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

[mvf-m11c]

Couple of questions:
1. During the Christmas parade are there show stops? If so where is the best place near main street to sit for them? I remember the summer parades sometimes doing this but couldn't remember if the Christmas one did or not.

2. There was update on another website stating this:
"The wonderful annual parade returns this year with a few minor tweaks and changes, most of which will go unnoticed by the passive guest. Look for altered choreography on the Gingerbread and Candlelight parade units. Sadly, it seems that the Seven Dwarves may have been cut this year, but new skiers have been added to the Winter Wonderland unit. We also know that the title logo on the first float has been punched out of the wreath and replaced with a ribbon that goes over that. Most importantly, the traditional teddy bear that adorned the first float has returned and Duffy has been relegated to the Mrs. Claus float. But that has in turn caused a cascade effect, sending Pluto to the top of the gingerbread float and Max has been knocked off from there."

Does anyone know if Max will still be on the float?

3. Since we are staying off site and Disneyland opens at 9am...what time will we be allowed into the gates? Will there be a rope drop at the end of main street?

"A Christmas Fantasy" parade doesn't have any stops unless the floats up front are stopping because of crowds crossing the paths. If you are planning on staking out a spot to watch the parade, the best spot in MS is around Town Square. For the first parade which comes from IASWH to MS TS, right by the Christmas tree at MS TS. You can see the parade coming at you and then goes to the left. This is a great spot to catch the parade straight at you.

This isn't "A Christmas Fantasy parade" but it is an example of what I am saying of a good spot to watch the parade coming from IASW to MS TS.

The other one is the parade coming out at MS TS to IASWH right by the Mad Hatter store.

The parade that stopped at certain lands was called "Celebate a Street Party Parade" which the cast interacts with the guests.


From what I have read about the changes to "A Christmas Fantasy" parade, it seems like during the gingerbread house scene which is with Goofy and Max in the past is that they are taking out Max that is on top of the Gingerbread house and replacing him with Pluto since Pluto is being replaced by Duffy on top of Mrs. Claus float. I believed "A Christmas Fantasy" parade should stay the same as it has been in the past. We will just wait and see what the new changes are to the parade.


The guests will be allowed in the park 30 minutes until the park opens at it's schedule time. So if DL opens at 9am, you will be allowed to enter the park at 8:30am. There will a rope drop area if you enter the park 30 minutes before it opens at its schedule time. The rope drop areas are around the Hub area. The rope off areas at the Hub are by the entrance to Adventureland/Frontierland, Tomorrowland and in front of Partner's statue facing SB Castle.

 

[Disney Dreams]

"A Christmas Fantasy" parade doesn't have any stops unless the floats up front are stopping because of crowds crossing the paths. If you are planning on staking out a spot to watch the parade, the best spot in MS is around Town Square. For the first parade which comes from IASWH to MS TS, right by the Christmas tree at MS TS. You can see the parade coming at you and then goes to the left. This is a great spot to catch the parade straight at you.

This isn't "A Christmas Fantasy parade" but it is an example of what I am saying of a good spot to watch the parade coming from IASW to MS TS.

The other one is the parade coming out at MS TS to IASWH right by the Mad Hatter store.

The parade that stopped at certain lands was called "Celebate a Street Party Parade" which the cast interacts with the guests.


From what I have read about the changes to "A Christmas Fantasy" parade, it seems like during the gingerbread house scene which is with Goofy and Max in the past is that they are taking out Max that is on top of the Gingerbread house and replacing him with Pluto since Pluto is being replaced by Duffy on top of Mrs. Claus float. I believed "A Christmas Fantasy" parade should stay the same as it has been in the past. We will just wait and see what the new changes are to the parade.

I watched the parade today. There was no filming today for the parade.

There are stops in the parade. The bakers get in a little flour fight during a little stop. The snowflake skaters stop in front of the same spot for a little routine. Then there is the gingerbread men dance which takes place during a brief stop. The next is when Chip and Dale stop their car and do their little "bit." The reindeer then come along and pause for a short little dance. I think that's all of them, but I feel like I'm missing one.

