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

[DisneyMommy403]

Aloha from Hawaii!

We have booked our kid's first trip to Disneyland for November, and we will be visiting the parks on Nov 8-11. Does anyone know if it's a small world will be closed during our stay for the transition to it's a small world holiday? I surely hope it's open, our kids are so excited to go on it. I don't mind if it's regular or holiday decorated, just as long as it's open!

Someone told me it's closed the 1st week of November (and we'll be there the second week) but, another person said they think it's closed until around the 12th or 13th for when the entire park is ready to transition into Holiday mode. That would be a bummer. So if anyone knows (or heard rumors) please fill me in!

Mahalo Nui! A Hui Hou!

 

[mariezp]

mariners1999 -

Another one of our DIS'ers (Mariezp) is going to be there over Thanksgiving as well. I don't know where she is planning to eat. (Marie...are you out there, reading along?)

Well, just based on what I've read in the past, I think that Disneyland Hotel hosts a special buffet dinner on Thanksgiving in one of its banquet rooms.

Also, I think Storytellers Cafe in the Grand Californian probably has some special menu and buffet items for the occasion, and it's a nice cozy place to eat. I would think that Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland Hotel probably has a nice meal too.

Yes, I would have to guess that Napa Rose does something really nice for Thanksgiving, but it's probably tremendously expensive!

I know that Plaza Inn (it's not table service, though) will have some special items on the menu just for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Carnation Cafe probably will as well (though their regular menu is about to change and/or be updated). Carnation Cafe and Plaza Inn usually have pumpkin pie around that time, as well.

Cafe Orleans does something but I can't recall what their special items are.

I think Rancho del Zocalo will have tamales for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

I am here Sherry! It would certainly help me know when I need to show up if the darn DIS notifications went out on a regular basis instead of sporadically. Anyhoo.... this will be our second Thanksgiving trip. Last time we ate at Plaza Inn for lunch. We tried their traditional turkey dinner. My guys thought it was pretty good but I was not all that impressed. I am not a fan of packaged gravy. We had Blue Bayou for dinner and I really did enjoy that meal even though we did not eat traditional Thanksgiving food. I decided to splurge and had the Surf and Turf. It was very good. I, of course, topped it off with my favorite dessert in the park, Creme Brulee.
I imagine that we will most likely do the same again this year since Plaza Inn is their favorite and the whole family loves Blue Bayou. I personally don't care as long as my family gets fed and I don't have to cook!

I think Sherry mentioned most of the places that do a Thanksgiving dinner. From going over my notes, I will add that Goofy’s Kitchen and PCH Grill have also had Thanksgiving offerings in the past.

Aloha from Hawaii!

We have booked our kid's first trip to Disneyland for November, and we will be visiting the parks on Nov 8-11. Does anyone know if it's a small world will be closed during our stay for the transition to it's a small world holiday? I surely hope it's open, our kids are so excited to go on it. I don't mind if it's regular or holiday decorated, just as long as it's open!

Someone told me it's closed the 1st week of November (and we'll be there the second week) but, another person said they think it's closed until around the 12th or 13th for when the entire park is ready to transition into Holiday mode. That would be a bummer. So if anyone knows (or heard rumors) please fill me in!

Mahalo Nui! A Hui Hou!

Someone can correct me if I am wrong but according to my notes I think Small World will generally go down at the end of October to install the holiday overlay.

 

[kangamama]

Hello DISers! SO EXCITED!! We just booked our trip to DLR for 12/25 - 12/28 This will be my first trip to DLR since I was a child, my husband's first trip, my boys' first trip (they will be 18 mos and 5 yrs), and all my kids' grandparents are coming, as well as two uncles and one aunt. We've got rooms at PPH and parkhoppers and everyone is just really excited. We are not planning to tell the kids that we are going -- we live close enough that we can have xmas morning at our house, and Santa will bring the trip to disneyland. My big boy is going to plotz, he'll be so excited. After we are done opening presents, we'll drive down to Anaheim (we are in the Bay Area), hopefully in time to have xmas dinner at one of the DTD restaurants.

