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

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Yay I'm back! I'm heading back to DL in December! It's been 3 years since we've taken the kids to DL and it'll be 4 years since we've done Xmas! I'm so excited to head back.

 

[Sherry E]

A new theme is coming tomorrow (Monday, August 12th)!!

Any last minute "Tree/Wreath" photo contributors (and entrants into the $25 Disney gift card random draw) will have to get their photos posted today, or wait until another theme comes up into which those photos can fit. Lots of photos can fit into more than one theme over the course of the Theme Week Countdown, so there will always be at least a couple of chances to post specific photos. There will be one entry into the draw, per person, per theme.

Once tomorrow rolls around we are onto a new theme and out of the "Trees & Wreaths"!!



Any newcomers to the thread who are not going to be posting any photos during the Countdown, but would still like to participate in the "code word challenge" to win the 2nd $25 Disney gift card, have to simply keep track of the code words that I hide in each intro to each theme (there will be 20 themes over the course of 3 months), as well as keep track of the weekly themes to which those words correspond (in the correct order I post them).

At the end of the Countdown, when the final theme (Holiday Cornucopia) is kicked off on Monday, 11/4/13, whoever is first to post the correct list of all 20 code words and all 20 themes -- in the correct order -- as well as tell me the one specific Christmas song to which all of the code words belong, will win the second $25 Disney gift card.

For example, let's say that one of the themes I used for the Countdown was The Grand Californian Hotel. (That will not necessarily be a theme, but this is for the purposes of giving an example.)

Hidden in the text of the introduction to the the GCH theme week would be a code word. Let's say that code word was: shiny.

The theme for the week following the GCH week could possibly be the Disneyland Hotel (again, this is just an example), and the code word hidden in the text for that intro could be: reindeer.

Another random theme week could be the Paradise Pier Hotel. The code word could be: rudolph.

So, at the end of the Theme Week Countdown in November, when the final theme and code word are posted, the code word challenge participants should have a list that looks something like this (along with the other code words and themes from other weeks):

Code Word: Shiny / Theme Week: Grand Californian Hotel
Code Word: Reindeer / Theme Week: Disneyland Hotel
Code Word: Rudolph / Theme Week Paradise Pier Hotel

*CHRISTMAS SONG: "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"




It will be easy once you get into it! This last theme (Christmas Trees & Wreaths) began on Page 62 of this thread, on Monday, August 5th. From that point forward you will have to keep up with the themes and words, in the proper order. Keep them to yourself until the end of the Countdown -- don't announce anything to help anyone else out!

A new theme will be announced every Monday through October 28th, and then a different mini theme will be announced daily from 10/29 - 11/4/13.

​

WOW WOW WOW! I've been off the thread for a week so it took a while to catch up from where I last read but I'm glad I took the time, the pictures are great and as a previous poster mentioned, inspiring! We'll be there 4 months from now soaking in all the fun that is Christmas time in DL for the first time!!!

I was wondering if any individuals out there would be willing to share a few tips for getting decent pictures of the Christmas decorations at night. I shoot with a DSLR (Canon Rebel T2i) and I know enough to be dangerous, I usually use natural light & I rarely shoot at night (and never outside at night) & i just got my first Speedlight for my birthday last month, but I'm assuming I don't want to use any flash to get these good shots. Any suggestion for settings? I do not plan to travel with a tripod, so all shots will be handheld. Would love and appreciate any recommendations!

egritz --

I think you need assistance from KCmike, I'm mikey and Bret/mvf-m11c, in particular. They'd be the best ones to give advice. I know that they are all DSLR users who are very well-versed in the settings to use for night shots (and Bret excels in his fireworks shots), although I think they all use Nikons.

I am pretty sure that danimaroo also used a DSLR, and I know that Liza/funatdisney uses one too, and they both got some night shots.

Hello Sherry!

I keep checking your TR to see if you've done the wrap up so I'll keep watching...Definitely let me know if you start a new one for this year - I will be there!

Of course my sister watched the marathon - are you kidding!

No Hallmark or HMC would be a deal breaker - you enjoy those movies so much it wouldn't be a Christmas season without them so unfortunately, you have to stay with this company and hope they get over themselves quickly and solve the issue.

I thought about dropping back a package level with Dish but I would lose one of the channels I watch a lot (can't remember which one now) so no go for me -- not worth it from my perspective.

