Disneyland at Christmas/Holiday Season Superthread #4

[KCmike]

Rode HM early today, always done well. Then it broke down for about 2 hours, looked like it was back up again by noon. Parks are JAMMED.

Jack

LUCKY! I can't get enough of HM Overlay.

 

[Sherry E]

Snow beautiful to look at in pictures, I agree Sherry. I also enjoy hearing about kids playing in snow. Someday when my Mr. Right comes into my life, I think it would be romantic to spend some snow time with him. I just and probably because I did grow up here in CA, don't think I'd care to live in it.

Thank you for the CP info, that is a great idea to ask a CM in the morning where to stand and get a better idea. I have never been to DL on a weekend let alone during an event. I wish the CP were expanded the way it is in Florida to be more days and during the week but am grateful it is out here at all. I want to have the extra Saturday time to see it since I'll be there anyway and lol that is my reason for going then. When I chatted with DL last week, they told me next month was when more info on the CP should be out but could be longer. I think once we do know times for sure that could help with planning for that.

Stay cool everyone where its hot like here and have a great weekend.

flyingdumbo127 --

The times of the CP don't really change from year to year, but they may get a later start on certain nights. The times are usually in the range of 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. It's not going to be much different than that.

Disney will most likely not announce any CP info to the general public. Because the seating is extremely limited (mainly to invited guests only, and to a small group of people who pay big bucks for the VIP tour this year, I suppose), they don't typically advertise the CP or the narrators, but the names of the narrators will leak out in cyberspace over time.

I think that Disney keeps the details of the CP under wraps, to try to keep the crowds down a bit. If the narrator happened to be someone really popular, can you imagine the mayhem that would ensue if Disney announced it? Let's say that someone like Brad Pitt were going to be narrating (which I doubt would ever happen). There would be madness on the loose in Town Square if people found out.

There are probably people who have been going to Disneyland for many years who have no idea that the CP even exists. I met one such lady last year -- she had recovered from heart surgery and was treating herself to her annual trip to Disneyland (she had been to Disneyland on its opening day in 1955). She had never been to DL over the CP weekend and had no idea what it was.

 

[rentayenta]

Does anyone think CP will affect the crowds in DTD?

 

[Sherry E]

Does anyone think CP will affect the crowds in DTD?

Jenny --

There may be some extra people milling about in DTD, especially near the ice rink, Winter Village and Earl of Sandwich, but I think the bulk of people will be in DL or DCA. There could be some people who head to the hotels for dinner too, but I don't think that DTD and the hotels will be swamped with people beyond what they already would be on a weekend night during the holiday season -- and DTD is usually busy/bustling, but not insanely packed.

I could be totally wrong, of course, but those are my thoughts.

 

[rentayenta]

Jenny --

There may be some extra people milling about in DTD, especially near the ice rink, Winter Village and Earl of Sandwich, but I think the bulk of people will be in DL or DCA. There could be some people who head to the hotels for dinner too, but I don't think that DTD and the hotels will be swamped with people beyond what they already would be on a weekend night during the holiday season -- and DTD is usually busy/bustling, but not insanely packed.

I could be totally wrong, of course, but those are my thoughts.

Thanks girl! We arrive to So Cal on 12/6 and it's impossible for us to not go to DTD for a gingerbread cookie and then hop on over to the GCH for some hot chocolate for the kids and cocktail for us. Its this fun tradition when we go during December.

I hope my kids want to ice skate this year. The rink is so cool. I'm glad DTD is getting some holiday attention.

 

[tksbaskets]

I'm hoping DL isn't TOO awful crowded on CP weekend Sherry A Snow Globe Christmas is available for pre-order on Amazon as well.

 

[DLmama]

I realized I have a bunch of pictures of HMH and none of NOS. I'll need to change that this year.

 

[dolphingirl47]

2. Corinna was 100% correct! She said that she was positive that the announcement of the official season start date would come in this week, while she was in Hungary, because that's the kind of timing she has! And that's exactly what happened!

I was just about to comment on this. I am a little sad that the Holiday Season officially starts on the day we leave for Aulani. Still, most things should be in place by then and everything will be in full swing when we come back on November 23rd.

