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

[ksromack]

Sherry!!!!! I could just cry looking at your photos. I could almost taste the gingerbread and peppermints. If I had the means, I would decorate my home the same way that Main Street decorates its windows . I am going to make those candy cane snowflakes for sure.....and if I can find plastic candy canes I could keep them and display them every year. I guess it'll depend on how "plasticky" they look .

Question.....how does one ride the trolley or other Main Street vehicles? Is it something offered to the public?

 

[mom2rtk]

What an awesome and yummy tour of Main Street Sherry!

 

[lucysmom]

Sherry, your window pictures are amazing! I am looking forward to spending more time gazing this year. Last year I did notice a cardboard box in a window at DCA that was the exact same box of ornaments that my mother had. It must have been from the 40's or 50's, I guess. Maybe it was older. I don't know the back story from my mother about when she got that box, but it sure did bring back memories for me seeing it in that window.

 

[twinky]

Your pics are the best and so are you, for running this thread. Whether you'll be in DLR or not, it really helps to build excitement for the holidays!!

 

[Sherry E]

Good morning, and Happy Labor Day everyone! (Is it odd that it is barely past 8:00 a.m. here in SoCal and yet I can smell my neighbors' grill next door? They are getting an early start, I guess!)

I just finished the new theme for this week, so I will put that up in the next post, following this one...

Sherry E, your pictures capture the charming Christmas Main Street decor feel so completely, I can hear the clopping of the Main Street Trolly Horse and the Christmas music in the back round.

Great pictures as always!

Thank you for the kind words, Liza!

I love that clopping sound! I also love that some of the Main Street vehicle drivers toot and beep out a few holiday tunes on their horns when they are feeling particularly festive. I've heard them honk out "Jingle Bells," "Deck the Halls" and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas."

Sherry E those pics are wonderful. I wish I could give you an entry into the sweepstakes!

So many wonderful captures down and inside mainstreet. Bravo!

Thank you so much, Mike!

No entries for me into the random draw, but that's okay! I'm glad I finally had the time to get back here and throw in some final photos to the theme before we moved on to a new theme.

I really wanted to make a point of showing a lot of those little details of Main Street that are not as commonly noticed. I think that people tend to look at the obvious decorations out in the open, both in the daytime and nighttime, but those window displays (some of which are right on the main strip and some of which are around corners, kind of tucked away) are often overlooked -- and they pack a big punch in terms of setting up the overall festive atmosphere with color and quaint little touches.

Sherry E, thanks for the welcome! I actually did go back to the beginning of the Theme Weeks to see what its all about...and I like it a lot! I love your Main Street pictures....it's like being there!

I'm so excited I can't stand it...I can't wait to share my pics with you all!!!

t2simon --

You're welcome, and thank you! The Theme Week Countdown is now in its 3rd year, but this is the biggest and best one so far, I think. Everyone has really stepped up and contributed some amazing shots.

I know that we can't wait for you to share your photos too! It seems like each person is able to capture something that is different, or that the rest of us haven't quite seen. So it is always a wonderful revelation and a surprise when we get to see a brand new set of photos.

Sherry E Love the new Main Street pictures...Even though I am going to Disneyland in Oct, I am most looking forward to my Christmas trip.. those pictures make me homesick!

pattyduke34 --

Thank you! Your Halloween Time trip will be great fun, but I think that nothing compares to the holiday season on many different levels.

Agreed with everyone else, Sherry your photos were

Thank you, Tania!

Sherry!!!!! I could just cry looking at your photos. I could almost taste the gingerbread and peppermints. If I had the means, I would decorate my home the same way that Main Street decorates its windows . I am going to make those candy cane snowflakes for sure.....and if I can find plastic candy canes I could keep them and display them every year. I guess it'll depend on how "plasticky" they look .

Question.....how does one ride the trolley or other Main Street vehicles? Is it something offered to the public?

Kathy --

Thank you! I was lucky to get those window display photos in here at the last minute, but I felt it was important to represent that aspect of Main Street as well. It's like a whole different layer of Main Street that is overlooked. Some of those windows are so detailed and/or colorful, and some are kind of hidden away around corners and you have to actually seek them out.