We were in front of the Jewelry Shop today and the parade stopped in front of us at each of these points. If you were a bit in front or behind us, you just got them dancing on by you.

Due to these stops, I don't actually like watching this particular parade with a straight on view (as shown above) as I don't think you get to see the little "shows" as well. It's personal preference, of course, but that's mine.

I missed the dwarfs not being in the parade this year and I didn't feel like the skiers added much. Also, it was weird to have Goofy with Pluto. They don't belong together. I am hoping that after the taping tomorrow (Sunday) we will see the parade go back to what we know and love from years' past, but... probably not. - hope hope hope -

- Dreams

 

[mom2rtk]

This isn't "A Christmas Fantasy parade" but it is an example of what I am saying of a good spot to watch the parade coming from IASW to MS TS.

This is exactly where I wanted to watch the daytime Christmas parade. But the only daytime parades when we are there are on CP nights. So I'm guessing that area might be unavailable.

We're watching it at dark back by IASW with our reserved seating from the tour.

 

[tksbaskets]

Okay, let me now put in a big plug for the brand new 2013 Hallmark movie, "Snow Bride"!!! They have a winner with this one! This movie is quickly rising in the ranks to become one of my favorites of their Countdown to Christmas movies -- maybe even better than some of my existing favorites.

Not only are the two lead characters in "Snow Bride" impossibly attractive, but they also have genuine chemistry -- unlike some of the other (rather flat) couples in many of the holiday-comedy-romance movies I usually recommend. The story/plot is predictable and totally implausible, as are all of the Hallmark movies, but this couple is believable together. There are occasional moments of witty banter. Oh, and there are Christmas songs, baking and decorations too!

So if you are tuning in to the Hallmark Channel Countdown to Christmas this year, try to catch "Snow Bride."

​

I have it on DVR!! I'm so glad you liked it. I too find myself sucked into several great hours spent smiling at the TV.





From the Disndyland Food Blog:

THE DATES

Please note that these dates are subject to change. Additional dates may be added.

Candy Palace at Disneyland
Friday, November 29 (8:00am park opening)
Tuesday, December 3 (9:00am park opening) *Extra Magic Hour this day 8-9am
Friday, December 6 (9:00am park opening)
Tuesday, December 10 (9:00am park opening) *Extra Magic Hour this day 8-9am
Friday, December 13 (9:00am park opening)
Tuesday, December 17 (9:00am park opening)
Friday, December 20 (hours not posted yet)
Sunday, December 22 (hours not posted yet)
Tuesday, December 24 (hours not posted yet)

Trolley Treats at Disney California Adventure
Saturday, November 30 (8:00am park opening)
Monday, December 2 (9:00am park opening) *Extra Magic Hour this day 8-9am
Saturday, December 7 (8:00am park opening)
Monday, December 9 (9:00am park opening) *Extra Magic Hour this day 8-9am
Saturday, December 14 (8:00am park opening)
Monday, December 16 (9:00am park opening)
Saturday, December 21 (hours not posted yet)
Monday, December 23 (hours not posted yet)
Wednesday, December 25 (hours not posted yet)

WOW if this is true we may be able to see them being made/get one!

 

[kylie71]

I just want to say a Huge Thank YOU, to Sherry and all the other poster's on this thread, it is a very informative thread, and I read it every single day!

I love watching the parade from right in front on the train station, as it comes toward me, left side of the tree... Cannot wait!! 15 more days and my brother, SIL, Niece (26) and sister will be there for a Family Thanksgiving trip!

Thanks again to Sherry for the time you put into this!!

--Lori

 

[KCmike]

"A Christmas Fantasy" parade doesn't have any stops unless the floats up front are stopping because of crowds crossing the paths. If you are planning on staking out a spot to watch the parade, the best spot in MS is around Town Square. For the first parade which comes from IASWH to MS TS, right by the Christmas tree at MS TS. You can see the parade coming at you and then goes to the left. This is a great spot to catch the parade straight at you.

This isn't "A Christmas Fantasy parade" but it is an example of what I am saying of a good spot to watch the parade coming from IASW to MS TS.

The other one is the parade coming out at MS TS to IASWH right by the Mad Hatter store.

