It is almost hot cocoa weather! Chilly, gloomy, slightly damp -- my kind of weather!
Yesterday I saw a very interesting idea about decorating for the holidays on some TV show. I think it would be good for a party of some kind (Hanukkah, Christmas, New Year's, office party, birthday or a general "holiday" party). For example, for a New Year's Eve party you could maybe use all gold and silver sparkly paper. It's so simple and obvious, and yet it never even dawned on me. The idea is basically just to wrap picture frames like presents and hang them on the wall. You could use existing frames that you already have on the wall and wrap those in pretty paper and bows, or you could use empty frames, wrap them and hang them for decor only.
The hosts of this show were using all different types of paper and bows on the frames, as well as different sizes of frames, from small to large, just for accent pieces. It was a cool idea and it seems like something anyone could do because it takes what we all probably already have at home -- frames and leftover wrapping paper -- and uses it for decoration.
Let's hope we are both in robust health when we travel to the Happiest Place on Earth!!
I enjoyed the pictures from Big Thunder Ranch!
TK --
Let's hope! As we both know, getting sick on a trip really ruins everything because you just don't feel like doing
anything, no matter how fun and festive the environment is. I know that I just wanted to rest and sleep, and then I felt like it was wasted time and money.
...Sherry-you made my day by posting the JJJ menu, I'm excited to see the apple burrito is still around for the holidays! I'll be adding that to my snack list.
MinnieLovesMickey --
Thank you! I know people like to see menus and what goodies are to be had during the special seasons. I wondered if the apple burrito would stick around past Halloween Time and into the holidays. I was glad to see that it's still there. I didn't try it back in September but I may have to try it in a couple of weeks.
Sherry - Thank you so much for the JJJ pictures! I'm so excited now! Can't wait to buy the kids a gingerbread cookie to decorate while I sip hot cocoa!
Kirsten -
You're very welcome! I think that sounds like a great way to spend some time -- cookies and cocoa!
I'm really looking forward to JJJ. Thanks for the sneak peek Sherry!
Janet --
You're welcome! It's a fun little area of the park during both Halloween Time and the holidays. I did not go to DLR during the summer, when the whole Jamboree/Ranch area had a patriotic theme, but from what I can tell in photos I saw, it looked extremely festive then too. I am curious as to what the future holds for the Jamboree now that Billy Hill and the Hillbillies will be leaving early in 2014. I suppose that Disney has different entertainment plans in mind for that space, but I hope they still keep it functioning as the Halloween Carnival and as some sort of Carnival/Jamboree for the holidays (or put the Candlelight Ceremony there).
Love the pics, Thank You Sherry!
5 days out now, and I will come back with lots of pictures, I promise!!
--Lori
Lori --
You're welcome! I know you will take a lot of photos for us to enjoy!
Sherry-thanks for the shuttle info! Dh will need a ride to the airport Monday night dec 9 (my dd's and I will still be enjoying the parks. We decided it was worth the cost to not miss as much ark time
.) I'll look into that one. And thanks for the JJJ pics! I don't see the monte cristo bites listed there? I can't member if they were from a different cart? I think they may have been?...
Julie --
You're welcome!
Last year the Monte Cristo bites were on that same menu at the JJJ, along with the Candy Cane cotton candy, etc. This year they were not there. I did not see the bites listed anywhere last Friday (11/15) so I don't know if they are gone for good or just were not there yet when I checked.
I kind of felt like something was missing from the Jamboree this year. I couldn't quite put my finger on it but it felt like some element was gone that had been there in 2012. For one thing, it was not terribly crowded but I'm sure that will change as the season marches on. Maybe the different "stations" were rearranged, or maybe some part of the decor was gone. I'm not sure. It just seemed like there was a lot of empty space that I don't recall from the holiday season of 2012 -- especially in contrast to what it looked like in its Halloween Carnival format (which was full of activities and people).
I can take a stab at answering this because I went on the tour in October. You cannot sign up in advance for this tour; first come, first serve. You meet in front of the Carthay Circle Restaurant a little before 10:30 am and a CM will be waiting by the sign. I think the tour is limited to 12 or so people per day. It's not a long tour, but as Mike said, you get to see inside the restaurant without other folks being there! The CM is kind of like a tour guide; they'll tell you about the history of the real Carthay Circle Theater and take you on a walking tour of the public areas of the restaurant. Because it's in the public areas, you can take as many photos as you want. It's pretty short, but informative and worth doing.
