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

[DisneyJamieCA]

We have AT&T Uverse and I went looking for the Hallmark Channel after reading about the Christmas in July movies on this thread and was devastated to see they don't have it!

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

Here are some of my photos...

These ones are all from last year:

Main Street Tree


Main Street Tree during the castle lighting



Santa float w/ his tree & Main Street Tree in background



Grand Californian Christmas Tree


Main Street early in the morning


The rest of these are from years past (2006, 2007 & 2010)

Main Street Tree











Main Street Wreath



Toon Town Tree

 

[Sherry E]

TK & Jamie --

I was shocked to see that U-Verse doesn't have Hallmark (not even the basic channel, let alone the Movie Channel)! I've gotten so used to seeing it the channel line-up on Time Warner that I had no clue it wasn't available with certain other providers. I just assumed it was part of basic cable, like Lifetime is.

So, I basically have to weigh the pros and the cons.

Time Warner is now in a stand-off with CBS. TWC opted to let the channels go dark even though Showtime and CBS both offered to stay on the air for another year, even during negotiations. In retaliation, CBS has blocked all TWC Internet users from being able to view its content on CBS.com and Showtime.com.

In a nutshell, it means I am missing out on shows I watch such as "Big Brother" (which will not be repeated in syndication), "Under the Dome" and the final season of "Dexter." "Dexter," of course, will be repeated somewhere eventually, but because it's the final season it is of particular interest to see it when it is relevant, topical and current...not months and months later.

TWC and CBS do not seem to be playing nice with each other, and it is predicted that this war could last another 6 weeks, at least. If I wait and wait for them to resolve it, I could miss all of the aforementioned shows (and also any other shows that return when the Fall season begins next month)...but I would still have my Hallmark Channel for viewing enjoyment of the Countdown to Christmas in early November!!

However, if I quickly jump ship and head to U-Verse I will get to see the final episodes of "Dexter" and "Big Brother," but there is no chance that Hallmark will return to the line-up anytime soon, as it appears that AT&T dropped Hallmark 3 years ago!!!!! (I guess that AT&T didn't feel that Hallmark was worth paying whatever they would have to pay to keep it.)

So...as much as I hate missing the CBS/Showtime shows that I follow, to switch to AT&T could mean that I never again get to enjoy a Hallmark Christmas Countdown!!! I don't like having to do this because I would love to take my business elsewhere and tell TWC what I think of them, but I think I have to stick with awful TWC or else no Countdown to Christmas on Hallmark. They will eventually get CBS and Showtime back, but it may not be soon enough to catch my shows' remaining episodes.

With my luck, by the time the CBS mess gets resolved, TWC will decide to black out the Hallmark Channel for some reason! This year's Countdown to Christmas on Hallmark better be a good one!

​

Jamie --

Thank you for posting your lovely photos! I miss the old Toontown tree, and I love that old Mickey tree topper. The new tree just doesn't compare.

You're entered into the random draw.

​

 

[I'm mikey]

Here's my pic's for trees and wreaths. these are from dec 2011.

Critter Country near Winnie the Pooh



Court of Angels



Downtown Disney


Paradise Pier



Critter Country near Winnie the Pooh



Main Street USA



Main Street USA



Main Street USA, Town Square


Main Street USA, from the hub

 

[PHXscuba]

​

Seeing that old-fashioned tinsel tree in Elias and Co reminds me of my childhood ... in a post-traumatic kind of way. I loathe tinsel -- it has a nasty way of getting into stuff and hiding there, until around February. I always hated un-decorating our tree and picking the acre of tinsel off. I also (unsurprisingly) can't stand plastic Easter grass!

It can all stay at Disneyland, thankyouverymuch!

PHXscuba​

 

[Sherry E]

I'm mikey --

I'm so glad you posted! I was hoping you'd join in the Theme Weeks this year (and we have 19 more themes to cover after this one, over the course of 3 months, so a lot of fun is in store). You're entered into the random draw for the $25 Disney Gift Card, which will take place when this Countdown ends in early November (one entry for each theme you participate in).

Your photos are always magnificent, no matter what the subject, but...

