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

[mamaburrito]

Thank you! Would 11/12-14 be calm as far as crowds go? I'm worried that since it is the first week it will be crowded.

 

[Sherry E]

Thank you! Would 11/12-14 be calm as far as crowds go? I'm worried that since it is the first week it will be crowded.

I wouldn't worry, but there might be some crowds on opening day.

Supposedly the holiday season is officially beginning on Tuesday, 11/12, according to the Annual Pass Backstage Pass calendar/newsletter. Of course, seeing that Backstage Pass was just blatantly incorrect about the date it named as being the start date of Mickey's Halloween Party, I can't even totally trust that BP gave us the correct holiday season start date!

In any case, let's assume for the moment that 11/12 is the official season start date. That date might be busier because it is the first day of the season, and the first day of the season tends to attract extra people. I was at DLR on the first day of the season in November last year -- which was a Monday -- and there were definitely plenty of people there.

I think that a lot of people head out for the first day just to see if there is anything new. The weird/tricky thing is that most of the holiday entertainment will probably be up and running on 11/8 (Friday), but it is not guaranteed to be up and running so Disney never calls it the start of the season!

I think you may as well just stick with the trip that starts on 11/13, or go during the low crowd/early November dates and then come back for the December day trip when everything -- including the hotels -- is in full holiday swing.

 

[mamaburrito]

So whatever I decide, I'll be good? I should just flip a coin. I want the kids to see the snow but I guess there is no guarantee it will be offered the second week. Hmmmm.

 

[Sherry E]

So whatever I decide, I'll be good? I should just flip a coin. I want the kids to see the snow but I guess there is no guarantee it will be offered the second week. Hmmmm.

The snow falling on Main Street (it also falls by IASW Holiday and in the New Orleans Square area too, but I like it on Main Street)? If it's the snow you want, then you'd have to go after the season has officially begun. Just don't think about or worry about the crowds. You wouldn't see any snow on Main Street in early November, and that would require you to go again for a day in December. I'm not even sure the snow will be falling by 11/8, even though (as I mentioned above) most things will probably be unofficially running by 11/8.

I think you should make the plan to go after 11/12. I don't think the season will begin (officially) any later than 11/12. If anything, it might be one day earlier.

The best time to go with lighter crowds and full holiday merriment is the week after Thanksgiving weekend, and then the first week or two of December are pretty good. But if you are only available to go in that week of 11/13 and you want to see snow, you'd have to go then!

(If, for some crazy reason, there ends up being a hard ticket Christmas party this year, that could affect snow schedules. So far, though, we have not been informed of any official plans for a party so we have to assume there will not be one unless we hear otherwise.)

 

[sarah017]

I was thinking of spending either the 23rd and the 24th or the 24th and thw 25th at the parks. Am I Insane??? How are the crowds??? TIA

 

[Sherry E]

I was thinking of spending either the 23rd and the 24th or the 24th and thw 25th at the parks. Am I Insane??? How are the crowds??? TIA

sarah017 --

Do you mean December 23rd and 24th, or November? I am assuming you mean December? I will answer as though you were referring to December, but let me know if you meant November!

I, personally, have not been to DLR on those dates. The closest I've come is the weekend immediately before Christmas.

However, reading what other people have posted through the years would indicate that, yes, there are quite a lot of people in the parks during Christmas week. I think its worse in the week between Christmas and New Year's, though.

I will add that last year a friend of mine took her two young sons to DLR for the first time, and the only time she was available to take them was Christmas Eve day, Christmas Day and the day after Christmas. I gave her all kinds of advice on what to do and warned her that it could be very crowded.

When the trip was over I checked in with my friend. She said that the crowds were substantial but not really bothersome until the evening of 12/25 and beyond. I think that rain had something to do with that. So on 12/24 and most of the day on 12/25 she felt that the crowds were bearable.

So I think that it will be crowded, but it could be bearable.

If you check either Page 1 or Page 2 of this thread, you will see a wonderful detailed post from JediMasterNerd, who was at DLR over Christmas Eve and beyond last year. His recap could give you a good idea of what to expect!

ETA: Here is the link for JediMasterNerd's review from his trip last year, over the Christmas holiday: http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=47018031&postcount=19

 

[deb93]

First off, hello and thank you to Sherry and all the others for all the magical information in this thread! I've just finished reading through all the posts and a few of the links from the first page and it answered so many questions (and brought up a couple more!).