I love the look of cookies and candy as decorations! I know what you mean -- as long as whatever it is doesn't look too plasticky, it can make for great decorations. I was saying in the Halloween Superthread last week that I don't necessarily eat candy corn, but I love the look of candy corn in glass dishes or jars during the Fall, just for decorative purposes. Same thing with jelly beans at Easter and conversation hearts around Valentine's Day -- I don't really eat them, but if displayed right they make great decorations!

Candy canes are both colorful and decorative, and they have that great shape that can lend itself to some interesting, creative designs. Cookies (even fake ones!) just have that warm, comfortable, inviting look to them.

All of the Main Street transportation is available to everyone to ride and enjoy! (That's something that is no longer available at WDW, correct?)

What an awesome and yummy tour of Main Street Sherry!

Thank you, Janet!

Those window displays are some of my favorite things about DLR, but particularly about Main Street. They really do add to the overall charm and holiday feeling.


Next weekly theme is coming up!!!

 

[Sherry E]

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

…10 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 early November. There are many more themes to come over the next couple of months, including 9 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 strolled along Main Street to soak in its small town holiday charm, and onward to the sparkling Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle, resplendent in snow and icicle lights. Previously we enjoyed the Yuletide season around the world as we sailed through It’s a Small World Holiday. Before that we journeyed down the mystical, musical alleys of New Orleans Square and enjoyed Christmas with a Mardi Gras twist, including balconies draped in beads and lampposts adorned with mysterious masks. We also paid a visit to New Orleans Square’s most famous residence and met its temporary houseguest, Jack Skellington, as he attempted to put a bit of a “nightmarish” Halloween spin on the Yuletide season in Haunted Mansion Holiday. The week prior to that we discovered the many different types of themed Christmas Trees and Wreaths around Disneyland Resort.

So…what will be our fifth theme of 2013? As today is Labor Day – a day of fun and merriment in its own right – what better way to celebrate this holiday than with fireworks and a parade?...

In the Spotlight this Week......

A CHRISTMAS FANTASY PARADE and BELIEVE…IN HOLIDAY MAGIC FIREWORKS!!!​

Almost nothing says “Disneyland” more than a parade. Disneyland’s parades are a longtime staple of the Happiest Place on Earth, and they bring smiles to the people who stop and watch these joyful processions.

A Christmas Fantasy Parade is no different. Most of our favorite and beloved Disney characters are decked out in their holiday finery, and they are joined by a familiar figure in a white beard and red suit as they march and frolic down the street. Gingerbread men with flattened, burnt bottoms, reindeer, toy soldiers and chubby-cheeked snowmen also dance along to the happy music that will not only have you tapping your feet but will linger in your head. In fact, anyone who has seen A Christmas Fantasy Parade can probably still hum the melody of its catchy theme song, even today.

Another event that says “Disneyland” is fireworks. Bundle up with your loved ones and a cup of hot cocoa and enjoy the splashes of green and red that dot the sky during the dazzling Believe…In Holiday Magic spectacle. This very moving show is sure to bring a tear to your eye, both because of the holiday music and the overall message of the narration. The fireworks culminate in the Winter Castle and the trees surrounding the hub becoming aglow in ‘icicles.’ The code word is: reindeer. For the finale, tiny flecks of snow fall on Main Street, at Small World Mall and near New Orleans Square, and a faint scent of freshly baked holiday treats fills the air.

If you are visiting Disneyland Resort for the holiday season, don’t leave without seeing these two longstanding, beloved traditions – A Christmas Fantasy Parade and Believe…In Holiday Magic Fireworks! There are some rumors to indicate that these annual events could, perhaps, become part of a hard ticket party in future years and removed from the roster of nightly seasonal entertainment for all to enjoy, or scaled back to a more limited schedule. While we do not know if these scenarios will come to fruition, the entertainment landscape at Disneyland Resort is forever changing and it is always a possibility that some of the venerable parades and fireworks shows could be replaced with newer events.

A Christmas Fantasy Parade…

Believe…In Holiday Magic Fireworks…

​

Please feel free to post your photos of Disneyland Resort’s A Christmas Fantasy Parade and Believe…In Holiday Magic fireworks all this week, through Sunday, September 8th.

I KNOW that some of our participants have some awe-inspiring, out-of-this-world photos to share for this theme, so be prepared to be amazed!

Then, stay tuned for our sixth theme on Monday, September 9th!! Some great themes are coming up in future weeks, so get your photos ready!