Thank you,
figment_jii --
That helps a lot. Now that you and Mike have explained it, I know I will have to add it on to my agenda, and will make sure to show up and lurk around the front of the restaurant before 10:30 a.m. It sounds very worthwhile -- for 15 minutes or however long it takes. It's free. It's a chance to get in there without other people being in there. It's informational. What's not to like?!
...
Sherry, love the JJJ pictures! I'm excited to see that in person....and where in the park is that located exactly?
I wonder how crazy I would be to attempt to listen to the CP? I may have to give it the ole' college try
Kathy --
The Jingle Jangle Jamboree is located in the far reaches of Frontierland, back by (the currently closed) BTMRR ride. I think that a lot of folks may either not realize it's there or they just don't want to walk all the way back there to see it, but it's worth a visit for Billy Hill & the Hillbillies, and to meet Santa Claus. Also, Mickey and Minnie are usually there (Mickey was not wearing a Winter sweater when I saw him last week). Santa Goofy is there. Reindeer Pluto is there. Woody and Jessie are usually there. You also may see Donald or Chip & Dale.
If I could just find out for sure who is going to be the CP narrator on my night it would help me to figure out if it was worth attempting. I see that Blair Underwood is going to narrate some nights at the WDW CP, but if rumors are true then he could be narrating one night at DLR too. DLR likes to use John Stamos a lot -- in fact, he narrated last year on a night when I think it was supposed to be someone else -- so he might be their go-to person if someone else backs out.
Thank you so much for the photos Sherry. I love the look of the JJJ and hope I can get my kids to not rush me out. I dig the rustic decor and rope snowflakes.
Jenny --
You're welcome!
I love the rustic decor! I love that there are so many different ways to make stars, snowflakes and trees -- from twigs, from rope, from antlers, etc.!
Who knew? The little details and touches all around the JJJ (and in the cute little cabin where Santa may or may not be) are so cute and extensive.
What I really appreciate most of all is that at DLR there is such a wide array of the styles of decor in the parks and at the hotels. From Toontown to Hollywood Land; from Frontierland to Cars Land; from New Orleans Square to Critter Country; from Grizzly Peak to the Grand Californian Hotel (and everywhere else that I did not mention), the decor changes in color and theme. There is something for everyone, whether you like classic or rustic; whimsical or wacky; elegant or clever, etc.
I'm not going to lie though. I enjoyed watching it this week. I'm just sorry I forgot to tape the first installment on Monday.
But I would have been really ticked off to have them there during my trip.
Janet --
Same here. I don't normally watch
The View but I did this week (even though the stupid DVR didn't record the John Lasseter episode on Wednesday).
I knew that Whoopi was a
Disneyland fan, but I had never heard the story about her mom (her mom loved DL and when she passed away, Whoopi had the memorial service for her at DL). So I think that being at DL had a deeper meaning for Whoopi than for the other ladies (Barbara had never even been there -- I couldn't believe it!) because of her mom.
I'm so glad. I thought about first time and only time visitors all week.
Jenny --
That's the main thing I thought of -- the people who were there for possibly the only time in their lives who will end up with a cluttered Winter Castle picture. But there are so many other things to enjoy around the Resort - especially at this time of year -- so I am hoping that part of it was just a minor issue. At least the Castle was/is still lighting up in icicles at night, which is the really important thing!
WOW this thread really moves and I was just gone for 24 hours. Went to bed, woke up and went to work, came home and looked at this thread and its several pages later!
SHERRY E The free Carthay Circle Tour is absolutely free. All you have to do is lineup right in front of the Carthay Circle. There is a sign stating the tour was there and it was outside on the sidewalk with a CM standing right there. He instructed us to come back about 15 minutes before 10:30 as they would be letting us in. We toured much of the CC but we didn't go into Club 1901. We got alot of fun facts that I would have never known before. There is one picture in there that has Walt's first picture with Mickey Mouse and Walt's last picture with Mickey Mouse before he died. Snow White's wishing well piece is the bottom trunk of one large table that can be privately requested for a small fee of around $700 or so. There were just many great fun facts....
Here is my first picture I took entering Disneyland. I rented an L glass 40-70II 2.8 lens this go around. Loving that 2.8 stop.
I've shot this spot before but it did seem a little more crisp than my kit lens.
Disneyland Christmas 2013 by
KC MikeD, on Flickr
Mike --
Great photo (we expect nothing less from you)!
This thread has been moving very fast, indeed. The same thing happens to me -- I disappear for a day and then come back to find that a few pages have passed!
