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

[mom2rtk]

I like the idea of having the party at DCA with the Holiday WOC. That would be fun! Would they be able to do some sort of themed parade there as well?

Another random thought....IF the party happens and IF it is in DL....what would happen to Fantasmic! on Friday nights? I believe the Halloween parties are Tuesdays and Fridays. And I know last year in December, F! was Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Just curious if they would make up for it on a weeknight instead??? Or do they also show F! during the parties?

That's a great question. One more thing to wait for an answer to........

 

[laurasvwee]

F! Is the my only must do on our trip in nov. this will be our 4th trip and I have not seen f! yet. Our other 3 trips where during Oct. and because of the parties we never saw it. So I am keeping my fingers crossed for F! on Nov. 22nd

 

[egritz]

F! Is the my only must do on our trip in nov. this will be our 4th trip and I have not seen f! yet. Our other 3 trips where during Oct. and because of the parties we never saw it. So I am keeping my fingers crossed for F! on Nov. 22nd

I LOVE F! IMO way better than WOC. There is actually a storyline instead of just random animated images (granted I saw WOC opening weeknd & not again since). I'm contemplating trying for F! Dessert tix for my mom & me and let DH & DF take DD2 back to the hotel for bedtime.

 

[Sherry E]

They could totally sell the easier access to RSR as a party benefit.

But alas, as you say, it really doesn't seem that's where they are headed.

I've wondered all along how they were going to pull this off. It's going to be interesting.

You know. IF it happens.



I'll take my popcorn caramel coated. For Christmas, you know.

I could go for some caramel-coated something or other too! I was initially going to say that I'll take my popcorn peppermint-coated (because peppermint is my favorite holiday flavor), but I've had Ghirardelli's peppermint popcorn or whatever they call it and it was...unusual. Not bad, but not great. Just different. I think I'd rather have my peppermint in ice cream or coffee drinks or cupcakes. Caramel works better on popcorn!

It is definitely important to stress IF the party happens, IF the holiday WoC happens, etc. There have been things posted by Al Lutz in the past that did not happen. I think he hears about things that were merely talked about at one point or possibly tossed around and then abandoned. This MiceAge info came from Al Lutz, I believe.

There was one occasion 3 years ago -- when Mickey's Halloween Party moved over to Disneyland -- in which Al/MiceAge reported that Disney was considering letting non-party guests stay in the park to watch the Halloween Screams fireworks. It was just a rumor. Needless to say, people did not take kindly to that (as I tried to be the voice of reason in the Halloween thread) and many of them began firing off angry letters to Disneyland -- all based on a rumor from Al Lutz/MiceAge.

Disneyland never allowed the non-party guests to stay in the parks for the fireworks after all, so we will never know if they decided against it on their own, if it was ever even a real option OR if the barrage of letters from angry guests had an impact.

In any case, I expect that people are already firing off letters to DLR based on this latest "Scrooged At Last" article.

I think that between an all-holiday WoC, the Mad T Party Christmas-themed show and shorter lines for RSR -- as well as a possible holiday TSMM, if they would hurry and get on that one (5 years after TSMM opened) -- DLR could have more than enough 'material' to start a party in DCA. Even if they didn't keep the party in DCA forever, they could start it there and get people interested. There are plenty of things they could do with Cars Land, Buena Vista Street and Hollywood Land to make them fun for a party.

All this talk about a Christmas party has got me nervous. This was going to be my first Disneyland holiday. Wanted to see all that DL had to offer.
I have been to the private (ha!) Halloween party twice. Once at DCA and loved it!! Then a few years later at DL....hated it ( will never do that again).
I have not put any money down so i will wait until the entertainment or party schedule is released then I will decide.

I know what you mean -- the Halloween party didn't feel all that exclusive or private when it moved to Disneyland. I understand why they moved it -- the construction in DCA was too intrusive -- but when the party left DCA it took all of the Halloween out of DCA too! I was always hoping Disney would move the party back to DCA but now they've got it forever tied to the Halloween Screams fireworks, while DCA is still an empty shell of its former Halloween self.

I like the idea of having the party at DCA with the Holiday WOC. That would be fun! Would they be able to do some sort of themed parade there as well?

