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

[rentayenta]

I could be wrong - and hopefully Bret or someone will jump in and confirm or deny what I am saying - but I think that even if there is just a light sprinkling of rain, everything you mentioned is at least postponed (or cancelled). The fireworks would be postponed. I'm sure the snow would be too - the snow is so light and hard to see that any rain drops would obliterate it or wash it away!! It would ruin the whole snowy effect! I think Fantasmic would be postponed or cancelled as well (depending on the severity of the rain and how long it is predicted to last). What the Dining folks would probably try to do is reschedule you to another Fantasmic time, and you may or may not be able to make that showing.

You are correct, even a slight drizzle postpones in the best case but I've only been postponed once. I've had canceling happen more often.

 

[emacat]

We're getting closer! We're getting closer!

Oh, fellow Dis'ers, I have so little time to get on here anymore (2 jobs and a kid- ) but I love knowing that when I cruise on the boards, there will be lots of lovely pictures and fascinating debates. This christmas thread is so fun to read!

I'm now stuck in do I/don't I rent a car. There is a charge for the valet, but it would be nice to just grab a car, drive to the resort, have a car ready if we do want one and for our day out and about, and for when we go back to the airport....

 

[dalstitch45]

I was really getting excited about booking the Holiday Tour for Dec. 4 or 5. Sadly, I was told by three (3) different CM's, there are no Holiday Tours during CP weekend. I guess I will just concentrate on taking all the photos I want to post, and book the Tour for later in the week.

 

[LisainCalifornia]

Sherry,
I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy reading your threads and trip reports. Chock-full of humor, love of Disneyland, and most of all--love for Disneyland at Holiday time! I don't know that many people in my real life that love Disneyland as much as I do, so I come here to get my fill--and you serve it up so well.

We are going for Christmas time again this year (December 8-10) and I have been reading through this thread for the last few days.

I appreciate everyone who contributes to it.

We will be staying at the Grand Californian this trip. We had originally booked the Paradise Pier, but with the AP rate of 30% off, we decided to make the switch. I do love the Grand Californian at Christmas time--it is so old fashioned Christmas, and there is nothing else like it.

 

[Eeee-va]

Do they still show Fantasmic if it's light rain? We got premium seats for Sunday the 13th. And I am guessing snow and fireworks won't happen in the rain, even if it's sprinkling?

In December 2009 it rained a couple nights of our trip, starting I believe Friday evening. The first Fantasmic! DID happen in Friday's rather light sprinkling of rain, but not the second, if I recall correctly (it started to rain more then, too). I don't think the parade happened due to sprinkling. Fireworks went off Friday, again, if I recall correctly (I think we were in Downtown Disney at the time). I can't speak for snow but the ground can get even slicker with the "snow" and rain, so I would not expect it.

Saturday, it rained harder and they didn't even try to run Fantasmic!. I don't think the fireworks happened either.

I'm not sure what the CURRENT policies are, but in 2009 they did seem to try to do what they could do as far as running shows. In your case, forecasts are still plenty far enough away to change.

 

[KCmike]

 

[Goofy_Mom]

Next to NOS, I think Frontierland is my favaorite Christmas decor area. Nice shot.

 

[ssuriano]

I'll be in Anaheim on Monday (11/7) for an interview. If any DIS'ers want to grab a drink and watch Monday Night Football let me know.

 

[wdwmickey]

Our family Christmas trip to see Mickey has turned into a "mommy & me" Christmas trip. DH and DD1 are staying home (DD1 is saving her money to go to NYC in February).

Now that it will just be me and DD2 we'll be able to spend as much time as we want taking pictures So I'm looking for photo scavenger hunt ideas/themes. Here's what I have so far:

Trees--how many are there?
Wreaths--how many are there?
Santa
Holiday treats
Characters in holiday attire

Anyone have some other ideas for us? DD is 16 and loves unusual angles or photo ideas. Thanks so much

 

[rentayenta]

Our family Christmas trip to see Mickey has turned into a "mommy & me" Christmas trip. DH and DD1 are staying home (DD1 is saving her money to go to NYC in February).

Now that it will just be me and DD2 we'll be able to spend as much time as we want taking pictures So I'm looking for photo scavenger hunt ideas/themes. Here's what I have so far:

Trees--how many are there?
Wreaths--how many are there?
Santa
Holiday treats
Characters in holiday attire

Anyone have some other ideas for us? DD is 16 and loves unusual angles or photo ideas. Thanks so much

I think the hunt is a great idea! I'm thinking NOS would have some fun ideas with the masks.

 

[canadadisney]

I've tried searching "Disneyland Holiday" on facebook and I can't find the page. What do I need to search for to find this?

 

[wdwmickey]

I think the hunt is a great idea! I'm thinking NOS would have some fun ideas with the masks.

Ooh, I love that idea Thanks

 

[pudinhd]

Our family Christmas trip to see Mickey has turned into a "mommy & me" Christmas trip. DH and DD1 are staying home (DD1 is saving her money to go to NYC in February).