I'll keep checking in for the themes and pictures. Thank you for all your hard work on this thread - it is appreciated!!

Dawn --

Thanks for the kind words, Dawn! There will be a new theme tomorrow!

I will definitely let you know when I get my existing TR thread wrapped up on the final page and when I start a new TR thread for Halloween Time. I've also currently got a (much shorter) Catalina TR thread going on in the California section of the forum (with many, many photos from last year but only 5 photos from this year's trip so far!:rotfl2). I've got to get to that as well.

If it looked as though U-Verse was going to get Hallmark back any time soon I would switch from Time Warner to U-Verse and take the risk, just to be able to have my CBS and Showtime back. But AT&T apparently dropped Hallmark 3 years ago, so that doesn't look too promising. Time Warner may not get CBS and Showtime back for a while -- it could be weeks or months -- but obviously they will have to get them back sooner or later. I can't imagine any reputable cable company not including CBS and Showtime in their channel line-ups! I may miss the shows I want to see while I wait for them to work something out, but if I go to U-Verse I will miss the Hallmark Christmas stuff entirely! (Not to mention I would lose everything I have saved on my current Time Warner DVR.)

So I have to take the 'lesser of 2 evils' option. I hate having to be backed into that corner because I have no clue how long it will take TWC and CBS to get over themselves, but that seems to be the best solution at the moment.

I'll be camping next week but hope to find some wifi to be able to participate in the next theme week!!

TK --

Hmmm. I may switch themes for the week based on that info. I may not. I will have to see how plausible it is to switch! Thanks for letting me know. Have fun camping!!

Love the theme pictures! Already started looking at planning the trip and reality is taking hold. Off our lists are the Holiday Tour (2 small kids, plus a FIL who will happily stake a spot, means our money is likely better spent elsewhere) and believe it or not, BBB (I can buy my own glitter spray, do makeup and nails and have a fantastically dressed little girl without spending the money or time). Still likely 2 character meals though and F! dessert package I think. Gotta decide on WOC. The standing is a negative with the kids, as I don't know if they could see. And they still have no idea. They keep saying they hope they can get to DLR next year.

Pesky --

So no holiday tour after all! I haven't done it yet myself, so I can understand not being able to justify it -- especially if money is not overflowing. It didn't seem to me that you were completely sold on the idea of the tour when you were first asking about it, so I guess I am not surprised that you opted to not do it! You'll be able to see the Christmas parade and ride HMH & IASWH without it, of course.

I have been reading everyday! We will be experiencing our first Disney Christmas in a mere 19 weeks! So much to do, this is a great place to get inspiration! I can get my Disney fix without driving my DH crazy! Thanks for this thread, I love seeing all the pictures.

Camela --

Welcome! I'm happy you joined us, and I am even happier that you will get to experience your first Disney Christmas this year! You are in for a treat. It is a very special time of year at the Resort.

When you say "19 weeks," it really seems like such a short time! If you said something like "over 4 months," that would sound like a much longer time frame to me! Breaking it down into weeks somehow makes it seem like it is right around the corner.

You will be seeing many more photos in the coming weeks and months.

Sherry, thank you for the big holiday welcome hug!!

Your reassurance about predicted crowd levels is comforting, especially since I got to ultimately choose the dates. With juggling schedules, airfares, hotel rates, and crowd levels, I can see why people use Disney specialists to book!

And the clarification on the candy cane cotton candy...good to know that it's not a peppermint flavor so much as a candy cane appearance. And WOW, all those other holiday treats you mentioned. I can't wait! I don't know if I'll remember to take pictures before we dig in, but I will try. Looking forward to doing my part in sharing holiday food porn after we get back.

jitterbug --

I was quite stunned to learn from DIS'ers Priory and Jamie that the candy cane cotton candy at the Jingle Jangle Jamboree was not peppermint-flavored! I think that's almost false advertising! People are obviously going to see the name and think it has a candy cane flavor. (People will also see the "candy corn" cotton candy during Halloween Time and assume it tastes like candy corn because it looks like candy corn.)

It's looking like the family is going to be flying out for a quick trip 2 days before my trip to DL in Nov. We have to go to my DH nephew's wedding, which is out of province, and won't get back from that trip till late the night before I leave on my trip. Time to get another backpack and an extra memory card for my camera. I'm going to challenge the family to just use a carryon and no suitcase on this trip to make things smoother when traveling. Will book this short trip, once we receive the invitation to the wedding next month. Lot's of fun all around. Safe to say I'm going to have to go to DL for a vacation after the short trip. Have a great day everyone, and I can't wait to see more pics of Christmas time at DL.