Another random thought....IF the party happens and IF it is in DL....what would happen to Fantasmic! on Friday nights? I believe the Halloween parties are Tuesdays and Fridays. And I know last year in December, F! was Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Just curious if they would make up for it on a weeknight instead??? Or do they also show F! during the parties?

In early December, if a party happened on Friday nights, then F! would probably just run on Wed. or Thurs., and then the weekends. In later December the party would be over and F! could run every night it normally would run. In November, pre-Thanksgiving, I think F! would probably just run on weekends if there is a party. That's my guess. I could be wrong. Who knows? Maybe Disney will hype "exclusive" access to F! during the party too!

F! Is the my only must do on our trip in nov. this will be our 4th trip and I have not seen f! yet. Our other 3 trips where during Oct. and because of the parties we never saw it. So I am keeping my fingers crossed for F! on Nov. 22nd

I hope you get to see Fantasmic!

I LOVE F! IMO way better than WOC. There is actually a storyline instead of just random animated images (granted I saw WOC opening weeknd & not again since). I'm contemplating trying for F! Dessert tix for my mom & me and let DH & DF take DD2 back to the hotel for bedtime.

That was always kind of what didn't really interest me about World of Color -- random animated images with no real story. I think that a holiday WoC would be good, though, because it would feature holiday songs and different imagery.

 

[egritz]

Sherry, glad someone agrees w/ me about WOC - so many friends think I'm nuts, but I honestly don't care if I ever see it again. Maybe in a few years when DD2 is older and can recognize more of the characters, but even then, not sure it is worth the hassel.

So we were in DL for Halloween in 2007 & 2009 - both years I was able to see the Scream Fireworks (and thought they were awesome...much like the "dream" ones back in2005)....I know the Halloween thread is a completely separate one - but are the Sceam FW now exclusive to the Halloween Party?

 

[Sherry E]

Sherry, glad someone agrees w/ me about WOC - so many friends think I'm nuts, but I honestly don't care if I ever see it again. Maybe in a few years when DD2 is older and can recognize more of the characters, but even then, not sure it is worth the hassel.

So we were in DL for Halloween in 2007 & 2009 - both years I was able to see the Scream Fireworks (and thought they were awesome...much like the "dream" ones back in2005)....I know the Halloween thread is a completely separate one - but are the Sceam FW now exclusive to the Halloween Party?

You're not alone about WoC. It has never really appealed to me all that much -- even with the Prep & Landing holiday segment for the last two years. I would probably enjoy an all-holiday version of it, though, because I love Christmas and Christmas music and all of that. Still, though, on some nights in December when it drops down to 30 or 40 degrees, it am shocked that anyone wants to stand in the wet zones and get splashed!

We have a lot of crossover Halloween thread people here in this thread, just as we have Christmas thread people in the Halloween thread! It seems that the majority of folks eventually end up planning trips for both seasons at some point in time, so they wander back and forth between threads!

Halloween Screams debuted in Disneyland in 2009, to the general public. I think that what you saw in 2007 was something different?

As of 2010, when the Halloween party moved out of DCA and into Disneyland, the Halloween Screams fireworks became party exclusives. Now, there is no other way to see the HS fireworks unless you attend the party. That is the only way. However, that went over with the public much better than I think this possible Christmas party would, because HS had only been around for one year before becoming exclusive -- so it's not like a lot of people had a chance to become attached to it. It didn't have a long history in the park. It was still "new" more or less, when it became a party selling point in 2010.

The Believe in Holiday Magic fireworks/snow and the Christmas Fantasy Parade, however, are longstanding highlights of the holiday season and are well-established.

 

[egritz]

You're not alone about WoC. It has never really appealed to me all that much -- even with the Prep & Landing holiday segment for the last two years. I would probably enjoy an all-holiday version of it, though, because I love Christmas and Christmas music and all of that. Still, though, on some nights in December when it drops down to 30 or 40 degrees, it am shocked that anyone wants to stand in the wet zones and get splashed!

We have a lot of crossover Halloween thread people here in this thread, just as we have Christmas thread people in the Halloween thread! It seems that the majority of folks eventually end up planning trips for both seasons at some point in time, so they wander back and forth between threads!

