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

[nicolispicoli]

I had no intentions of going back until our February trip for dapper days, but now I'll be there for the weekend of 12/20-12/22, YAY!!!

This morning one of our attorneys sent out an email saying he couldn't go to DL (they have to be used by 12/31) and he had 4 hoppers, first response gets em. I snapped those babies up! So VERY excited to be able to see DL in holiday mode, it's been a couple years. And also since I'll be back in February, I won't cry about not being able to jam everything into a weekend I know will be super busy as it is.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

I have a small break in our crazy Nutcracker schedule to finally share some pictures! Hope you enjoy. (and won't be upset when you see them in next year's Super thread!)





Toontown Tree


Paradise Pier (DCA) tree


Goofy's Kitchen tree








Gingerbread House at Storyteller's






Up close of ornaments on Ariel's Grotto tree


Olaf above Frozen M&G




Buena Vista Street Tree


Flo's V-8 tree


DTD tree


One of the DLH lobby trees


And because I mentioned it, here is the wrapping on the DLE bus that picked us up/dropped us off at LAX (since people said they were not wrapped)

 

[rentayenta]

Whoop, whoop we got our candy cane bands 3rd batch!!!

So jealous!

 

[KCmike]

KC Mike, what is the best time to score a blue section WoC FP? Great photo!

Anytime from opening on. It seems that yellow might be the coveted fast pass section now though.

The Grand Californian decorated for Christmas:


Disney's Grand Californian Hotel by -Jamian-, on Flickr

Wow. Absolutely brilliant. Wish I was there right now.

 

[dalstitch45]

Mickey & Tigger Nutcracker dolls or pins?

Sorry, pins.

 

[Sherry E]

If I can just keep myself from getting sick -- which involves ignoring the fact that I haven't been feeling well this week and forging ahead with warm clothes and hot drinks -- this could turn out to be a fantastic holiday trip. I pray that nothing goes wrong.

If all goes according to plan -- and plans can fall apart, but we'll see -- I'll start off by quickly meeting up with Kathy/ksromack, Janet/mom2rtk and Kim/kmedina on Sunday morning.

Later Sunday night, hopefully (fingers crossed) I can find some kind of halfway decent spot for the Candlelight Ceremony with Kurt Russell.

Monday - first time Club 33 visit with DizNee Luver, PHXscuba and funatdisney.

Tuesday & Wednesday -- Some mix of the Carthay Circle tour, rides and photos, photos, photos, photos! Lots of solo photo-taking time for me! Yay! Somewhere in there I want to enjoy the GCH lobby/carolers and also catch the Dickens Yuletide Band in Disneyland.

Thursday -- I was selected to be on the "Walk with an Imagineer" tour (Limited Time Magic) of Buena Vista Street today, thanks to Astylla posting a thread about the entry period for it, so that will be a perfect way to end the trip. Also, a ride on the Storybook Land boats should be in order as they re-open that day, I think.

All of that and weather with a "RealFeel" of 27 degrees on Monday night too! What more can I ask for in a holiday trip? Oh yeah, I could ask for peppermint ice cream but...can't have it all, I suppose!

Oh, and don't let me forget to investigate what this Limited Time Magic thing called "Elf Days" is all about at the Challenge Trail in DCA. It sounds like a cute little activity for kids. Elf Days! What an adorable name!

Jamie -- Great, great photos! Thank you so much for posting them, especially the Storytellers gingerbread house picture (I can see that they used a lot of candy canes this year) and the close-up of the Ariel's Grotto ornament (I love that shot!). I can tell that the AG tree is elegant, and the sea-themed decorations are more fitting than the silly ones on the Paradise Pier Hotel tree.

ToodlesRN -- I'm so glad you nabbed a candy cane!

nicolispicoli -- Welcome back! I haven't seen you in the Superthread in a while (I think you posted in the previous thread). I'm so glad to see you've got a holiday trip in the works this year (although an unexpected one)! How great that you got those 4 Hoppers. The decorations are bigger and better than ever this year (compared to a couple of years ago).

crystal1313 -- I use Accuweather for my weather forecasts, but I don't really know if it is any more accurate than any other sites.

Astylla -- You're a kindred spirit as far as wanting something that feels remotely like "holiday weather"! I knew I couldn't be the only one who felt that way. It may take a while to adjust to it because everyone in So Cal is used to warmer weather, and it can do a number on old, creaky bones and sinuses, but it's so lovely to feel that crisp chill on my cheek while admiring lights and decorations and catching a faint whiff of fireplaces burning in the distance.