How is it that I have missed those tiny decorations in Critter Country?? At a glance, I would have assumed those were somewhere on the Storybook Land ride route. But all this time they have been in Critter Country? And I was just walking around CC last December and didn't even see them!!! I must be slipping!

And, you see, folks -- this is yet another reason why I love doing these Countdowns every year, other than the reasons I have already stated. You always see something in other people's photos that you've never seen before. Everyone seems to catch something different, some little detail, even if they don't know they are catching something different! There are hidden holiday gems all over the parks and hotels.

Seeing that old-fashioned tinsel tree in Elias and Co reminds me of my childhood ... in a post-traumatic kind of way. I loathe tinsel -- it has a nasty way of getting into stuff and hiding there, until around February. I always hated un-decorating our tree and picking the acre of tinsel off. I also (unsurprisingly) can't stand plastic Easter grass!

It can all stay at Disneyland, thankyouverymuch!

PHXscuba

PHX --

Lol. It does have a very old-fashioned look, doesn't it? I like looking at tinsel, but I can see how it is a huge hassle to get rid of.

No Easter grass either? Well, it definitely has a way of getting into things as well, but colored eggs look so nice sitting in a bed of the fake grass!

 

[Axlcat]

In a nutshell, it means I am missing out on shows I watch such as "Big Brother" (which will not be repeated in syndication), "Under the Dome" and the final season of "Dexter." "Dexter," of course, will be repeated somewhere eventually, but because it's the final season it is of particular interest to see it when it is relevant, topical and current...not months and months later.

Sherry, I did a doubletake when I saw that you were missing "Under the Dome". I'm a TWC subscriber as well and while Showtime has gone dark, we still have CBS in my city. I read the letter they sent, and sure enough the CBS blackout is only in certain markets. I feel your pain though on missing certain shows. I was just getting into "Ray Donovan". My daughter loves "Dexter", so like you she is seeing red. Hopefully, this gets resolved soon. It better before "Homeland" returns.

 

[Cheshirecatty]

I'm mikey--WOW!!!!

What fabulous pictures--my mouth is hanging open, and I'm drooling!

Thank you for posting such gorgeousness!

 

[czmom]

I'm mikey--WOW!!!!

What fabulous pictures--my mouth is hanging open, and I'm drooling!

Thank you for posting such gorgeousness!

Yep, same here! They are fantastical!!!

 

[Sherry E]

Good grief, Charlie Brown! It just took me 20 minutes to log in and get this page/thread to load. If I can't get into my own thread during my own Countdown, it's a problem! It must be my stupid TWC Internet connection! Either that or 9 million people were looking at this thread at the same moment!


I also want to make sure that no one's photos get overlooked because we have had quite a few contributions in the last two days (13 people have posted photos so far -- and I'm not counting my own contributions from yesterday and Monday)! Did everyone, for example, see danimaroo's great "snow picture" that she posted (among others last night)? That one is awesome! I am really enjoying all the photos from everyone and am so glad that people have been kind enough to share them

​

Axlcat --

You know, I haven't gotten any letter from TWC, but I have read comments from people on TWC's Facebook page that indicate that many people still have CBS...but L.A., NYC and Dallas are among the places that lost it along with Showtime. So I'm one of the "lucky" ones. The "Dexter" issue is particularly infuriating (as I'm sure your daughter will agree!) because it is the last season, and people will be talking about the series finale when it ends in 6 more episodes. It's not like a regular season that I could catch up on later. People will be talking about the end of the series and I don't want to miss it when it is current and relevant, but I may not have a choice unless I give up the Hallmark Channel and switch to U-Verse.

TWC's Facebook page has been deluged with angry post after angry post since last Friday. Every time TWC puts up a new post about something stupid, everyone comments under it to rake them over the coals for yanking our channels without notice (they didn't alert the Showtime customers, for example, that they would be removing the channel -- they just blacked it out). People are not letting this go easily, nor should they. The credit we will get on our bills for Showtime being gone is mere cents -- literally. It will not make up for losing "Dexter" and "Ray Donovan," or "Homeland" coming soon.