The parade that stopped at certain lands was called "Celebate a Street Party Parade" which the cast interacts with the guests.


From what I have read about the changes to "A Christmas Fantasy" parade, it seems like during the gingerbread house scene which is with Goofy and Max in the past is that they are taking out Max that is on top of the Gingerbread house and replacing him with Pluto since Pluto is being replaced by Duffy on top of Mrs. Claus float. I believed "A Christmas Fantasy" parade should stay the same as it has been in the past. We will just wait and see what the new changes are to the parade.


The guests will be allowed in the park 30 minutes until the park opens at it's schedule time. So if DL opens at 9am, you will be allowed to enter the park at 8:30am. There will a rope drop area if you enter the park 30 minutes before it opens at its schedule time. The rope drop areas are around the Hub area. The rope off areas at the Hub are by the entrance to Adventureland/Frontierland, Tomorrowland and in front of Partner's statue facing SB Castle.

Thanks so much!

I watched the parade today. There was no filming today for the parade.

There are stops in the parade. The bakers get in a little flour fight during a little stop. The snowflake skaters stop in front of the same spot for a little routine. Then there is the gingerbread men dance which takes place during a brief stop. The next is when Chip and Dale stop their car and do their little "bit." The reindeer then come along and pause for a short little dance. I think that's all of them, but I feel like I'm missing one.

We were in front of the Jewelry Shop today and the parade stopped in front of us at each of these points. If you were a bit in front or behind us, you just got them dancing on by you.

Due to these stops, I don't actually like watching this particular parade with a straight on view (as shown above) as I don't think you get to see the little "shows" as well. It's personal preference, of course, but that's mine.

I missed the dwarfs not being in the parade this year and I didn't feel like the skiers added much. Also, it was weird to have Goofy with Pluto. They don't belong together. I am hoping that after the taping tomorrow (Sunday) we will see the parade go back to what we know and love from years' past, but... probably not. - hope hope hope -

- Dreams

Thanks Dreams for such great information here. My wife and I will be a little upset with the changes to the Gingerbread, Goofy float. One of my wife's favorite moments when we saw it just us two together was when Goofy was talking to Max about how special family time is together! Now that we are finally taking the kids to see Christmas at Disneyland it would have been neat to see their faces as he said that. Oh well. There is so much to be thankful for and so many things to show them. We can't wait.

I think I will grab a spot by the jewelry store as we want to see the show stops for sure. I personally like being down main street for any parade. It just feels like the "sweet spot" to me.

We are buying our passes when we get there but we will be only buying 3 day single passes because the lady that is coming with our family can't move as quick as we do so it doesn't make sense to bounce back and forth. With 3 days single passes do you still get a magic morning????

We leave at the end of this week! Like Lori stated above thanks to everyone especially Sherry E for this Christmas thread. You help so many people by doing this.

BTW did everyone see that they added special sparkler strobe lights to Screamin for the World of Color Christmas?
Here is a blog about it...
http://mintcrocodile.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-disneyland-resort-prepping-for.html

There was also audio on the new theme to World of Color but now I can't find it. Ughh.




Here is the audio that I was talking about it my last post. You have to go all the way down to the bottom of the page. It's called Glow. This is the one with the voices from all over the internet that were put together I believe.

Enjoy:

http://www.dlandlive.com/news/2013/11/buena-vista-street-holiday-music-loop

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

Thanks Dreams for such great information here. My wife and I will be a little upset with the changes to the Gingerbread, Goofy float. One of my wife's favorite moments when we saw it just us two together was when Goofy was talking to Max about how special family time is together! Now that we are finally taking the kids to see Christmas at Disneyland it would have been neat to see their faces as he said that. Oh well. There is so much to be thankful for and so many things to show them. We can't wait. I think I will grab a spot by the jewelry store as we want to see the show stops for sure. I personally like being down main street for any parade. It just feels like the "sweet spot" to me. We are buying our passes when we get there but we will be only buying 3 day single passes because the lady that is coming with our family can't move as quick as we do so it doesn't make sense to bounce back and forth. With 3 days single passes do you still get a magic morning???? We leave at the end of this week! Like Lori stated above thanks to everyone especially Sherry E for this Christmas thread. You help so many people by doing this. BTW did everyone see that they added special sparkler strobe lights to Screamin for the World of Color Christmas? Here is a blog about it... http://mintcrocodile.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-disneyland-resort-prepping-for.html There was also audio on the new theme to World of Color but now I can't find it. Ughh.

