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

[Priory]

Has anyone taken the tour yet? I'm curious if they're squeezing Jingle Cruise in this year.

 

[mrsw94]

Ok, just watched The View segment with Kurt Russell and the "Grand Finale". Nice, but not earth shattering. Also, unless those fireworks were amazing in person, certainly not worth closing Tton Town over! Oh, and the number of commercials they make you watch online is annoying! I lovemy DVR!

Sherry-I did see a commercial for the Christmas movie ABC is showing Sunday night, and Hubby said I'm not allowed to watch. Husband fulfills a wish for his dying wife. Bring on the Kleenex!

Just had a bowl of Peppermint ice cream. Soooooooo yummy!!!!!

 

[KCmike]

Disneyland Fire Engine by KC MikeD, on Flickr

 

[Pesky]

Disneyland Fire Engine by KC MikeD, on Flickr

Stunning shot!

 

[PHXscuba]

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.

Sherry, I've done this for a few years -- got the idea from someone I used to know who could do a lot with just a little money in a small space. I have some black-and-white floral photos in a bathroom downstairs. The bathroom gets done up with snowflakes every Christmas -- I replace the shower curtain and add decals to the mirror. I just cover the floral photos with snowflake wrapping paper and rehang. Which reminds me ... I am out of that paper and need to find more before I decorate next weekend!

And as for the Club 33 mac and cheese, you should find someone to split it with!!

PHXscuba

 

[lucysmom]

Things are falling into place. This past week I got our Fantasmic and Holiday Tour tickets. We have our character meals and BB ressies. The only fly in the ointment is that this year it looks like the resort is not opening both parks up to early entry for hotel guests every day. They did that last year and we are going on the exact same days this year. Do you think the schedule might change? Also, do you think the show where Goofy conducts the water orchestra will be happening in the afternoons? The schedule didn't have that or the Mad T Party listed. Maybe the schedule will still change. Is it ever that fluid? We will be there Dec. 18-23.

 

[larina]

Set up our Christmas Eve tour and In Room Celebration today. Getting so excited!!!

 

[kylie71]

Packing today... UGH, out of here Tuesday early AM!!!


--Lori

 

[Sherry E]

​

Disneyland Fire Engine by KC MikeD, on Flickr

Great picture, KCmike!^^^ I love the perspective and composition!

Has anyone taken the tour yet? I'm curious if they're squeezing Jingle Cruise in this year.

Priory --

I wouldn't be at all shocked if it's included (and hopefully the guide would take everyone upstairs to see the extra decorations that will be missed if they get in a short line). It seems like in the past they did HMH and IASWH and then threw in another ride too (though I think that the other ride changed from year to year). I know they throw in extra rides on the Happiest Haunts tour in addition to SMGG and HMH, so it seems like it would make sense to throw in Jingle Cruise for the holiday tour.

Ok, just watched The View segment with Kurt Russell and the "Grand Finale". Nice, but not earth shattering. Also, unless those fireworks were amazing in person, certainly not worth closing Tton Town over! Oh, and the number of commercials they make you watch online is annoying! I lovemy DVR!

Sherry-I did see a commercial for the Christmas movie ABC is showing Sunday night, and Hubby said I'm not allowed to watch. Husband fulfills a wish for his dying wife. Bring on the Kleenex!

Just had a bowl of Peppermint ice cream. Soooooooo yummy!!!!!

mrsw94 --

It is good ice cream, isn't it?

The movie you're talking about is the one with Mary Louise Parker, correct? That is a Hallmark movie, but I think it's produced for ABC so it runs on ABC first. Next year it will likely show up on the Hallmark Channel. Last year they did this with another movie too -- it ran on ABC and now this year it's on Hallmark.

Speaking of which, tonight there is a new holiday movie on Hallmark -- "Window Wonderland." I think tomorrow's movie might be "Fir Crazy," but I have to double check. Last week it was "The Christmas Ornament" (pretty good) and "Catch a Christmas Star" (not too bad, but kind of silly).

I notice that the dialogue in some of these Hallmark movies is getting better, even though the plots are predictable. The couples are getting slightly better too. In the past, the couples often lacked chemistry or any kind of spark and yet we were supposed to believe they were in love with each other.

Sherry, I've done this for a few years -- got the idea from someone I used to know who could do a lot with just a little money in a small space. I have some black-and-white floral photos in a bathroom downstairs. The bathroom gets done up with snowflakes every Christmas -- I replace the shower curtain and add decals to the mirror. I just cover the floral photos with snowflake wrapping paper and rehang. Which reminds me ... I am out of that paper and need to find more before I decorate next weekend!

And as for the Club 33 mac and cheese, you should find someone to split it with!!

PHXscuba

PHX --

Do you put the snowflake wrapping paper in the frames or over the frames? I've put wrapping paper in frames before -- if it was pretty paper that looked good in a frame, but I've never covered/wrapped an entire frame like a present with a big bow and then hung it. The way they did it on TV looked great though. So simple, and yet so genius!

