainment' such as Carolers and Santa earlier too. But no one seems to be able to say with 100% certainty that they have seen the hotels fully holiday-ized when the season started in the parks, in early/mid-November.

Personally, I think DLR should get the hotels all ready to go on the opening day of the season, just like the parks are ready to go. Especially in a year when one of those parks is under so much construction, I feel that DLR should do what it can to make sure that all the other holiday offerings at DL, DLH, GCH, PPH and DTD are ready to go at the same time.

But unless there have been some recent developments that have not trickled back to us here yet, as far as I know it will be the usual pattern at the 3 hotels - no tree, Santa or Carolers at the hotels until right around Thanksgiving (give or take a day).


I'll go back to your other post in a minute and see what I can answer.

No need to apologize, you certainly are under no obligation to answer any of my questions. I really do appreciate the help, though!

As for my source, it's nothing official, probably someone who, like you say, saw a wreath or two and assumed that was the "full" Christmas layout. He was basing his statement off of past years. So, if last year the tree wasn't up until after Thanksgiving, I'm going to err on the side of you being correct, and the same being true this year. Too bad. But it gives us a reason to go back, at least!

To be honest, once I see answers to those questions, I probably won't be back until after our trip. There are a lot of photos in this thread that are "spoilers" to me, and while I love looking at photos, I want to experience Christmas at Disneyland for the first time "in person." That may sound odd, but that's just the way I am! After our trip, I will make sure to come back and post plenty of photos as a "thank you" for helping me out!

Anyway, I'm anxiously awaiting your answer--thanks for the long response you already posted!

 

[Sherry E]

I read the first page of this thread, and started to look at the last couple of pages for these answers, but I had to stop due to the photos (not to insult the photos, I liked what I saw, but I don't want to spoil the surprise!). Anyway, at the risk of asking a few questions that have probably been asked countless times, I wondered if anyone could assist me.

Yes, certain questions get asked a lot, but that's okay! We expect it. Obviously the flow of traffic changes on this forum, and not everyone is going to be around at the same time when certain things are answered, so it is inevitable that some questions will be asked a lot. The main thing is to try to have someone here - any of us who are able - to answer, and not let too many questions slip by unrecognized, even if we don't have the answers!

I can understand about wanting to not spoil the surprise for yourself! If you want to keep some things as a surprise, then looking at all kinds of photos of the various aspects of the DLR holiday season can definitely be dangerous. I am mainly to blame for setting the ball rolling on that! Before I decided to do these "theme weeks" every Monday, the influx of photos was hit or miss. Sometimes we would get a bunch of them from one person, and then we'd go for a lot of time without any photo contributions! I suddenly decided that doing a different DLR holiday theme every Monday would be a good way to kind of pass the time while we were waiting for news or information about this year's season, and to also kind of spotlight different aspects or details of the holiday celebration that might go overlooked. It ended up being a successful idea, and so the theme weeks will carry on until 11/14. We have 4 more theme Mondays to go - Mondays will be dangerous days to pop into the thread if you don't want to see photos, but usually through the course of the week the photos taper off a bit!

But I know we will all be looking forward to seeing your photos when you return from DLR!!

We're heading to Disneyland for "Christmas" for the first time ever November 16-23. Christmas is, by far, our favorite time of the year. We have been making an annual Christmas trip to Walt Disney World for years, and we absolutely love the decorations at the parks and resorts there, along with the music, and general ambiance. I say this as background so you know we're incredibly enthusiastic about Christmas.

Now, with the questions:

1. I've read nothing but GLOWING reviews, but it sounds like the Holiday Time at Disneyland tour offers little more than quick access to HMH and IASW, seating for the parade, snacks, and a pin. As far as the information presented and the actual tour itself, is it worth the money? Do the guides show you things you wouldn't otherwise see yourself? The comparable tour at WDW takes you to storage facilities and places you couldn't go on your own. Based on reviews I'm reading, I suspect that's not the case with this tour. That said, is it still worth it? Is it likely to be busy even before that first weekend (Nov 16, 17, and 18?) If we do end up doing the Holiday tour, would it be smartest to do it over the weekend when the crowds will be higher and the access/seating will really help most?


From your most recent post in this thread, it sounds like you already decided to do the tour. I have not actually gone on the tour myself yet, oddly, but I have been wanting to do it for a while. You're right - it gets glowing reviews. I think I have maybe only read one review in the past that was less than favorable. I sounds like it won't be as extensive of a tour as the WDW version is, but everyone says it's worthwhile and a lot of fun. Be sure to report back here and let us know if you like the tour, if you can!

If I were doing the holiday tour, I would probably do what you suggested and take a time slot during a busier period in the park, so I can get my parade seats and march right onto IASW Holiday and HMH.