Thanks for that blog - the pictures are great and I am so excited for our trip. One interesting thing I saw in that, is the new rider swap cards - he says they are now good for 3 people?! And are stamped for that day it looks like. Since we have a little one with us, I'll be sure to report back if this is the case.

 

[mvf-m11c]

I watched the parade today. There was no filming today for the parade.

There are stops in the parade. The bakers get in a little flour fight during a little stop. The snowflake skaters stop in front of the same spot for a little routine. Then there is the gingerbread men dance which takes place during a brief stop. The next is when Chip and Dale stop their car and do their little "bit." The reindeer then come along and pause for a short little dance. I think that's all of them, but I feel like I'm missing one.

We were in front of the Jewelry Shop today and the parade stopped in front of us at each of these points. If you were a bit in front or behind us, you just got them dancing on by you.

Due to these stops, I don't actually like watching this particular parade with a straight on view (as shown above) as I don't think you get to see the little "shows" as well. It's personal preference, of course, but that's mine.

I missed the dwarfs not being in the parade this year and I didn't feel like the skiers added much. Also, it was weird to have Goofy with Pluto. They don't belong together. I am hoping that after the taping tomorrow (Sunday) we will see the parade go back to what we know and love from years' past, but... probably not. - hope hope hope -

- Dreams

You are correct about that Dreams that the performers stop during the parade and perform to the guests. I meant to say that the floats that don't stop during the parade. The floats like the Music Box float, Mailroom float, Ice Rink float, Gingerbread float, Candlelight Ball float, Santa's Toy Factory unit, etc. that still move during the parade when the performers stop.

Watching the parade in a straight view might not be the ideal spot to watch the parade while you can miss the sides of it. It will be a nice spot to take pictures of the parade seeing it straight. But just like you said that it is a matter of personal preference. I like to watch the parade from all different angles and I still enjoy watching it on the sides.

I am hoping for the same thing that they will change the parade back to the way it was in the past. I don't like changes to it and Pluto with Goofy doesn't make any sense since we seen Max on top of the Gingerbread house float.

 

[dolphingirl47]

Animal Kingdom Lodge





Beach Club









Yacht Club







Swan





Dolphin



Boardwalk





Old Key West





Grand Floridian







Saratoga Springs



Contemporary Resort





Wilderness Lodge





Polynesian

 

[czmom]

Thanks Dreams for such great information here. My wife and I will be a little upset with the changes to the Gingerbread, Goofy float. One of my wife's favorite moments when we saw it just us two together was when Goofy was talking to Max about how special family time is together! Now that we are finally taking the kids to see Christmas at Disneyland it would have been neat to see their faces as he said that. Oh well. There is so much to be thankful for and so many things to show them. We can't wait.

I think I will grab a spot by the jewelry store as we want to see the show stops for sure. I personally like being down main street for any parade. It just feels like the "sweet spot" to me.

We are buying our passes when we get there but we will be only buying 3 day single passes because the lady that is coming with our family can't move as quick as we do so it doesn't make sense to bounce back and forth. With 3 days single passes do you still get a magic morning????

We leave at the end of this week! Like Lori stated above thanks to everyone especially Sherry E for this Christmas thread. You help so many people by doing this.

BTW did everyone see that they added special sparkler strobe lights to Screamin for the World of Color Christmas?
Here is a blog about it...
http://mintcrocodile.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-disneyland-resort-prepping-for.html

There was also audio on the new theme to World of Color but now I can't find it. Ughh.

Love those pictures on the blog! Does that look the ice skating rink around the Christmas tree in DTD?

We will need child swap on just 2 rides this year, so if they changed it to 3 vs 2 riders, that would be great

 

[pudinhd]

Okay, let me now put in a big plug for the brand new 2013 Hallmark movie, "Snow Bride"!!! They have a winner with this one! This movie is quickly rising in the ranks to become one of my favorites of their Countdown to Christmas movies -- maybe even better than some of my existing favorites.