I'm going to pass on the mac and cheese at Club 33 on this trip. I really think I will have more than enough to deal with between the steak, the salad, the bread and the dessert bar/buffet. I can't eat anything else in one sitting, nor do I want to pay for anything extra that I can't eat! I've seen pictures of the chocolate cake at the dessert buffet and I have my heart set on trying it. Plus, now that KCmike has told me about the hot chocolate and warm cider too, I may not even be able to get up from the chair and walk through the door when it's time to leave.

Things are falling into place. This past week I got our Fantasmic and Holiday Tour tickets. We have our character meals and BB ressies. The only fly in the ointment is that this year it looks like the resort is not opening both parks up to early entry for hotel guests every day. They did that last year and we are going on the exact same days this year. Do you think the schedule might change? Also, do you think the show where Goofy conducts the water orchestra will be happening in the afternoons? The schedule didn't have that or the Mad T Party listed. Maybe the schedule will still change. Is it ever that fluid? We will be there Dec. 18-23.

lucysmom --

The schedule/calendar could very well change. I would not trust it yet. As an example, for a while it was not showing the Enchantment Lighting of the Castle on certain nights in December. I knew that it had to be an oversight or mistake, because the Castle lighting is too crucial to the season at this point in time (unless there was going to be some other kind of event to prevent it from happening). I checked around and asked someone official (behind the scenes), who then looked into it, got back to me later and told me that the Castle lighting would be happening every night through 1/6/14, but that it was just left off of the schedule. Supposedly it was going to be corrected and I don't know if it has, but even if it hasn't been fixed the lighting will still be happening every night.

Also, at one point IASWH was listed on the schedule, and then it was taken off. I don't know if it's back on the schedule yet but we know it's running every night!

So I wouldn't be shocked if the early entry situation changes (from what's currently on the schedule) as the season marches on and both parks open up (especially if it's expected to be really busy that week). Your trip is still a good bit of time away and it could change.

Set up our Christmas Eve tour and In Room Celebration today. Getting so excited!!!

larina -

That sounds amazing! One of these days I have got to stay at DLR on 12/24 and 12/25. I have convinced myself that it must feel extra magical at DLR over the actual holiday than it does earlier in December.

If you remember, can you let us know (when you get back from the trip) if the Christmas Eve Goodnight (with the characters in their pajamas in Town Square) returns this year on 12/24? I remember that JediMasterNerd said it was cancelled last year. That seemed like such a cute little idea and I hope it hasn't been retired forever.

Packing today... UGH, out of here Tuesday early AM!!!


--Lori

Lori -

It will be a great trip. It may be a little cooler than you'd like -- I know you said you'd prefer 80 degrees -- but that will just mean it's perfect weather for hot cocoa!

 

[rentayenta]

Disneyland Fire Engine by KC MikeD, on Flickr

This is a beautiful photo. DH is a firefighter and this is just great!





My posts are acting all wonky.

Sherry, Hanukkah beings Dec 27. I am reading this thread from the beginning to soak in as much info as possible and enjoy some pre-trip Disneyland and wonderful photos.

 

[Sherry E]

Jenny --

Thank you for letting me know! Of course it matters. I was thinking Hanukkah began the evening of 11/28 (for some reason, which may be due to my wall calendar saying that's when it begins) instead of the evening of 11/27, and when I recently mentioned it to a friend who celebrates Hanukkah she didn't tell me otherwise! I've corrected it.

That's not a Table of Contents. That's a Dates to Remember post, because I found that there were so many different dates to keep track of in terms of when certain things happen during the season and it was good to keep them all in one spot.

I didn't do an actual ToC this time around. I think it works better to break up the different posts on page 1 by category (Treats, Hotels, Seasonal Events, etc.) and then just provide the links to the various sources of info, reviews, etc. It's a bit more effective than a ToC in this case.

Which Hallmark movies have you caught so far? They are addictive after a while!

 

[rentayenta]

Jenny --

Thank you for letting me know! Of course it matters. I was thinking Hanukkah began the evening of 11/28 (for some reason) instead of the evening of 11/27, and when I recently mentioned it to a friend who celebrates Hanukkah she didn't tell me otherwise! I've corrected it.

That's not a Table of Contents. That's a Dates to Remember post, because I found that there were so many different dates to keep track of in terms of when certain things happen during the season and it was good to keep them all in one spot.

I didn't do an actual ToC this time around. I think it works better to break up the different posts on page 1 by category (Treats. Hotels, Seasonal Events, etc.) and then just provide the links to the various sources of info, reviews, etc. It's a bit more effective than a ToC in this case.

Which Hallmark movies have you caught so far? They are addictive after a while!

I am not loving or even liking Hanukkah and Thanksgiving at the same time. We're headed to Vegas early Thursday morning for a soccer tournament; me and Joshua. Michael works, the girls are staying home. Thanksgiving is one of my favorites and I'm feeling blue about not celebrating properly. And no leftovers!