Thanks again for the heads up about the Walk with an Imagineer tour. I can't believe I actually got in! It may not last any longer than 15 minutes or so (since it is only covering BVS), but it should be awesome!

​

 

[rentayenta]

First time at Club 33? It's as incredible as everyone says. Have a super magical time. I'm so happy for you.


Fight being sick and don't give in! Feel better girl.

 

[Sherry E]

First time at Club 33? It's as incredible as everyone says. Have a super magical time. I'm so happy for you.


Fight being sick and don't give in! Feel better girl.

Jenny --

Thank you! Yes, first time at the Club! I had to see it before its expansion/renovation. I'm really looking forward to the hot chocolate that KCmike mentioned! I have my priorities...

If I can pull off this trifecta of the Candlelight Ceremony, Club 33 and the Walk with an Imagineer tour in one trip, I will have outdone myself. The Club and the tour are definites, but the Candlelight Ceremony is a question mark.

I am trying to tell myself that I am not getting sick and am hoping to stave it off through the next several chilly nights. I don't want to be sick during any activities. I'd rather be sick once I'm home if I have to be sick at all.

 

[egritz]

Sherry sorry to hear you're fighting something too. My congestion finally set in. So far DD & DH haven't started showing symptoms yet. Fingers are crossed.

I didn't realize our visits overlapped so much - I thought you were leaving Sunday, not arriving. FYI Casey Jr & the Storybook Canals are both showing as still be closed on the daily calendar through Thursday 12/12 & open Friday 12/13. I'm hoping they open early so we don't have to try and fit them in on Saturday morning during our last few precious hours in the parks.

 

[Plaid Princess]

Whoop, whoop we got our candy cane bands 3rd batch!!!

Got ours this morning! First Batch! Yummy, yummy, they are going to be topping my fudge this year!

 

[nicolispicoli]

nicolispicoli -- Welcome back! I haven't seen you in the Superthread in a while (I think you posted in the previous thread). I'm so glad to see you've got a holiday trip in the works this year (although an unexpected one)! How great that you got those 4 Hoppers. The decorations are bigger and better than ever this year (compared to a couple of years ago).

​

Thanks Sherry! It has been awhile! We did holidays year before last. Last year we opted for Halloween since we hadn't seen it. But last November I came with my sister a day before my AP expired and a super kind soul blessed me with a Club 33 ressie. Won't be able to top that day!

You are going to LOVEEEEEE it!

I am definitely still looking forward to our February trip because it will be my first time staying at GCH, excited!!

Definitely glad to be back. Sometimes when there is no trip in sight, I stay away because I get depresso!

 

[mrsw94]

Well, DS5 came in at 5am this morning complaining that his head hurt. He also felt warm. ARRGGH!! I'm hoping it's just a fluke! We leave in a week!

The good part is, we still have a week. The bad part is our churches children's program is tonight and he has a solo and is a wiseman! Yikes! I'm hoping it was just a fluke, but my Mommy gut says he's sick. We'll see later....

 

[HeddyRuth]

One of my friends just got back and was staying at PP. Dec 1-5. She said they got one set of FPs to use for any one ride during their stay as part of their resort stay benefit. They chose RSR. Does anyone else know if this is true who has been recently or did they just get a special treat.

 

[Pesky]

Well, DS5 came in at 5am this morning complaining that his head hurt. He also felt warm. ARRGGH!! I'm hoping it's just a fluke! We leave in a week!

The good part is, we still have a week. The bad part is our churches children's program is tonight and he has a solo and is a wiseman! Yikes! I'm hoping it was just a fluke, but my Mommy gut says he's sick. We'll see later....

UGH! Hopefully it's nothing serious and just a quick bug. It does seem to happen right before leaving. My paranoia on this point has reached new levels with pertussis going around and a kid in each of the classrooms throwing up yesterday -- to the point that we aren't going to the library on Thursday for their popular (and crowded) reading with Santa. Hope he feels better soon and everyone stays healthy!

 

[Sherry E]

One of my friends just got back and was staying at PP. Dec 1-5. She said they got one set of FPs to use for any one ride during their stay as part of their resort stay benefit. They chose RSR. Does anyone else know if this is true who has been recently or did they just get a special treat.