Not only are the two lead characters in "Snow Bride" impossibly attractive, but they also have genuine chemistry -- unlike some of the other (rather flat) couples in many of the holiday-comedy-romance movies I usually recommend. The story/plot is predictable and totally implausible, as are all of the Hallmark movies, but this couple is believable together. There are occasional moments of witty banter. Oh, and there are Christmas songs, baking and decorations too!

So if you are tuning in to the Hallmark Channel Countdown to Christmas this year, try to catch "Snow Bride."

​

Yay!!! Glad you like it! I DVR-ed it yesterday and look forward to watching it! I also have A Very Merry Mix-Up set to record today, so I hope that is good, too!

I also love watching ABCFamily's 25 Days of Christmas!! Lots of fun movies and holiday specials!! Here is the schedule: http://a.media.abcfamily.go.com/a/media/pdf/ABCF_25DOC13.jpg

 

[misskay]

Regarding the parade, how soon are you allowed to cop a squat to watch the parade? An hour before it starts?My boyfriend is 6'4 but I'm about a foot shorter than him, so it might work for him to stand at the back but I won't be able to see anything . Plus I'm sure there will be annoyed parents that my boyfriend is standing around in front of their kids lol!

 

[Disney Dreams]

Regarding the parade, how soon are you allowed to cop a squat to watch the parade? An hour before it starts?My boyfriend is 6'4 but I'm about a foot shorter than him, so it might work for him to stand at the back but I won't be able to see anything . Plus I'm sure there will be annoyed parents that my boyfriend is standing around in front of their kids lol!

You can cop a -- err -- sit on the curb of Main Street the second the Park opens and stay there all day long if you want.

- Dreams

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

Regarding the parade, how soon are you allowed to cop a squat to watch the parade? An hour before it starts?My boyfriend is 6'4 but I'm about a foot shorter than him, so it might work for him to stand at the back but I won't be able to see anything . Plus I'm sure there will be annoyed parents that my boyfriend is standing around in front of their kids lol!

We've been there that early and brought back snacks/food for the kids. If you are actually in the front row (actually, maybe further back even) you can sit down for the parade - or even better maybe, find a bench that the parade will go by and sit on that.

 

[Phoenixrising]

FYI I was checking the Knotts Berry Farm website, and it shows the start of their Christmas season starts on Thanksgiving (Nov 28th). I'm planning on visiting Knotts for the day on Nov 25th, so while I should see some of the Christmas decorations, I won't see the full effect if I had gone later in the week. My plans are locked in stone, and since I haven't been to Knott's before it should be interesting regardless if I see it in full Christmas attire or not.

 

[Sherry E]

I just finished watching an "older" movie from 2009-- this time it's one from Lifetime that I recorded -- called "Christmas Angel," starring Bruce Davison. I don't know how this movie escaped me for the last few years!

As I've said here before, between Hallmark, Lifetime and the ABC Family Channel the holiday movies seem to mostly be divided into the same categories and follow the same basic formulas: holiday-comedy-romance-with-a-happy-ending; holiday-magic-gone-awry-and-lesson-learned-in-the-end; holiday-maid/nanny-moves-in-and-helps-family-discover-true-meaning-of-Christmas; disheartened/mean-person-looks-at-his/her-life-and-learns-what-would-have-happened-if-he/she-had-chosen-a-different-path; sick-person-needs-to-experience-Christmas-before-passing-away; and the reliable holiday-serious-drama-with-a-happy-ending. Occasionally there may be a 'musical competition' element thrown in as well, in which people burst into song in the middle of the snow or something.

And sometimes there is a 'message' in the movies. "Christmas Angel" fell into the holiday-serious-drama-with-a-happy-ending category, and its message was pretty heavy-handed (that Christmas is not about receiving but about giving to those in need). However, I got sucked into it and was reaching for the Kleenex box at least a couple of times. Another gem!

