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

[Sherry E]

Welcome back, Lori!

Thank you for the recap. It sounds like it was a great trip for you. I'm delighted to read that most of the DIS'ers who have reported back to us about their now-completed trips had awesome vacations on so many levels.

I have to ask -- and I just asked Bret this in his TR too -- when you got off of Jingle Cruise, did you get one of the mini-souvenir Jingle Cruise posters? I still have 6 days before I get back to DLR, and I am paranoid that they will all be gone. I missed out on getting the free Frozen ornament even though I was in DCA on one of the days it was being given out. With my luck I will miss out on the Jingle Cruise mini-poster too, as I know they are in limited supply. The posters were not being handed out when I went on the ride on 11/15.

I was thinking that I might not go on Jingle Cruise early in the morning and will instead try to hit it when the line is long -- specifically so I can go to the upstairs section of the queue and see the extra decorations. And then I thought that waiting until the line was long might mean that all of the mini-posters are gone more quickly!

I don't know if John Stamos was at the GCH this past weekend, but Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck certainly were (we saw photographic proof here last night)!

​

I forgot to say a big THANK YOU to Jamie yesterday for her in depth report and recap of her trip! I really appreciated it, and I know that everyone else did too. I was popping back and forth between this thread and other threads, and then back to something else I was doing on the computer, and then to The Walking Dead, etc. I neglected to thank Jamie for taking the time to type all of that up -- I know it can take a while -- especially while she was decorating for Christmas! Those details and that info is very important to a lot of people who are getting ready to head off to DLR.

​

As for my upcoming trip...

I realized I might have to actually have some sort of a loose plan on this trip. I usually go to DLR with a more go-with-the-flow, non-plan sort of plan, and I just spend most of my solo time taking photos. That's what I enjoy doing more than anything.

I still plan to embark on a photo bonanza on this trip -- I haven't lost that urge -- but I realized I have been missing out on some of my favorite rides on the last couple of trips. I am not one who needs to get on a bunch of rides in one day, but I should at least get on my favorites in both parks! Even if it's just 6 or 7 rides for the whole trip, I shouldn't be missing out on the rides I really enjoy.

I have to actually schedule certain things. I won't have multiple chances to see the CP, for example -- only 2 chances on Sunday -- so if I decide to make the commitment to see it I have to do it on Sunday night and prepare for it (have my coat in hand so I don't freeze, get a nap before it, find a good standing spot, etc.).

I always skip World of Color but because it is the Winter Dreams version I have to make time to see it. But when? Monday night, maybe?

I also want to see the little "show" projected on IASWH at night. That is a must.

I want to do the free Carthay Circle tour (thank you, KCmike, for telling me about that!), and finally, finally take advantage of my free Visa character photo in DCA...which I've never done.

I need to try to nab a free mini-Jingle Cruise poster so that means another ride on the Jingle Cruise.

I need to visit the DLH and see the new decorations. I need to revisit the Winter Village in DTD and see what the ice rink looks like now that it is not covered by a tarp.

I need to make time to plunk down in the GCH lobby on this trip, to enjoy the carolers and music. On the last couple of trips I have just walked through and around the lobby. I need to sit and soak in the atmosphere again, which I haven't done in ages.

I need to continue my investigation into the Great Peppermint Ice Cream Mystery -- next stop, Ghirardelli!

And, of course, I have a Club 33 visit in the midst of all of this.

So I applaud all of you who have to make plans/schedules for your trips in advance so you don't miss anything. I start to get stressed out if I have to pin myself down to too many different specific times and days. I like to play things by ear, but when I do that I end up missing certain things as I am taking a thousand pictures.

I have never used the little business center at the PPH -- I'm not even sure where it is located. I may have to check it out and see if I can touch base here in this thread during the trip, which I usually don't do. (My phone can't access the DIS.)

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

Sherry, I'm sad to report the Jingle Cruise posters are all gone. I asked (and even double checked with our tour guide who tried to pull strings) on Wed (Nov 27) and they were completely out. No mention of getting any more in.

 

[butterflymouse]

Our time at the parks ended last Wednesday and i already miss them!

To be quite honest, however, the crowds took some of the enjoyment out of it. I've been to Disneyland at peak time before, but I have never seen the parks that busy before. It was insane!