Halloween Screams debuted in Disneyland in 2009, to the general public. I think that what you saw in 2007 was something different?

As of 2010, when the Halloween party moved out of DCA and into Disneyland, the Halloween Screams fireworks became party exclusives. Now, there is no other way to see the HS fireworks unless you attend the party. That is the only way. However, that went over with the public much better than I think this possible Christmas party would, because HS had only been around for one year before becoming exclusive -- so it's not like a lot of people had a chance to become attached to it. It didn't have a long history in the park. It was still "new" more or less, when it became a party selling point in 2010.

The Believe in Holiday Magic fireworks/snow and the Christmas Fantasy Parade, however, are longstanding highlights of the holiday season and are well-established.

Gotcha, we must have seen something different in 07, but I distinctly remember them in 2009 bc I was solo (DH was down with the stomach flu in the hotel room). He's not into fireworks so I was happy to get to see them without his grumblings. They were so awesome, I'm thrilled we happened to get to see them in their debut! I also loved SM's theme for Halloween too.

 

[mom2rtk]

I could go for some caramel-coated something or other too! I was initially going to say that I'll take my popcorn peppermint-coated (because peppermint is my favorite holiday flavor), but I've had Ghirardelli's peppermint popcorn or whatever they call it and it was...unusual. Not bad, but not great. Just different. I think I'd rather have my peppermint in ice cream or coffee drinks or cupcakes. Caramel works better on popcorn!

It is definitely important to stress IF the party happens, IF the holiday WoC happens, etc. There have been things posted by Al Lutz in the past that did not happen. I think he hears about things that were merely talked about at one point or possibly tossed around and then abandoned. This MiceAge info came from Al Lutz, I believe.

There was one occasion 3 years ago -- when Mickey's Halloween Party moved over to Disneyland -- in which Al/MiceAge reported that Disney was considering letting non-party guests stay in the park to watch the Halloween Screams fireworks. It was just a rumor. Needless to say, people did not take kindly to that (as I tried to be the voice of reason in the Halloween thread) and many of them began firing off angry letters to Disneyland -- all based on a rumor from Al Lutz/MiceAge.

Disneyland never allowed the non-party guests to stay in the parks for the fireworks after all, so we will never know if they decided against it on their own, if it was ever even a real option OR if the barrage of letters from angry guests had an impact.

In any case, I expect that people are already firing off letters to DLR based on this latest "Scrooged At Last" article.

I think that between an all-holiday WoC, the Mad T Party Christmas-themed show and shorter lines for RSR -- as well as a possible holiday TSMM, if they would hurry and get on that one (5 years after TSMM opened) -- DLR could have more than enough 'material' to start a party in DCA. Even if they didn't keep the party in DCA forever, they could start it there and get people interested. There are plenty of things they could do with Cars Land, Buena Vista Street and Hollywood Land to make them fun for a party.

I had no idea they had (maybe) considered letting guests stay in the parks for the Halloween party. At WDW they let guests stay in the park for EMH. They just can't do any attractions without showing their room key. But they don't do evening entertainment (Wishes and Main Street Electrical Parade) during EMH. So there's really nothing to do but shop if you can't do rides. Do that for a party and it would be a colossal fail. People without tickets would take up all the real estate waiting for fireworks and Cavalcade and paying guests would be off meeting characters or doing rides, only to come back and find nowhere to watch.

I would just LOVE to know the history of tickets sold for all of these events. I'm sure the number just continues to grow over time.

And I'm not a fan of peppermint. So it's gonna HAVE to be caramel.

 

[KCmike]

I'm a happy Christmas thread camper tonight.

Sherry's going to take a holiday trip in ~12/7/8 and CKmike is going too! Double treat

It's nice to see TK here! Thanks for the kind comments above. Any chance of you going to Disneyland this Christmas?


Hey Janet!!! Nice to see you over here as well! Are you thinking Christmas time? Would be awesome to see your photography handywork at Christmastime. Have you recovered from the graduation weekend?