​

Corinna --

Thank for sharing those lovely photos from WDW! I love seeing how the other Disney parks and hotels decorate for the season! I must admit that in my mind I am always comparing what 'they' have to what we have, and thinking, "Yeah, it would great if we had that...but they don't have this and we do..." I wish that we had more hotels at DLR that could be decorated.

​

Remember, everyone, you have until tonight at 11:59 p.m. PST to get in any "Holiday Cornucopia" photos to be entered into the random draw for the $25 Disney gift card (which I am doing early tomorrow morning!). If you have already submitted photos this week you won't get another entry, but if you happen to be lurking out there (and have not posted anything) and have a great Holiday Cornucopia photo to share, now is the time to do it.

Just to remind you of what can fit in the Holiday Cornucopia theme... Anything! As long as it is some sort of holiday photo (that is your property, and not someone else's), it will fit the theme! DLR holiday photos, WDW holiday photos, international Disney park photos, non-Disney holiday trip photos, wintry snow photos, favorite family holiday photos, decorations, etc.

I have a little box sitting next to me, and it contains all of the tiny, crumpled up pieces of paper on which I wrote every participant's name. I have already done a fair amount of shaking of this box to mix up the names. I've danced around with it. I've done the Macarena while holding it. I've done the Hokey Pokey. I've even Vogued a little. I think everyone's name is now appropriately integrated into the mix and undetectable by me. All I have to do is reach in and pull out one tiny slip of paper!

So we still have time for some last minute entries!

So, we had originally planned on going again for Christmas(we were just there for Halloween) but, money is so tight that I decided not to go....well that is until 2 days ago. I figure I don't work 2 jobs for nothing. We are going for 3 days at Christmas. But, shhhh it is a surprise...the girls don't know yet. Hoping we can hide it until Christmas Eve when we leave.

stubby -

Very true -- what is all of that hard work for if you can't enjoy a nice Christmas trip? And what better time to be there than over the actual holiday? I think the girls will be thrilled!

Our Kmart just always has terrible service and is sooooo slow to check out! I didn't buy the hats, but might go back since the the trip is a surprise. $15 for hats instead of $40+!!!

mrsw94 --

Same here. Not only are there mobs of people crammed into all of the aisles (leaving everything a mess, too), but we also have bad service and slow checkouts!

I'd say that is a fantastic deal on cute Santa Mickey hats and you can't go wrong with it.

I have it on DVR!! I'm so glad you liked it. I too find myself sucked into several great hours spent smiling at the TV.

TK --

I literally cannot stop myself from watching! It happens with the Lifetime holiday movies too, as well as with Hallmark. I think it's because there are so many of these movies that I haven't seen, as I didn't really begin tuning into the marathons until 2 or 3 years ago, that I subconsciously think I need to get "caught up"!! My only annoyance is when/if I take the time to watch something -- whether it's 5 years old and I've never seen it or whether it's a brand new 2013 movie -- and it turns out to not be all that great. I will feel as though I wasted my time. As you know, even though most of these movies follow the same predictable formulas, some are much better than others. I don't know if "Once Upon a Christmas" and "Twice Upon a Christmas" were necessarily great movies, but I had to watch them! I had avoided watching them the last 2 years, and I finally caved in.

"Snow Bride" is definitely one of the better Hallmark holiday-comedy-romance movies, I think. The whole cast is good, including the funny assistant at the office and the older gentleman who hides his love for the matriarch of the family. I actually wish they'd make a sequel to it. I can't wait to hear what you think of it!

I just want to say a Huge Thank YOU, to Sherry and all the other poster's on this thread, it is a very informative thread, and I read it every single day!

I love watching the parade from right in front on the train station, as it comes toward me, left side of the tree... Cannot wait!! 15 more days and my brother, SIL, Niece (26) and sister will be there for a Family Thanksgiving trip!

Thanks again to Sherry for the time you put into this!!

--Lori

Lori --

You're very welcome...and thank you so much for the kind words! I really, really appreciate the sentiment. I am so glad that this thread (and the predecessor to it) has helped and/or entertained people, encouraged people to participate, etc.

It's rewarding to know that doing something like this thread (and all that goes along with it) helps folks to have better holiday trips, or maybe even just have a brighter season (if they can't go to DLR for the holidays this year).

