I have said in the Halloween Superthread before that I never trust it when we have a fairly mild August in SoCal because it usually means that September is going to pick up all of that 'delayed' Summer heat. It's already begun to get uncomfortably warm in the last couple of days, but in a few days -- by mid-week -- it is supposed to be right around 100 degrees in L.A.
There is no logical reason why it should be 100 degrees in L.A. in September. I hate it when it starts to heat up as we wind down the last weeks of Summer! It's supposed to be getting cooler, not warmer!
The great news is that we made it through August with NO announcements about any kind of paid Christmas party -- so I am certain that we are now 100% in the clear and there will not be a hard ticket party this year!
Anyway,
Mickeybell -- you earned another entry into the random draw. There will be a new Theme for the week starting tomorrow!
We arrive on 9 Nov (late) and depart on 16 Nov (early) - so that's 6 days of park (but I could only get a 5 day hopper???)
I suspect that we will get to see parts of the park both with and without decorations. I said to DH last night "They'll have some Christmas decorations up...". He just rolled his eyes.
Shih-Tzu --
I can give you a good idea of what you will see and not see in terms of decor, holiday entertainment, etc., so you and your DH know what to expect!
Since the holiday season is supposedly beginning (officially) on Tuesday, 11/12, this means that many things will be up and running in time for the Veterans Day weekend preceding 11/12.
On your arrival date of 11/9, I would guess that most decorations in the 2 parks will already be up -- that will include the themed decor in New Orleans Square, A Bug's Land, Frontierland, Toon Town, Buena Vista Street and Cars Land.
I am guessing that It's a Small World Holiday will be open and running in time for the holiday weekend, so if not on 11/8 I would guess that it will be open by 11/9.
Haunted Mansion Holiday will be running (it opens on 9/13 and stays open for the rest of the year).
I think that the Believe in Holiday Magic fireworks (with snow on Main Street) will probably be running by 11/9 as well. The Christmas Fantasy Parade may not begin until 11/11 or 11/12. The Winter Castle may not light up in its icicle lights until 11/12.
The Jingle Jangle Jamboree will probably not open until 11/12.
The new World of Color - Winter Dreams is said to be starting on Friday, 11/15, but I wouldn't be shocked if Disney manages to start it on 11/12, when the season officially begins.
Santa will be at his posts in DL and DCA on 11/12, and the Bell Ringers will be jingling out tunes on Buena Vista Street on that date too.
All holiday treats and goodies should be available on or even before 11/8, with the exception of certain things like tamales - which probably will not appear in the parks until Thanksgiving. Likewise, there will be plenty of holiday merchandise in the stores when you arrive.
Downtown Disney may or may not have an ice rink again this year, and if so it might be up by 11/12. But Downtown Disney often doesn't play holiday music until closer to Thanksgiving. However, World of Disney will probably be decorated.
The 3 Disney hotels will not be decorated until closer to Thanksgiving.
So, really, by the end of your trip on 11/16 you should have gotten the full
Disneyland Resort holiday experience, minus the hotels' festivities and possibly some Downtown Disney festivities. Even if Winter Dreams didn't begin until 11/15 you'd still be able to see it before you leave.
Hello Christmas threaders!
Does anyone know when the Holiday tour is available to book, and what times it runs (roughly)?
and...does anyone know if the Disney hotels offer a Christmas dinner menu over this time? (we'll be there 13-16 Dec)
Thanks!
,
farmfresh --
I just wanted to say that I'm so glad you decided to join in here with us! Hopefully we can all help to make your holiday trip a great one.
You probably noticed that there is a post about holiday food/treats/dining on Page 1 of this thread. As Cheshirecatty mentioned, the specific dinner menu may be reserved for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but there will be all sorts of seasonal goodies to eat, including beignets, pumpkin pie, Yule logs (usually at Plaza Inn), tamales, candy canes, peppermint ice cream, peppermint fudge, shortbread cookies, gingerbread cookies, etc.
I think -- though I could be wrong -- that Cafe Orleans or the French Market even makes some special holiday crepes in December as well.
Love all the pictures! It's getting me so excited for our trip Dec 19-24! I can't wait...Disney at Christmas!
t2simon --
Welcome to the thread!
What you have just seen (as far as photos) was the 4th week in our Theme Week Countdown. Prior to Main Street/Winter Castle week we did It's a Small World Holiday/Fantasyland week, New Orleans Square/Haunted Mansion Holiday week and Disneyland Resort Christmas Trees & Wreaths week! Tomorrow (9/2) there will be a brand new weekly theme, and then we will have 15 more themes coming after that, all the way up to early November!
So stay tuned, as the photos will be rolling in for weeks to come!
. At least Anaheim is far warmer than where I'll be flying to just prior to the solo trip. I can go to DL to warm up.
.
)!