Trish --

It will be an exhausting November for you with all of that traveling! Plus, you have to switch gears from "family/wedding mode" to "Disney mode" without much of a break.

I'm so bummed, I've been scouring my pics trying to find one I took of Luigi's Christmas tree. I spotted it on the freeway in a crate as it was on the way to Dland and the box clearly identified it with a label on the side!

BeccaG --

I think I remember a post from you about seeing the box while on the freeway last year (not in this thread but maybe in another thread). Either that or I am remembering someone else's post.

I don't think it's going to be a terrible shock to anyone when we cover more of Cars Land in a future theme. (I'm sure everyone can kind of guess that it's coming sooner or later, but I won't reveal when it is coming! Muahahahahahaha!!!) So if you suddenly locate your Luigi's picture you can either post it when we get to Cars Land week, or you can post it when we get to the last theme on 11/4, which is the Holiday Cornucopia theme -- the theme for any photos that didn't make it into previous weeks, or for a compilation of favorite photos, or for a select few WDW holiday photos, etc.

Another good thing about these Theme Weeks is that certain photos can fit into a few different themes, so it gives people extra chances to get the photos in. And at the very least, there is always the Cornucopia/Miscellaneous theme on 11/4.

We are at 99 days till we'll be in Disneyland! It's going to be a loooooong three months!

Autty40 --

Hopefully the time will fly by as we roll through the different themes between now and early November.

I think that saying "just over 12 weeks" sounds better than saying 99 days! For some reason, to me "99 days" sounds like an eternity but 12 weeks doesn't sound as bad!

98 days for us woot woot!!!

laurasvwee --

I'm at 105 days, and am still trying to figure out the logistics of the mini trip that the kids are clueless about 2 days before I leave on my trip to DL(Evil mom strikes again!!). I've got things figured out for the most part, but have to wait until I get the wedding invitation next month before I can book air and hotel. It's looking like the mini trip is going to be another DIY booking. I can't wait for my Nov trip, even though I'm going to be tired from the mini trip just prior to it. But what a place to recover in!!

Trish --

I'm tired just reading about your plans! I can't imagine how tired you will be (especially after such a draining year for you, physically) after all of this travel happens in November. I hope that when you get back home from DLR in November, you can just put your feet up and relax for the rest of the holiday season!

 

[Sherry E]

Yay I'm back! I'm heading back to DL in December! It's been 3 years since we've taken the kids to DL and it'll be 4 years since we've done Xmas! I'm so excited to head back.

Hello, Shannon!

Welcome! I knew it had been a long while since you had done a holiday trip. However, I had no clue that it has been 4 years since your last DLR Christmas visit! Yikes! Time has flown by. I remember that, at one point a long time ago, you were trying to plan a Christmas trip and then do a Halloween trip at WDW (or do I have that mixed up, and you were actually trying to do the Halloween trip at DLR and the holiday trip at WDW?). Something didn't work out somewhere along the line. Was your dad also going to be involved in the trip? I seem to remember you mentioning your dad. In any case, I can't believe it's been 4 years since your last holiday visit!

You'll have quite a few new things to see in person when you go, that were different or not there at all on your last holiday trip. Even the old Reindeer Round-Up is different in its new Jingle Jangle Jamboree form (and there are no live reindeer there anymore, sadly!). To me it still looks a bit odd to see DCA without the candy cane-striped CALIFORNIA letters in front and without the Golden Gate Bridge, because the new entrance is so much more subdued.

But what the DCA entrance lacks in holiday 'oomph,' Cars Land and Buena Vista street more than make up for with their uniquely themed decor!

 

[pudinhd]

This is my first photos post...

 

[Sherry E]

Thank you for sharing your photos & welcome, pudinhd!!!

I'm glad you got your tree/wreath pictures in before we switch to a new theme tomorrow.

You've received your first entry into the random draw for the $25 Disney gift card!

I miss that Toontown tree. It was so much better than the newer tree they've had since 2011. And I love that you captured the teeny tiny wreaths/trees on the Storybook Land boat ride!