By the way - have you decided on an actual time for your tour yet, or is that still in the works? I would do the latest one in the day that is offered - mainly because you will hit IASW Holiday right when the lights come on (which are gorgeous).

2. We picked the days we're going because it looks like crowds are historically low the first few days when we're visiting, I know no one can predict the future, but what kind of waits should we encounter for HMH and IASW these first few days? What about over the weekend? We plan on getting up for rope drop every morning, so I suspect we can see the attractions plenty of times without long waits. Is that true?

Let's see...you're there from 11/16 - 11/23. I have a feeling you might encounter the shortest lines for all the rides on that Wednesday, 11/16. Wednesdays seem to be less crowded than the days preceding it or following it, for some reason. Even though the season will have just begun 2 days prior, I still think Wednesday may be a little better. It's hard to say what crowds will be like this year because we have not seen an official season start date on a Monday in years - if ever. Usually the seasons begin on Fridays, and crowds flood the parks to experience the festivities. Now that Monday is the start date, I am not sure how many folks will show up for that "opening day/opening week" novelty aspect.

BUT, when HMH and IASW Holiday are at their peak as far as long lines, you could see lines that range from 45 minutes to 1 hour. That is basically worst case scenario, though. I don't think you will encounter that on your trip - at least not in the first couple of days.

You'll have a good, long 7-day or 8-day stretch of time in the parks and at the Resort, so you will have plenty of opportunities to get on rides with no lines or super short lines, I think. Even if the parks were jam-packed with people that whole week you are there, you'd still have plenty of time to work around them and get on rides.

You will likely begin to see crowds picking up a bit on 11/21, as a lot of folks seem to take off the whole week for Thanksgiving.

3. I've heard that the resort-hotel decorations and carolers aren't out, despite what the schedule says, until after Thanksgiving. Is this the case?

You know....in thinking about it more, even though we are assuming that most major signs of the holidays (like Santa and the Dickens Carolers and even the giant Christmas trees) will not appear at the hotels and in Downtown Disney until Thanksgiving - or at least a couple of days before Thanksgiving - since you will be at DLR until 11/23, you may very well start to see the random wreaths, poinsettia plants and garland pop up here and there at the hotels over that weekend before Thanksgiving (meaning like 11/19 and 11/20). I think that because that whole week of Thanksgiving has become busier with visitors, DLR may try to speed up the process and get some things up a bit early.

BUT, I still wouldn't count on seeing Santa or Carolers at the hotels on 11/14. I think that may be a bit too early. I am guessing that IF they show up earlier than the day after Thanksgiving at all, it would probably be no earlier than something like 11/21 or 11/22. The decorations, however, may be appearing a little at a time over that whole week.

4. We REALLY want to get in the Christmas mood. We want to see, hear, and EAT Christmas! Which restaurants, table service and counter service, would be our best bets for "Christmas cuisine" (even if it's just desserts)?

I know what you mean - I am a huge Christmas fan myself! I just adore the whole season and the beauty of it. I love it all - the music, the lights, the colors, the smells, the textures, the general festive atmosphere...and, of course, the tasty treats!! I want to totally soak in as much Christmasy atmosphere as possible when I am at DLR.

Make sure you grab some of the gingerbread cookies with chocolate-dipped mouse ears - from what we hear, those seem to be Disneyland Resort exclusives (so far)? They are oh-so delicious - chewy, yummy, gingerbready goodness! You can find them at any of the candy shops such as Candy Palace on Main Street, Marceline's Confectionery in Downtown Disney, Pooh's Corner in Critter Country, the Market House on Main Street, whatever is currently acting as a candy shop in California Adventure and even some of the baked goods stores. There are regular gingerbread men, too, but the ones with ears are the best!

You can find all kinds of holiday sweets and baked goods (fudge, cupcakes, special demitasse dessert in a Santa Mickey mug, apples, cookies, muffins, coffee drinks, etc.) in any of the bake shops or candy shops around DLR. So that would include Blue Ribbon Bakery on Main Street, Pooh's Corner, Marceline's, Candy Palace, Gepetto's Sweet Shoppe in Fantasyland, and anything else even resembling a bake shop or candy store!

Also, don't miss out on the delicious peppermint ice cream served up in a chocolate-covered cone encrusted with either red & green sprinkles OR chunks of candy cane at Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor on Main Street! Yum!!

As for any other special holiday food at other restaurants...well, you can find pumpkin pie at a number of places like Carnation Cafe and Plaza Inn. Rancho del Zocalo tends to serve tamales around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Cafe Orleans offers up gingerbread beignets and a couple of other special desserts. I think that Cafe Orleans and places like Storytellers Cafe at the GCH and even Goofy's Kitchen at the DLH change some items seasonally, so you may find some special dishes at those places that they wouldn't have during the rest of the year.

