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

[nicolispicoli]

Wanted to get someone's opinion about an idea I had for our trip next week.

I hear so many great things about GCH, but am hesitant to make the change as we like the disney touches at DLH as we have small children who still enjoy the magic at it's best. We'll be there 11/11-11/15 and I thought of changing the last night to GCH to get a feel if it would be for us or not. Do you think the closer proximity is reason enough to change for an extra $50? Or do you think it's worth checking it out so that we might have a better reason to switch if we wanted for our next trip in May?

Also, a sidenote. While I was on the line, I thought I would ask about a possible room upgrade at the DLH. The CM told me no upgrades were available during that time as the hotel was sold out. I knew it would be busy, but I didn't think the DLH would be sold out. Then again, I am not sure if that is common for a weekend in general. I hadn't asked her about specific days during our stay, but she thought if it was sold out one day, I wouldn't be interested in moving rooms to upgrade for the remaining days.

 

[dalstitch45]

Thanks so much Sherry and DianaSparrow for your advice. Well, I think I will book the second tour. Sherry, we will be there when you are there. Now just a matter of which day, the 3rd or the 4th. Decisions, decisions. I am looking forward to the CP at DL. I have seen it many times at WDW, but can't wait to see the DL version.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Wanted to get someone's opinion about an idea I had for our trip next week.

I hear so many great things about GCH, but am hesitant to make the change as we like the disney touches at DLH as we have small children who still enjoy the magic at it's best. We'll be there 11/11-11/15 and I thought of changing the last night to GCH to get a feel if it would be for us or not. Do you think the closer proximity is reason enough to change for an extra $50? Or do you think it's worth checking it out so that we might have a better reason to switch if we wanted for our next trip in May?

Also, a sidenote. While I was on the line, I thought I would ask about a possible room upgrade at the DLH. The CM told me no upgrades were available during that time as the hotel was sold out. I knew it would be busy, but I didn't think the DLH would be sold out. Then again, I am not sure if that is common for a weekend in general. I hadn't asked her about specific days during our stay, but she thought if it was sold out one day, I wouldn't be interested in moving rooms to upgrade for the remaining days.

It's Vets Day weekend, plus the start of the holiday season.

 

[KCmike]

 

[Goofy_Mom]

So, Santa may be bringing us a very special gift this year. Our first APs!!! While I have no intention of going during the end of December, Monkeys birthday is January4th (he'll be 4). We could drive down on New Years Day for a special excurssion and still see the holiday spendor!!

I'll be glued to this thread for a while

I'm a bit sad that I came in so late in the themes. I have a bunch of pics from NOS, IASW, and Toon Town. I even have a few Castle shots. I don't have any from HMH. You'd think since Monkey is a big fan, I'd have at least one of the outside of the mansion.

 

[DisneyIsMagical]

So, Santa may be bringing us a very special gift this year. Our first APs!!! While I have no intention of going during the end of December, Monkeys birthday is January4th (he'll be 4). We could drive down on New Years Day for a special excurssion and still see the holiday spendor!!

I'll be glued to this thread for a while

I'm a bit sad that I came in so late in the themes. I have a bunch of pics from NOS, IASW, and Toon Town. I even have a few Castle shots. I don't have any from HMH. You'd think since Monkey is a big fan, I'd have at least one of the outside of the mansion.

I'm sure no one will object if you'd like to post photos of past themes! The only rule in this thread, I believe, is that you must LOVE DLR during the holidays! It's always nice to see photos from different people, everyone has their own perspective. I have seen something "new" in each person's photos, details that I had never noticed before. My photo list for my upcoming trip is growing by leaps and bounds!!

 

[Sherry E]

So, Santa may be bringing us a very special gift this year. Our first APs!!! While I have no intention of going during the end of December, Monkeys birthday is January4th (he'll be 4). We could drive down on New Years Day for a special excurssion and still see the holiday spendor!!

I'll be glued to this thread for a while

I'm a bit sad that I came in so late in the themes. I have a bunch of pics from NOS, IASW, and Toon Town. I even have a few Castle shots. I don't have any from HMH. You'd think since Monkey is a big fan, I'd have at least one of the outside of the mansion.