This thread is great for planning -- thanks to all who have contributed!

Lots of plans to make. Looting forward to all of it.

 

[kaoden39]

Hello DISers! SO EXCITED!! We just booked our trip to DLR for 12/25 - 12/28 This will be my first trip to DLR since I was a child, my husband's first trip, my boys' first trip (they will be 18 mos and 5 yrs), and all my kids' grandparents are coming, as well as two uncles and one aunt. We've got rooms at PPH and parkhoppers and everyone is just really excited. We are not planning to tell the kids that we are going -- we live close enough that we can have xmas morning at our house, and Santa will bring the trip to disneyland. My big boy is going to plotz, he'll be so excited. After we are done opening presents, we'll drive down to Anaheim (we are in the Bay Area), hopefully in time to have xmas dinner at one of the DTD restaurants.

This thread is great for planning -- thanks to all who have contributed!

Lots of plans to make. Looting forward to all of it.

Oh that is fantastic!! I am sure you will have a great time!!

 

[DisneyMommy403]

Someone can correct me if I am wrong but according to my notes I think Small World will generally go down at the end of October to install the holiday overlay.

Whew! I hope you're right! *crossing fingers*

My children just learned that Disneyland is an actual place you can visit (not just on TV) and they have the "it's a small world" e-book on my iphone, and they listen to the "Disney, Music Behind the Magic" cds all the time (which of course has "it's a small world") So, I think it would be such a bummer if they didn't get to experience it.

I really hope you're right! We're surprising them with this trip too!

 

[Vala]

Someone can correct me if I am wrong but according to my notes I think Small World will generally go down at the end of October to install the holiday overlay.

End of October is correct. But they don't usually open again before second weekend in November. With the dates being so weird this year that would mean either coming back on November 9 or November 16.

We usually go home middle of second week and always miss re-opening by a couple of days.

 

[DisneyMommy403]

End of October is correct. But they don't usually open again before second weekend in November. With the dates being so weird this year that would mean either coming back on November 9 or November 16.

We usually go home middle of second week and always miss re-opening by a couple of days.

If that's the case, I am crossing my fingers for the 9th! Ahhh!! The unknowing is driving me crazy... or maybe it's all the anticipation and excitement... either way, I'm losing my mind!

 

[kangamama]

I hope it will be open for your kids!

 

[DharmaLou]

We have it narrowed down between Storytellers and Goofy's Kitchen for Thanksgiving dinner. I'd love to do the big dinner in the ballroom, but just can't justify that price.

 

[Vala]

If that's the case, I am crossing my fingers for the 9th! Ahhh!! The unknowing is driving me crazy... or maybe it's all the anticipation and excitement... either way, I'm losing my mind!

When the dates for the Christmas season come on that will be a good pointer I think. So hopefully not too long.

 

[DisneyMommy403]

I hope it will be open for your kids!

Thank You!

 

[DisneyMommy403]

Thank You all for your insight and suggestions! I definitely came to the right place to help plan the best trip possible for my kids!

 

[Echo queen]

Whew! I hope you're right! *crossing fingers*

My children just learned that Disneyland is an actual place you can visit (not just on TV) and they have the "it's a small world" e-book on my iphone, and they listen to the "Disney, Music Behind the Magic" cds all the time (which of course has "it's a small world") So, I think it would be such a bummer if they didn't get to experience it.

I really hope you're right! We're surprising them with this trip too!

That's funny when I was a kid I didn't think it was a place you could visit either.

 

[Sherry E]

Sort of off the holiday season topic for a minute, I just wanted to let you all know that I attended the AP preview for Cars Land/Buena Vista Street 2 days ago (Saturday, 6/9/12), and have begun posting lots and lots of photos (and a few observations/opinions) in my existing TR thread. I've only scratched the surface!