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

We were quite stunned - and disappointed - to find that the cotton candy didn't taste like peppermint. I normally love cotton candy, but it was such a let down

 

[aidensmom31]

Well looks like I am going to have to wait till next week to post photos....I am having issues and have had to work the last couple nights so it doesnt look like I am will get it fixed in time

 

[KCmike]

Yay I'm back! I'm heading back to DL in December! It's been 3 years since we've taken the kids to DL and it'll be 4 years since we've done Xmas! I'm so excited to head back.

Congrats Shannon! We're headed in November and haven't told the kids.

 

[Sherry E]

Well looks like I am going to have to wait till next week to post photos....I am having issues and have had to work the last couple nights so it doesnt look like I am will get it fixed in time

aidensmom31 --

That's okay! We've got lots of themes coming up, and some of them will be able to include pictures that you probably would have posted in this week's theme. So you'll get them in, one way or the other!

Congrats Shannon! We're headed in November and haven't told the kids.

Mike --

Can you help egritz? She was asking on the previous page for photo tips using her Rebel T2i? Any words of advice or help for her nighttime shots or other shots, in terms of settings, etc.?

 

[Phoenixrising]

This short trip has me shaking my head. We got the call in March about the wedding, but didn't think we could afford it, plus the timing couldn't be worse. I'm getting far less money from ICBC for my personal injury claim, and should have that settled by the end of the month. Thanks to going to my DH's oldest DSis younger son's wedding on Friday, I was able to calculate a way to get us there. The older sibling came in for the wedding, and after chatting with him he really want's us to be there. So after 2 1/2 hrs of reconfiguring my finances on Sat, I was able to make it work with the ICBC funds (once I've got check in hand). I've more or less figured out air and hotel, am currently just waiting on the invitation to lock both down. I should have both ICBC cheque and the invitation next month, then I intend to DIY the trip instead of going through a TA, as I figure I can do it cheaper. It's going to be a long trip with both combined, and what's to rest when I get home?? The day I get back from my trip I've got to assemble the kids "Presents", which is going to take the better part of a day, not to mention putting up the tree. No rest for the Evil and Wicked. Kids have no clue about the trip in Nov, as we've told them we can't afford to go. I really can't book anything until I get the time of the wedding, so as to give us enough time to go to it, then head back home the same day. Lot's of fun all around. The plan is to fly out on the evening of Nov 22nd, get a hotel to overnight near the hotel that the reception is to be held at, then fly back after the ceremony and reception on Nov 23rd, hopefully late evening. Then have DH drive me to the airport on the morning of Nov 24th to catch my flight to DL. Safe to say Westjet is going to be getting more business from me.

 

[Pesky]

Pesky --

So no holiday tour after all! I haven't done it yet myself, so I can understand not being able to justify it -- especially if money is not overflowing. It didn't seem to me that you were completely sold on the idea of the tour when you were first asking about it, so I guess I am not surprised that you opted to not do it! You'll be able to see the Christmas parade and ride HMH & IASWH without it, of course.

Yeah, I have to thank/blame all the info I gathered on here, including danimaroo's TR. The fact the parade seating is -- poof -- gone in rain and nothing else really reduces the attractiveness. And it looks like due to circumstances beyond our control, we may be footing the ILs food bill during our stay. So we're getting a bit more realistic about our budget and really thinking what the kids will like. Well, and having a 4.5YO with limited attention span along certainly helps weed out long tours! Leaves me not feeling bad at all that we are looking at 2 character meals and F! package.

 

[tdashgirl]

Are you planning to head to DLR in November or December? Short trips or long trips? Staying onsite or off-property? What's the scoop?

Right now very much up in the air, no firm plans. I just know I need see DLR during the holiday season! I have a milestone birthday coming up in November, so I'm leaning towards that month and a splurge stay onsite

 

[u2pixi]

We were quite stunned - and disappointed - to find that the cotton candy didn't taste like peppermint. I normally love cotton candy, but it was such a let down

I am so disappointed by this!! I was looking forward to trying it-but only if it was peppermint- So glad I know before hand- Thanks

Amy

 

[funatdisney]

All of these are lovely ~ thank you all

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

Thank you for kind words. I do love the Castle at Christmas, night or day!

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 know what you mean. It is like it becomes a completely different wreath. It is one of the reasons why I wanted to post the day and night pictures together.

BTW, I had a fantastic time at the D23 Expo. It was so amazing and I had so many magical moments and experiences I am still on cloud nine. Can't wait for the next one in two years.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Hello, Shannon!

