Disneyland at Christmas/Holiday Season Superthread #3!- HOLIDAYS BEGIN 11/12/13!!

[Lucrezia]

So, another question.......
which "nicer" meal do you prefer at DLR/DTD/DCA? We're already doing the Carthay Circle WOC package......and Blue Bayou. Would it be between Napa Rose and Steakhouse 55? Which would you choose?

As for the "nicer" meals... Personally, I would choose Steakhouse 55 -- just because that suits my tastes more. Steakhouse 55 also gets pretty good reviews of its breakfast as well, which I have never tried.

However, I will say that Napa Rose almost always gets rave reviews from everyone who eats there. There are rarely any bad NR reviews. So if you are a foodie and you like fine dining, I think NR would be a good choice for a nice meal.

I'm with Sherry here. Admittedly, I've never tried Napa Rose, but my fiancé looked at the menu and said it's "too weird." Lol. Steakhouse 55, on the other hand, is just one of those restaurants you have to go to each time (for me, anyway). That and Blue Bayou are the two places I make a reservation for each time I do Disney. They're just great. On another subject, I am so loving this theme week!! BVS is just... argh. I'm without words. I adore it!! The retro Christmas decor is right up my alley (my DF actually owns a cocktail lounge in San Francisco with a similar old-fashion look to it that really really reminds me of BVS). I'm a little worried I won't get to spend too much time there when I actually go, though, because of my niece's character fear. BVS and Main Street always seem pretty loaded with Mickey and pals. Which makes me even gladder I get to see everyone's pictures now, in case I don't get "the full experience" when I'm actually there lol.

 

[egritz]

Okay...any feedback? This is for the 2nd week in December - 9-14th

Monday: Appx arrival in parks is 3pm – Going to DL. Try to hit Pirates & Haunted Mansion. If we run late will just try to get a spot for the 4 pm parade. And watch Castle Lighting
Poss hit Princess Fantasy Fair
do any rides or characters w/ minimal waits.
Poss take Monorail to exit if on that side of park. Or maybe Railroad to DL Main entrance
If weather forecast for the week is questionable stay late for Fireworks. Other wise leave by 6-6:30, grab dinner in DTD (poss take back to hotel to eat).

Tuesday: EE @8am for DL – try to get ALL of Fantasyland done (Peter Pan, Dumbo, Snow White, Pinocchio, Alice in Wonderland,Tea Cups, Carousel, Small World – can we get it done by 10am? Don’t know but we’ll try!
Go to Toon Town & ride coaster (daughter’s 1st!!), explore Mickey & Minnie’s houses
Check line for Nemo on way out, Buzz (look for character too)
Princess Fantasy Fair???
(Contemplating a 10:30 ADR for Minnie & Friends)
<<Break for Poss Nap?>>
Return to DL in time to stake a spot for 4pm parade, castle lighting?
Jungle Cruise, Tiki Room, Pooh (?) & Pooh Characters if they are out
Rapunzel & Pixie Hollow?
Jingle Jangle Jamboree
Pixie Hollow lighting thing?
8:45 Fireworks

Wednesday: DCA 9am (they will have EE this morning)
Monster’s Inc & Pixar characters
Go to TSM & check line, ride carousel while waiting for Woody & Jessie characters
Bug’s Land Rides(all but the show) & Car’s Land Rides (all but RS)
10:30-1:30 – Disney Visa Character Meet n Greet
12:40 Aladdin Show (rest instead of nap?)
Golden Zephyr
Little Mermaid
Characters/Fillers
5:15 Parade
6:00? Dinner at Storytellers & visit GCH Santa

Thursday: Morning in DL (has EE) & Afternoon in DCA
??10:30 ADR for Minnie & Friends
Storybook Canal / Casey Jr Circus Train (scheduled to open from refurbishment on Thursday)
Basically get to anything we didn’t do on Tuesday in DL & Wed in DCA.
Poss take a nap
When headed back to hotel go to DLH for Santa / Tree

