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

[tksbaskets]

Congrats Mickeybel! Thank you to Sherry for all you do. You really cranked up our countdown.

Now I'm waiting for reports from DL!!

 

[Pinup Mommy]

Congrats Mickeybell!!!


Thanks SherryE for hosting this fabulous thread. I visited DL over the weekend and took A LOT of pictures in preparation for next year

I have to add that we rode The Jingle Cruise yesterday and was expecting to see elephants wearing Santa hats and Trader Sam next to a Christmas tree. Lol I was a little disappointed till I had a skipper explain their story line on a picture I posted on Instagram... "They are home sick for the holidays and somebody's family member sent them extra Christmas decorations! They are celebrating the holidays with what little resources they have in middle of India in 1938, the animals don't celebrate Christmas" This little piece of information gave me a new perspective on the Jungle Cruise holiday overlay, and a bit more appreciation for the little they did do

 

[Axlcat]

We are leaving tomorrow for out Disney trip and before going I just wanted to give a big thanks to Sherry for creating this invaluable thread, and also to all the wonderful people who have shared photos and advice.

 

[Orbitron]

Congratulation Mickeybell and thank you Sherry for this wonderfull thread!

 

[figment_jii]

Just a reminder, but the tickets for the Brennan's Gingerbread Workshop went on sale yesterday. Looks like Sunday the 15th and Saturday the 21st are already sold out. There might be still a few tickets for the Saturday the 14th workshop! Tickets for the D23 workshop (12/22) go on sale next week! It's amazing how fast they sell out!

 

[crystal1313]

Woot!! Just booked a 3 night stay at the PPH! I think I'm going to explode from happiness! Cannot wait to spend the days with my family at our favorite place in the world together, and at Christmas time to boot. Yay!

 

[Sherry E]

Woot!! Just booked a 3 night stay at the PPH! I think I'm going to explode from happiness! Cannot wait to spend the days with my family at our favorite place in the world together, and at Christmas time to boot. Yay!

For December, I assume (I wasn't sure if you meant that you were staying over Christmas or going for the holiday season in general)? Were you able to get the 25% AP Fall discount that comes with a Fast Pass and a free PhotoPass picture, or did you use a different discount?

 

[crystal1313]

Hi Sherry! We decided to go Dec 12-15. I got the discount for Thursday, but not Friday and Sat. We got the fastpasses and photopass photo too! Yay!!

We wanted to go the weekend before Christmas because we didn't want DS5 to miss any school, but DH couldn't get the 23rd off (only day he has to work in the two weeks of Christmas/NY) so we opted for only taking him out one day. DS5 is on a minimum schedule in Dec, so I felt more comfortable with it. DH was pushing for 3 park days, 4 nights but I wasn't comfortable with taking out DS5 for two days. I can't believe that I of all people declined to go to DL an extra day!

I just feel really lucky that we were able to stay at a resort hotel this time. We haven't stayed in two years since the prices got crazy. I scored a pretty amazing bonus from work (we usually don't get a bonus, and this one was quite generous, so we splurged) And I think I figured out why we never get any pin codes, they had our address in the system as the house we lived in 8 years ago!! LOL. They deleted it for me.

 

[Cheshirecatty]

Woot!! Just booked a 3 night stay at the PPH! I think I'm going to explode from happiness! Cannot wait to spend the days with my family at our favorite place in the world together, and at Christmas time to boot. Yay!

Hi Crystal,

Congrats on scoring a deal(and a Christmas time trip--SO FUN!!!)

You will love staying at the PPH during Christmas time!

Make sure to take advantage of visiting Santa in the lobby(in front of that gorgeous tree), catching the Bell Ringers/Carolers during your stay, and checking out the fun daily activities offered for your boys!

 

[crystal1313]

Awe, thanks Cheshirecatty! Feeling pretty darn lucky and so grateful right now! Can't wait!!! I think we will keep the hotel a surprise for the boys! They always ask if we are staying in the tall hotel when we go........so they will be super excited to stay at PPH again-it's been a couple years.