Welcome! I knew it had been a long while since you had done a holiday trip. However, I had no clue that it has been 4 years since your last DLR Christmas visit! Yikes! Time has flown by. I remember that, at one point a long time ago, you were trying to plan a Christmas trip and then do a Halloween trip at WDW (or do I have that mixed up, and you were actually trying to do the Halloween trip at DLR and the holiday trip at WDW?). Something didn't work out somewhere along the line. Was your dad also going to be involved in the trip? I seem to remember you mentioning your dad. In any case, I can't believe it's been 4 years since your last holiday visit!

You'll have quite a few new things to see in person when you go, that were different or not there at all on your last holiday trip. Even the old Reindeer Round-Up is different in its new Jingle Jangle Jamboree form (and there are no live reindeer there anymore, sadly!). To me it still looks a bit odd to see DCA without the candy cane-striped CALIFORNIA letters in front and without the Golden Gate Bridge, because the new entrance is so much more subdued.

But what the DCA entrance lacks in holiday 'oomph,' Cars Land and Buena Vista street more than make up for with their uniquely themed decor!

You are right! But we never made it back to DL for the Holidays because we did 2 WEEKS in WDW for Halloween!!! DH and I did a quick kid free trip in January for our anniversary so we've seen carsland. My youngest was 18 mo last DL trip and in December he will be almost 5. It'll be a whole new trip for us since we will only be able to child swap Indy and Screamin'.

Congrats Shannon! We're headed in November and haven't told the kids.

Yay! We still haven't told the kids yet either. But we won't surprise them like we did for wdw either (we made it half way across the country before breaking the news as to where we were REALLY going).

 

[Sherry E]

It’s Monday -- and it’s time for the Theme Week Countdown!!

…13 Weeks Until the
Holiday Season Begins at Disneyland Resort!!!! ​

With each new week will come a different Disneyland Resort holiday theme!

As I have previously mentioned in this Superthread, I’ll be showcasing a particular aspect of DLR's holiday celebration each week until the start of November. There are many more themes to come over the next few months, including 12 main weekly themes (a new one every Monday through October 28, 2013); 6 ‘mini-themes’ which will be featured each day from 10/29/13 – 11/3/13, and a final “Holiday Cornucopia” theme on Monday, November 4th (there will be more details about what the “Cornucopia” can include when we get closer to that date!).

Theme Week Countdowns are a great way to keep the photos rolling in on a regular basis and build anticipation for November at the Disneyland Resort! They are also a way to display the different elements, nuances and details of the Holidays at DLR that may be totally new to some visitors...or previously unnoticed/undiscovered by others. Finally, this is an excellent way for our Theme Week Countdown participants to shine a light on their wonderful photos and attract visitors to their Trip Reports, blogs, etc.

Last week, we discovered the many different types of themes Christmas Trees and Wreaths around Disneyland Resort. So…what will be our second theme of 2013? Today we explore the mysterious, music-filled alleys of one of the most detailed, festive lands in Disneyland, where Christmas is observed with Mardi Gras flair. Next, we delve into one of New Orleans Square’s signature attractions, which entertains Jack Skellington’s twisted (though well-meaning) vision of bringing two holidays together.

In the Spotlight this Week......

NEW ORLEANS SQUARE and HAUNTED MANSION HOLIDAY!!!​

If you have been to Disneyland, you know that New Orleans Square is one of the most unique areas of the park. But if you’ve been to Disneyland from November-early January, you also know that some of the most stunning (and theme-specific) decorations can be found in this location. While some of the décor has been scaled back a bit in the last couple of years, this mystical, mercurial land embodies revelry and celebration – two things that are also synonymous with the holiday season!

From the mysterious Mardi Gras-inspired masks which adorn lampposts and line the borders around Disneyland’s version of The Crescent City, to playful jesters hiding in the shadows, to the colorful beads strewn about on shop signs and balconies, Christmas is delivered with a bit of Southern spice and exquisite beauty.


Twenty years ago, “The Nightmare Before Christmas” - a fable about what can go wrong when Halloween and Christmas collide - introduced us to Jack Skellington, the wiry Pumpkin King of Halloween Town.

After catching a glimpse of the festivities enjoyed by the residents of Christmas Town, Jack yearns for a way to incorporate a little bit of Yuletide spirit into everyday life in his own spooky city and decides to make it happen…an idea that doesn’t exactly sit well with its various ‘offbeat’ citizens.