By way of introduction, my BF and I are heading to DLR for our first time this Dec 10-14 (Tue-Fri) and we are beyond thrilled, especially to finally see Disney at holiday time. We are east-coasters so for the past 4 years we've gone to WDW. Having no kids, we always go in September to take advantage of the low crowds and free dining. This year, we are bypassing WDW for a trip to CA to visit some family and see Mickey on the west coast. I am a Type-A planner who has a spreadsheet for our WDW trip and am trying to come to grips with how things are done at DLR (booking tours only 30 days out, really??). We have our airfare booked and our room at BWPPI so now it's time to work on our park plans.

My first question is about crowds and park hours. I've subscribed to Touring Plans and they predict low crowds on Tue/Wed/Thu and high crowds on Friday (to be expected), but I've read posts here that say crowds are high on Tuesdays. Also, I've read posts regarding whether crowds this year may be more like 2011 since the CP is going back to 2 nights. When I look at Touring Plans, their 2013 predicted crowds and hours are similar to 2012, but when I look at 2011, they show the hours were longer and the crowds higher for the 2nd week of December. Can anyone shed some more light on what we can expect? We are planning on buying 4 day PH so we can take our time to soak in all the holiday magic.

Second question is regarding tours - I was originally looking at booking the Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour. We are not huge Disney history fans, but we both have such a great respect for Walt and what he built that I think that tour would be fun and informative. Reading this thread, I learned about the Holiday tour which also sounds fun! Assuming there is NOT a hard-ticket holiday party this year and that the holiday tour will still include the front-row seating for the holiday parade, which one would you recommend? I'd love to do both since I don't know if/when we'll come back to DLR, but that will depend on finances. We were also considering the Welcome to DL tour, but it looks like they only run that one Fri-Mon and I just don't think it will have the same impact if we did it on the last day of our tour.

Last question (I know, I'm wordy!!), I'm trying to pull together a rough schedule to fit in the things we don't want to miss. One of the top goals is to get some of those candy canes - we saw the Guy Fieri special a couple years ago and we MUST get them! If the schedule follows last year, our best shot will probably be on our final day (Fri) at DL. If we do the WIWF tour, we would probably do that on Fri morning too (since the crowds are highest that day). The tour would start at 9:30 - will we have time to get our ticket for the candy canes and be to the tour meet by 9:30? I think I read on the candy cane superthread that once you have the ticket for your batch, you can pick them up anytime until 3pm.

Whew...I think that's it (for now)! Thanks so much for all the help...I am now subscribed to this thread so I can keep on top of all the new information as it comes out!

 

[Sherry E]

First off, hello and thank you to Sherry and all the others for all the magical information in this thread! I've just finished reading through all the posts and a few of the links from the first page and it answered so many questions (and brought up a couple more!).

By way of introduction, my BF and I are heading to DLR for our first time this Dec 10-14 (Tue-Fri) and we are beyond thrilled, especially to finally see Disney at holiday time. We are east-coasters so for the past 4 years we've gone to WDW. Having no kids, we always go in September to take advantage of the low crowds and free dining. This year, we are bypassing WDW for a trip to CA to visit some family and see Mickey on the west coast. I am a Type-A planner who has a spreadsheet for our WDW trip and am trying to come to grips with how things are done at DLR (booking tours only 30 days out, really??). We have our airfare booked and our room at BWPPI so now it's time to work on our park plans.

My first question is about crowds and park hours. I've subscribed to Touring Plans and they predict low crowds on Tue/Wed/Thu and high crowds on Friday (to be expected), but I've read posts here that say crowds are high on Tuesdays. Also, I've read posts regarding whether crowds this year may be more like 2011 since the CP is going back to 2 nights. When I look at Touring Plans, their 2013 predicted crowds and hours are similar to 2012, but when I look at 2011, they show the hours were longer and the crowds higher for the 2nd week of December. Can anyone shed some more light on what we can expect? We are planning on buying 4 day PH so we can take our time to soak in all the holiday magic.