Friday: Knott’s Berry Farm / 7:50 ADR @Surf’s Up – also see PPH Santa at 9

Saturday: TBD – DCA &/or DL for whatever we missed. Leave by noon to return to hotel to catch car to airport. Grab lunch in DTD on way out.
(cont 10:30 ADR at Surf’s up if we decide against doing it on Friday)
If in DCA do the Visa Character Meet n Greet

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

Okay...any feedback? This is for the 2nd week in December - 9-14th

Monday: Appx arrival in parks is 3pm &#150; Going to DL. Try to hit Pirates & Haunted Mansion. If we run late will just try to get a spot for the 4 pm parade. And watch Castle Lighting
Poss hit Princess Fantasy Fair
do any rides or characters w/ minimal waits.
Poss take Monorail to exit if on that side of park. Or maybe Railroad to DL Main entrance
If weather forecast for the week is questionable stay late for Fireworks. Other wise leave by 6-6:30, grab dinner in DTD (poss take back to hotel to eat).

Tuesday: EE @8am for DL &#150; try to get ALL of Fantasyland done (Peter Pan, Dumbo, Snow White, Pinocchio, Alice in Wonderland,Tea Cups, Carousel, Small World &#150; can we get it done by 10am? Don&#146;t know but we&#146;ll try!
Go to Toon Town & ride coaster (daughter&#146;s 1st!!), explore Mickey & Minnie&#146;s houses
Check line for Nemo on way out, Buzz (look for character too)
Princess Fantasy Fair???
(Contemplating a 10:30 ADR for Minnie & Friends)
<<Break for Poss Nap?>>
Return to DL in time to stake a spot for 4pm parade, castle lighting?
Jungle Cruise, Tiki Room, Pooh (?) & Pooh Characters if they are out
Rapunzel & Pixie Hollow?
Jingle Jangle Jamboree
Pixie Hollow lighting thing?
8:45 Fireworks

Wednesday: DCA 9am (they will have EE this morning)
Monster&#146;s Inc & Pixar characters
Go to TSM & check line, ride carousel while waiting for Woody & Jessie characters
Bug&#146;s Land Rides(all but the show) & Car&#146;s Land Rides (all but RS)
10:30-1:30 &#150; Disney Visa Character Meet n Greet
12:40 Aladdin Show (rest instead of nap?)
Golden Zephyr
Little Mermaid
Characters/Fillers
5:15 Parade
6:00? Dinner at Storytellers & visit GCH Santa

Thursday: Morning in DL (has EE) & Afternoon in DCA
??10:30 ADR for Minnie & Friends
Storybook Canal / Casey Jr Circus Train (scheduled to open from refurbishment on Thursday)
Basically get to anything we didn&#146;t do on Tuesday in DL & Wed in DCA.
Poss take a nap
When headed back to hotel go to DLH for Santa / Tree

Friday: Knott&#146;s Berry Farm / 7:50 ADR @Surf&#146;s Up &#150; also see PPH Santa at 9

Saturday: TBD &#150; DCA &/or DL for whatever we missed. Leave by noon to return to hotel to catch car to airport. Grab lunch in DTD on way out.
(cont 10:30 ADR at Surf&#146;s up if we decide against doing it on Friday)
If in DCA do the Visa Character Meet n Greet

It looks good. My only suggestion would be that if they characters are important to you, you move them earlier in the day. I see you have a few planned after 3-4pm and while you may get lucky, they tend to wind down at that time. The scheduled ones, that is (Rapunzel, Pixie Hollow, Pooh) - we found the characters at Jingle Jangle Jamboree stayed out pretty late.

 

[PHXscuba]

Does the Pixar Parade in DCA go by the Buena Vista tree? I think we'll only have one evening we'll be able to be in DCA and would like to see both the parade (5:15) & tree lighting (5:00), but the parade is the priority for DD2. It is actually a "must-do"/camp out for a spot for this trip.

If the parade doesn't go by the tree (and I'm guessing it doesn't, I really can't remember) any suggestions on best place to watch the parade for a quick exit to GCH?