Thank you so much (and thanks to
figment_jii) for the great Carthay Circle tour information. It sounds like a great way to get a look inside the restaurant and I plan to do it in a couple of weeks. (I don't know how or why I didn't know about it before!
)
Hi Sherry!
Just had to post, that I have not forgotten about this thread. It has taken me forever to get through it all since you started the "word clue" of the week. I was really careful at first to keep track, and then I totally forgot everything. (Should have wrote them down, darn it.)
Anywhos, thoroughly enjoying every post and the pictures are fabulous!
Thank you everyone for your photos. Love them!!
Makes me so anxious to finally see everything again!
Hi,
Melody!
Oh no! I hope you have not been struggling too much with trying to read through everything in the thread. I don't expect anyone to do that, so I appreciate that you have taken the time.
Kathy/ksromack won the Code Word Challenge by keeping a correct list of code words and Theme Weeks, and for guessing the correct Christmas song to which all the words belonged. (Next year I will have to make it much more difficult! Muahahahahahahaha!!!)
I'm glad you checked back in here! I have been periodically updating all of the posts on page 1 of this thread as new blogs and bits of info come in, and will continue updating.
SHERRY E
Club 33 was a great experience. I have to say that we were a little terrified that we might have too high of expectations but they all came true for us. The staff was very attentive, friendly, and very helpful in our selections. We had lunch so I can't comment on the dinner time aspect. I had read a few bad experiences lately but it couldn't be farther from the truth. It was a superb experience.
I personally had the seafood platter as a first course (Maine Lobster, shrimp, crab and tartar sauce), second came a spinach salad, followed by the Chateuabriand steak (potato and green beans), and finished with a desert bar. We were also offered a warm cider to begin the meal with a bread basket. The cider was amazing. Also the desert bar has the most wonderful hot chocolate. The chocolate cake was also top notch. What came as a shock to us was seeing Mickey Mouse and Pluto walking around the tables taking photos and making the experience such a grand time.
We were able to walk around and view Trophy room, ride the elevator up, and step out onto the balcony and take in the views. There was nowhere we couldn't enter.
The entire experience took about 2 1/2 hours and we didn't rush it or just take longer than we needed to.
The food was an A+. Everything was to perfection. We had ate at Steakhouse 55 our last time to Disneyland and thought it was one of the best steaks we had ever had (we've been to several nicer steakhouses) so we thought it might not be as good here. It was delicious! Steak so soft you could cut with a spoon.
If you have any further questions about Club 33 feel free to ask. Congrats on getting to visit! You will have a first class memorable experience.
Club 33 by
KC MikeD, on Flickr
Thank you so much,
Mike!
That's a wonderful picture!
What a great recap of your Club 33 experience. It sounds like it was absolutely unparalleled in terms of Disney experiences.
Mine will be a lunch too, so I plan to get what you got -- the Chateaubriand. That sounds delicious! But warm cider? Hot chocolate? Chocolate cake too? My goodness! The steak sounds scrumptious enough, but I can't leave there without sampling the hot chocolate and chocolate cake. And then to be able to see the Trophy Room...and the famous elevator too! I can't wait!
On my mousewait app there are some pictures being posted of the hotels being decorated with Christmas trees and garland. I thought I had read that usually the hotels aren't decorated until after thanksgiving. Are they early this year, or are they always decorated by now?
planningjollyholiday --
As
Jamie mentioned, it is likely due to the super late Thanksgiving that the hotel decorations are up earlier than usual. Normally -- and even the hotel CMs will confirm this -- the decorations don't go up until right around Thanksgiving, or maybe on Thanksgiving (last year I think Santa was posing for photos by the PPH tree on Thanksgiving). That's also when the carolers appear. That's the expected time frame, in any case.
Sometimes there may be exceptions but I don't think it can be relied upon each year. I recall someone saw the GCH tree go up early several years back, and then it resumed its usual post-Thanksgiving schedule in the following years, so I don't know if next year the hotels will be back to the usual schedule or if they will get decorated early again. My guess for the holiday season of 2014 will be that the decorations will go up a bit early again, but how early is anyone's guess. It could be a week early. It could be a few days early. It's hard to say. And in 2015 they could be back to the post-Thanksgiving schedule.
Only a few more days until I'm finally there again! I'm getting way too excited! It's been far too long since I've been there! And I'm so glad I'm going back for the holidays! Eeeee! Really feeling like a kid right now!
butterflymouse --
Woohoo!
So much has changed since your last holiday trip. Have a great time!
In years past they have been decorated in the days right after Thanksgiving - last year the tree in the Grand was up the morning after. I think with Thanksgiving being so late this year, they decided (smartly, I think) to get them up before.