 

[Pinup Mommy]

Yep, same here! They are fantastical!!!

Me Three!!!

Those are amazing pictures, my iPhone pictures are embarrassed. Lol

Something I learned in photography class a very long time ago ( as in so long ago we used film and a darkroom ) It is not the camera, but the person behind the lens. You have a lot talent I'm mikey.

Sherry E, I am really enjoying your pictures as well. It almost seems like you did a photography field trip. You captured so many details that people overlook, but can be truly appreciated in your photos.

Thank you for creating such a fun and inspiring thread

 

[funatdisney]

I found some Wreaths and Trees pictures from 2007

Sleeping Beauty Castle wreath during the day



Sleeping Beauty Castle wreath at night



A few of the It's A Small World Trees



Sorry this one isn't focused very well.

 

[tdashgirl]

All of these are lovely ~ thank you all

Here are my faves that I had to comment on~

I've never noticed this detail before. Just charming.

Critter Country near Winnie the Pooh

And this detail too ... I've noticed it, but something about this close up of the castle is just magical !

Sleeping Beauty Castle wreath during the day

Almost forgot this one -- I just love this one, the backdrop is so dramatic and gorgeous.

 

[tksbaskets]

PHX --

Lol. It does have a very old-fashioned look, doesn't it? I like looking at tinsel, but I can see how it is a huge hassle to get rid of.

No Easter grass either? Well, it definitely has a way of getting into things as well, but colored eggs look so nice sitting in a bed of the fake grass!

LOL. I have very fond memories of good old fashioned tinsle from my childhood. My mom would drape each piece one by one and patiently show us how to do that too. With 5 kids she spent quite a lot of time re-doing our draping.

kinda fond of that Easter grass too.

 

[PlutoRocks]

Hello!

I check in here occasionally when I need a Disney picture fix - the pictures are amazing! Nice to think about Christmas and cooler weather when it is 110+ outside

Sherry - I thought of you when they did a mini-marathon of Christmas movies a week or so ago on one of the channels (probably Hallmark )

Dish got into it with NBC and all their channels were pulled for a couple weeks maybe a year ago?? Anyway - I thought it was stupid then and apparently the cable people and network people are still playing games with each other at our expense.

I'll keep lurking and looking at pictures. I haven't been to DL during Christmas since I was in college and I don't usually take many photos when I'm there so - I live vicariously through you all.

Have a great day!

 

[Queenk333]

DH and I just booked a last minute 2nd Disneymoon and will be there Dec 24-26. I loved your report, very informative. Thank you!

Thank you for these stunning photos! I just booked our Christmas Disneymoon and if I was not excited enough already, your photos just put me over the top! Simply gorgeous! Thank you!

 

[Sherry E]

Me Three!!!

Those are amazing pictures, my iPhone pictures are embarrassed. Lol

Something I learned in photography class a very long time ago ( as in so long ago we used film and a darkroom ) It is not the camera, but the person behind the lens. You have a lot talent I'm mikey.

Sherry E, I am really enjoying your pictures as well. It almost seems like you did a photography field trip. You captured so many details that people overlook, but can be truly appreciated in your photos.

Thank you for creating such a fun and inspiring thread

Pinup Mommy --

Your iPhone pictures came out great! You know, everyone seems to be taking iPhone photos now because the photos are so much better than they used to be on any kind of camera phone in the old days. I am seeing more people with iPhone cameras than actual cameras these days. When I went to Catalina Island a couple of weeks ago, every person who asked me if I would take their photo (whether it was deep in the hills on a remote road somewhere, or right in the middle of town) handed me an iPhone. No one had an actual camera of any sort - not a Point & Shoot, not a 35 mm, not a DSLR, nothing. All camera phones.

In fact, now that I think of it, most of the people who asked me to take their photo on my last DLR trips also handed me camera phones.

I find that I need that sensation of actually pressing a shutter button. I know it sounds kooky but, for me, when I take any kinds of photos I like to press on something instead of just tapping a screen and hearing a fake shutter sound. So I always feel a bit disadvantaged when someone hands me their iPhone camera and asks me to get a great picture of them. I can get a lovely photo of them if they hand me a camera with a button for me to press, but a camera phone with a touch screen throws my brain all off kilter in terms of photo-taking!