I can't believe that it is now under two months until we leave for Disneyland. I managed to make the first dining reservation yesterday. We are going to do the Surf's Up Character Breakfast at Paradise Pier the first morning.

This is one of the two theme weeks that I have something to contribute to. I am doing the code word challenge so I am just posting the photos because I can and not to enter the contest.













Corinna

 

[mom2rtk]

IMG_0044_1 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_5062 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_5138 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

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IMG_0122 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_0201_1 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

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IMG_9974 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_3945 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

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[/url]IMG_3953 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_9979 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_9993 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

 

[Sherry E]

I've got Janet's and DLmama's posts entered into the random draw. Great photos!

I did not give Corinna an entry into the draw, as she is doing the Challenge.

​

Thanks girl! We arrive to So Cal on 12/6 and it's impossible for us to not go to DTD for a gingerbread cookie and then hop on over to the GCH for some hot chocolate for the kids and cocktail for us. Its this fun tradition when we go during December.

I hope my kids want to ice skate this year. The rink is so cool. I'm glad DTD is getting some holiday attention.

Jenny --

I agree on all points!

The ice rink that was in DTD in 2012 -- which went up in October 2012 and had a flimsy Secret of the Wings theme -- was kind of bland. The good thing about it was that it was covered, which was nice as people could skate in the rain.

Other than the covering, though... the 2012 "Village" was a mere shell of what it was to become in 2013, and the giant Christmas tree was gone in 2012 too. I suppose that Disney had not yet figured out a way to keep the tree up and the ice rink in place in 2012. Without that tree sitting between the DLH and DTD, DTD felt really lacking in holiday merriment. It's amazing how much a large tree can make a difference.

I was glad to see that, after 2012, Disney at least put some additional thought into how to stage the rink, the Village and the huge tree in DTD so that those elements could all work together to create a nice holiday atmosphere. Plus, the other restaurants and shops in DTD stepped up their game and added in more trees or themed decorations. Suddenly Disney added some carolers in DTD on certain nights in December too. It seemed like they were making an effort to liven up DTD for the season. It would be taking a step backwards if the Village and rink were taken away at this point, but I really didn't think they would put up a rink after the Avengers Marathon -- and yet, it seems that is what's going to happen!

I agree about the gingerbread cookie and the GCH as well! Especially on a down night, when you're not in the parks, it would almost be a crime to not enjoy all that the GCH has to offer in terms of holiday cheer, and DTD is full of energy and holiday hustle and bustle.

I'm hoping DL isn't TOO awful crowded on CP weekend Sherry A Snow Globe Christmas is available for pre-order on Amazon as well.

TK --

Oooooooooh! Thank you so much for telling me that! I had no idea that A Snow Globe Christmas was coming out on DVD. I only knew about A Very Merry Mix-Up and The Christmas Ornament! Right there are 3 movies that I can clear off of the DVR if I can get them on DVD, which will free up space for new movies and all-new Travel Channel holiday specials! If only they would put out Let it Snow and Snow Bride on DVD too...

I was just about to comment on this. I am a little sad that the Holiday Season officially starts on the day we leave for Aulani. Still, most things should be in place by then and everything will be in full swing when we come back on November 23rd.

I can't believe that it is now under two months until we leave for Disneyland. I managed to make the first dining reservation yesterday. We are going to do the Surf's Up Character Breakfast at Paradise Pier the first morning.

This is one of the two theme weeks that I have something to contribute to. I am doing the code word challenge so I am just posting the photos because I can and not to enter the contest.

Corinna

Corinna --

You're right -- most things will be in place by your first DLR visit (pre-Aulani). I really think that Disney will do what they have been doing for the last couple of years and just run the Christmas parade and the holiday fireworks early, and IASWH will be up. Everything will be in full swing by the time you get back to DLR on 11/23 (including the ice rink and Winter Village in Downtown Disney). I think that the only things that might not be in place until 11/27 are the carolers and Santa at the 3 hotels.