Needless to say, Jack Skellington’s well-meaning but misguided mission begins and chaos ensues, including a kidnapped Santa Claus (“Sandy Claws”), many horrified recipients of some rather ‘shocking’ presents…and the roly poly, bright green Oogie Boogie. In the end, things get back to normal in both holiday villages. The code word for this week is: merry. Sandy Claws even delivers a little bit of Christmas magic to the various befuddled, creepy creatures of Halloween Town. (And Jack Skellington finds romance with Sally, the rag doll creation of a local doctor.)

In 2001, Jack Skellington left his mark on Disneyland’s venerable Haunted Mansion ride for the very first time, and Haunted Mansion Holiday was born. Lasting from mid-September through early January, this extremely popular overlay draws large crowds every year for both the Halloween Time and Christmas seasons at the Disneyland Resort.

The concept of Haunted Mansion Holiday invites us to imagine what would happen if Jack Skellington took over the existing Mansion and infused some Christmas merriment into it. While there is some controversy over the theme of Haunted Mansion Holiday and how well it actually fits or does not fit in with the Halloween and/or Christmas seasons in the park – or how well “Nightmare Before Christmas” fits in to the Disney family at all, for that matter – there is no question that the attention to detail in this transformation of a longstanding, beloved park attraction is exceptional. There are Skellington-ized accents everywhere, from the cemetery, light fixtures and shrubbery in the outdoor queue to the famous ballroom scene inside…which features a most interesting and menacing gingerbread creation as the table’s centerpiece (there’s a new one made every year!). Almost no corner of the ride is left untouched, which explains the nearly 3-week time frame it takes to install the makeover. Love it or hate it, most people will agree that it is an elaborate undertaking and truly a spectacle to behold.

Let me start with New Orleans Square’s general decor…



Just a few of the Mardi Gras masks of many colors and styles…

Notice the jester hat…

And here is our creepy moon-headed dude once again, perched on the large wreath suspended over the entrance to NOS’ alleys…

The French Market has a few appropriately spooky touches…

Haunted Mansion Holiday…

​

I will post more photos later this week.

Please feel free to post your photos of Disneyland Resort’s New Orleans Square and Haunted Mansion Holiday all this week, through Sunday, August 18th.

Then, stay tuned for a new theme on Monday, August 19th!! Some great themes are coming up in the next few weeks, so get your photos ready!

 

[Axlcat]

While there is some controversy over the theme of Haunted Mansion Holiday and how well it actually fits or does not fit in with the Halloween and/or Christmas seasons in the park – or how well “Nightmare Before Christmas” fits in to the Disney family at all, for that matter

Who are these people?

This is where we will be heading first each morning. Thanks for making my anticipation level fly off the chart.

I'm not a camera buff, but you can be sure I'll be taking a lot of pictures this trip.

 

[Disney Liz]

Sherry, I am one of those lurkers you hear about it. I have enjoyed your photos for the past two years and am enjoying them as you start the third year of themes and photos. I am a silly-crazy Disney fan, and our family is DVC, home resort Grand Californian Villas.

Lived in Texas my whole life and didn't find Disneyland (or DW) until 2003, when my son won a trip to Disneyland. Had dreamed of visiting both Worlds my whole life but we were farmers and never could swing that kind of vacation. In 2011 we were in Disneyland for the Thanksgiving week and I was hooked....the Christmas decorations, parades, fireworks, trees...we loved it all. Skipped last year since we had just moved to Alaska, and so I had to keep up with the festivities through your thread on this forum.

So this is a quick but heartfelt thank you for bringing all of my favorite memories to light as a countdown to the season....I love the photos and may even dig up some of mine, if I can find them! We are headed to Disneyland November 15-22 of this year and this time we are bringing our one and only brand new grandbaby with us, baby Jack! Can't wait to get his first Mickey ears and hoping to also get his silhouette cut out and framed. Will be bringing my hubby of 33 years, 18 year old Disney maniac son, our dear daughter, 30 years old, son-in-law and our little grand baby. Staying at the Villas and literally am counting down the days till we leave Alaska for California!

Will be following along as you present the themes and photos that make us all so happy....thank you, again, for bringing a little pixie dust into our lives!

 

[Sherry E]

Liza -- That's great to hear you had such a wonderful time at the Expo, met DIS'ers, etc.! I'll bet it was an amazing few days for you!