I haven't seen it and I don't know where the Buena Vista tree is -- someone else will have to chime in -- but the Pixar Play parade route (I have my map from last month) in that part of the park passes the entrance to Cars Land, passes in front of the Carthay Circle restaurant, and heads right into Hollywood Land down the trolley tracks. If the BV tree is way up front at the park entrance, the parade won't pass it. If the tree is near the Walt/Mickey statue, you'll be in a perfect spot to do both.

PHXscuba

 

[egritz]

I haven't seen it and I don't know where the Buena Vista tree is -- someone else will have to chime in -- but the Pixar Play parade route (I have my map from last month) in that part of the park passes the entrance to Cars Land, passes in front of the Carthay Circle restaurant, and heads right into Hollywood Land down the trolley tracks. If the BV tree is way up front at the park entrance, the parade won't pass it. If the tree is near the Walt/Mickey statue, you'll be in a perfect spot to do both.

PHXscuba

That was my hope - but I don't know where the tree is either.

It looks good. My only suggestion would be that if they characters are important to you, you move them earlier in the day. I see you have a few planned after 3-4pm and while you may get lucky, they tend to wind down at that time. The scheduled ones, that is (Rapunzel, Pixie Hollow, Pooh) - we found the characters at Jingle Jangle Jamboree stayed out pretty late.

Thanks for pointing that out. I never know when is a good time! I do remember that characters in DCA tend to stop coming out around 3pm. Maybe JJ will be our evening plan. I wonder if there is a character super thread with regular/known locations/times...Sherry?

 

[Sherry E]

The BVS tree is not right at the entrance to DCA. You have to walk into DCA a ways before you get to the tree. I guess it's closer to the Storytellers statue. For some reason I wasn't picturing that layout in my mind (and I certainly saw the tree enough times last year), but the tree is definitely not at the entrance.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

The BVS tree is not right at the entrance to DCA. You have to walk into DCA a ways before you get to the tree. I guess it's closer to the Storytellers statue. For some reason I wasn't picturing that layout in my mind (and I certainly saw the tree enough times last year), but the tree is definitely not at the entrance.

Isn't it at the end of Buena Vista Street, on the left side if facing into the parks? I'm trying to remember myself how far down BVS it is - you'd think I'd remember as well!

 

[Sherry E]

Isn't it at the end of Buena Vista Street, on the left side if facing into the parks? I'm trying to remember myself how far down BVS it is - you'd think I'd remember as well!

I know! A whole lot of help we are, huh? We actually were there and saw the tree and yet can't place it in the overall layout!

I'm trying to visualize my path, walking into DCA, down the street, hearing the holiday music... Why am I blanking out, considering as many times as I walked back and forth along that street?

Yes, I think you're right, Jamie. It's to the left when you reach the end of the street, but not at the entrance.

 

[egritz]

So is it near the fountain?

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

So is it near the fountain?

Sort of. On this map, it is exactly where it says "Buena Vista Street" on that green dot. So across from the fountain.

ETA: Or that's where it was in my mind at least

 

[egritz]

Sort of. On this map, it is exactly where it says "Buena Vista Street" on that green dot. So across from the fountain.

ETA: Or that's where it was in my mind at least

Cool, that was where I was thinking it might be...so looking at this image of the parade route I think they are both in the same area and we might get lucky...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/67620175@N04/6154841793/lightbox/
(the image tag thing didn't work...showed broken on my browser)

 

[mvf-m11c]

Bret --

You were absolutely correct. You didn't write anything down incorrectly! I think that the CP-related crowds are a combination of people arriving early in the day to see it later that night; people arriving early in the day so they can avoid Disneyland later that night; people standing in Town Square to view the CP; and people moving through Town Square to avoid the CP! In other words, the crowds trying to avoid the crowds end up contributing to the issue as well.

You're correct -- the crowds around the Castle and the Partners statue can get awful as well, because people stake out their viewing spots for the fireworks, and then crowds try to get around those people to go one way or the other -- so the crowds who are moving in one direction or another end up contributing to the issue too.

The parades can also have that effect -- the people waiting for the parade are one issue, but the people trying to get around the people waiting for the parade are another issue. One thing that drives me nuts is when I can't get where I need to go because of the parade route and the various areas that are roped off.