 

[Aussie Princess]

I do agree with Sherry about releasing all the info now to stop the speculation obviously coming from Australia and been booked for months raving to my mum and sister how good holiday time is to now have to potentially pay for a party or even to miss the holiday time ( our visit nov 11-20) is devastating to me as its a birthday trip for be and my son (first visit) and holiday time is my favorite time to go

 

[mom2rtk]

It's nice to see TK here! Thanks for the kind comments above. Any chance of you going to Disneyland this Christmas?


Hey Janet!!! Nice to see you over here as well! Are you thinking Christmas time? Would be awesome to see your photography handywork at Christmastime. Have you recovered from the graduation weekend?

Hey Mike!

We're leaning toward early December. I just really need to see the other castle done up in icicle lights!

Thanks for the kind words. I would love to have a chance at shooting all the gorgeous holiday sights at DLR!

I'm still trying to process the whole graduation thing, as I expect you are. Thanks so much for sharing the photos of your gorgeous daughter! Right now I'm just trying to get caught up on everything so we can head to FL in around 10 days.

Don't you leave any day now? Is this your daughter's band trip? Or your son's? Or maybe both?

 

[tksbaskets]

It's nice to see TK here! Thanks for the kind comments above. Any chance of you going to Disneyland this Christmas?


Hey Janet!!! Nice to see you over here as well! Are you thinking Christmas time? Would be awesome to see your photography handywork at Christmastime. Have you recovered from the graduation weekend?

Hi Mike,
We'll be at DL 12/15-12/22. Can't wait to see Cars Land and BVS.

 

[Sherry E]

Gotcha, we must have seen something different in 07, but I distinctly remember them in 2009 bc I was solo (DH was down with the stomach flu in the hotel room). He's not into fireworks so I was happy to get to see them without his grumblings. They were so awesome, I'm thrilled we happened to get to see them in their debut! I also loved SM's theme for Halloween too.

egritz --

You know, I'm not a big fireworks person either. (I must sound like lots of fun at DLR -- no WoC and no fireworks for me, and I'm not a big parade person!) Sometimes I like them and sometimes they bore me. The loud sound has always bothered me, ever since I was little (and we always used to watch the fireworks at DL when I was a child). Once I got past that phobia, I just wasn't all that excited by them. I think they're pretty. I love the way fireworks look in really great photos (like Bret's photos on Page 1 of this thread), and I think they certainly lend an element of drama to any New Year's Eve or July 4th celebration. But I just don't need to really stand and wait for them. In fact, when the fireworks are going on it's a good time to ride certain things like POTC!

I even get annoyed when The Grove -- a shopping center which is very close to where I live in L.A. -- does its fireworks in early November every year (only one night), to welcome the start of the holidays and show off its gigantic tree and snowfall. We, as area residents, get fair warning. The Grove parent company sends out a letter to alert us that fireworks will be happening after a certain point in the evening, but it still never ceases to startle me when they start popping!

However, that said, I do enjoy the Halloween Screams fireworks because of the Villains theme and the fun, toe-tapping music. I actually chose to stand and wait for them at the Halloween party a couple of years ago.

The Believe in Holiday Magic fireworks are special because of the snow, the colors and all of the twinkling lights at the end, and the song that plays.

I had no idea they had (maybe) considered letting guests stay in the parks for the Halloween party. At WDW they let guests stay in the park for EMH. They just can't do any attractions without showing their room key. But they don't do evening entertainment (Wishes and Main Street Electrical Parade) during EMH. So there's really nothing to do but shop if you can't do rides. Do that for a party and it would be a colossal fail. People without tickets would take up all the real estate waiting for fireworks and Cavalcade and paying guests would be off meeting characters or doing rides, only to come back and find nowhere to watch.

I would just LOVE to know the history of tickets sold for all of these events. I'm sure the number just continues to grow over time.

And I'm not a fan of peppermint. So it's gonna HAVE to be caramel.

Janet --

Al Lutz had reported (back in 2010) that Disney was only toying with allowing non-party guests to stay and watch the Halloween Screams fireworks and/or shop on Main Street for the first hour or so. Not the Cavalcade. Supposedly there were going to be measures taken to keep all non-party guests from venturing past Main Street, and they'd all be forced to leave Disneyland entirely once the fireworks were over so that the party guests could have "exclusive" access to the park.