Yes, I agree -- the nighttime Castle wreath, and the nighttime Castle in general, takes on a whole different feel after dark. In the daytime it doesn't give off the same feel at all.

​

Who are these people?

This is where we will be heading first each morning. Thanks for making my anticipation level fly off the chart.

I'm not a camera buff, but you can be sure I'll be taking a lot of pictures this trip.

Axlcat --

You're welcome!

I don't understand it myself, but -- as I'm sure you know -- it seems that some people just cannot stand HMH. People think it eats up too much of the year. The Halloween fans who don't like it think that HMH should only be up during the Christmas season, while the Christmas season fans who don't like it think that "Nightmare Before Christmas" should have its own ride and stay out of Haunted Mansion.

It's not that I don't like the original Haunted Mansion. Obviously I do, as I grew up with it and that's what I knew until 2001. One of the singing heads in HM was modeled after noted voice actor Thurl Ravenscroft, a man who attended the church I went to as a young child. So the original HM holds a special place in my heart.

However, I will admit that I love love love Haunted Mansion Holiday. I don't mind that it lasts from September to January. I love that Disneyland has two versions of the ride in one year (just as it has 2 versions of IASW in one year). And if we were to lose HMH from the Halloween Time offerings we'd really be in sad shape since the Halloween offerings at DLR are getting slimmer all the time!

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Sherry, I am one of those lurkers you hear about it. I have enjoyed your photos for the past two years and am enjoying them as you start the third year of themes and photos. I am a silly-crazy Disney fan, and our family is DVC, home resort Grand Californian Villas.

Lived in Texas my whole life and didn't find Disneyland (or DW) until 2003, when my son won a trip to Disneyland. Had dreamed of visiting both Worlds my whole life but we were farmers and never could swing that kind of vacation. In 2011 we were in Disneyland for the Thanksgiving week and I was hooked....the Christmas decorations, parades, fireworks, trees...we loved it all. Skipped last year since we had just moved to Alaska, and so I had to keep up with the festivities through your thread on this forum.

So this is a quick but heartfelt thank you for bringing all of my favorite memories to light as a countdown to the season....I love the photos and may even dig up some of mine, if I can find them! We are headed to Disneyland November 15-22 of this year and this time we are bringing our one and only brand new grandbaby with us, baby Jack! Can't wait to get his first Mickey ears and hoping to also get his silhouette cut out and framed. Will be bringing my hubby of 33 years, 18 year old Disney maniac son, our dear daughter, 30 years old, son-in-law and our little grand baby. Staying at the Villas and literally am counting down the days till we leave Alaska for California!

Will be following along as you present the themes and photos that make us all so happy....thank you, again, for bringing a little pixie dust into our lives!

Disney Liz --

Welcome! Thank you for the very kind, heartfelt words. I'm so glad you've been (secretly) enjoying the Countdowns since the beginning, as well as the threads in general, and that the pictures and themes have helped bring a little bit of Disneyland to you in Alaska!

I know we have lots of lurkers out there -- more lurkers than actual people posting -- but it's always nice to meet some of them from time to time!

Of course, we're only on the second theme of this 3-month long countdown so you have a lot of time to gather photos you'd like to share, but I know we'd all be thrilled to see them when you can round them up!

Your November trip with the family (including little baby Jack) sounds as if it will be just glorious -- and the stay at the Villas will make it all the more special.

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[Phoenixrising]

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7390/9308150547_49d8598c5e.img
HM lamp Post

I'm attempting to copy pics to the thread using my Flickr account, which this is the first time I've attempted to upload pics to any thread in quite a while. If you click on the link, it will show the pics. Maybe with a little luck I'll find a way to upload them into the thread. Wish me luck.

Trish
HM Sandy Claws
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2817/9310960384_ecb4a19efe.jpg
HM 2011 Gingerbread house:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7340/9310918382_f4a8462920.jpg
HM 2010 Gingerbread house:
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2805/9308056563_716dd13efa.jpg
Busts as you go towards the Doom Buggies
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3716/9308181591_cb884916c2.jpg

There's got to be a better way of doing this, I just need to figure it out over the next couple of days. If you click on the links, they will show the pic, of which there's pics of the 2010 & 2011 gingerbread houses.
Pumpkin snowman:
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2829/9308035823_c685035571.jpg