HeddyRuth --

The FPs are likely part of a specific hotel discount offer for AP holders that was going around a while back. The discount was 25% off a stay at any of the 3 DLR hotels (on select nights, during select time frames), along with a FP for everyone in the party and one voucher for a free PhotoPass picture. Not only am I getting that deal, but Kathy/ksromack got it too. A lot of people snapped up that discount offer this year because there were no good discounts last year.

If your friend is not an AP holder and didn't know about that specific offer, then I'd say she got a special treat!

 

[HeddyRuth]

HeddyRuth -- The FPs are likely part of a specific hotel discount offer for AP holders that was going around a while back. The discount was 25% off a stay at any of the 3 DLR hotels (on select nights, during select time frames), along with a FP for everyone in the party and one voucher for a free PhotoPass picture. Not only am I getting that deal, but Kathy/ksromack got it too. A lot of people snapped up that discount offer this year because there were no good discounts last year. If your friend is not an AP holder and didn't know about that specific offer, then I'd say she got a special treat!

She is an AP holder, but probably forgot about the discount. Thanks what a great offer!!

 

[briggscreek]

We're leaving tomorrow and I can't decide what to pack! I tend to bring too much and am trying to pack light this time. Is it warm enough for short sleeves during the day or would I be ok with just long sleeves and jackets for evening?

 

[Sherry E]

We're leaving tomorrow and I can't decide what to pack! I tend to bring too much and am trying to pack light this time. Is it warm enough for short sleeves during the day or would I be ok with just long sleeves and jackets for evening?

briggscreek --

Same here. Even though I live in So Cal and have a better idea of what the weather has been like than others who don't live here, I waited longer than usual to even start packing because I wanted to see if the forecast changed. I didn't know if I would have to drag out a coat as well as a jacket, or just the jacket. I didn't know if I would have to bring an umbrella and a raincoat, or just an umbrella, or none of the above.

It probably depends on what you're used to and what what your tolerance for cooler weather is, but tomorrow it is supposed to be 58 degrees in Anaheim (the high temperature). Personally, I think it might be verging on sweatshirt or jacket weather for me if that is the highest temperature of the day, and then more bundling up will be required at night. However, I know that other people will be freezing if it is 58 degrees and will be fully wrapped up in winter wear all day. It is supposed to be sunny for most of next week, even though the actual temperatures will be cool (in the 60s).

Maybe long sleeves for daytime, and then get out the coats for nighttime? Again, it really depends on what you're used to and what your tolerance level is.

 

[FlameGirl]

Jamian --

Did Ben and Jen have any kind of security with them, or were they just walking through like a regular family at DLR?

When we saw them, they had one Plaid, and one plain-clothes security guard. When a woman approached them with camera in hand, the plain-clothes security guard sprang into action and told her to move back and put the camera away. He was dressed in shorts and an athletic t-shirt, baseball cap and sunglasses. When you looked a little closer, you could see that he had a radio headset in one ear.

 

[briggscreek]

briggscreek --

Same here. Even though I live in So Cal and have a better idea of what the weather has been like than others who don't live here, I waited longer than usual to even start packing because I wanted to see if the forecast changed. I didn't know if I would have to drag out a coat as well as a jacket, or just the jacket. I didn't know if I would have to bring an umbrella and a raincoat, or just an umbrella, or none of the above.

It probably depends on what you're used to and what what your tolerance for cooler weather is, but tomorrow it is supposed to be 58 degrees in Anaheim (the high temperature). Personally, I think it might be verging on sweatshirt or jacket weather for me if that is the highest temperature of the day, and then more bundling up will be required at night. However, I know that other people will be freezing if it is 58 degrees and will be fully wrapped up in winter wear all day.

Maybe long sleeves for daytime, and then get out the coats for nighttime? Again, it really depends on what you're used to and what your tolerance level is.

We live in Southern Oregon and it's been freezing the last week or so. We actually got several inches of snow yesterday and it hardly ever snows here! I can't decide if 60 something degrees is going to feel like tropical weather to us or not LOL. I get cold easily though, so long sleeves would probably be fine for me all week.

The kids and I were sick last week and I've had some lingering sinus and ear issues, bit worried about the flight. I finally bought our tickets through Orbitz this morning, had a bit of a panic when I put in dates starting tomorrow and it said my dates weren't available - then I tried Monday (our first day in the parks) and it worked!