Disneyland at Christmas/Holiday Season Superthread #4

[dsneygirl]

We made it to Disneyland! We went to DCA at about 7pm, the rain was coming down pretty good and the park was pretty empty. In the hour that the park was still open, I was able to pick up our PP+ card and walked on The Little Mermaid.

We went over to Cars Land to look at the gift shops, DS was excited to get one of the Ramone buttons. I told DH for giggles, we should go over to Radiator Springs Racers and measure DS to see if he was tall enough yet-and he was! Even better than that, there was a 10 minute wait posted! Well, the ride went down temporarily so it ended up being about 30 minutes, but totally worth it!

Still no sign of the tree by Stanley.

Time to head back to the room and get a good night's sleep so we can do it all again tomorrow.

That is so weird about the tree. We were there the 18-23 and didn't notice anything was amiss until DH was reading a blog after we got home. He said "hey was there a tree there?" Um what tree?

 

[michellelovesthemous]

After reading thus whole thread I have realised that it is just too long to wait!! We arrive at 9:50am next Friday hoping to be there before noon and stay till midnight! Can't wait too see the holiday decor I may be more excited about that than the rides.

 

[tksbaskets]

I printed our boarding passes!!! That deserves this

 

[siskaren]

Live365.com has a station called E Ticket Radio that plays music and audio from Disneyland, and right now they're playing a fair amount of Christmas stuff - besides obvious things like the soundtracks to IASWH and HMH, they're also playing background music that you would hear in the various lands, and even Holiday Scarols from HMH.

 

[OHBelle]

I printed our boarding passes!!! That deserves this

Woo Hoo! Have a safe flight tomorrow!



Trying to be patient waiting for my husband to get home, so we can load the car and GO! He should be home in 45 minutes. I cannot wait to be in Disney this evening!

 

[Sherry E]

Just in case you can't get your Santa Claus fix in Disneyland, in California Adventure, at the Grand Californian Hotel, at the Disneyland Hotel, at the Paradise Pier Hotel, or at the Breakfast with Santa event at Catal in Downtown Disney (the latter of which I announced here yesterday)....


Santa will also be at the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. in GardenWalk (which is right near Disneyland) for one morning only!!! That jolly man in the red suit is getting around, isn't he??




Here are the details:


"Breakfast with Santa" -- See THIS PAGE.

Santa's Breakfast at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

Saturday, December 13, 2014, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

The breakfast includes: buffet; holiday music; face painters; balloon artists; arts and crafts; games; prizes; photos with Santa, etc.



Prices (which are reasonable):

Adults -- $10.00

Children -- $5.00

Children under 3 are free.



Tickets can be purchased from the Anaheim GardenWalk management office at: 714-635-7400, ext. 114. Space is limited.


Ho Ho Ho!!!!

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[dec2009mama]

should be landing by this time tomorrow at LAX
hope to be in the parks by 2pm -- can't wait!!

 

[audrey2580]

should be landing by this time tomorrow at LAX
hope to be in the parks by 2pm -- can't wait!!

Us too, We land at 8:00am hoping to be in the parks by 9:30!

 

[tksbaskets]

Us too, We land at 8:00am hoping to be in the parks by 9:30!

You'll beat us! We land at LAX at 10:40 and then need to take our Town Car to our hotel. I get to pick where we go first....I'm torn between the Plaza for chicken or WWS for nachos...

First attraction TBD when I can load up and see the wait times on my iPhone.

 

[figment_jii]

Just a few more (random) photos from my trip in November.

The Hungry Bear had holiday decor on the sign.

They still had the Apple Pie Funnel Cake (originally featured as part of HalloweenTime). I missed out on it then, so I made a point of having one this time. It was very sweet, but quite yummy.

They still have the Zero popcorn bucket (which actually surprises me, given how popular they seemed during HalloweenTime). They no longer have the 45th Anniversary HM bucket, but are now offering the HMH bucket from last year.