Kirsten -

I wanted reply to your comment about the themes. All hope is not lost!

First of all, I haven't even done the Winter Castle theme yet, although some of our DIS'ers have sneaked their Winter Castle photos into other themes, such as the fireworks or Main Street. So you didn't miss out on that because that theme has not come up yet.

As for any of the other themes... My plan is to do one more 'big' theme countdown this coming Monday (11/7), and then a "mini-theme" every day next week, leading up to 11/14 - the official start of the holiday season. A mini-theme might be something that is a smaller aspect of the holiday season that I don't expect too many people to have photos of, OR it could be something that doesn't have too many layers or elements to it.

For example, IASW Holiday and NOS, etc., are "big" themes because there are all kinds of things to take photos of within that ride or land. They both have many layers to them. Same thing with the Reindeer Round-Up - lots of different details and things to see.

BUT...something like the Winter Castle - while being a crucial part of every DLR holiday season - would be a mini-theme. Although many millions of people have photos of the Winter Castle, it is still just a Castle and there aren't all kinds of different nuances and elements to take photos of.

So the Winter Castle will be a mini-theme on one of the days next week (stay tuned to find out which one).

On Monday, 11/14, the final theme will be a Holiday Potpourri...a Holiday Cornucopia. This is the theme week for you! On 11/14 - after I post my final countdown installment that morning - everyone will be able to post anything they wanted to share that didn't make it into previous theme weeks. OR, people will be able to post their favorite DLR holiday photos, whether they are family photos, scenic/landscape photos, photos they have already posted or not posted, etc.

For example, I may have some extra photos left over from the "Treats & Treasures" week that I did not already share. I could post those on 11/14. OR...I could pick my absolute favorite photos out of all the holiday pictures I have already posted.

That's actually something I am really curious to see - the favorites. Whether or not the pictures have already been shared in this thread, I am interested to see what everyone chooses as their favorite photos (in any theme) out of all the holiday DLR pictures they have taken. If you had to break it down to your 5 or 10 or 20 all-time favorite DLR holiday pictures, in any category, with our without people in them, what would they be and why? I am very eager to see what people choose - and that is something that everyone should be able to participate in!! For some of the folks in this thread who take such awesome photos to begin with - how could they possibly choose their all-time favorites? It may be easier said than done!


So Monday, 11/14 will be the Holiday Potpourri day, where you can share anything you haven't already shared, or you can post/re-post your favorites.

And then, after that, we hope that people will already be posting new photos from this year's season!!

 

[Sherry E]

I'm sure no one will object if you'd like to post photos of past themes! The only rule in this thread, I believe, is that you must LOVE DLR during the holidays! It's always nice to see photos from different people, everyone has their own perspective. I have seen something "new" in each person's photos, details that I had never noticed before. My photo list for my upcoming trip is growing by leaps and bounds!!

I want to stick with Haunted Mansion Holiday and Nightmare Before Christmas right now - because we're so close to the end of the theme weeks in general. And I've got a stream of mini-themes coming next week. Monday, 11/14 is the day for any that didn't make it into previous weeks' themes (as I explained in my above post, which I guess I was writing while you were typing up yours!).

 

[rentayenta]

I'm sooooo excited Miss Sherry! Park Hoppers bought, GCV reserved, rental car in order, all I have to do is get my butt there!

 

[Sherry E]

I'm sooooo excited Miss Sherry! Park Hoppers bought, GCV reserved, rental car in order, all I have to do is get my butt there!

I'm excited for you, Jenny! It's right around the corner! Although...didn't I just read (and I can't recall in which thread) that you are not going to do the tour after all? That is madness! What happened to change that?

You know, I saw your thread yesterday about the GAT discount Hoppers, and I was trying to tell my out of state friend about the discount you got so she could call and ask what the price would be (she wouldn't need as many Hoppers as you got, though). She was on the prowl for discounts, though she does have a friend who works for Disney who might be helping her out.

And where are those Haunted Mansion Holiday photos? I know you have some - you posted them in the Halloween thread!! Rustle them up!