I still had a ton of fun and witnessed lots of Disney magic, but I know now never to go before thanksgiving again. Far too many people.

But if all goes to plan, I'll be back to the parks for my birthday in February!

 

[u2pixi]

Hi everyone - just wanted to report on candy canes! I had extra magic hour this morning - went straight to trolley treats, got a wrist band at 8am and picked up my candy cane at 930. With everyone going straight past to cars land I think trolley treats will be much easier than DL.
Have a great day everyone!
Amy

 

[Sherry E]

Sherry, I'm sad to report the Jingle Cruise posters are all gone. I asked (and even double checked with our tour guide who tried to pull strings) on Wed (Nov 27) and they were completely out. No mention of getting any more in.

Jamie --

Good Lord! What did DLR do? Print up only 50 of them or something? Who actually got a mini-poster? I haven't read any reports from someone who got one. I mean, I know they were supposed to be available "while supplies last" but it seems like DLR either seriously underestimated how many people would ride Jingle Cruise, or they handed out more than one of those posters to the same people, over and over again. The posters were not there on 11/15 when I was there, so I would have thought that DLR would get enough of them printed up to at least last through the busy Thanksgiving weekend, even if not all through December. The posters were barely even there for 2 minutes!

I am hoping the merchandising folks come to their senses and get another big batch of posters printed up, just to at least last another week or two.

Our time at the parks ended last Wednesday and i already miss them!

To be quite honest, however, the crowds took some of the enjoyment out of it. I've been to Disneyland at peak time before, but I have never seen the parks that busy before. It was insane!

I still had a ton of fun and witnessed lots of Disney magic, but I know now never to go before thanksgiving again. Far too many people.

But if all goes to plan, I'll be back to the parks for my birthday in February!

butterflymouse --

I'm glad you had a good holiday trip despite the crowds, but I know that crowds can be daunting. That's why I changed my December trips to earlier in the month instead of close to Christmas. The crowds were starting to get too big for my liking on that weekend before Christmas.

Of course, reports are that today is supposedly quite crowded -- and, in the past, Mondays in early December have been pretty good. So even when we think we have a crowd pattern nailed down, things can change. I suspect that a lot of the crowds in the parks today are people who heard that early December was a good time to go because it is less crowded! Crowds causing crowds while trying to avoid crowds!

It is so interesting to me to read your report of crowds in contrast to other reports from people who were in the parks last week. I have always heard and thought that the week of Thanksgiving (the days leading up to the holiday) was crowded. To read other reports this year, though, it sounds as if the parks were reasonable and that Thanksgiving day itself was empty! Someone even reported that Thanksgiving had "super low crowds." Now I can imagine Thanksgiving day being less crowded than expected (which is the scenario everyone wants), but super low crowds implies that it was a slow day -- like a day in early September or something -- so I think that may be a misleading statement. Then again, I wasn't there on Thanksgiving so I only have other reports to go by!

 

[Phoenixrising]

I agree the crowds were insane in Nov 24, 25th, and 26th. I was prepared for large crowds being going the lead up to Thanksgiving, thinking that the crowds would be more in line of the Halloween crowds, heavy but manageable. Boy was I wrong. I was overwhelmed and discouraged at first, especially on Nov 25th, when I tried at the wrong time to go to the IASW lighting. I battled crowds for over 1 1/2 hrs to get back there and gave up. I was determined to see it though, so on Nov 26th, I went to DL around 4pm, made it back to where IASW was and waited for the parade and the lighting of IASW, and was visually stunned by the lighting of it. You can't get the details of the lighting of IASW unless you see it at night. Loved all the Christmas overlay of it inside as well. I had a bad captain on the Jingle Cruise that didn't embrace that holiday overlay, and found it boring. I did love what decorations they did have. I really wanted to like it, but didn't in the end. I did go see the Storyland Canal boat ride, and loved all the details on the buildings.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