Jamie --
Smartly, I think too!
I suspected that the hotel decorations would go up a bit early this year, although I didn't expect them to go up
as early as they did. I think the first report of a hotel tree sighting was on Tuesday (11/19)?? I expected that maybe, perhaps, the decorations would go up at the hotels by this weekend at the earliest, being the weekend right before Thanksgiving -- but not more than one full week in advance! So that really surprised me!
This kind of staggered schedule of holiday happenings at DLR this year is bugging me. Mostly everything quietly opened on 11/8. Everything was officially open on 11/12. Other things started on 11/15. The hotels got decorated a few days later, and more than a week ahead of schedule... It's too much to keep track of! I wish there could be one start date and everything (minus maybe the CP) begins/opens/is decorated on that date!
By the way, I don't know if you saw it but in a Micechat article from last week I noticed that they (
unofficially) reported that plans for a Christmas party at DLR have been shelved because the powers that be realize it would be too tricky to pull off in terms of entertainment for the party. They know they can't use the dated holiday fireworks and parade as party selling points for locals and annual holiday visitors so they are kind of backed into a corner for now.
Tomorrow can not get here soon enough!
This time tomorrow hopefully there will be fireworks!
I will learn to post photos and maybe even post something!
Rita --
Have a great time!
Make sure you have a Photobucket account. Load your photos to the account and then copy/paste the IMG code into a post here. That's how simple it is to post photos!
I'm so excited for those of you leaving in the next couple of days! We leave a week from tomorrow......and I'm feeling pretty blessed right now. I've learned amazing things from this thread and have really enjoyed all the pictures and helpful hints.
Our first couple days are at HoJo and I was feeling sorry for myself that I couldn't just stay at PPH the entire vacation....then I got an email from HoJo and I'm guessing they have some vacancies! My first night (Dec 29) was the same rate but the next night (Dec 30) is 50% off!!!!! That made it $89 for a theme park view. You have to sign up for their emails but it paid off pretty well for me this trip. Certain nights have the same 50% discount and you have to print the email which shows your name (and thus proves you received the offer personally) and present it upon check-in.
We are flying to hubby's hometown for Christmas week and our flight home is now $76 less than it was when I booked it (SW Airlines). All I did was change to the current price and now I have a credit to be used on a later trip.
Did I mention I get to experience Disneyland for the first time in a little over a week?
What a treat! It's so wonderful when expectations are met and even exceeded, especially when it's something you've really looked forward to. I have no doubt Sherry will have memories from Club 33 that will last for a long time to come.
Kathy --
Now you're loaded with information, details, facts, plans, gift cards, etc., and ready to embark on your DLR holiday trip!
Plus, after this trip you will undoubtedly have many photos to contribute to next year's Theme Week Countdown!
You know, I got that same HoJo's email with the discount! That's a great deal and I'm glad you were able to take advantage of it.
I'm glad I can see Club 33 before it is remodeled or redone. I think that it will be very memorable and special, indeed!
Well, I'm off to Edmonton tonight. I can't pack for the kids until they get home from school, as they want to take their school backpacks for the trip. I do have all the stuff ready to pack in them though. Just have to do a bunch of little things and I'm good to go. I'm 90% packed for the DL trip on Sunday, but have to wait until the Edmonton trip is over with before I can transfer some things (my camera, it's batteries and my Kindle) into my carry on. I'm starting to get really excited about the DL trip and have started to bug the kids about it. Have a great day everyone!!
Trish
Have a wonderful time,
Trish! It's almost Disneyland time!
Sherry, I know you enjoy Kurt, he will take Barbara on a behind the scenes tour of Disneyland today.... I hope you have your DVR set!!
--Lori
Here in Reno, NV Kurt got taken off by a ABC Special report on the anniversary of the JFK assassination....
Hopefully somebody got to see it....
--Lori
Lori --
I was soooooo annoyed at ABC for breaking into the show right in the middle of Kurt's description of playing ping pong with Walt Disney (and right before the Club 33/Walt's apartment segment) to remind us that it is the 50-year anniversary of JFK's death!
I know that the show will probably be on the ABC website, but my video feeds are always choppy and I would have preferred to watch it on TV. Why did they have to cut in right at that moment? Why not cut into the show in the last 15 minutes or whatever? Why not do a whole special about it? I was really irritated by that.
Thank you. 
You didn't miss a ton, so much of it was overly-scripted to me, but I'm still looking forward to the Kurt Russell part. 