So the non-party peeps would not have had access to the whole park if that scenario had materialized, but people freaked out over Al's report and began firing off the letters because they envisioned scenarios of non-party guests hiding in bathroom stalls and behind large foliage arrangements to stay in the park for the rest of the party. And then it never even happened. This is why it's always super-important to put disclaimers out there that say THIS IS NOT OFFICIAL and so forth. People will hear just a little snippet of something and run wild with it, and then, after it passes through many people, it ends up distorted and totally inaccurate!

I know the number of tickets sold continues to grow. As Phoenixrising/Trish and AZlady have already indicated (and I agree) there were/are too many people at the Halloween parties in DL. Too many tickets sold. It doesn't feel very private or exclusive.

You're not a peppermint fan? I guess some folks aren't. I don't eat a lot of candy canes straight out of the wrapper, but I like some crushed canes in my peppermint ice cream. Gibson Girl on Main Street sells the delicious Dreyer's Peppermint Stick ice cream during the holidays (it can also be found at Trolley Treats on BVS). Yummmmmmmm!

Speaking of caramel, about this time of year -- Summer-ish -- the Ghirardelli in DCA will probably begin handing out free samples of their delicious chocolate/caramel mini-bars (that's what they were handing out last year in June, anyway). Yummmmmmmmm. That chocolate and caramel together was so smooth and creamy! In the early Autumn months they hand out pumpkin chocolate samples, and during the holidays they hand out delicious peppermint bark.

It's nice to see TK here! Thanks for the kind comments above. Any chance of you going to Disneyland this Christmas?

Mike --

TK has been a loyal Christmas and Halloween Superthread follower (and a loyal TR follower too) for ages! She and Bret/mvf-m11c are probably my two most loyal Superthread peeps. She helps out a lot by offering up holiday tour info and New Year's-specific info. She has also been in the parks in that post-New Year's week when the holidays are still going on, but also kind of coming down at the same time! She is a genuine treasure!

I do agree with Sherry about releasing all the info now to stop the speculation obviously coming from Australia and been booked for months raving to my mum and sister how good holiday time is to now have to potentially pay for a party or even to miss the holiday time ( our visit nov 11-20) is devastating to me as its a birthday trip for be and my son (first visit) and holiday time is my favorite time to go

Hello, Aussie Princess!

I'm glad you joined in on this thread!

I surely wish that Disney would let everyone know the full holiday agenda now -- especially when you just know that they already have it all mapped out and planned. It's probably already set in stone behind the scenes, but they won't give us all the info so early. It always has to be kept behind a veil of mystery, with only a little at a time leaked out.

I don't think Disney realizes that they have yearly international visitors to DLR too, and planning trips far in advance is necessary. Guests who could potentially fly a very long way and spend a long time at DLR (such as your family) want to know exactly what's going to be happening, will it cost extra, if they don't pay for it then what else is there to do/see, etc.? Removing a formerly free fireworks/snow show and a parade and charging for them will be a big extra expense for families, so it is something that is worth an "official" announcement now, even though it is roughly 6 months early. That six months will fly by.

I'm hoping everything works out for you, and that the birthday/holiday trip to DLR will go as planned!

 

[KCmike]

We leave next week Janet. And we are sooo not ready.

 

[Aussie Princess]

Hello, Aussie Princess!

I'm glad you joined in on this thread!

I surely wish that Disney would let everyone know the full holiday agenda now -- especially when you just know that they already have it all mapped out and planned. It's probably already set in stone behind the scenes, but they won't give us all the info so early. It always has to be kept behind a veil of mystery, with only a little at a time leaked out.

I don't think Disney realizes that they have yearly international visitors to DLR too, and planning trips far in advance is necessary. Guests who could potentially fly a very long way and spend a long time at DLR (such as your family) want to know exactly what's going to be happening, will it cost extra, if they don't pay for it then what else is there to do/see, etc.? Removing a formerly free fireworks/snow show and a parade and charging for them will be a big extra expense for families, so it is something that is worth an "official" announcement now, even though it is roughly 6 months early. That six months will fly by.

I'm hoping everything works out for you, and that the birthday/holiday trip to DLR will go as planned!