Jamie -- Good Lord! What did DLR do? Print up only 50 of them or something? Who actually got a mini-poster? I haven't read any reports from someone who got one. I mean, I know they were supposed to be available "while supplies last" but it seems like DLR either seriously underestimated how many people would ride Jingle Cruise, or they handed out more than one of those posters to the same people, over and over again. The posters were not there on 11/15 when I was there, so I would have thought that DLR would get enough of them printed up to at least last through the busy Thanksgiving weekend, even if not all through December. The posters were barely even there for 2 minutes! I am hoping the merchandising folks come to their senses and get another big batch of posters printed up, just to at least last another week or two. butterflymouse -- I'm glad you had a good holiday trip despite the crowds, but I know that crowds can be daunting. That's why I changed my December trips to earlier in the month instead of close to Christmas. The crowds were starting to get too big for my liking on that weekend before Christmas. Of course, reports are that today is supposedly quite crowded -- and, in the past, Mondays in early December have been pretty good. So even when we think we have a crowd pattern nailed down, things can change. I suspect that a lot of the crowds in the parks today are people who heard that early December was a good time to go because it is less crowded! Crowds causing crowds while trying to avoid crowds! It is so interesting to me to read your report of crowds in contrast to other reports from people who were in the parks last week. I have always heard and thought that the week of Thanksgiving (the days leading up to the holiday) was crowded. To read other reports this year, though, it sounds as if the parks were reasonable and that Thanksgiving day itself was empty! Someone even reported that Thanksgiving had "super low crowds." Now I can imagine Thanksgiving day being less crowded than expected (which is the scenario everyone wants), but super low crowds implies that it was a slow day -- like a day in early September or something -- so I think that may be a misleading statement. Then again, I wasn't there on Thanksgiving so I only have other reports to go by!

If they do happen to get them again and you can sweet talk your way into two, I'll gladly pay shipping for one!

I don't know if Thanksgiving was super low, but it was definitely less than any days prior, especially in the late afternoon/evening. We were able to walk through NOS without feeling overcrowded, something I always feel back there. We even commented how it cleared out over our lunch at BB (much busier before and significantly less after). Thanksgiving felt like a breath of fresh air compared to earlier in the week. I figure everybody had left to have their Turkey Day meals?!

 

[butterflymouse]

butterflymouse --

I'm glad you had a good holiday trip despite the crowds, but I know that crowds can be daunting. That's why I changed my December trips to earlier in the month instead of close to Christmas. The crowds were starting to get too big for my liking on that weekend before Christmas.

Of course, reports are that today is supposedly quite crowded -- and, in the past, Mondays in early December have been pretty good. So even when we think we have a crowd pattern nailed down, things can change. I suspect that a lot of the crowds in the parks today are people who heard that early December was a good time to go because it is less crowded! Crowds causing crowds while trying to avoid crowds!

It is so interesting to me to read your report of crowds in contrast to other reports from people who were in the parks last week. I have always heard and thought that the week of Thanksgiving (the days leading up to the holiday) was crowded. To read other reports this year, though, it sounds as if the parks were reasonable and that Thanksgiving day itself was empty! Someone even reported that Thanksgiving had "super low crowds." Now I can imagine Thanksgiving day being less crowded than expected (which is the scenario everyone wants), but super low crowds implies that it was a slow day -- like a day in early September or something -- so I think that may be a misleading statement. Then again, I wasn't there on Thanksgiving so I only have other reports to go by!

It's possible other people have experienced larger crowds, but I've never seen anything like these crowds. 45 minute wait times for rides that usually have 15. Literally forming a human chain with my family just to go from point A to point B. Getting stuck in mobs of people just to get away from the parade. I'm not one to complain about crowds. I expected them when I planned this trip, but what I experienced this time was ridiculous!

Wow! Major venting right there! LOL! Had to get it out I guess.

Nonetheless, still love my Disney! I'm just making a mental note when not to go!

I think you have a point about people avoiding crowds creating more crowds. I mean one of the reasons we chose to go before thanksgiving was because we figured there would be less crowds than if we went after. Now we have done both, and I prefer after.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

It's possible other people have experienced larger crowds, but I've never seen anything like these crowds. 45 minute wait times for rides that usually have 15. Literally forming a human chain with my family just to go from point A to point B. Getting stuck in mobs of people just to get away from the parade. I'm not one to complain about crowds. I expected them when I planned this trip, but what I experienced this time was ridiculous! Wow! Major venting right there! LOL! Had to get it out I guess. Nonetheless, still love my Disney! I'm just making a mental note when not to go! I think you have a point about people avoiding crowds creating more crowds. I mean one of the reasons we chose to go before thanksgiving was because we figured there would be less crowds than if we went after. Now we have done both, and I prefer after.