5. Of the desserts/drinks on the first page list, which do you like the best? Although we LOVE pumpkin, I consider pumpkin a Halloween/Thanksgiving food, and even though this is before Thanksgiving, it's a Christmas trip for us, so I'll probably stay away from pumpkin treats. (Odd? Yes, I know!)

I am partial to the peppermint ice cream in the chocolate-covered cone encrusted with candy cane pieces. And I love the gingerbread cookies with mouse ears!

Other folks love the freshly made candy canes at the Candy Palace - but you have to find out when they make them and get there super early in the morning to get a special claim ticket, and they may not start making them until a few days into your trip. Those candy canes are coveted items. I mean, DLR sells candy canes all through the season, but the freshly made ones are extremely popular and they are only made on certain days in November and December. They are so popular, in fact, that each person is only allowed to buy 2 candy canes, I think.

6. Any details that tourists generally overlook? Really cool decorations that most people don't notice that shouldn't be overlooked? Are there any not-to-be-missed souvenirs that are a "must-buy" during the holidays at Disneyland?

I really, really appreciate any answers anyone can provide to these questions. I promise I will "repay" you with some excellent photos when we return!

Well, New Orleans Square's decorations - while scaled down from what they were a couple of years ago - are lovely. They have a very specific Mardi Gras-esque theme. Take a close look at all the gorgeous masks that adorn the lampposts - they are all different, they are all anchored by musical "instruments," and the colors of the masks fit the specific areas of New Orleans Square.

Don't miss Santa's Reindeer Round-Up in Frontierland. That is one area where you will, for sure, see Santa during your trip. It has a really cute, rustic kind of country Christmas feel - totally different from New Orleans Square's more mysterious vibe. The details at the Round-Up and in Santa's cabin are amazing.

Toontown has some great, brightly colored decorations. Many of their garlands or wreaths contain little details that are specific to the buildings on which they are hung, i.e., dollar bills in the garland hanging on the Bank, daisies in the wreath above Daisy's, Dalmatian-spotted ornaments in the wreath hanging from the Firehouse, Roger Rabbit wearing a Santa suit above Car Toon Spin, etc.

Be sure to check out the window displays on Main Street - not just the animated, moving ones, but the regular ones too. There are some really cute holiday displays with gingerbread people and ornaments and all kinds of things. I could show you the photos of them in this thread, but it would spoil it all for you!

If there ARE any decorations up at the 3 hotels when you are there, the GCH tree is lovely. I am partial to the tree at the Paradise Pier Hotel, as it is glowing in blue-green lights. The Disneyland Hotel has some cute decorations here and there, but their actual trees are rather boring, except for the wacky Goofy's Kitchen tree, which is worth a look!

Souvenirs? Well, I just posted photos of my all-time favorite, 'don't-miss' holiday souvenirs on the previous page....but you can't look at them! I love the souvenirs that resemble food! I love any ornaments that appear to have been crafted with candy, cookies, ice cream cones or other confections - and there was a great line of gingerbread cookie figurines and ornaments that came out a few years ago (some pieces still remain but most are gone forever).

There is also a collection of Tinkerbell candy cane/gumdrop ornaments which are adorable!

A couple of years ago there was a set of light-up figures of the buildings on Main Street, such as City Hall, the Emporium and the Fire Station. I didn't get them, but they were really cool.

Of course there are all kinds of pins that are cool, and some really beautiful ornaments. The Snowman Mickey popcorn bucket is extremely popular.

It feels oddly exhilarating to be a "newbie" to something Disney-related. We are longtime veterans of Walt Disney World at Christmas, and I know the ins and outs of touring there at Christmas. It's still just as fun every season as it was the last, but there is really something exciting about anticipating experiencing something for the first time--especially something DISNEY and CHRISTMAS related! Of course, trying to plan while doing it 'blindly' (avoiding photos and videos) has been really tough, but I think the payoff will be great!

Thanks so much to anyone who helps!!!

WDWFigment -

Okay, I attempted to answer most things in red above. Hopefully some of my rambling will help! Of course, coming from the WDW holiday festivities as you are doing, DLR's celebration will seem small in comparison - especially with one park in the throes of construction and the possibility of the hotels not being in full holiday mode until Thanksgiving or the day after. Sadly, we don't have a good equivalent to Epcot or Animal Kingdom. And we don't have the Osborne Lights.