Anyway, thank you for the kind words about my pictures. I really appreciate it. That is essentially what I do on the bulk of my DLR trips now -- or even just walking around my neighborhood. I take pictures non-stop. I just keep taking them and re-taking them if I am trying to get a good shot of something. I have found that I (unknowingly) took a bunch of good photos that were perfect for Facebook Timeline covers (even before Timeline was invented), so I have had fun playing with that in the past.

I'm a really detailed person anyway (which is probably too not hard to figure out based on how I write), so it translates to my photo sprees as I hone in on the details of things -- like the creepy crescent moon-headed dude sitting on the large wreath that hangs over the entrance to NOS. I had to stand in one spot for a long time, with my legs firmly planted, and slowly zoom in, holding the camera ever-so-steady to try to capture those details of that NOS wreath, and I had to wait until the sun's glare was out of my face to do it.

I have been doing that kind of thing for a long time (even as a teenager I was the one who was the shutterbug in my group of friends. Everyone feared my camera pointing at them at a random awkward moment!). I'm constantly on a quest to try to find some sort of interesting angle, intricate detail or 'different' type of shot as well as beauty shots of landscapes and things. Sometimes I come up with a few winners. (If I am solo I can get much more accomplished than if I am with people.) Sometimes I come up with clunkers! But, whatever I get, the photos always end up working wonders for these little Theme Week Countdowns!!!!

And as for the thread being inspiring, if it is that (as well as being informative and interesting) then it is a success! I do hope that these Countdowns will inspire people to get out there and notice the details a bit more and/or take more photos if they don't do that to begin with!

Most importantly, I want to give credit where credit is due to the participants! I know the photos can be overlooked if the pages of the thread turn quickly. Sometimes people who are just casually lurking won't necessarily flip back to the last couple of pages to see what has come in. It does take a lot of time, in some cases, for folks to sort through photos and find specific shots to fit a theme. So I just want everyone to get his/her props because I truly appreciate that you all are taking the time to share photos!

So far, the participants (and entrants into the random draw for the gift card) have been:

Bret/mvf-m11c
Liza/funatdisney
TK/tksbaskets
Luisa
Mickeybell
Mike/KCmike
pattyduke34
PHXscuba
Pinup Mommy
danimaroo
DBL101 (who is brand new to this thread)
Jamie/DisneyJamieCA
I'm mikey


Group hug, everyone! And a round of applause!! We're off to a rockin' start and we are only one theme and 4 days in!!!

Can it be that there is a brand new theme coming up in only 4 days? Yes it can! Time flies! What will the new theme be, I wonder?? I will leave you all in suspense!! Muahahahahahahahaha!!!

(I'm not sure where larina and aidensmom31 are hiding during all this fun!)

​

I found some Wreaths and Trees pictures from 2007


Sleeping Beauty Castle wreath at night

Liza --

I particularly love this night close-up of the wreath on the Castle. There is something...I don't know...maybe 'mysterious' about it. In the daytime it is bright and crisp and clear. At night there is a certain magical allure to it that is not there during the day.

​

I've never noticed this detail before. Just charming.

Tania --

Hello, stranger! I haven't had any interaction with you on the board in at least a couple of years, and this is your first post in this specific thread, and not even a hello?

Anyway, I agree -- I have never noticed the decorations that I'm mikey captured in Critter Country, near the Pooh ride. And that's funny, for me, because I have literally looked all over CC at other details -- the themed benches, the 'hunny' dripping on garland and on the tree, the little bees, etc. Somehow I completely overlooked those tiny decorations. But, as I mentioned yesterday, that is one huge reason why I love doing these Countdowns each year -- someone always posts something that we haven't seen.

​

LOL. I have very fond memories of good old fashioned tinsle from my childhood. My mom would drape each piece one by one and patiently show us how to do that too. With 5 kids she spent quite a lot of time re-doing our draping.

kinda fond of that Easter grass too.