 

[rentayenta]

I'm excited for you, Jenny! It's right around the corner! Although...didn't I just read (and I can't recall in which thread) that you are not going to do the tour after all? That is madness! What happened to change that?

You know, I saw your thread yesterday about the GAT discount Hoppers, and I was trying to tell my out of state friend about the discount you got so she could call and ask what the price would be (she wouldn't need as many Hoppers as you got, though). She was on the prowl for discounts, though she does have a friend who works for Disney who might be helping her out.

And where are those Haunted Mansion Holiday photos? I know you have some - you posted them in the Halloween thread!! Rustle them up!

The girls talked DS out of going and I don't want to go by myself on the tour. Last time I went on IASW by myself, I cried the entire 16 minutes. Really. Disney alone is so not my thing. I envy those that can do it but I am not one of them.


I'm on it for the photos!


There isn't a limit or minimum on the number of tickets you have to buy at that price. If she decides to call, PM me and I'll give you the name of the girl I work with.

 

[rentayenta]

 

[pattyduke34]

Here are a few pictues that I found in my files..

 

[Sherry E]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

As my friend would say...Snoopy Dance Time!!!! (I know that's not the Snoopy Dance, but it will have to do!)

Not only am I thrilled to see the latest wonderful HMH/NBC photos from Jenny and pattyduke43 (thank you both, ladies!), BUT...

I am about to jump out of my skin! The holiday news is abundant and overflowing for us!

1. The Disney Parks Blog did a holiday piece today: http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...-at-the-disneyland-resort-begins-november-14/


2. A Brand New Official Facebook page for the Disneyland Holiday season has begun: http://www.facebook.com/DisneylandHolidays


And....

3. A brand new piece with BRAND NEW HOLIDAY INFORMATION appeared on Disneyland News today: http://disneylandnews.com/2011/11/0...esort-celebrates-the-season-beginning-nov-14/





NEW TOONTOWN DECORATIONS????? Ahhhhhhhhhhhh! Snoopy Dance Snoopy Dance! A new IASWH Magic, Memories and You display!

I love exciting new information!! I love new holiday stuff! Yay!

 

[areweindisneyyet]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

As my friend would say...Snoopy Dance Time!!!! (I know that's not the Snoopy Dance, but it will have to do!)

Not only am I thrilled to see the latest wonderful HMH/NBC photos from Jenny and pattyduke43 (thank you both, ladies!), BUT...

I am about to jump out of my skin! The holiday news is abundant and overflowing for us!

1. The Disney Parks Blog did a holiday piece today: http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...-at-the-disneyland-resort-begins-november-14/


2. A Brand New Official Facebook page for the Disneyland Holiday season has begun: http://www.facebook.com/DisneylandHolidays


And....

3. A brand new piece with BRAND NEW HOLIDAY INFORMATION appeared on Disneyland News today: http://disneylandnews.com/2011/11/0...esort-celebrates-the-season-beginning-nov-14/





NEW TOONTOWN DECORATIONS????? Ahhhhhhhhhhhh! Snoopy Dance Snoopy Dance! A new IASWH Magic, Memories and You display!

I love exciting new information!! I love new holiday stuff! Yay!

YEAH So very exciting

 

[Sherry E]

And even the new Little Mermaid ride (the facade, not the interior) is going to be decorated for the holidays!!! Yay!

Oh, I am sooooooooo excited!!!! For a while it felt like DLR kept removing stuff from both Christmas time and Halloween Time.

 

[kirstie101]

We will be in the park on friday evening 12/16, and all day saturday 12/17.
Seeing the parade and firworks are a must do for us.
If I stake out a spot on main street for the last parade, should I Just stay there for the fireworks? What are some other good locations for the fireworks? Other good locations for the parade? I mainly want my daughter to experience the "snowfall" since we dont get snow where we live.
For the parades we've always sat on main street, never anywhere else. For the fireworks last week we just watched them from our spots while waiting for Fantasmic to start. This was the first year DD wasn't asleep by the time they started so viewing them at the park is new to us.
Your help is always appreciated!