I'm watching Window Wonderland but not loving it. Mistletoe over Manhattan is on later, if I stay awake that long.

 

[butterflymouse]

Tomorrow tomorrow tomorrow! I'm coming home, Disney! I've missed the parks so much! 2 years is far too long!!! Tomorrow evening I'll be back to my home away from home!

 

[momtothreeinfinity]

So excited for you! I'm still waiting for 4 slow weeks to pass. Enjoy your time

 

[Sherry E]

I am not loving or even liking Hanukkah and Thanksgiving at the same time. We're headed to Vegas early Thursday morning for a soccer tournament; me and Joshua. Michael works, the girls are staying home. Thanksgiving is one of my favorites and I'm feeling blue about not celebrating properly. And no leftovers!


I'm watching Window Wonderland but not loving it. Mistletoe over Manhattan is on later, if I stay awake that long.

Jenny --

You have a lot going on this coming week! No time to really settle in and celebrate much of anything.

I wondered how people felt about the combo of the two holidays. It is very, very rare that this happens, isn't it? It even has a catchy name now, apparently -- is it Thanksgivukkah or something like that? That's what someone on TV called it. I don't think I would like it either. I would prefer one holiday at a time -- not simultaneously! Each holiday should have its proper celebration on its day (or days) without having to compete with another holiday.

"Mistletoe Over Manhattan" is not one of my favorites. I had high hopes for "Window Wonderland" but you said it's not great so I have a feeling I won't love it either.

I think that "Trading Christmas" might be on late tonight -- that's a pretty good one (it's like "The Holiday" with Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet). I just watched "The Christmas Ornament," which is also pretty good. Earlier today I watched one of tksbaskets' favorites -- "A Bride For Christmas." That's good -- a cute guy, a cute girl, a totally implausible story line and a predictable outcome! It works, though!

And be sure to look for "Snow Bride" if you haven't seen it yet. Again, a cute guy, a cute girl, snappy dialogue and a predictable outcome -- but it's quite good.


By the way -- if you want to go back to when the Theme Week Countdown began (to look at everyone's photos), go back to page 62. From page 62 to page 166 there were 20 themes.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

We are packed & ready to go! We leave bright & early tomorrow morning. After all this time planning, I can't believe it's finally here.

I also saw via FB that 4 sets of friends are down there now too!

 

[Sherry E]

We are packed & ready to go! We leave bright & early tomorrow morning. After all this time planning, I can't believe it's finally here.

I also saw via FB that 4 sets of friends are down there now too!

Have a great time, Jamie (and butterflymouse too!)!

Bring an umbrella or rain coat just in case -- the last local weather forecast I watched today said 66 degrees and a "good chance of rain" on Thanksgiving. It may not end up being a lot of rain or a long-lasting storm, but it is looking more likely that it will rain at some point on that day.

When do you get back?

I don't know if you saw my reply to you a page or two or three back, but I was asking for a full peppermint ice cream report when you return! I need to know if that ice cream suddenly appeared at Clarabelle's and Gibson Girl after I was told that those places are not getting any in stock this year! I don't think that whatever is being sold at Ghirardelli is the same thing -- it probably just has peppermint bark pieces in it -- but if the ice cream is at the BBQ then there is a good chance it may have made its way to the actual ice cream shops too.

 

[KCmike]

LORI Have a great trip!

Everyone Thanks for the very very kind words on the fire engine photo.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

Have a great time, Jamie (and butterflymouse too!)! Bring an umbrella or rain coat just in case -- the last local weather forecast I watched today said 66 degrees and a "good chance of rain" on Thanksgiving. It may not end up being a lot of rain or a long-lasting storm, but it is looking more likely that it will rain at some point on that day. When do you get back? I don't know if you saw my reply to you a page or two or three back, but I was asking for a full peppermint ice cream report when you return! I need to know if that ice cream suddenly appeared at Clarabelle's and Gibson Girl after I was told that those places are not getting any in stock this year! I don't think that whatever is being sold at Ghirardelli is the same thing -- it probably just has peppermint bark pieces in it -- but if the ice cream is at the BBQ then there is a good chance it may have made its way to the actual ice cream shops too.

I will bring an umbrella. Ponchos are packed. Hopefully it's not too much rain, but maybe we'll use that time to do BAB or maybe even see Frozen.

I will definitely report back on any peppermint ice cream I come across! We will be back Sat, Nov 30th.

 

[tiffjoy]

Thirteen days until our trip!! We live in the Bay Area, and the tree lighting ceremony is this weekend at Pier 39. We got to see Mickey and Co sing Christmas songs and light up the tree! It was nice to have to be able to have our girls know they'd be seeing him in just a couple weeks. Good thing, too, because right at noon, when the greetings started, the line to meet Mickey was at least an hour (probably more). I was glad my DD4 was ok with not waiting since we will see him in DL so soon. Still, very cute. This was our first year going, and I think we started a new tradition.