Now that it will just be me and DD2 we'll be able to spend as much time as we want taking pictures So I'm looking for photo scavenger hunt ideas/themes. Here's what I have so far:

Trees--how many are there?
Wreaths--how many are there?
Santa
Holiday treats
Characters in holiday attire

Anyone have some other ideas for us? DD is 16 and loves unusual angles or photo ideas. Thanks so much

I bookmarked this thread a while ago and your post reminded me of it. Have fun!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2765604

 

[Sherry E]

I've tried searching "Disneyland Holiday" on facebook and I can't find the page. What do I need to search for to find this?

canadadisney -

In this post from 2 pages back, I provided the link to the Facebook page - just click right on it:

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43135833&postcount=1714

 

[Sherry E]

Our family Christmas trip to see Mickey has turned into a "mommy & me" Christmas trip. DH and DD1 are staying home (DD1 is saving her money to go to NYC in February).

Now that it will just be me and DD2 we'll be able to spend as much time as we want taking pictures So I'm looking for photo scavenger hunt ideas/themes. Here's what I have so far:

Trees--how many are there?
Wreaths--how many are there?
Santa
Holiday treats
Characters in holiday attire

Anyone have some other ideas for us? DD is 16 and loves unusual angles or photo ideas. Thanks so much

Cheryl -

So basically, it sounds like you want to join us in Tree Quest, Wreath Quest and Santa Quest (those were the names I gave them last year)!! As you can see in this thread, there are many trees and wreaths.

Last time I heard any numbers or stats, there were 700 trees all around the entire resort, including all the trees in restaurants, shops, shop displays, window displays, Downtown Disney, all of the hotels, all kinds of trees at the Reindeer Round-Up, etc. Some of them are tiny. Some of them are huge. Some of them are decorated and some are bare. Some are hidden away and some are very obvious. Remember to find them in places like inside IASWH and in the parade, too! There are even small, fake "candy" trees on the upper shelves of Marceline's Confectionery and on top of rack displays in World of Disney.

I never heard any stats on the number of wreaths, but there are lots of them.

There are 5 Santas around DLR - one in each park and one at each hotel (but the 3 hotel Santas will most likely not be at their posts in the hotels until Thanksgiving-ish, or right after that). I had planned to hit all the Santa spots last year and never made it.

As for the masks in New Orleans Square (and there's been a Mask Quest too!), the last time I saw a number for those, I think I read that there are maybe 12 or 14 of them? It was not any more than 14, I know that. And at least a couple of them are identical, I believe. This year I am not sure if all of the masks will be up or if some were left out - with New Orleans Square, you never know what DLR has added in or taken away. Some of them are along the alleys of NOS, and some are on the periphery of NOS, like facing Royal Street Veranda or Cafe Orleans or whatever.

This year I am doing - along with the usual Tree and Wreath Quests, and Santa Quest - a little something called "Frosty Quest," which is the hunt for all the different snowmen images/figures in DLR, whether they be paintings or actual decorations, or topiaries, or whatever. So that's another idea for you.

 

[MusicalDisneyDreams]

I bookmarked this thread a while ago and your post reminded me of it. Have fun!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2765604

Thanks so much! My momma and I have been looking for this thread, but couldn't find it.

Cheryl -

So basically, it sounds like you want to join us in Tree Quest, Wreath Quest and Santa Quest (those were the names I gave them last year)!! As you can see in this thread, there are many trees and wreaths.

Last time I heard any numbers or stats, there were 700 trees all around the entire resort, including all the trees in restaurants, shops, shop displays, window displays, Downtown Disney, all of the hotels, all kinds of trees at the Reindeer Round-Up, etc. Some of them are tiny. Some of them are huge. Some of them are decorated and some are bare. Some are hidden away and some are very obvious. Remember to find them in places like inside IASWH and in the parade, too! There are even small, fake "candy" trees on the upper shelves of Marceline's Confectionery and on top of rack displays in World of Disney.

I never heard any stats on the number of wreaths, but there are lots of them.

There are 5 Santas around DLR - one in each park and one at each hotel (but the 3 hotel Santas will most likely not be at their posts in the hotels until Thanksgiving-ish, or right after that). I had planned to hit all the Santa spots last year and never made it.

As for the masks in New Orleans Square (and there's been a Mask Quest too!), the last time I saw a number for those, I think I read that there are maybe 12 or 14 of them? It was not any more than 14, I know that. And at least a couple of them are identical, I believe. This year I am not sure if all of the masks will be up or if some were left out - with New Orleans Square, you never know what DLR has added in or taken away. Some of them are along the alleys of NOS, and some are on the periphery of NOS, like facing Royal Street Veranda or Cafe Orleans or whatever.

This year I am doing - along with the usual Tree and Wreath Quests, and Santa Quest - a little something called "Frosty Quest," which is the hunt for all the different snowmen images/figures in DLR, whether they be paintings or actual decorations, or topiaries, or whatever. So that's another idea for you.

Thanks so much, Sherry! My momma knew you'd have all the answers.

 

[Sherry E]

Sherry,
I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy reading your threads and trip reports. Chock-full of humor, love of Disneyland, and most of all--love for Disneyland at Holiday time! I don't know that many people in my real life that love Disneyland as much as I do, so I come here to get my fill--and you serve it up so well.