I didn't find it to be nearly as congested as you experienced, however we purposely avoid Adventureland in the mid afternoon and Main Street/IASWH anytime around the parades, so maybe that's why! But I completely agree that Thanksgiving day on is much lighter than the few days before - which honestly is surprising to me.

 

[perlster]

The Jingle Cruiser posters were actually gone by Monday morning.

 

[Phoenixrising]

I found NOS, Adventureland and Fantasyland the worst for heavy crowds. I tend to agree with Jamie that Thanksgiving day the crowds were alot better as well as on Nov 27th. There were still heavy crowds, just not as bad. I avoided the parks past 5pm as the parks were impassable due to the parade crowds, not for lack of trying on my park. Couldn't avoid them to get to other areas of the parks even though I did try. I really did enjoy my visit to parks despite the crowds, even though they did intimidate me at first. I'm glad that I had the opportunity to visit the parks dressed up in their Christmas finery. It was worth it in the end, and I really loved spending time there.

 

[Sherry E]

Okay, allow me to revisit one of my rants for a minute.

The other day Kathy/ksromack posted a photo of this year's Paradise Pier Hotel Christmas tree (which has been my favorite of the 3 hotel trees for a while, up until now). While it was evident from her photo that the gorgeous blue-green glowing lights are still present on that tree (and really, the lights are the star of the tree -- it doesn't need much else beyond those lights), I could see that all of the intrusive seashells and surfboards that had been added as props around the bottom the tree were (visually) cutting its height down a bit. I could tell that the old version of the blue-green glowing tree was better.

Fast forward to today. Bret/mvf-m11c mentioned in his TR that he saw photos of the same PPH tree on Dateline (MiceChat) today. So, off I went to check out the Dateline article to determine if I really was not liking the tree.

Looking at all of the Dateline photos of the PPH tree -- which show all of the new ornaments in detail -- I am disappointed. I don't like it. I look forward to that tree every year and they have ruined it. There are clunky seahorses and other 'ocean-themed' ornaments, as well as some sort of garland wrapped all around the tree. The gorgeous blue-green lights are practically obliterated in the Dateline photos because of all of that mess crowding the branches. There are faux presents with mermaids on the "paper." The tree now appears to be about 2 feet shorter that it used to be (even though I know it's probably not shorter at all).

This tree at the PPH now looks like a tree that should be stationed somewhere near the Little Mermaid ride, or possibly inside Ariel's Grotto. It looks too 'cute' to be in the lobby of the PPH.

People who have never seen the PPH tree in person will probably think the new version of the tree is adorable and festive. It's not the worst thing I've ever seen, of course -- and I appreciate that Disney is at least trying to do more creative things with the decor around the whole Resort -- but I wish they'd revert back to the PPH tree from 2012, 2011, etc. They should have left well enough alone in this particular case.

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On a positive note, I love the little colored lights that are now in front of the Disneyland Hotel entrance (those photos are also in the Dateline piece), and I love that the individual trees in the DLH towers are themed appropriately. I especially love the tree ornaments in the Adventure tower. I am glad to see that the Trader Sam's decor is back again this year.

I wonder if there have been any gingerbread house sightings at Storytellers, White Water Snacks or in DCA so far? The only gingerbread anything I saw in November was the Cozy Cone display.

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Overall, I'm very pleased with all of DLR's efforts to really get into full holiday mode this year -- it seems like they are trying harder than ever before to decorate more areas and make existing decorated areas more festive. The only lands that don't really have any kind of holiday decorations or overlays at all (not counting merchandise sold in shops) are Condor Flats and Tomorrowland. I can forgive them for that. There are a lot of hits and a few misses, but overall I think they've done a great job. I am looking forward to getting back to DLR at the end of the week to fully immerse myself in holiday merriment!

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[DisneyJamieCA]

We did see the gingerbread house in Storyteller's and took a picture. I will try to get it uploaded soon. It's Nutcracker week for us, so it's just a crazy time around here.

 

[Sherry E]

We did see the gingerbread house in Storyteller's and took a picture. I will try to get it uploaded soon. It's Nutcracker week for us, so it's just a crazy time around here.