On a side note, have all the refrigerators been replaced at the PPH? And are they the same size? Can I buy a half gallon of milk at White Water Snacks and have room for it in the fridge? TIA!

 

[NSmuppetmom]

Hi. I have some questions about the candy canes. I read (on the food blog) that people (may or may not) line up before park opening?! Are these people lined up within the park? I'm having a difficult time visualizing how this will all go down. I'm used to WDW where everyone is held at the park entrance until rope drop. At DL (or DCA) are you held within the parks? Where are people lining up for candy canes?

 

[KCmike]

3 days away from our surprise trip!

 

[mrsw94]

Hi Sherry! We decided to go Dec 12-15. I got the discount for Thursday, but not Friday and Sat. We got the fastpasses and photopass photo too! Yay!!

We wanted to go the weekend before Christmas because we didn't want DS5 to miss any school, but DH couldn't get the 23rd off (only day he has to work in the two weeks of Christmas/NY) so we opted for only taking him out one day. DS5 is on a minimum schedule in Dec, so I felt more comfortable with it. DH was pushing for 3 park days, 4 nights but I wasn't comfortable with taking out DS5 for two days. I can't believe that I of all people declined to go to DL an extra day!

I just feel really lucky that we were able to stay at a resort hotel this time. We haven't stayed in two years since the prices got crazy. I scored a pretty amazing bonus from work (we usually don't get a bonus, and this one was quite generous, so we splurged) And I think I figured out why we never get any pin codes, they had our address in the system as the house we lived in 8 years ago!! LOL. They deleted it for me.

We will be there just after you! Arriving the 14th and leaving the 17th. Our 5 year old son will be missing 2 days of school. (as will our 6th grade daughter) In all honesty, 2 days at that age isn't a biggie, so don't feel bad! (I do a little bit, but more for the 6th grader than the Kinder). Mostly I feel bad that he'll miss some holiday stuff, but I think think the holiday stuff at DL will be much better!

 

[Sherry E]

Hi. I have some questions about the candy canes. I read (on the food blog) that people (may or may not) line up before park opening?! Are these people lined up within the park? I'm having a difficult time visualizing how this will all go down. I'm used to WDW where everyone is held at the park entrance until rope drop. At DL (or DCA) are you held within the parks? Where are people lining up for candy canes?

NSmuppetmom --

Several pages back perlster posted the photo below, which shows the long line of people waiting outside of the Candy Palace on Main Street to get their candy cane tickets:

Now keep in mind that I have never gotten one of these famous candy canes, but from various reports I have read it appears that people line up outside of the gates to Disneyland and wait for the park to open. As soon as they get inside the park they make the mad dash to the Candy Palace to get their ticket (and then the scene from perlster's photo takes place). Once they have the ticket they have to come back after a certain time to pick up their cane.

Because the number of freshly made canes is so limited, very few people get them...which only adds to their appeal and allure! I assume that the Trolley Treats candy cane-making in DCA has helped more people to get them, but the quantity is still limited.

I don't know if you read the whole Candy Cane section I have in the Food/Dining post on page 1, but you might also be interested in reading danimaroo's 2012 TR, as she got a candy cane, and Laurie/DizNee Luver's 2012 TR (called "10 Months of WDW Planning Leads to...Disneyland") -- her husband nabbed a candy cane for her. I have links to both of their TRs in the "Trip Reports and Reviews" section of page 1 of this thread, and they each have an Index or Table of Contents of sorts at the beginning of the report, which will guide you to the candy cane sections!

 

[perlster]

Hi. I have some questions about the candy canes. I read (on the food blog) that people (may or may not) line up before park opening?! Are these people lined up within the park? I'm having a difficult time visualizing how this will all go down. I'm used to WDW where everyone is held at the park entrance until rope drop. At DL (or DCA) are you held within the parks? Where are people lining up for candy canes?

See photo a few pages back (at Disneyland Park). Drat - beaten to the punch!