I wonder what effect Winter Dreams is going to have on the nighttime crowds in DCA this year?

The DLR CMs have their hands full with crowd control and trying to direct masses of people in certain directions. Sometimes they do a good job of it, and other times it doesn't make much sense!

Thank you for posting that gingerbread house picture from Carthay Circle! I thought I remembered seeing it in your TR, but I didn't want you to forget to post it while we're in Buena Vista Street/Hollywood Land Theme Week!

I didn't get to see that specific Carthay Circle gingerbread house in person -- nor was I able to get to the house that was in the Fiddler, Fifer and Practical Cafe because there were way too many people in the restaurant. I hope I can get to it this year.

There will be people waiting for hours to get the best spot to see special events like the CP and in front of SB Castle during New Years Eve. Even though I have waited for hours to see the fireworks, WoC, etc. I would stake out a spot for those special events as long as I have other people with me so I won't have to be staking a spot for 8+ hours.

It is always crazy with the crowds trying to find a good spot to watch the fireworks in front of SB Castle. I am one of those people who are willing to stake out a spot for the fireworks and it can get really ugly. I have seen people step on other people while walking through.

The parades definitely have the same effect as the fireworks. It is crazy every time when I try to get through the guests during the parade (especially at the buildings on Main Street where it is roped off). The people that are in a walking area stop to see the parade which they do and it just causes the walkway to go slower.

It will be interesting to hear and see what the effects of the new WoC show Winter Dreams have effect at DCA. But also with the WoC FP's that the guests might try to get it first where it has been easy to get a WoC FP in the morning these last few years. The people lining up even earlier just to get a good spot to see the show. Maybe on the opening night that it will be insane but I am hoping that it won't be like that during my November trip.

The CM's do have a hard job with the crowd control.

I was about to post the gingerbread house at the Carthay Circle Restaurant in the BVS/Hollywood Land Theme Week but I wanted to show pictures of BVS and Hollywood Land first and not from inside the Carthay Circle Restaurant.

I am ready to get a lot of photos of the Christmas decorations around the DLR. But I am looking forward to seeing the Christmas decorations at the DLR hotels which I haven't seen these last few years where the decorations aren't up in mid November.

If the parade doesn't go by the tree (and I'm guessing it doesn't, I really can't remember) any suggestions on best place to watch the parade for a quick exit to GCH?

You can see the BVS Christmas tree when watching the Pixar parade which is across from the Carthay Circle Restaurant and right at the Elias & Company store.

Here is a picture of the tree right by the Elias & Company store

The best place to watch the parade and leave the park towards the GCH is right by the Little Mermaid ride which is where the parade route goes.

Bret/mvf-m11c probably knows the exact route and where to get the best view of the Pixar parade where you can escape quickly to the GCH.

Here is a picture of the map of DCA that I got from the September trip and the red dots shows the parade route which starts from the Tower of Terror in Hollywood Land and passed by BVS and passes by the entrance to Cars land. It goes towards Paradise Pier and it ends right around the Boardwalk, Pizza & Pasta restaurant/Silly Symphony Swings.

 

[egritz]

You can see the BVS Christmas tree when watching the Pixar parade which is across from the Carthay Circle Restaurant and right at the Elias & Company store.

Here is a picture of the tree right by the Elias & Company store

The best place to watch the parade and leave the park towards the GCH is right by the Little Mermaid ride which is where the parade route goes.



Here is a picture of the map of DCA that I got from the September trip and the red dots shows the parade route which starts from the Tower of Terror in Hollywood Land and passed by BVS and passes by the entrance to Cars land. It goes towards Paradise Pier and it ends right around the Boardwalk, Pizza & Pasta restaurant/Silly Symphony Swings.

Awesome, that is great. Was thinking of using the GCH entrance to DCA to exit if the parade isn't going that direction.

 

[Luisa]

Here's my few for the theme week.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

I am back *hugs all friends and new friends*
I have been busy this past year. I got my ged, I am enrolled for some classes in spring. My son has been busy in school.

This year our family trip was the grand canyon, however next year trip planing has started.