The Mint Julep "Bar" has Pumpkin Beignets and Raspberry Magnolia Lemonade. The Lemonade comes with a regular square glow cube. They also have the Jack Skellingon glow "cube" you can add for $4. (If you "add" it to the lemonade, you'll end up with two glow cubes.)

The Raspberry Magnolia Lemonade was really good. Slightly fizzy (from the Sprite), kind of tart and very refreshing.

Starbucks in DCA has an assortment of items. There are a few seasonal treats (cookies and cupcakes).

The snowman cookie was actually pretty good. Slightly dense, very sweet and goes well with a hot coffee from Starbuck!

Jolly Holiday had the Mickey Elf Steins (choice of fountain beverage or coffee). They also have their usual assortment of really good pastries. The Mickey Rose Macaron is my favorite! (Baymax snuck into the photo...he's available at Tomorrowland Terrace and Award Weiner.)

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

That is so weird about the tree. We were there the 18-23 and didn't notice anything was amiss until DH was reading a blog after we got home. He said "hey was there a tree there?" Um what tree?

We were there the 19-25 and realized right away the tree was missing! Mostly because I usually take a picture of the kids in front of it!

Just checking in for a minute. I still want to share pictures, but we're in tech week for Nutcrackers, so I have been home a grand total of 35 minutes (minus sleeping time) this week! And I got to drive home in the most horrendous rain/lightning/thunder storm last night. Once I survive this weekend, I'll be back!

 

[dsneygirl]

Sharing a few photos. We had somewhere between 250-300 on our Photopass. My DH is a character maniac so we got tonnes

 

[pepe3penelope]

You'll beat us! We land at LAX at 10:40 and then need to take our Town Car to our hotel. I get to pick where we go first....I'm torn between the Plaza for chicken or WWS for nachos...

First attraction TBD when I can load up and see the wait times on my iPhone.

If I could vote for you, I'd say plaza in because at least you'd already be in Disneyland!

 

[Sherry E]

dsneygirl --

What beautiful pictures those are! You all truly look like you're having a great time. I love the photo with the Three Caballeros -- as well as the two pictures with Goofy in his different holiday outfits!

I think Goofy has at least 2 more holiday outfits between the two parks, doesn't he? I know he has the non-holiday green suit with the holiday tie on Buena Vista Street. Doesn't he have a Viva Navidad outfit as well? It's hard to keep track of all of the holiday attired-characters around the parks. I forget how many there are.





And figment_jii --

Thank you so much for posting more photos! That apple pie funnel cake certainly looks bountiful in every photo I've seen.

I see the regular (non-Mickey ears) gingerbread cookies in the Starbucks display case. Did you see the Mickey ears gingerbread cookies at the usual places (Candy Palace, Trolley Treats, etc.)?

 

[tksbaskets]

If I could vote for you, I'd say plaza in because at least you'd already be in Disneyland!

Good thought! Plus DH loves their fried chicken. It's right next to the photopass plus pick up spot too. It's decided!!

 

[dsneygirl]

dsneygirl --

What beautiful pictures those are! You all truly look like you're having a great time. I love the photo with the Three Caballeros -- as well as the two pictures with Goofy in his different holiday outfits!

I think Goofy has at least 2 more holiday outfits between the two parks, doesn't he? I know he has the non-holiday green suit with the holiday tie on Buena Vista Street. Doesn't he have a Viva Navidad outfit as well? It's hard to keep track of all of the holiday attired-characters around the parks. I forget how many there are.

Yes we got Goofy for Viva Navidad

and somewhere i have a pic of him in the Green suit. I think we saw over 50 characters (or at least different outfits)

We had Gingerbread Mickey's from the bakery beside the Starbucks at DCA (by Clarabelle's) I'm not sure the name.

We really loved all the Xmas decor and festivities. Loved the details in Carsland and the vintage feel of Buena Vista St. We have found our last couple trips to WDW in Dec seem to be cutting back every year so this was a real treat.