There may have been an outside line for candy canes several years ago, but I don't believe there's been one for the last couple of years. If you're seeking one of those candy canes, then it would be wise to get to the park early and find the shortest line at an entrance turnstile. When you can go through, make a beeline for the appropriate store. As seen in the photo, a CM should be at the head of the line for the wristbands.

 

[mrsw94]

Accidentally posted this on the dates thread, so I'll repost it here...

So I got a jury duty notice today....for December 17th Um No!!!

I will be spending my last few hours at The Happiest Place on Earth before heading home!! Guess I'll reschedule!!

 

[u2pixi]

NSmuppetmom --

Several pages back perlster posted the photo below, which shows the long line of people waiting outside of the Candy Palace on Main Street to get their candy cane tickets:





Now keep in mind that I have never gotten one of these famous candy canes, but from various reports I have read it appears that people line up outside of the gates to Disneyland and wait for the park to open. As soon as they get inside the park they make the mad dash to the Candy Palace to get their ticket (and then the scene from perlster's photo takes place). Once they have the ticket they have to come back after a certain time to pick up their cane.

Because the number freshly made canes is so limited, very few people get them...which only adds to their appeal and allure! I assume that the Trolley Treats candy cane-making in DCA has helped more people to get them, but the quantity is still limited.

I don't know if you read the whole Candy Cane section I have in the Food/Dining post on page 1, but you might also be interested in reading danimaroo's 2012 TR, as she got a candy cane, and Laurie/DizNee Luver's 2012 TR (called "10 Months of WDW Planning Leads to...Disneyland") -- her husband nabbed a candy cane for her. I have links to both of their TRs in the "Trip Reports and Reviews" section of page 1 of this thread, and they each have an Index or Table of Contents of sorts at the beginning of the report, which will guide you to the candy cane sections!

I'm looking forward to hearing how everyone goes with this!
I noticed that some of the candy canes days are early entry for both parks- I wonder how this will work?

Not long to go now everyone!!
Amy

 

[MinnieLovesMickey]

Sorry it's taken so long to respond, the last couple of days have been busy.

Welcome! How fun to be able to see DLR through your son's eyes! My kids didn't see WDW until they were 5&6 years old....I know this year will be magical for you!

I'm so excited to see his reaction. He's so obsessed with Christmas lights right now, heck anytime we go in Costco now we spend about 15 minutes with him checking out the lit up Christmas trees. Add this to his obsession with any building that resembles a castle, he is going to go nuts!

(MinnieLovesMickey, all of your photos are wonderful but that second picture - the close-up of your DS -- is probably one of the cutest things I've ever seen! He is sooooooo precious and adorable, and he looks so happy!)

Aww thanks Sherry, he is such a ham for the camera and started at a very young age. Let's see if we can get a similar reaction now that he's almost 2 and a half when he meets Santa at DL or if he has developed the fear of Santa has an epic meltdown.

I remember these photos. How are Micke, Minnie and Stitch doing?

Hi Kimberly, it's been forever! The family is doing great, excited for DL. We need to make sure we have our running shoes for this trip since P runs around like he's training for the olympics. Still an't figure out when he went from being a baby to being a little boy, he's just growing up so fast. Hope you and your family are doing well! Hopefully you guys make it back to Disney soon.

Managed to get everything washed for the trip so now to get it all packed in the suitcase. 29 days to go!

Almost forgot, congrats Mickeybell!

 

[mom2rtk]

3 days away from our surprise trip!

Mike...... I just wanted to say have a great trip, full of much magic, family memories and fabulous photos!

I can't wait to hear your about it when you get back!

 

[KCmike]

Mike...... I just wanted to say have a great trip, full of much magic, family memories and fabulous photos!

I can't wait to hear your about it when you get back!

Thanks Janet! I can't believe my wife and I have kept it a surprise. This past weekend we wanted to spill the beans but we held strong. Now I just have to make it through today and tomorrow. Thanks for the well wishes!