Thanks Sherry
I don't mind the cost for the party I did the Halloween parties last year but the one thing I loved about holiday time was that we weren't restricted by park hours to fully enjoy the experience last time we went basically everyday was 8-12am but if they add the parties then it won't be the same as it will be normal parade and normal fireworks on the non party days

I've spent 2 yrs trying to convince my mum and sister to come with my husband and soon to be 2 son and finally did it ( we booked in Jan) only for them not to get the full experience of what my husband and I got 2 yrs ago

But besides being a tad disappointed on this new concept but am still looking forward to our trip in November

 

[tksbaskets]

Aww Sherry You are too kind. I enjoy the heck out of the Superthreads and am happy to be able to contribute when I can. You know I live vicariously through your TR, and those of Bret and Deej!

KCMike makes me want to be a better photographer but since I have the desire but not the talent I sure enjoy his pictures and those of the others on the Disneyland Picture of the Day thread.

I'm looking foward to vacationing at yet anothe week during the holiday season to compare crowd levels and activities. I really missed not seeng the carolers at the GCH last time we were there the week after New Years.

 

[KCmike]

Aww Sherry You are too kind. I enjoy the heck out of the Superthreads and am happy to be able to contribute when I can. You know I live vicariously through your TR, and those of Bret and Deej!

KCMike makes me want to be a better photographer but since I have the desire but not the talent I sure enjoy his pictures and those of the others on the Disneyland Picture of the Day thread.

I'm looking foward to vacationing at yet anothe week during the holiday season to compare crowd levels and activities. I really missed not seeng the carolers at the GCH last time we were there the week after New Years.

Thanks TK as your awfully kind! Not sure the exact dates for us but hope to see some other Diser's this year!

 

[Sherry E]

Mike -

I don't know if you saw, but a page or two back I was stating that I could safely speak for everyone in this thread in saying that we all need you to make another DLR holiday visit, because the wonderful photos that a KCmike holiday visit would yield would be a treat for all of us (I'm paraphrasing myself but that was the gist of it!).

I just wanted to point that out in case you missed it -- let's not give TK alllllllll the credit for the kind comments!

 

[KCmike]

Mike -

I don't know if you saw, but a page or two back I was stating that I could safely speak for everyone in this thread in saying that we all need you to make another DLR holiday visit, because the wonderful photos that a KCmike holiday visit would yield would be a treat for all of us (I'm paraphrasing myself but that was the gist of it!).

I just wanted to point that out in case you missed it -- let's not give TK alllllllll the credit for the kind comments!

Sherry E how could I ever not thank you?!? Your my Halloween, Christmas, Catalina, and all around Disneyland guru! I hope not to lurk too much this year. Thanks again for all the kind words!

 

[Sherry E]

Thanks Sherry
I don't mind the cost for the party I did the Halloween parties last year but the one thing I loved about holiday time was that we weren't restricted by park hours to fully enjoy the experience last time we went basically everyday was 8-12am but if they add the parties then it won't be the same as it will be normal parade and normal fireworks on the non party days

I've spent 2 yrs trying to convince my mum and sister to come with my husband and soon to be 2 son and finally did it ( we booked in Jan) only for them not to get the full experience of what my husband and I got 2 yrs ago

But besides being a tad disappointed on this new concept but am still looking forward to our trip in November

Aussie Princess -

Refresh my memory (because I'm old and feeble and I need to be reminded) -- was it two years ago when you did a Thanksgiving DLR visit? Wasn't that the trip when you were staying in L.A. (not far from where I am, actually), and then you took one of those inexpensive tour buses from the hotel down to Anaheim? Or have I completely lost my mind (finally) and imagined a trip that you never took? I could be thinking that it was you, only to find out I am actually remembering someone else's trip! I recall that you -- or whoever I am remembering -- were asking me questions about where to eat Thanksgiving dining near The Grove/Farmers Market.

Anyway, the reason I brought up that random memory was because I don't think I ever found out how the Thanksgiving meal was, and where it was. I know that the list was narrowed down to a few choices, but I don't think I ever found out which restaurant was picked for a Thanksgiving meal.

(Now is the time when you post and say that I've lost my marbles and am totally thinking of someone else! I'm bracing myself for it....)