 

[Sherry E]

...And, just in case you haven't gotten your fill of mingling with Santa Claus in Disneyland, in California Adventure, at the Grand Californian Hotel, at the Disneyland Hotel, at the Paradise Pier Hotel, at Catal in Downtown Disney and at Bubba Gump's in GardenWalk.....

Santa will be eating breakfast once again... at nearby Knott's Berry Farm (at Mrs. Knott's, I guess?).


Breakfast With Santa info -- HERE:

"Santa himself makes a special appearance at breakfast on select Saturdays in December. Reservations are suggested, but not required. Please call 714-220-5055 to make a reservation."

December 6, 13, 20: 8:30 am - 11:00 am

Adults: $14.99 + tax
Kids: $10.59 + tax
Season Passholders receive 10% off.
Parking is complimentary for three hours in the California MarketPlace parking lot.



Or, simply enjoy:

Winterfest Buffet

"Enjoy the classic Sunday brunches, but with a holiday theme. Each brunch features your favorite dishes including made to order omelets, Belgium waffles, cinnamon french toast and a carving station with honey glazed ham, and slow roasted Baron of Beef carved to order. Plus, over 25 desserts will be presented directly from Mrs. Knott’s kitchen and don’t forget complimentary champagne. Reservations are suggested, but not required. Please call 714-220-5055 to make a reservation."

December 7, 14, 21, 28, Jan 4:, 9:30 am - 2:00 pm

Adults: $29.99 + tax
Seniors: $22.89 + tax
Kids (3-11): $13.79 + tax
Season Passholders receive 10% off.
Parking is complimentary for three hours in the California MarketPlace parking lot.



One thing I am learning this year is that Santa loves his breakfast and apparently skips lunch and dinner.

​

Just in case you can't find the holiday festivities in Disneyland, the Parks Blog thought they'd help you out with a video map!

"Mapping Out the Holidays: Disneyland Park" -- Disney Parks Blog; posted on December 3rd, 2014 by Shannon Swanson, Public Relations Manager, Disneyland Resort

​

I almost forgot to remind everyone (because there are some folks who follow this thread and don't follow other threads, and may not know) that, supposedly, in the next couple of days we will finally (after months of rumors and speculation) get the official word about the coming Frozen takeover of Hollywood Land.

According to MiceAge -- which is not an official Disney source at all, but was the first to put the Frozen rumors out there months ago -- tomorrow morning (Thursday) there will be a presentation of sorts in the Ballroom of the Disneyland Hotel. During this presentation the Frozen plans for Hollywood Land will supposedly be announced (by Michael Colglazier) to various segments of Disney management, etc.

If this Frozen revelation comes to fruition tomorrow morning, I expect that word of the announcement will leak out on discussion boards such as this. But even if it nothing leaks tomorrow, you can bet that the Disney Parks Blog will be quick to post a Blog with the official announcement and all the details. They could, possibly, be able to act quickly and get a blog posted by early tomorrow afternoon -- especially if they already have some idea that this is coming and have some text prepared to go to press -- but I'm sure they'll have a Blog posted by Friday, 12/5, for sure.




So, what we are expecting will finally be revealed and made official is:

1. At the MuppetVision 3D theater: “For The First Time In Forever" (a Frozen sing-along and stage show of sorts -- this is the "indoor storytelling" setting where the musicians with preferable knowledge of Scandinavian folk music will likely be);

2. At Stage 17: "Olaf’s Snow Fest" (an area for building snowmen and an Olaf meet and greet);

3. In the Animation Building: An Anna and Elsa meet and greet;

4. In the former Mad T Party location: "Freeze the Night" (a dance party); and

5. In Disneyland: A Frozen addition -- probably Arendelle and an ice palace of sorts -- to the Storybook Land Canal Boat ride.





These things are all rumored to be opening on Saturday, December 20th (when a lot of Annual Pass folks are blocked, and when the Christmas week masses descend upon DLR), but I would imagine that there will be a media day and/or a soft launch on Friday, 12/19 or even on Thursday, 12/18.