BUT, DLR during the Christmas season is still extremely magical. It is just beautiful at night, especially on Main Street and in New Orleans Square. The Winter Castle - while being much smaller than the MK Castle - is still stunning. The 'snow' that falls on Main Street at night is just delightful. IASW Holiday at night is amazing. The holiday parade and fireworks are great. Holiday music fitting the theme of each land fills the air (a jazz-inspired "Jingle Bells" in NOS, a country-western "Greensleeves" in Frontierland, vehicle drivers honking the familiar "Fa la la la la" from "Deck the Halls," a calypso version of "Winter Wonderland" in Adventureland, 'Toons singing holiday 'tunes' in Toontown, etc.). IF the carolers are appearing at the GCH at that time, they take requests by the giant tree as people sprawl across sofas and the carpet, sipping beverages and eating snacks. There's even a Santa in California Adventure.


Anyway, I think that about covers my scope of knowledge for the time being. I hope you have a great time planning and come back to report to us about how it all went when you return!

 

[Vala]

Yay! I have my Holiday Tour booked!

Going on the 14th, 3 PM.

 

[DisneyIsMagical]

YAY! Loving this theme! I too, love ornaments that resemble holiday candies! I have a few that I bought at DLR in 2008, I will have to post them later. Pretty soon, my whole tree will be covered in nothing but Disney ornaments Especially after this holiday trip coming up. I'm thinking next year I'm aiming for Halloweentime, I know for sure there's gonna be another trip in before that because my AP expires in June, so...of course there will be a springtime trip!

Thank you all for the wonderful photos again, makes me sooo anxious! 3 weeks from tomorrow

 

[rentayenta]

Yay! I have my Holiday Tour booked!

Going on the 14th, 3 PM.

Do they offer just one tour time? I know it coincides with the parade times but what if there are two oarades scheduled?

 

[Sherry E]

YAY! Loving this theme! I too, love ornaments that resemble holiday candies! I have a few that I bought at DLR in 2008, I will have to post them later. Pretty soon, my whole tree will be covered in nothing but Disney ornaments Especially after this holiday trip coming up. I'm thinking next year I'm aiming for Halloweentime, I know for sure there's gonna be another trip in before that because my AP expires in June, so...of course there will be a springtime trip!

Thank you all for the wonderful photos again, makes me sooo anxious! 3 weeks from tomorrow

A woman after my own heart - you love ornaments that look like candies too! I love any figurines or other pieces of merchandise that look like food, or as if they were made from cookies or candy or anything sweet!

That cookie/candy castle in the photos I posted has got to be my favorite of all of them. First of all, it is technically an ornament but really it's a figurine. The details on it are amazing, with the tiny hidden Mickeys made of peppermint candy-looking paint. The thing that I love about it is that it was painted and crafted to appear a little bit 'rough' or ever-so-slightly sloppy, just like the work and craftsmanship on real gingerbread houses can look.

I'm glad you like the theme, Vanessa - and to everyone else out there who has commented, I am glad you guys all like it too! I had great fun putting together this theme - more than almost any other theme!





But....where are the "Treat" photos? I know there have got to be some folks out there with yummy holiday food photos (thank you, Meredith, for posting the photo of the other gingerbread cookies - that's something I didn't buy)!

To tell anyone who is just now tuning in - the theme is Treats and Treasures. That means food or snacks (treats) - whether you have actually eaten them yourself or just taken photos of them - and souvenirs/merchandise (treasures) - whether you have actually bought them for yourself or just photographed them.

Does anyone have photos of holiday goodies, both the edible kind and the collectible kind? Anyone at all? Any favorite holiday souvenirs or just stuff you saw on the DLR shelves? Have I finally stumped Elk Grove Chris (who has usually popped in with some photos by now)?

 

[rentayenta]

I have decorated our Hanukkah bush with all Disney decorations; want to see that? I posted our little Disneyland Tree from VP already. And my window pics. My kids' upstairs bathroom is also all Mickey from the tp holder to the knobs to the clock and photo frames. I can share that too.



I will be a Disney picture taking fool! Ooooo...I think I might have a cute treat pic from last December. Let me get off the Mac and onto the PC.

 

[Sherry E]

Do they offer just one tour time? I know it coincides with the parade times but what if there are two oarades scheduled?

Jenny -

I could be wrong (seeing as I haven't even done the tour yet) but I believe there are at least two time slots each day, and the latest one is usually at 3 p.m.-ish. It seems like I recall seeing the tour schedule and it ran at least twice a day (maybe only on weekends, though?).


Yes, yes, yes, post the Hanukkah bush and decorations photos!!! And treats! And anything else you can access!! I wish there were more of a representation of Hanukkah at DLR - it seems like the merchandise is not as ever-present and park-wide as the Christmas stuff. Although...it does seem like I have noticed more Hanukkah things appearing each year, little by little, which is a good thing. Am I right about there being more than there used to be or am I imagining it, I wonder? (With me, one never knows what my mind is doing....)