....We leave at the end of this week! Like Lori stated above thanks to everyone especially Sherry E for this Christmas thread. You help so many people by doing this.

BTW did everyone see that they added special sparkler strobe lights to Screamin for the World of Color Christmas?
Here is a blog about it...
http://mintcrocodile.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-disneyland-resort-prepping-for.html

There was also audio on the new theme to World of Color but now I can't find it. Ughh.

Mike --

Thank you for the kind words as well. I'm happy to know that many people have been/are being helped. It's a labor of love, of course -- a whole lot of work and time are involved but, as everyone is aware, I am a holiday season fanatic (and a DLR holiday season fanatic) so this seems like a natural fit.

I am grateful for everyone who has taken the time to post and share photos, experiences, information, reviews, breaking news, rumors, etc. This thread is what it is because of all the wonderful contributors!

Thank you for posting that link to Mint Crocodile! As I was scrolling through the photos I noticed some obvious omissions and a few very slight changes to some of the returning decorations. I don't know if the omissions were just due to Mint not taking those photos, or if certain things were not yet in place. I don't want to mention anything one way or the other -- the omissions or the changes -- but a few eagle-eyed folks who have followed all of the Theme Weeks in this thread will notice that certain things were missing or different. I also saw a couple of additions too -- new little touches that were not there last year.

I was surprised that Mint didn't point out some of the new and/or slightly different elements of the decorations that I noticed.

Love those pictures on the blog! Does that look the ice skating rink around the Christmas tree in DTD?

We will need child swap on just 2 rides this year, so if they changed it to 3 vs 2 riders, that would be great

czmom --

What Disney apparently did is put in an uncovered rink this time around. Last year, as you saw in the Downtown Disney Theme Week photos, the rink was covered. But, there was also no Christmas tree in DTD last year because of that rink. DTD really needs a tree (which Disney obviously figured out), so they built the rink around the tree and left it uncovered.

It looks like the same exact tree that used to be in DTD up through the holiday season of 2011 is back. It must have been in storage all of this time!

Yay!!! Glad you like it! I DVR-ed it yesterday and look forward to watching it! I also have A Very Merry Mix-Up set to record today, so I hope that is good, too!

I also love watching ABCFamily's 25 Days of Christmas!! Lots of fun movies and holiday specials!! Here is the schedule: http://a.media.abcfamily.go.com/a/media/pdf/ABCF_25DOC13.jpg

pudinhd --

I fully intend to watch "A Very Merry Mix-Up," although I will have to juggle the second half of it with "The Walking Dead," which makes for an interesting evening. Let me know what you think of "Snow Bride." It's totally predictable and silly, but I found it very entertaining.

I love the "25 Days of Christmas" too! That is the channel where they often show "The 12 Dates of Christmas"! That is one of the few channels available in the Disney hotel rooms, so when I come back to the room for a break I will flip on ABC Family! Last year I saw "Holiday in Handcuffs" while in my PPH room!

Also, ABC Family shows all of the great old Rankin-Bass clay puppet shows, like 'Year Without Santa Claus," "Jack Frost" and "Rudolph's Shiny New Year"!! I love those! (I'm such a dork, I know it! I can't help it!)

FYI I was checking the Knotts Berry Farm website, and it shows the start of their Christmas season starts on Thanksgiving (Nov 28th). I'm planning on visiting Knotts for the day on Nov 25th, so while I should see some of the Christmas decorations, I won't see the full effect if I had gone later in the week. My plans are locked in stone, and since I haven't been to Knott's before it should be interesting regardless if I see it in full Christmas attire or not.

Trish --

Was the Knott's Merry Farm page finally up? It was not there when I checked a few days ago, but I knew they'd have to put it together sooner or later. That's too bad that you won't get the full holiday experience there but as you said, you'll see something.

 

[mrsw94]

I have a little box sitting next to me, and it contains all of the tiny, crumpled up pieces of paper on which I wrote every participant's name. I have already done a fair amount of shaking of this box to mix up the names. I've danced around with it. I've done the Macarena while holding it. I've done the Hokey Pokey. I've even Vogued a little. I think everyone's name is now appropriately integrated into the mix and undetectable by me. All I have to do is reach in and pull out one tiny slip of paper!