 

[Goofy_Mom]

We will be in the park on friday evening 12/16, and all day saturday 12/17.
Seeing the parade and firworks are a must do for us.
If I stake out a spot on main street for the last parade, should I Just stay there for the fireworks? What are some other good locations for the fireworks? Other good locations for the parade? I mainly want my daughter to experience the "snowfall" since we dont get snow where we live.
For the parades we've always sat on main street, never anywhere else. For the fireworks last week we just watched them from our spots while waiting for Fantasmic to start. This was the first year DD wasn't asleep by the time they started so viewing them at the park is new to us.
Your help is always appreciated!

I like to watch the parades near IASW. Usually less crowded and most times you don't have to stake out a spot quiete as early as you would on main street. I also believe the fireworks are visible from the same spot, they do have the snow in that area.

I have a question about New Years fireworks. I was thinking of driving down on the 31sth and watching the fireworks in the esplanade (if I can't see them from my hotel room). How many other people have this plan? I know the APs are blocked from the park that day, so it'll be a DTD day for us.

Also, I've seen pics of the castle this year already on mousewait. They've added a very pretty, very large blue bow.

 

[mvf-m11c]

We will be in the park on friday evening 12/16, and all day saturday 12/17.
Seeing the parade and firworks are a must do for us.
If I stake out a spot on main street for the last parade, should I Just stay there for the fireworks? What are some other good locations for the fireworks? Other good locations for the parade? I mainly want my daughter to experience the "snowfall" since we dont get snow where we live.
For the parades we've always sat on main street, never anywhere else. For the fireworks last week we just watched them from our spots while waiting for Fantasmic to start. This was the first year DD wasn't asleep by the time they started so viewing them at the park is new to us.
Your help is always appreciated!

A good spot to watch the parade and still stay in the same spot to watch the fireworks is around the parade route around the front entrance of Tomorrowland. The best spot to watch the fireworks is in front of SB Castle. If you get a front row spot on the curb right by the Hub and trying to watch the parade from that spot, there will be a lot of people in front of you if you try to watch the parade. Another option is having someone watch the firework spot and have another group right at the parade route area so you can watch both shows while not losing the firework spot. It only depends on who doesn't want to watch the parade while the others do. You have to bring a blanket so you can mark your territory for your group since other groups will try to force their way in your area that you saved for quite some time.

For the parade with the least wait time is around IASWH. Around IASWH also is another place where is snows after the fireworks. The fireworks are visible from IASWH, but you won't get the full effects when you watch the fireworks from SB Castle.

 

[Sherry E]

Kirsten - Thank you so much for mentioning the Castle photo on Mouse Wait! I never would have looked there if you hadn't mentioned it! I saw the blue bow!

You know, on Micechat (Dateline Disneyland, which Bret/mvf-m11c referred me to a few days ago), it was mentioned that the decorators finally figured out a way to get the fake 'snow' looking right on the other side of the Castle (in other words, the pink Fantasyland side) so that the giant seams are not so obvious.

So I would bet that now that they have made the 'other' side of the Castle look better, they decided to spruce it up a bit with some extra wreaths and things - and the blue bow!! I don't even think that wreath (where the bow is) was there last year, from what I remember.

I am dying to know what California Adventure is going to look like, both at the entrance and in the areas where they are stepping up the decorations (like in the Paradise Pier locations, such as the lampposts which are getting their own wreaths). Now that the CALIFORNIA letters and Golden Gate Bridge are gone, it's going to be a totally different holiday landscape.

I am super super super anxious to see what the new Toontown tree and decorations look like! I am chomping at the bit for that. (Who will be the first one to post photos of the brand new Toontown decorations in this thread? Who will it be?) Personally, I loved the old Toontown tree, with the oversized colored ornaments. It was one of my favorite trees in all of DLR. I am hoping this new tree doesn't make me long for the old one!

I am anxious to know what exactly has been removed from New Orleans Square this year (what are the "rope sculptures"?), and if the important things like the Mardi Gras masks are still there.

We need people to report in on the little details and touches that are new or just appearing in the parks! There's stuff going up every day.