We are going for Christmas time again this year (December 8-10) and I have been reading through this thread for the last few days.

I appreciate everyone who contributes to it.

We will be staying at the Grand Californian this trip. We had originally booked the Paradise Pier, but with the AP rate of 30% off, we decided to make the switch. I do love the Grand Californian at Christmas time--it is so old fashioned Christmas, and there is nothing else like it.

Lisa -

Thank you so much for the extremely kind words! I really, really appreciate it - and I am so glad you've joined us here!

I have to agree - I don't know too many people (away from this board/forum) who love DLR as much as I do, let alone during the holidays..or the holidays at DLR. Everyone has their 'thing' that they love in life, but it is certainly not Disneyland for many people...which is, I guess, a good thing, or else the parks would be filled to capacity all the time and we'd never be able to get in or move around!

I have to agree about the GCH at Christmas time - I could go all year without staying at the GCH (simply because of price) and be perfectly fine staying at the PPH. I actually prefer the rooms at the PPH over the rooms at the GCH.

But, I must admit - as much as I like the PPH, I tend to find myself wishing I could stay at the GCH again one of these holiday seasons. The last time I did a Christmas time GCH stay was 4 years ago - it was the weekend right before the holiday and Christmas was really in the air. The lobby/hearth was bustling with activity, as lots of people with rosy cheeks came inside to relax and pose by the tree.

I am not sure why staying at the GCH seems so necessary to me in December, because I still go over to the GCH lobby and enjoy all the seasonal merriment anyway, even when staying at the PPH. I will still plunk down in a chair and listen to carolers and watch people pose by the tree, with Santa. For some reason, actually staying onsite at the GCH during the Christmas season felt different and more special to me than staying at the PPH. I love love love the PPH Christmas tree - it is gorgeous in person. But the tree in the GCH really helps to set the whole scene because it fits in the context of that setting so well, and because the area surrounding the GCH tree is very welcoming and inviting.


Anyway, you mentioned my TR's or threads being "chock-full of humor." That made me giggle because yesterday, out of nowhere, I found myself watching - of all things - the Hallmark Channel. This is a channel I never watch at all - I am way too snarky and cynical for that kind of channel! Now I love me some hokey Christmas specials (like all the Rankin Bass clay puppet specials of decades ago), but the Hallmark is a bit too sappy for me most of the time.

BUT - yesterday the Hallmark Channel was having a Christmas TV movie marathon (yes, a Christmas movie marathon on November 5th!). They called it their "Open House." And I got roped in!! One movie after another was about some sort of young career woman who didn't like Christmas, and, of course, by the end of the movies they are all in love with Christmas and in love with some new guy.

One movie featured a town called "Mistletoe," and it was a whole year-round Christmas-themed town with Christmas-y names for all the shops, diners and hotels. Everyone in the town loved Santa and Christmas, and there were gorgeous Christmas lights and decorations everywhere.

Now...realistically, I know I could not live in a Christmas town like that year-round because I would lose my love of Christmas if I did. There would be no novelty to it. But I kept thinking, "Wow! What an awesome place to go and stay for a Christmas vacation!" It would be an awesome holiday trip idea, if a town such as Mistletoe existed!

So by the end of this ridiculous Hallmark Channel movie marathon, I was thinking, "What's happened to me? I am losing my edge!" I was suddenly all gung ho for the holiday season and in the Christmas spirit!! And what better way to celebrate that Christmas spirit than at DLR?






A new Monday/weekly theme comes tomorrow, everyone - and then we start counting down the season every day with a new mini-theme, until we hit November 14th! It's almost here!!!

 

[Sherry E]

Thanks so much! My momma and I have been looking for this thread, but couldn't find it.



Thanks so much, Sherry! My momma knew you'd have all the answers.

You're very welcome! I certainly don't have all of the answers, but some things I can answer! I hope the scavenger hunts and Quests are lots of fun for you - and maybe, as you go along with each one, you will be inspired with ideas for more Quests and hunts!!

I was mainly thinking of the holiday-themes Quests, but, of course, there are tons of ideas for things to scout out around the whole Resort - light fixtures/lamps, signs (shops, restaurants, rides), topiaries, statues, Hidden Mickeys, etc. Even the trash cans around DLR can be quite interesting!

 

[KCmike]

 

[LisainCalifornia]

Sherry,
That movie about the town of Mistletoe is called "Farewell Mr. Kringle"--and I love it! It is pure sappy goodness I am going to DVR some of those Hallmark channel Christmas shows this year, so I can watch them when I have the time.

I know you will have a great time at Paradise Pier Hotel. The tree there is super cool. The colors are very pretty.

This year I feel like I am getting into Christmas early. My mom died a few years ago right around Christmas time, so the next year (last year) I just sort of went through the motions of the season but was thinking about her a lot. This year I feel like I have gotten some of my Christmas spirit back (as my mom would have wanted!)--and I am just going to appreciate all of the lovely parts of the season.

Thanks for your message! I am excited to be joining in here with everyone.
Lisa