I know there's a lot of excitement and curiosity about Cars Land and Buena Vista Street - some folks don't want the surprise to be spoiled (totally understandable), while others want to see as many photos as possible (totally understandable!). So if you are interested in seeing what I've already posted and what I will continue to post today, here is the link (which should take you to Page 180 of my TR; then go to Post #2695):

CARS LAND MANIA (and Buena Vista Street too)! Cars Land/Buena Vista Street photos start on Page 180/Post #2695


I took just under 750 photos in about 9.5 hours on Saturday, but that also included a stop in DL too (after I tore myself away from Cars Land, Buena Vista Street and Ghirardelli, that is!).


When I strolled through these 2 amazing new lands (and they are both awesome in their own unique ways, making very good additions to DCA!), I tried to envision how or if they could be decorated for Halloween Time and the holiday season (I am always thinking with a Halloween/Christmas kind of angle at DLR!) - maybe not this year, but eventually.

Because of its fun, whimsical nature, I can totally picture Cars Land getting both Halloween and Christmas touches - in fact, there is a 'tower of tires' in the center of Radiator Springs that is just begging for some colored holiday lights or ornaments.

As for Buena Vista Street, I'm not sure about Halloween Time being a good fit but BVS is definitely perfect for Christmas time merriment, lights, carolers, holiday music, etc. - no doubt about that! I confess, I am almost more excited for this upcoming holiday season (as if I'm not usually excited enough!) than previous ones because I want to see what will happen in Cars Land and Buena Vista Street!!

More than anything, I think we can all agree that California Adventure - while being decorated - has always paled in comparison to Disneyland in terms of holiday festivities and beauty. It always felt very imbalanced to me - Disneyland got all the fun decorations and DCA was kind of...bare. With these 2 new lands, I hope the holiday season's offerings will seem a little less lopsided!

 

[monkey30]

I am here watching to see what is happening!

I am hoping to get down there for Nov 28-dec 2. It will be a Girls weekend away, and I will be taking a friend who has never been to Disney! I can not wait! Now if those pesky flights would come down, it would mean more mickey money!!!

 

[tksbaskets]

Thanks for the update Sherry! I can't wait to live vicariously through this thread and see what may be in store for us at DCA this holiday season!

 

[Sherry E]

TK -

Don't be surprised if it is suddenly announced that Trolley Treats on Buena Vista Street is going to be making the famous fresh candy canes!!! I think it's going to happen!

I assume that Candy Palace would still be making their own candy canes too - it's such a tradition to do it there, and now they have an expanded space - but perhaps by including Trolley Treats in the candy-making efforts it would give more people a chance to get them, since they are such a hot commodity and they go so fast!

 

[cpster]

Hi everyone -- We're hoping to go the week after Thanksgiving and it will be our first time at DL during the holidays so I thought I would check in here. Have the dates for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party been announced yet? Thanks so much!

 

[tksbaskets]

TK -

Don't be surprised if it is suddenly announced that Trolley Treats on Buena Vista Street is going to be making the famous fresh candy canes!!! I think it's going to happen!

I assume that Candy Palace would still be making their own candy canes too - it's such a tradition to do it there, and now they have an expanded space - but perhaps by including Trolley Treats in the candy-making efforts it would give more people a chance to get them, since they are such a hot commodity and they go so fast!

WOW that would be great!! We'll have to see what Disney has in store for us this Christmas.

 

[TigerlilyAJ]

Couple of questions as I continue to NOT buy plane tickets because I don't know when Christmas time will start this year ::grumble:grumble::
1) On the H'ween thread, someone went to the Gay Days site and found a mention of some days during GD when the park would be closing early for a "special event." Because the days mentioned were all Tuesdays and Fridays, some of us feel safe assuming that those are nights for the as yet unannounced Mickey's Halloween Parties. Are there any similar November events like Gay Days where we could look for mentions to try and better guess at either the start time for Christmas or for when Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party might occur?

2) Wait, does DL even do Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party? I thought that was a WDW thing?

3) Is the WDW Christmas start date any clue at all for when DL will start? I love that WDW includes all of Veteran's Day weekend in for the start of Christmas, nice and early.