Disneyland at Christmas/Holiday Season Superthread #4

[Sherry E]

I was amazed at the number of people (adults and kids) that asked when the house could be eaten while I was standing there watching it being built last week. I guess, to me, it's obvious that this is a decorative item, but I suppose some people just hear gingerbread and think cookie!

figment_jii --

As I was saying a couple of pages back, people can be so disappointing. I can understand a child thinking it's a giant snack and wanting to chow down, at which point I would expect the parents to step in and stop that from happening.

The adults, however, should know better. It's not like they are visiting "Grandma's house" and are sneaking bites off of the house when Grandma isn't looking (even though Grandma knows they're doing it). These "adults" are at a nice hotel, and the house is still in the process of being assembled and set up. Clearly it is a holiday display. There is no reason for any adult to be munching on the gingerbread house -- especially when they can march themselves over to nearby Marceline's Confectionery and buy a gingerbread cookie!

People probably think they're being "cute" or somehow funny by biting into the house (and Jamie already saw a bite taken out of it), but if it keeps happening I'm sure the hotel will end up taking the house down because people can't control themselves.

 

[figment_jii]

At least I didn't see anyone take a bite...I just heard people asking. I'll think positive; WDW has figured out how to have gingerbread displays without having folks take bites. Hopefully DLR will figure it out as well. (I suppose the other option is to make it taste so bad no one will want to eat it...)

On a happier note...a few more (random) holiday photos...

Storybook Canal had a few tiny trees in front of a few houses. Not all of the scenes were decorated, but a few trees.

Splash Mountain had some decorations over the entrance.

Tom Sawyer's Island had one Christmas wreath on the stage.

Even the parking toll booths had holiday decor.

 

[Sherry E]

I am still wondering if a mini-Arendelle or mini-ice palace is going to end up inserted somewhere along the Storybook Land Canal! The ride is supposed to be closed from Dec. 1st through the 18th or 19th, so the reopening would coincide with the launch of the rumored Frozen festivities in DCA.

Is that one lone wreath there on the Island every holiday season?

 

[figment_jii]

Is that one lone wreath there on the Island every holiday season?

To be honest, I have no idea! I hadn't been on Tom Sawyer's Island in years and I just snapped a picture as I walked by...it was an interesting trip for me because I went with a friend's family, which included two kids (almost 5 and 2.5). So I did a lot of kid's rides and activities that I normally don't do...like the Island!

 

[OHBelle]

Here is a Parks Blog about holiday food -- I had been wondering why they were a little slow with the food blogs this year, and they heard my cries!

"Plan the Merriest Feast on Earth at Disneyland Resort" -- Disney Parks Blog; posted on November 24th, 2014 by Rachel Brent, Food & Beverage Marketing Communications Coordinator



And the Disney Food Blog did a piece about the gingerbread house at the GCH -- and, by the way, the Disney Parks Blog said that the house will be up through January 6, 2015:

"News: Gingerbread House at Disneyland’s Grand Californian Debuting November 27th" -- Disney Food Blog; posted on Nov 24th, 2014 by Kim.

​

Sherry- Once again thanks for keeping us updated and posting these links!

Oh my.....such wonderful looking and sounding holiday goodies! Of all things, I totally want the holiday shaped sourdough bread! The peppermint brownie cake pops sound pretty good too!

I cannot wait to see the GCH gingerbread house!! I will probably have to buy some goodies from it!!

I have had such a busy weekend that I haven't had time to watch either of the new Hallmark Christmas movies. Too many things to get ready for our trip, which is fast approaching! I hope they are good and I can get to them soon!

 

[Sherry E]

Sherry- Once again thanks for keeping us updated and posting these links!

Oh my.....such wonderful looking and sounding holiday goodies! Of all things, I totally want the holiday shaped sourdough bread! The peppermint brownie cake pops sound pretty good too!

I cannot wait to see the GCH gingerbread house!! I will probably have to buy some goodies from it!!

I have had such a busy weekend that I haven't had time to watch either of the new Hallmark Christmas movies. Too many things to get ready for our trip, which is fast approaching! I hope they are good and I can get to them soon!

Tracy -

You're very welcome!

The Parks Blog usually does not post a list of food items that looks quite like the one they posted today. Usually they just list certain items in paragraphs, with some details about each one. This time it was an actual list, which is handy.

And, you know, they didn't even necessarily list every holiday food item in that Parks Blog, nor did they list every location at which those items can be found. (It looks like they skipped Storytellers Café and Carnation Café entirely!) They did list quite a few things, but I don't think they covered everything. When I was putting together the comprehensive list of Fall/Halloween Time food items and where they were located, I found some random items mentioned here and there, but not necessarily on the Parks Blog. Certain items will be available at many locations, and some will be located at only one or two locations.

About the Hallmark movies: I would imagine that many people will begin to get very busy with the holidays starting this week, and movie-viewing time will become more limited with each passing week! In that way I think it's very smart for Hallmark to begin the marathon of movies when they do, as it gives people almost a full month of viewing before they get too swamped with holiday fun. And, for those who choose to start tuning in to the movies just after Thanksgiving, they get a month as well!