The end date for all of the Frozen-in-Hollywood-Land stuff is apparently sometime in early May 2015 -- right before Disneyland kicks into high gear with its 60th anniversary celebrations. However, I would not be shocked if it stuck around through the end of next year -- because it would only be put back up for the holiday season anyway, I'm sure.


I'm not sure if the rumored ice skating rink -- which we first heard about months ago -- is going to be put into Olaf's Snow Fest in the Stage 17 building, along with the snow, or if Disney finally thought twice about that silly idea, since there is already an Olaf ice rink in Downtown Disney through February 22, 2015.

And remember, we also have a lot of Frozen in World of Color - Winter Dreams and at the boutique in Downtown Disney. The ABC Christmas parade special on Christmas Day this year won't even feature the Christmas Fantasy Parade, but will instead feature Frozen stuff! There's a whole lot of Frozen going around right now.

So, let's keep a watchful eye on the Disney Parks Blog starting tomorrow (just in case they can get the details posted quickly) and through Friday for the rumored big Frozen announcement.

See more of MiceAge's Update -- HERE.

​

 

[krispin41]

I am actually excited about the addition of Arendelle to Story Book Land Canal Boats. Of course, I will just miss getting to see it.

Is Rapunzel's Castle there too? I can't remember.

One week from today I will be in the Parks! So excited! My flight is short, hoping I can get a nice quick nap on the plane (San Jose to SNA) since I work the night before until 11pm and work in the morning from 9am-1pm.

 

[lorijohnhill]

Yes we got Goofy for Viva Navidad and somewhere i have a pic of him in the Green suit. I think we saw over 50 characters (or at least different outfits) We had Gingerbread Mickey's from the bakery beside the Starbucks at DCA (by Clarabelle's) I'm not sure the name. We really loved all the Xmas decor and festivities. Loved the details in Carsland and the vintage feel of Buena Vista St. We have found our last couple trips to WDW in Dec seem to be cutting back every year so this was a real treat.

You're boys are absolutely adorable!

 

[Sherry E]

I am actually excited about the addition of Arendelle to Story Book Land Canal Boats. Of course, I will just miss getting to see it.

Is Rapunzel's Castle there too? I can't remember.

One week from today I will be in the Parks! So excited! My flight is short, hoping I can get a nice quick nap on the plane (San Jose to SNA) since I work the night before until 11pm and work in the morning from 9am-1pm.

Kristan --

Your trip is really coming up fast! I hope it's a good one!

I like the idea of adding something Frozen to the SBL ride. That one doesn't bother me at all because it makes sense. I don't think that Rapunzel's Castle was added. In fact -- and I found this hard to believe, but I guess it's true when I visualize the ride -- I read some online musings to indicate that nothing had been added to the SBL ride since the Aladdin element was added oh so long ago. There is apparently nothing from Tangled (though that would be a sensible addition too).

The idea of Freeze the Night isn't a bad one -- and it would have to be located in DCA.

The idea of the snow to build snowmen isn't a bad one. What would be silly is if there were a second ice rink with a Frozen theme, since there is already a rink like that in DTD.

The sing-along is not a bad idea, though I have no personal interest in it and I hope that the Muppets don't lose their one and only attraction at DLR.

The meet and greet in the Animation Building seems a bit much to me, however. I wish Anna and Elsa would just stay in Fantasyland.

Taken individually, one by one, each of the rumored Frozen elements/additions to DLR is a decent idea, or even a really good idea. I guess I just wish they weren't all happening at the same time (because I feel like it veers into Frozen overload territory), and I wish they weren't all happening in Hollywood Land. I wish there were space and room in Fantasyland to put all of the Frozen elements there instead of in Hollywood Land, except for Freeze the Night. Freeze the Night could stay in HL as a more adult complement to Winter Dreams (which features a lot of Frozen).

Hollywood Land -- a land whose theme has nothing to do with fairy tales or princesses -- may end up seeming like it is dominated by Frozen, which is an awkward thematic fit in HL to begin with.