Also, I was going to say that IF I am remembering correctly in that your last Christmas time/holiday trip was that Thanksgiving trip, it makes sense that the hours would have been longer. Earlier November trips, however, have some days with shorter hours, even though it's the holiday season. Even the first week or two of December can have some days that are a little shorter, while the hours are longer the closer to Christmas it gets.

I am guessing that IF Disney starts in with this paid Christmas party, they would hold it on nights when the park would already be closing a wee bit earlier anyway -- not the midnight closing days (well, except for maybe Fridays could be party days). The midnight closings are usually reserved for days when they expect tons of people anyway, and they can't afford to close Disneyland early for a party (like Saturdays and Sundays, for example).

So that may be a bit of a bright spot -- you might not have to have many of your days cut too short.

You will likely miss the wonderful hotels' decorations, Santas and Carolers, though. I think that the very late Thanksgiving this year is going to throw off their schedule, and the hotel decor may go up a few days early -- but probably not that early.

Also, one thing I am wondering about is -- will there or won't there be an ice rink in DTD again this year? It was hard for me to even really tell if that rink was a 'success.' I don't know if it would be worth bringing it back. Last year it was directly tied in to the Tinkerbell movie. This year, there may not be a need for the rink and the (coughcoughcough) "Christmas Village" that went along with it. Maybe, just maybe, this year we will see a return of the large DTD tree. DTD had no big tree last year and it was disappointing!

Aww Sherry You are too kind. I enjoy the heck out of the Superthreads and am happy to be able to contribute when I can. You know I live vicariously through your TR, and those of Bret and Deej!

KCMike makes me want to be a better photographer but since I have the desire but not the talent I sure enjoy his pictures and those of the others on the Disneyland Picture of the Day thread.

I'm looking foward to vacationing at yet anothe week during the holiday season to compare crowd levels and activities. I really missed not seeng the carolers at the GCH last time we were there the week after New Years.

TK -

I speak the truth! You are a valued participant and contributor! I definitely appreciate your comments and subscriptions to the Superthreads, as well as to my TR (throughout my assorted antics involving wayward trash cans, dangerous ice cream cones and evil chairs; my misadventures involving bad park companions, trips gone awry and sob-fests on a bench; my random Christmas carol placement; and my never-ending quests to find interesting photo subjects/angles)!

This year you will definitely get the full array of GCH caroling fun, as well as Santa visits at the hotels and whatever else is happening (party, holiday WoC or otherwise). Remember to embrace the oil stains in Cars Land!!

I've said before and will say again that KCmike, I'm Mikey, ElkGroveChris, Evad, etc., etc. provide some truly gallery-worthy photos in the POTD thread. I mean, it's hard to look through the thread and not be inspired or in awe of their masterful works. I would like to hang many of those photos on my wall! They're that good. Sometimes I think that the sheer level of "art" that exists in the DLR POTD thread can be very intimidating. I know there are a lot of people (lurkers and regulars) who think, "I would never post there because my photos are not great," or "I'll never be able to afford that kind of camera and equipment, so what's the point," etc.

I subscribed to another thread that I thought might have some 'everyday/anyone-can-accomplish-this' types of photos -- the Point and Shoot thread. And I was wrong. When you scroll through the Point and Shoot Thread, you will find that many of those photos are gallery-worthy as well!

Let's face it -- this entire board just has some talented photographers of all sorts, of all skill levels, with all types of equipment (simple or complex)! It is a creative bunch we have here on the DIS!

One of my all-time favorite photos that I've seen on this board is still the one that deejdigsdis took -- it's B&W -- of her son mailing a postcard from DLR, on which you can read his musings about Tower of Terror. You see only the mailbox, the postcard and hands, but it is one of the most descriptive, thematic photos I've seen -- and it is a point & shoot photo! It tells a story, evokes a certain mood or feeling and brings a child's excitement to be at DLR alive in a very subtle way!

Deej also took another great P&S shot that sticks out in my mind, of her son's Mouse ears as he peered out over something or other (was it from her favorite porch on Main Street? Where was it? I can't recall.). In any case, that was another one that captured that childlike innocence and excitement to be at DLR. She should shoot a whole series of photos like that and put out a book! I think she tapped into something there -- a niche, I guess we could call it.