Oh good! I'm glad to hear that there is a gingerbread house in Storytellers again this year. I was getting worried when I didn't see any gingerbread creations in Flo's or on Buena Vista Street. I thought the 2013 gingerbread house-making budget may have been scrapped! Storytellers is one of those places that seems like it would be a great setting for a Christmas tree, with all of the earthy, warm, welcoming details around the restaurant (and to kind of continue the elegant theme of the trees in the GCH lobby and in the Hearthstone Lounge). However, they stopped putting up trees there a long time ago, and it's been gingerbread houses ever since.

 

[Cheshirecatty]

Hi Sherry!!!

I am chuckling as I post this, because I haven't checked this thread in a couple of days(out shopping), but I just sat down to do so, and decided to browse through Dateline Disneyland, on MiceChat, first.

You know exactly what I am going to complain about---the very thing I just read in one of your previous posts--THE TREE!!!

YUCK!!!! Hate the "sea-themed" ornaments, and the surfboards sitting around!

They have ruined that lovely tree--and I am very bitter!!! (I hate it more than the plastic tree in Toon Town!!!)

(I knew you would understand and commiserate with me!!!)

 

[Sherry E]

Hi Sherry!!!

I am chuckling as I post this, because I haven't checked this thread in a couple of days(out shopping), but I just sat down to do so, and decided to browse through Dateline Disneyland, on MiceChat, first.

You know exactly what I am going to complain about---the very thing I just read in one of your previous posts--THE TREE!!!

YUCK!!!! Hate the "sea-themed" ornaments, and the surfboards sitting around!

They have ruined that lovely tree--and I am very bitter!!! (I hate it more than the plastic tree in Toon Town!!!)

(I knew you would understand and commiserate with me!!!)

Cheshirecatty --

I am glad someone understands my gripe about this tree! I knew that someone out there -- someone who had seen and enjoyed the PPH tree in all of its glory, in person -- would have to agree.

I feel guilty even grumbling about the decor because I love themed decor as a rule! I love that New Orleans Square, Cars Land, Toontown, Frontierland, A Bug's Land, etc., all have their own unique decorations based on their themes. One of the reasons I want to visit WDW for the holidays is to enjoy all of the hotels' themed decor.

I think that my issues with the "new" version of the PPH tree are:

(1) They added too much stuff, and the new props and ornaments are too large. If they had added tiny seahorse ornaments and smaller seashells on and around the tree, it might not seem as cluttered and clunky and it might not obliterate the lights on the tree;

(2) Unless this has changed, there are no other decorations (wreaths, garland, etc.) around the PPH to continue the in-your-face ocean theme of the tree. I don't think that any of the other wreaths or garland strands have seashells and large seahorses in them. If these little accents carried through an assortment of decorations, I might appreciate the continuity. As it stands now, the tree seems disconnected from other things in the hotel; and

(3) I think the decorators took what was an elegant, striking, vibrant tree and turned it into something cute and clever. So now it's more of a whimsical tree instead of a classy tree. I may appreciate it more in person, and maybe those intrusive surfboards and seashells won't bother me as much, but for right now...it's too much and I am not a fan!

 

[Gisele]

I have only seen images of the PPH tree online, and although it, in my opinion is beautiful in the blue and green color theming, decor wise it rather does look as though it has been washed ashore from a shipwreck.

 

[mrsw94]

I am praying for you. I'm thinking good thoughts and hoping for the best. I think a lot of us know how those sudden, unexpected hurdles can pop up right before a trip, and it can leave you very stressed and anxiety-filled. Let's hope that this car issue is a tiny one that can at least wait until after the trip.

Me too!

mrsw94 - I hope everything comes together for you. Best luck getting the car fixed. Invoking the Genie to grant your wish

mrsw94 - adding my prayers that its a cheap fix!!! Pixie dust coming your way!!

Thanks all. Bought new spark plugs and the tools to change them today. Hubby is going to try his hand at it tonight. Otherwise it's off to the mechanic.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

All this talk about the PPH tree got me to thinking about the one at Ariel's Grotto. It is also done in a beach/undersea theme but is so elegant. It's too bad they didn't something similar with the PPH one. I also have a picture of the Ariel's one that I promise to post soon!

 

[KCmike]

Jay that picture of mainstreet is outstanding!

Sorta of a Christmas post. This was the window dressing of Pooh's Corner with this little detail.


Mr. Bluebird's House by KC MikeD, on Flickr