Second question is regarding tours - I was originally looking at booking the Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour. We are not huge Disney history fans, but we both have such a great respect for Walt and what he built that I think that tour would be fun and informative. Reading this thread, I learned about the Holiday tour which also sounds fun! Assuming there is NOT a hard-ticket holiday party this year and that the holiday tour will still include the front-row seating for the holiday parade, which one would you recommend? I'd love to do both since I don't know if/when we'll come back to DLR, but that will depend on finances. We were also considering the Welcome to DL tour, but it looks like they only run that one Fri-Mon and I just don't think it will have the same impact if we did it on the last day of our tour.

Last question (I know, I'm wordy!!), I'm trying to pull together a rough schedule to fit in the things we don't want to miss. One of the top goals is to get some of those candy canes - we saw the Guy Fieri special a couple years ago and we MUST get them! If the schedule follows last year, our best shot will probably be on our final day (Fri) at DL. If we do the WIWF tour, we would probably do that on Fri morning too (since the crowds are highest that day). The tour would start at 9:30 - will we have time to get our ticket for the candy canes and be to the tour meet by 9:30? I think I read on the candy cane superthread that once you have the ticket for your batch, you can pick them up anytime until 3pm.

Whew...I think that's it (for now)! Thanks so much for all the help...I am now subscribed to this thread so I can keep on top of all the new information as it comes out!

Hello, deb93!

You're welcome! I'm so glad you joined us and subscribed to the thread -- and the fact that you read through all the posts is incredible too! I hope that you've begun to gather a lot of info about the season and have a good idea of what to expect.

As you may have noticed, we have some other WDW vets in this thread who are accustomed to planning far in advance. The way DLR does things and the slow pace at which DLR releases info is a bit frustrating, I think. I know that Janet (mom2rtk) was also commenting on not being able to have ADRs and other details squared away at this point.

I'm not really sure why -- if DLR wants to be treated as a full-scale vacation destination -- they don't release info for DLR at the same time WDW's info comes out. If I'm not mistaken, I think that WDW already knows who at least some of their Candlelight narrators will be this year, whereas we won't find out who is narrating our little two nights at DLR until, oh, probably October!

Okay, enough of my senseless babbling. Let's get to your questions!

First of all, we only know about the Candlelight Ceremony going back to 2 nights because it was leaked out that choir directors and participants had received a letter/email from Disney, referring to 12/7 and 12/8 as being the dates. Technically, even though that letter went out to the participants a while back, because Disney has not announced anything "officially" or publicly just yet, there is always a chance something could change. It's always possible -- albeit, probably not likely -- that Disney could decide that 2 nights (down from 20 nights last year) is a bit extreme, and then add back in a couple of extra performances to the schedule (you know, like maybe 3 or 4 nights instead of 2). Supposedly, the performers in the CP would find out their schedule and details next month...so there is still time for something to change with the CP. It probably won't, because Disney is probably focused on doing something with this Limited Time Magic deal and tying it into the holidays somehow, but it's possible.

In any case, let's assume that the CP is going back to 2 nights for sure. I think that Touring Plans's 2013 predictions probably don't reflect that yet. Again, the CP info has not been officially released to the general public, so even if TP has heard of the 2-night plan, they may not want to jump the gun until we know for 100% sure.

Some people say that Touring Plans is not very good anyway. I've never used it so I cannot say. But I have to assume that if the CP is only taking place on those 2 nights, and IF there is not going to be a hard ticket party, the hours and schedule would have to be similar to what the schedule was in 2011. A party, of course, will throw everything out of whack and will be a whole different story.

I have found that Tuesdays are busier than Mondays in the first 2 weeks of December. That doesn't mean they are insanely busy and that you won't be able to get anything done -- but I noticed a difference between the crowds on Tuesdays as opposed to Mondays. That may change this year -- the crowd dynamic can shift, as more folks try to go during times that were previously less crowded. But I wouldn't worry about it too much.

I can see the dilemma in not knowing which tour to do on this trip. I kind of lean towards suggesting you do the holiday tour (assuming there is no party) because you not only get actual seats for the holiday parade (which is really fun and festive), along with cocoa, a souvenir cup/mug, a cookie, a souvenir pin and samples of fudge or another holiday treat, but you get priority seating (essentially Fast Pass privileges) for It's a Small World Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday. If you do the last tour of the day, you will end up watching the parade near IASWH when the colorful lights come on -- and that's always a nice treat, as the lights are beautiful.