I am guessing that you'll enjoy both A Royal Christmas and The Christmas Shepherd, but I don't know where they will fall in your personal rankings! I don't think they will bump Nine Lives from the top spot, and they probably won't bump Angels and Ornaments from your #2 spot either, but I would very surprised if they didn't place higher than Northpole, Cookie Cutter Christmas and One Starry Christmas. It's hard to say, though. I am going to assume that there have to be some gems in the upcoming group of 6 new movies.

 

[MinnieLovesMickey]

For anyone that's seen the Christmas parade already, is Duffy still in the parade? DS was sad when I told him that Duffy isn't doing meet and greets anymore so I was hoping he could at least be seen in the parade. If not, I'm pretty sure he'll survive. Unfortunately, now he wants to go meet Anna and Elsa. We have APs and aren't staying onsite so I'm going to try it on a non EE/MM day.

I love seeing all the pics of the gingerbread house at GCH and can't wait to see it for myself, if it hasn't been completely eaten yet. I hope a few people that don't have common sense don't ruin this experience for the rest of us.

We got some battery operated snowflake lights for DS's stroller so we should have no problem finding it in the dark. You definitely won't be able to miss this stroller! DH just has to finish making the stroller tag.

One more week until Disneyland! I'm so excited I can't stand it!

 

[letitsnow]

Hi! I have been searching if they have announced the narrators? Do they have seating for the disabled?

Thanks!

 

[figment_jii]

Duffy was still in the parade when I saw it last week. He's stilling on top of the roof on the float with Mickey & Minnie. If your looking at the float, he's in the right(ish) side.

I know each week is different, but I went last week and was able to get a Return Ticket for A&E on a non-MM/EMH morning. I was there around 10:30 am (park opened at 10:00 am) and the return time was 5:15 pm.

 

[Sherry E]

Hi! I have been searching if they have announced the narrators? Do they have seating for the disabled?

Thanks!

letitsnow --

Disney doesn't really announce anything about Candlelight (at DLR) anymore, because they don't offer any ways for the general public to get seating. They keep it quiet, for the most part. People either just know it's happening and/or come out to see it because they have seen it before, or they find out about it when they are at DLR and see it in the Times Guide.

I think that people who take the expensive VIP tour have a shot at getting seats, but otherwise the guests are invited by Disney. They may be Disney VIPs, Disney family members, media, Club 33 members, etc.

Everyone who views the CP either has to wait around Town Square all day long (like from morning on) to score one of the very few seats on the very few benches set up around the side of Town Square... or they have to stand in the crowds around Town Square as soon as the assigned waiting areas open up closer to showtime.

I am not sure if there is a designated viewing area for the disabled. I haven't seen anything like that.

The rumored -- not official or confirmed -- narrator for both nights of the CP is Beau Bridges.

 

[pepe3penelope]

For anyone that's seen the Christmas parade already, is Duffy still in the parade? DS was sad when I told him that Duffy isn't doing meet and greets anymore so I was hoping he could at least be seen in the parade. If not, I'm pretty sure he'll survive. Unfortunately, now he wants to go meet Anna and Elsa. We have APs and aren't staying onsite so I'm going to try it on a non EE/MM day.

I love seeing all the pics of the gingerbread house at GCH and can't wait to see it for myself, if it hasn't been completely eaten yet. I hope a few people that don't have common sense don't ruin this experience for the rest of us.

We got some battery operated snowflake lights for DS's stroller so we should have no problem finding it in the dark. You definitely won't be able to miss this stroller! DH just has to finish making the stroller tag.

One more week until Disneyland! I'm so excited I can't stand it!

As the PP stated, Duffy was in the parade. We went on Saturday and also saw the Anna and Elsa float in the parade.

 

[tksbaskets]

I'm tempted to get a FP for E&A just to take a picture with them. I think DH will tolerate a picture with a couple of hot Scandinavian chicks.

I've made my list of all the theme weeks I was NOT able to contribute to so I can be a better poster next year.

I watched 'A Christmas Shepard' last night. I would probably rank this one above 'A Royal Christmas' which I really enjoyed because, although who doesn't love a Royal/Commoner love story, the story line on A Christmas Shepard was very plausible.

I'm looking forward to watching 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered for Christmas' that is waiting on my DVR.

Sherry, what channel is UP with the upcoming Lacy Chobert (SP?) new movie?

 

[ARIELvsURSULA]

Hi all, just checking in. We only have 5 more days until we leave and yet I find myself feeling sad and just having a bad week. My eldest kitty had a stroke over the weekend and we had to make the heart breaking decision that he wasn't going to get better. I am so grateful I was able to be there for him, to hold him, and I wasnt away on vacation when something happened to him.. but it is still so final to have to let a pet go. Hard to be excited when my heart is in pieces. I just had to tell someone, carry on your usual Disney related chat. It's all that's getting me through the week

 

[mom2rtk]

Hi all, just checking in. We only have 5 more days until we leave and yet I find myself feeling sad and just having a bad week. My eldest kitty had a stroke over the weekend and we had to make the heart breaking decision that he wasn't going to get better. I am so grateful I was able to be there for him, to hold him, and I wasnt away on vacation when something happened to him.. but it is still so final to have to let a pet go. Hard to be excited when my heart is in pieces. I just had to tell someone, carry on your usual Disney related chat. It's all that's getting me through the week

I'm so sorry about your kitty. We lost my son's cat week before last and it really was heartbreaking. Hugs. Time will help. We're all doing better with it this week than last week. We will be at DLR soon too and I am finally able to start getting excited about it again.