So we still have time for some last minute entries![/SIZE][/B][/COLOR]

I think we might need proof of this! Video coming soon?!?

 

[ksromack]

So excited!! Disney food blog posted the candy cane dates, and I am there for 3 of them!! Hopefully, I will be successful!

Oh my....as if I wasn't excited enough already! We just watched the Guy Fieri special at DLR at Christmastime.....I'd seen it before but since we have a "smart TV" now, we were able to watch the Youtube video on our 60" TV Not sure when we'll try to get those candy canes though. It is a must for the trip. I thought you used to be able to get 2 candy canes a piece? Did I make that up?

As I've said here before, between Hallmark, Lifetime and the ABC Family Channel the holiday movies seem to mostly be divided into the same categories and follow the same basic formulas: holiday-comedy-romance-with-a-happy-ending; holiday-magic-gone-awry-and-lesson-learned-in-the-end; holiday-maid/nanny-moves-in-and-helps-family-discover-true-meaning-of-Christmas; disheartened/mean-person-looks-at-his/her-life-and-learns-what-would-have-happened-if-he/she-had-chosen-a-different-path; sick-person-needs-to-experience-Christmas-before-passing-away; and the reliable holiday-serious-drama-with-a-happy-ending. Occasionally there may be a 'musical competition' element thrown in as well, in which people burst into song in the middle of the snow or something.

And sometimes there is a 'message' in the movies. "Christmas Angel" fell into the holiday-serious-drama-with-a-happy-ending category, and its message was pretty heavy-handed (that Christmas is not about receiving but about giving to those in need). However, I got sucked into it and was reaching for the Kleenex box at least a couple of times. Another gem![/B][/COLOR]

so sad we don't get the Hallmark channel. I need to see some of these movies!

I fully intend to watch "A Very Merry Mix-Up," although I will have to juggle the second half of it with "The Walking Dead," which makes for an interesting evening. Let me know what you think of "Snow Bride." It's totally predictable and silly, but I found it very entertaining.

Also, ABC Family shows all of the great old Rankin-Bass clay puppet shows, like 'Year Without Santa Claus," "Jack Frost" and "Rudolph's Shiny New Year"!! I love those! (I'm such a dork, I know it! I can't help it!)

Yeah, something about mixing in The Walking Dead with Christmas movies.....just doesn't sit right in the gut I haven't watched today's episode of TWD yet. We love that show! Love all the typical holiday movies like Rudolph, Frosty, etc.....and the oldies, Miracle on 34th Street, It's a Wonderful Life, etc.....Oh, and Jack Frost and the Santa Clause movies as well.


After church today I made my way to the new Prestige Outlet Mall that opened up here at the end of August. They have a Disney outlet I bought us 2 tshirts each, a thermal shirt each, and a zip up hoodie each.....figured we may need a jacket in the evening. They are all washed and folded, ready to pack for the trip! I do still need to find the coffee pods and get those packed too but we have a little time.





Candy Palace is on main street on the left, right? Is it by Jolly Holiday Bakery or is it in the little strip of stores before it?

Where is Trolley Treats at DCA?

I need to get my candy cane plan of action

 

[perlster]

 

[Lollipop's Mom]

I just saw this contest! How could I had not noticed this? I love a good contest! Here is a fave holiday photo - I am so excited to be going to DLH in THREE WEEKS for our first visit ever at Xmas time! My daughter is almost 18 and has NO idea - one last big surprise trip before college and adulthood

Here is a fun photo from a year ago when we visited West Edmonton Mall (Canada's Largest Mall) with the pirate ship done up for Xmas.

Here is a fun pic from that same trip...
INSIDE:

OUTSIDE - SAME DAY!:

Of Course- have to share the cat under the tree moment!

The Disney Castle made of cookies:

And something I am extremely proud of that shows the true meaning of Xmas....the Toy Drive I co-ordinated last year and we collected just over 1500 toys in 5 hours!
This years is Dec 8th!