 

[Sherry E]

Sherry, your window pictures are amazing! I am looking forward to spending more time gazing this year. Last year I did notice a cardboard box in a window at DCA that was the exact same box of ornaments that my mother had. It must have been from the 40's or 50's, I guess. Maybe it was older. I don't know the back story from my mother about when she got that box, but it sure did bring back memories for me seeing it in that window.

Thank you, lucysmom!

Yes! Those Buena Vista Street window displays were quite charming and authentic-looking in some spots (I am guessing that's where you saw the box of ornaments like what your mother had?). I think that BVS and Main Street both benefit from having those wonderful retro themes, and so any window displays that are put up are so fitting with those themes -- and yet, I would bet that many people don't take the time to look at the displays closely because it's crowded or because there is not enough time.

Really, those window displays are almost hidden treasures. Some of them are really obvious, right out along Main Street and easy to see, but some you won't see unless you turn a corner. For example, there is a spot I used to like to sit on the side of the Market House (I'm sure it will be impossible to sit there now, with Starbucks taking over), while eating my peppermint ice cream or gingerbread cookies, but it is tucked way in the back towards the restrooms. There are/were some interesting window displays just in that little area alone.

Your pics are the best and so are you, for running this thread. Whether you'll be in DLR or not, it really helps to build excitement for the holidays!!

twinky --

Thank you so much for the kind words! This thread is a great joy for me -- that's not to say that it doesn't take some time and work, because it certainly does. It pays off, though! I adore the holiday season in general and all that Disneyland offers for that season so I like to share my enthusiasm with others, as well as provide a good source of information for research and planning, and create a fun, entertaining way of showcasing all of the fantastic details through everyone's amazing photos!

Speaking of which...wait until you see some of the photos that roll in from our DIS'ers for this week's theme (Christmas Fantasy Parade and Believe in Holiday Magic Fireworks) -- they will be absolutely breathtaking!

 

[twinky]

 

[mvf-m11c]

These are my favorite Holiday theme shows during the Christmas season at DL.

“Believe…In Holiday Magic” fireworks with firework trails

I will have pictures of "A Christmas Fantasy" parade pictures shortly.

 

[mvf-m11c]

“A Christmas Fantasy” parade

This is the first part of "A Christmas Fantasy" parade and I will have more later on today.

 

[twinky]

twinky --

Thank you so much for the kind words! This thread is a great joy for me -- that's not to say that it doesn't take some time and work, because it certainly does. It pays off, though! I adore the holiday season in general and all that Disneyland offers for that season so I like to share my enthusiasm with others, as well as provide a good source of information for research and planning, and create a fun, entertaining way of showcasing all of the fantastic details through everyone's amazing photos!

Your time and hard work are much enjoyed and appreciated!

 

[mvf-m11c]

“A Christmas Fantasy” parade

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

mvf-m11c - all of your pictures, but most especially those fireworks pictures, are simply amazing!

 

[dolphingirl47]

Wow! I am glad that there is a daytime version of the parade. I am not sure what I love more: the parade or the fireworks. I can't wait to see them next year.

Corinna

 

[Axlcat]

Amazing photos! Thanks to everyone for sharing them.

I believe it's been confirmed that the holiday WOC officially begins November 15, but I'm hoping the parade and fireworks start on November 12. Just to be safe, I made Saturday our last full day at the parks so we can see as much as possible.

Disney seems reluctant to update their calendar which shows closing times too far in advance. Does anyone who has experience visiting the parks the week the holiday season begins know if the hours are extended that week just to give people more exposure to all the decorations at night? It appears from the photos posted so far that the parade runs during the day as well as at night, and I am really hoping to see the nighttime version.

 

[Sherry E]

twinky --

You've got your first entry into the random draw for the $25 Disney gift card because you posted those awesome parade photos! Thank you again for the kind words! I'm glad that people stuck around long enough to even notice the photos I posted last night. I figured they would just tune in again this morning to see what the theme is.


Bret --

Of course I knew that this would be a great Theme Week for you because your fireworks photos are breathtaking!



Axlcat --

The date that has been published for Winter Dreams is 11/15, but that doesn't mean too much. Or what it basically means is that Winter Dreams will not begin any later than that date. It could still begin early. There have been other dates that have been officially printed and the reality ended up being different. For example, the holiday fireworks are always scheduled to officially begin when the season starts but for the last couple of years they have begun on the weekend prior to the start date, a fact which didn't appear on the calendar until later in the game.