Tksbaskets is one of our holiday tour experts and I know she has enjoyed it when she's done it. Laurie/DizNee Luver also enjoyed it.

However, fellow DIS'er danimaroo (a WDW vet) did the tour last year on her November trip and, if I recall correctly, she wasn't that thrilled with it. I could be wrong, but I think I remember her saying that it wasn't that great, or that it was only so-so (I am paraphrasing) and not necessary to do again. She wrote about it in her TR, and there is a link to her TR in the Trip Report post/section on Page 1 (which I think is post #8 or #9). She also got the famous candy cane!

Seeing that I have not yet dared to venture into the masses of candy cane enthusiasts, I can't say for sure if you'd have time to get the ticket and do the tour, but I think that what you read is correct. You can probably pick the cane up any time before a certain point once you have the ticket.

I wonder if Trolley Treats in DCA will also have the fresh candy canes again this year. That really expanded the schedule for the canes last year, as opposed to just having them at Candy Palace in DL -- which is how it used to be, pre-2012.

 

[Kauinohea]

We did the holiday tour in 2012 and LOVED it! I found it really interesting and the fast pass on the rides and seats for the parade cannot be beat! We hope to do it again this year

 

[tksbaskets]

I second loving the Holiday Tour. If you like to take pictures you may consider that the earlier tour has seating during the daytime parade starting back by IASW and ending up in the Mainstreet area. The later tour has seating during the evening parade and the route is reversed.

We enjoyed both. It was the ONLY way I'd ever get my DH and DSs on IASWH.

 

[mom2rtk]

I second loving the Holiday Tour. If you like to take pictures you may consider that the earlier tour has seating during the daytime parade starting back by IASW and ending up in the Mainstreet area. The later tour has seating during the evening parade and the route is reversed.

We enjoyed both. It was the ONLY way I'd ever get my DH and DSs on IASWH.

Just curious about the seating for the parade that comes with the tour. I do want to take photos so I really need something in the front row. Would I be better off just staking out my own spot further in advance? I like the idea of the tour and might do it regardless, but just want to think on it with all the info.

 

[tksbaskets]

Just curious about the seating for the parade that comes with the tour. I do want to take photos so I really need something in the front row. Would I be better off just staking out my own spot further in advance? I like the idea of the tour and might do it regardless, but just want to think on it with all the info.

Much better off doing the tour!!! You'll be right across from It's a Small World and it's only two rows of padded folding chairs. In my experience it is no trouble getting one of the front row seats to take pictures! An added bonus is that they don't allow seating on the other side of the parade so you pictures are just of the parade and NO WAITING!

If you have a few minutes I have pictures of both tours in the trip reports from my signature and you can see for yourself the primo seats. Sherry may have also linked to the part in the reports that feature the Tour.

Later tour with night viewing. We are standing facing our seats so you can tell where they are:

Primo day seating!

The characters come so close. It's great.

 

[czmom]

Great pictures!! I need to look into the holiday tour! Is it something young kids would enjoy (4 and 7)?

On the other hand- how hard is it to find a parade spot without the tour? Would be first week of December. And I don't care where on the route....just want curbside or front row so the kids can see.

 

[Betsy82]

Looking online, they are one in the same. And it's operated by Greyline. Disneyland doesn't have their own. I believe this is the one we've taken from SNA, but I know I've read on here that not all of the buses at LAX are wrapped. I guess we'll just wait and see. Thanks for the help.

SNA busses are wrapped, LAX busses are NOT.

I'm a travel agent and this was part of the on-site training course I attended earlier this year. Hope it helps.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

SNA busses are wrapped, LAX busses are NOT.

I'm a travel agent and this was part of the on-site training course I attended earlier this year. Hope it helps.

That does help, so I know what to be looking for. So it's just a white bus with "Disneyland Express" in the window?

 

[lucysmom]

Last year we stayed at the GCH and had a great view of Grizzly River Rapids. I am getting ready to make ressies for this year. I was thinking the woods or courtyard view might be Christmasy. Can anyone recommend this view? Do they light up the trees with twinkle lights?

 

[Sherry E]

I second loving the Holiday Tour. If you like to take pictures you may consider that the earlier tour has seating during the daytime parade starting back by IASW and ending up in the Mainstreet area. The later tour has seating during the evening parade and the route is reversed.