 

[meljensmom]

I am now officially able to take a breather and sigh of relief. I just scheduled the last piece of our Christmas at DL vacation.

I have:

1) Reserved my Mom's Scooter
2) Reserved Goofy's Kitchen for Christmas Eve dinner
3) Ordered the "Mickey's Favorite Things" to decorate our room prior to our arrival (a surprise for my girls)
4) Reserved the Holiday Time Tour for all of us on the date and exact time we wanted.
5) Ordered and got our Mickey Santa Hats for all of us to wear.
6) Ordered the Photo Pass + and it should be arriving soon.

We are staying at the Disneyland Hotel and the excitement is building. Now, we just have to wait! Can't believe we are Christmas-ing at Disneyland!

Have I forgotten anything??

 

[ARIELvsURSULA]

I'm so sorry about your kitty. We lost my son's cat week before last and it really was heartbreaking. Hugs. Time will help. We're all doing better with it this week than last week. We will be at DLR soon too and I am finally able to start getting excited about it again.

Thank you for the internet hugs! I am so sorry about your loss too. It never gets easier having to say goodbye to a beloved pet. Im trying to focus on all the fun we're going to have and not let it show how sad I am. Guess I'm taking some advice from Elsa, conceal, don't feel! I don't want my daughter sensing my sadness and feeling like she can't be excited. It's her birthday trip as well as our families first Christmas trip and I want her to enjoy it, not think about how much we miss our old man Noodles. I think getting a hug from Goofy might be just what I need to feel better.

 

[petals]

Duffy is in the parade and the parks are getting a tiny bit manic this week. Last week wait times were 20 minutes or less. The last day I was in the shortest wait was 40 minutes. Anna and Elsa were an hour wait even with a fast pass

 

[tksbaskets]

Hi all, just checking in. We only have 5 more days until we leave and yet I find myself feeling sad and just having a bad week. My eldest kitty had a stroke over the weekend and we had to make the heart breaking decision that he wasn't going to get better. I am so grateful I was able to be there for him, to hold him, and I wasnt away on vacation when something happened to him.. but it is still so final to have to let a pet go. Hard to be excited when my heart is in pieces. I just had to tell someone, carry on your usual Disney related chat. It's all that's getting me through the week

I'm so sorry about your kitty. We lost my son's cat week before last and it really was heartbreaking. Hugs. Time will help. We're all doing better with it this week than last week. We will be at DLR soon too and I am finally able to start getting excited about it again.

so sorry for your losses. I'm also grateful that these fur babies did not pass while you were on vacation.

I am now officially able to take a breather and sigh of relief. I just scheduled the last piece of our Christmas at DL vacation.

I have:

1) Reserved my Mom's Scooter
2) Reserved Goofy's Kitchen for Christmas Eve dinner
3) Ordered the "Mickey's Favorite Things" to decorate our room prior to our arrival (a surprise for my girls)
4) Reserved the Holiday Time Tour for all of us on the date and exact time we wanted.
5) Ordered and got our Mickey Santa Hats for all of us to wear.

We are staying at the Disneyland Hotel and the excitement is building. Now, we just have to wait! Can't believe we are Christmas-ing at Disneyland!

Have I forgotten anything??

Nothing you can't purchase when you get there!! Safe travels! Please post pictures of "Mickey's Favorite Things" decorating your room. That sounds great.

On happy trip related news for me - my PhotoPass Plus arrived in yesterday's mail. I wasn't going to order this with the CD and then the more I thought about it I would be sad if I couldn't get the ride photos and other JPGs.

Now if only I could have gotten the elusive Holiday Tour...

 

[figment_jii]

Have I forgotten anything??

The only thing that came to mind was tickets...did you already order them or do you already have them?

Anna and Elsa were an hour wait even with a fast pass

I think A&E can be variable regardless of the crowds in the rest of the park. I waited in line for them a week ago Sunday (so 11/16) and it still took 45 minutes after we entered the line. The trade off is that they do spend a fair amount of time with each group and we didn't feel rushed to get our photos and get out.

 

[lwanthony]

I posted this as it's own thread too, but I know you all here in this thread will be able to cheer me up!!!!!!! (I'm counting on you!)


I'm so disappointed. We will be in LA starting Thursday. The weather looks perfect until Sunday, of course this is when we head to the Grand Californian for our Disney fix for 5 days. The weather looks like rain every day we will be there!!

Why me?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

We only get to Disney land every 5 years or so, so each trip feels like in needs to be perfect..........

Sigh, maybe the rain will keep the locals away? I need a bright side to look at.....

-Lane