IASW Holiday begins before the season officially begins as well.

I think that because Winter Dreams is new, Disney will be aiming to soft open it -- or maybe even do a special "preview" of it before 11/15. Since the season is officially beginning on 11/12 -- and Veterans Day is on 11/11 -- it is entirely possible that Winter Dreams could debut a little early, but Disney will not announce it in advance unless they arrange a preview. They generally won't tell anyone when they are soft opening something. You just kind of have to be in the right place at the right time.

Check the November hours for last year (the season began on 11/12 in 2012 too), but to my knowledge and in my experience (and I have been there on the season's opening day as well as on the day after opening day), the November hours are not extended other than for particular holidays or for weekends.

Both the parade and the fireworks will begin on the first official day of the season, and probably even before that (at least the fireworks will).

 

[nerdboyrockstar]

I am so, so happy to say I will be at the resort on December 1st - 4th. I'm also so glad to see Sherry E doing a fantastic job with this thread year after year. I'm excited to spend these next weeks in anticipation here with all of you.

 

[twinky]

twinky --

You've got your first entry into the random draw for the $25 Disney gift card because you posted those awesome parade photos! Thank you again for the kind words! I'm glad that people stuck around long enough to even notice the photos I posted last night. I figured they would just tune in again this morning to see what the theme is.

Yay and thanks!

 

[Sherry E]

I am so, so happy to say I will be at the resort on December 1st - 4th. I'm also so glad to see Sherry E doing a fantastic job with this thread year after year. I'm excited to spend these next weeks in anticipation here with all of you.

Welcome back, Anthony! (As I recall, I think you posted last year in the previous Superthread -- before we hit the page limit and moved to this one.) I'm glad you are re-joining us as we ride out these next couple of months until the season begins.

Thank you for the kind words! You can always guess that if you see a Christmas/Holiday Season Superthread or a Halloween Superthread floating around the DIS, I have my hands in it somewhere! This thread is bigger and better than the previous ones -- lots more info on the first page and a bigger, better Theme Week Countdown. More people participating. That sort of thing.

So you've got an early December trip planned?! That's a Sunday - Wednesday, correct? (I was figuring out the days in my mind.) That would have been one of my chosen time frames to go. Instead I think I will be there the following week this year, but that 12/1 - 12/4 would definitely be on my radar. I think it's a great time because a lot of the Thanksgiving break folks will have gone home, and it's too early for a lot of Christmas breaks to start. There will still be people there, of course, but because it is in between breaks it cannot possibly be as crazy as it could be at other times. Plus, you'll get the full array of decorations and festivities at the hotels and in Downtown Disney and all of that -- basically, the full swing of the holiday season but with slightly lower crowds.

You'll have a great time!

 

[nerdboyrockstar]

Welcome back, Anthony! (As I recall, I think you posted last year in the previous Superthread -- before we hit the page limit and moved to this one.) I'm glad you are re-joining us as we ride out these next couple of months until the season begins.

Thank you for the kind words! You can always guess that if you see a Christmas/Holiday Season Superthread or a Halloween Superthread floating around the DIS, I have my hands in it somewhere! This thread is bigger and better than the previous ones -- lots more info on the first page and a bigger, better Theme Week Countdown. More people participating. That sort of thing.

So you've got an early December trip planned?! That's a Sunday - Wednesday, correct? (I was figuring out the days in my mind.) That would have been one of my chosen time frames to go. Instead I think I will be there the following week this year, but that 12/1 - 12/4 would definitely be on my radar. I think it's a great time because a lot of the Thanksgiving break folks will have gone home, and it's too early for a lot of Christmas breaks to start. There will still be people there, of course, but because it is in between breaks it cannot possibly be as crazy as it could be at other times. Plus, you'll get the full array of decorations and festivities at the hotels and in Downtown Disney and all of that -- basically, the full swing of the holiday season but with slightly lower crowds.

You'll have a great time!

Exactly! To me, there's no better time to be at the resort then those few weeks before Christmas. Now I'm trying to see if I can swing even a one-night stay at the Grand Californian during that time. Wish me luck and pixie dust.