My first part of planing is Dec 7th-to dec 11th 2014 (a late 30th b-day gift to my self) (nov 30th is just to close to thanksgiving for good price at desert inn so the 7th it is)

We are thinking about doing the city pass because my son wants to do sea world again.
We may be 3 (just us or 5 with my parents) Since my dad was sick and didn't see cars land last year)

It is early stages of planing but I love looking at this thread. It gets my juices flowing.

TY for all the wonderful pictures and all the info. I plan to be back on the boards again more often and try and help answer some questions too.

 

[perlster]

Disneyland's Candlelight Processional will be held Saturday and Sunday, December 7 and 8. Showtimes are 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. both nights.

 

[Sherry E]

Luisa has another entry into the random draw.



Hi, Jade! Welcome back! It sounds like life has been going well for you and that good things are happening. I hope you're able to make the DLR holiday trip happen next year!



Thank you, perlster --

I thought that the Candlelight dates were official as soon as that internal letter from Disney went out to the choir directors earlier this year (wasn't it in May or so?). You were the one who initially tipped us off to it, but I ended up seeing the text of that same letter posted in a couple of different places after that so I just assumed it had been confirmed that it was accurate. I had hoped they would find a way to stick a few more shows into the season somewhere, but I guess not.

In any case, it's good to know the times of the shows. That helps a lot, especially for the folks who want to get out of Disneyland before getting caught in any kind of Town Square gridlock!

 

[tiffjoy]

I'm a bit sad about the CP dates. We scheduled a last minute trip that weekend, staying through until Wednesday. I'm hoping we can do DL those mornings and CA in the afternoon/evening. I thought the first couple weeks of December are low crowd, but I guess that won't be the case with the CP there. We went in April hoping for low crowds and it was so busy. I'm really going we don't have a repeat. Our girls (1 and 4) are pretty good about standing in line, but we were dealing with at least 30 minute wait times for everything when we went, and that's discouraging. I hope that doesn't happen this trip. It's taking the place of our usual January WDW trip, which we cancelled due to family health issues, so I'm really hoping we have a good time, and big crowds kinda impact that.

 

[Sherry E]

I'm a bit sad about the CP dates. We scheduled a last minute trip that weekend, staying through until Wednesday. I'm hoping we can do DL those mornings and CA in the afternoon/evening. I thought the first couple weeks of December are low crowd, but I guess that won't be the case with the CP there. We went in April hoping for low crowds and it was so busy. I'm really going we don't have a repeat. Our girls (1 and 4) are pretty good about standing in line, but we were dealing with at least 30 minute wait times for everything when we went, and that's discouraging. I hope that doesn't happen this trip. It's taking the place of our usual January WDW trip, which we cancelled due to family health issues, so I'm really hoping we have a good time, and big crowds kinda impact that.

tiffjoy --


The CP dates have been known since May or so, so that's been out there floating around for a while. There are only 2 dates -- unlike last year's 20 nights -- so it's back to the same schedule it's been for, I suppose, 50+ years.

The CP usually takes place on the first full weekend of December. This year that is 12/7 and 12/8. It's not going to have anything to do with crowds on any days/nights other than 12/7 and 12/8. It won't affect the rest of your days. If anything, I would expect Monday, 12/9 to be great in terms of lighter crowds because any lingering CP attendees will be gone.

The first couple of weeks of December are not necessarily low crowds. They are lower crowds than what you would find in the second half of December because they are in between Thanksgiving break and Christmas break. There will still be plenty of people in the parks, however. The holiday season is very popular and is considered peak season, but there are days or weeks within the season that are less hectic than others!

I wouldn't worry about it. I think you have the right idea -- go to DCA on the late afternoons/evenings on 12/7 and 12/8, or maybe take some time to enjoy the GCH lobby environment. I think you'll have a great time!

 

[blue888]

Thanks for the advice on the restaurants. It is good to hear what everyone thinks about the different places.

Looking at the tour information. Would the Holiday Tour at Disneyland be a good tour for people who have never been to Disney? Also, any idea what ride they take you on? Any reviews on it would be great. My parents are coming with us and have never been to Disneyland before.