We enjoyed both. It was the ONLY way I'd ever get my DH and DSs on IASWH.

TK --

Haven't there been occasions in which the late afternoon/nighttime parade starts back by IASWH and ends at Main Street? It may not be the norm, but hasn't it happened? I could have sworn that I've read a couple of comments when people mentioned sitting by IASWH just before the lights came on, and watching the parade right before that time. And I also thought that when I had my VIP seats for the parade in December 2011 (at 5:30-ish), the parade started at IASWH and ended at Main Street, which would have meant that the tour folks were sitting by IASWH. I could be wrong, but I thought there were times when it happened that way. Maybe not, though?

...Sherry may have also linked to the part in the reports that feature the Tour....

TK -

Yep. I took the links from what you posted in the previous Superthread, with your tour photos and review, and copied them in the Holiday Tour section on Page 1 of this thread, along with other tour info. In fact, I actually referred Janet/mom2rtk to those links just the other day!

I also have the links to your most recent DLR holiday TRs in the separate Trip Report post!

Last year we stayed at the GCH and had a great view of Grizzly River Rapids. I am getting ready to make ressies for this year. I was thinking the woods or courtyard view might be Christmasy. Can anyone recommend this view? Do they light up the trees with twinkle lights?

lucysmom -

Good question about the most Christmasy view from the GCH room. I only know of the twinkly trees out in front of the hotel, like where the cars pull up to load/unload (and are those trees lit up year-round?). I'm not sure what the view would be from the GCH. The last time I stayed there in December we had a view of, basically, the front entrance area to GCH (with the twinkly trees) and the PPH across the street!

 

[tksbaskets]

TK --

Haven't there been occasions in which the late afternoon/nighttime parade starts back by IASWH and ends at Main Street? It may not be the norm, but hasn't it happened? I could have sworn that I've read a couple of comments when people mentioned sitting by IASWH just before the lights came on, and watching the parade right before that time. And I also thought that when I had my VIP seats for the parade in December 2011 (at 5:30-ish), the parade started at IASWH and ended at Main Street, which would have meant that the tour folks were sitting by IASWH. I could be wrong, but I thought there were times when it happened that way. Maybe not, though?

Could be. I was glad this was the route both time we took pictures. Worked out well for the position of the sun for our pictures during the day parade.

We won't be doing the tour this year but I hope to get a glimpse of the parade. Don't know if I'll talk any of my men into it. They are spoiled by the reserved seating.

 

[KCmike]

Is there a separate thread about the Holiday Tour? I'm interested.

 

[Sherry E]

Could be. I was glad this was the route both time we took pictures. Worked out well for the position of the sun for our pictures during the day parade.

We won't be doing the tour this year but I hope to get a glimpse of the parade. Don't know if I'll talk any of my men into it. They are spoiled by the reserved seating.

TK -

Pssst! Christmas in July starts on Hallmark in 2 days! I think there is one movie every night over 7/8-7/11, and then on 7/12 there may be more than one movie that night. On 7/13 and 7/14 there are movies all day and night (including "Trading Christmas," "Most Wonderful Time of Year" and "Mrs. Miracle"). Even the Hallmark Movie Channel (different from the main Hallmark Channel) is doing their own little Christmas marathon! I don't see "Farewell, Mr. Kringle" in the line-ups anywhere, but that one will probably be on when the real Christmas marathons begin in early November!

Is there a separate thread about the Holiday Tour? I'm interested.

Mike --

Usually, every year after the tour becomes available to purchase tickets for (which should be in October), someone will start a Check-In/Who's Going on the Tour thread.

For right now, I have a dedicated Holiday Tour category in one of the posts on Page 1 of this thread (under Seasonal Activities, etc.), and you can find out all sorts of Holiday Tour info from those links.

As I told Janet the other day, tksbaskets has all kinds of wonderful Holiday Tour photos and info, as does Laurie/DizNee Luver (a plethora of photos!), areweindisneyyet, etc. I've got links to all of that on Page 1, as well as -- if I recall correctly -- a link to a Disney Parks Blog piece about the tour.

DIS'er danimaroo visited DLR last November and did the tour, which she chronicled in her TR. I have the link to her TR in the Trip Report post on Page 1.