TK --

Wow, that would take a lot of patience -- showing 5 kids how to drape the tinsel. Yikes. Were the trees absolutely beautiful when your mom was done decorating them? I have a feeling they were, because it sounds as though she wanted them to be "just right."

Pine needles are a huge pain too, as we all know. If not managed properly they can end up all over the place and are not good for pets, etc. But I love a Christmas tree, right off the lot. The smell is just wonderful, and is something that can never be replicated in a fake tree.

I have to admit -- seeing Easter grass just reminds me of the fond days of childhood Easters, decorating eggs and finding baskets hidden around the house, with chocolates and treasures inside. So I can't be mad at the Easter grass, but I know where PHXscuba is coming from in that it does tend to get into everything! Even when you think you have thrown it out, random strands of the Easter grass will pop up all over the place.

 

[aidensmom31]

I worked overtime this week and today is my first day off. I promise to go through my photos and post soon

 

[Sherry E]

Hello!

I check in here occasionally when I need a Disney picture fix - the pictures are amazing! Nice to think about Christmas and cooler weather when it is 110+ outside

Sherry - I thought of you when they did a mini-marathon of Christmas movies a week or so ago on one of the channels (probably Hallmark )

Dish got into it with NBC and all their channels were pulled for a couple weeks maybe a year ago?? Anyway - I thought it was stupid then and apparently the cable people and network people are still playing games with each other at our expense.

I'll keep lurking and looking at pictures. I haven't been to DL during Christmas since I was in college and I don't usually take many photos when I'm there so - I live vicariously through you all.

Have a great day!

Hi, Dawn!

I'm happy to see you here! What a surprise! I was just thinking of you recently. I was eventually going to drop you a PM and say hello, just to see how you were doing. I hadn't had time to write yet, but I saw you posting in the Divas thread so I knew you had been on the board.

Can you believe I still have to do the wrap-up to my TR thread?? I closed it until I get the Wrap-Up done, but I have not had the time to get to it. I am planning on doing something -- some kind of TR (maybe just a photo report) -- for Halloween Time over in the TR section, so I will let you know when I get that going.

Yes, that was a Hallmark Christmas in July marathon on TV a couple of weeks back! Was your sister also watching it (the one who listens to Christmas music year-round)? You know I was tuned in!

But...if I dump my stupid cable company and move to U-Verse, I miss out on Hallmark...and I can't have that when their Christmas marathon starts in early November! You're absolutely right -- these multi-million dollar companies play games and get in silly spats with each other at the expense of their customers...and the customers are not getting any less annoyed as time passes. The TWC Facebook page continues to be abuzz with angry posts, and we are almost one full week into the CBS/Showtime blackout.

​

DH and I just booked a last minute 2nd Disneymoon and will be there Dec 24-26. I loved your report, very informative. Thank you!

Thank you for these stunning photos! I just booked our Christmas Disneymoon and if I was not excited enough already, your photos just put me over the top! Simply gorgeous! Thank you!

Welcome, welcome, to the Disneyland at Christmas Time/Holiday Season Superthread, Queenk333!

I am so glad you joined us! We are happy to have you aboard! And thank you for the very kind words -- we have had some wonderful photo contributions this week (since Monday), and there will be many more to come, as you will see.

It sounds like you have an amazing trip ahead of you -- you will be in the parks right over Christmas eve and Christmas day! I can't think of a better way to spend the holiday!

You will notice that on Page 1 of this thread, the first 9 posts are filled with a lot of information and reading material, if you want to delve into it. Otherwise, just hang out and stay tuned as we continue the Disneyland resort Theme Week Countdown until early November. We are currently in Disneyland Resort Christmas Trees/Wreaths week. In 4 days there will be a brand new theme. All tolled there will be 20 themes over the course of 3 months.

Also, in between Theme Weeks we will be discussing any breaking news on the season as it comes in, answering questions, etc.

​

I worked overtime this week and today is my first day off. I promise to go through my photos and post soon

aidensmom31 --

Cool! I'm glad to see we haven't lost you. We will look forward to your pictures.

​

 

[KCmike]

I'm Mikey those Christmas pics are awesome!