Of course, Jingle Cruise is still a mystery. It doesn't seem like it would be a difficult thing to do once again -- and why only try it for one year and then end it? That said, Erin at the Parks Blog did not answer anyone's questions about Jingle Cruise -- and several of us asked. It seems like JC would have been on her list of returning holiday events for 2014, but she didn't mention it. It is, however, returning to WDW. So...who knows? Maybe there is some unknown reason why Disney decided not to bring back Jingle Cruise to DL, but hopefully it will return.

Surf's Up is a fun meal. The character interaction is really good. I will have to try it again at some point, though Goofy's is still my favorite!

 

[OHBelle]

Welcome, OHBelle!

Thank you for joining us -- and thank you for the kind words! I really appreciate it. I'm so glad that the thread has been helpful and fun.

Wow! You have been away from Disneyland for a very long time! Needless to say, you will have a lot to catch up on! There are so, so, so many new things to see. I'm happy for you that you get to go -- and that you are going during Christmas time, which is so beautiful in the parks, hotels and everywhere. Do you have an idea of how long the trip might be (how many days)?

Another Countdown to Christmas fan! A kindred spirit! And it all starts on 10/31 this year -- ! I am all about the Hallmark Christmas movies, and all about peppermint ice cream (especially Dreyer's Peppermint Wonderland)! Actually, I'm all about the holiday season in general -- music, decorations, lights, TV specials, treats, you name it! But I check the Hallmark Channel Facebook page every day, hoping to see another one of their Countdown to Christmas reminders!

I am one of those people who is not only looking forward to the 12 new movies that Hallmark airs this season, but also seeing all of my favorites over and over again! Plus, I was delighted to learn that The Christmas Ornament and A Very Merry Mix-Up (two of my favorites from 2013) are coming out on DVD next month -- which means I can clear them off of the DVR and make room for new movies!

Fellow DIS'er tksbaskets is another avid Hallmark Countdown to Christmas enthusiast, so you're in good company here!

And fellow DIS'ers Jamie/DisneyJamieCA and PHXscuba are avid Dreyer's peppermint ice cream enthusiasts as well! Last year the ice cream was rather elusive at first, and then it appeared a little at a time in stores, and then a lot of it suddenly came out -- and stayed out -- well into the first half of this year. I am hoping it will be back in the freezer section this month.

Thanks Sherry.
We will only be doing three days in the parks, but that is better than zero! We plan on driving over from AZ on December 3 and doing our park days on the 4th, 5th and 6th. We will drive back home on the 7th. A short visit, but we plan on making more of them. I won't wait another 30+ years this time!

The Countdown to Christmas starts the day after my birthday! I can't wait! I watch them all, new and classics! I loved A Very Merry Mix-Up last year too. One my favorites is Moonlight and Mistletoe, I think it is a few years old. I work from home and my TV stays on Hallmark during the whole countdown. There is nothing better than working with Christmas movies on in the background.

I adore seasonal goodies! Pumpkin and Peppermint! (not together though ) We are headed to my husband's old hometown next month for the their annual Pumpkin Show. Lots of yummy Pumpkin goodies!

 

[Sherry E]

Thanks Sherry.
We will only be doing three days in the parks, but that is better than zero! We plan on driving over from AZ on December 3 and doing our park days on the 4th, 5th and 6th. We will drive back home on the 7th. A short visit, but we plan on making more of them. I won't wait another 30+ years this time!

The Countdown to Christmas starts the day after my birthday! I can't wait! I watch them all, new and classics! I loved A Very Merry Mix-Up last year too. One my favorites is Moonlight and Mistletoe, I think it is a few years old. I work from home and my TV stays on Hallmark during the whole countdown. There is nothing better than working with Christmas movies on in the background.

I adore seasonal goodies! Pumpkin and Peppermint! (not together though ) We are headed to my husband's old hometown next month for the their annual Pumpkin Show. Lots of yummy Pumpkin goodies!

OHBelle --

You're absolutely right! Three days are better than zero days, especially after not visiting Disneyland for over 30 years! Depending on the people in question and what their specific interests are, many folks can get a lot done in 3 days -- or even all that they want to do. I think you'll have a great trip. Honestly, the holidays at Disneyland Resort are so beautiful and lively that I would even go for just one day to soak in as much holiday cheer as I could. You can get a lot of bang for your buck in a short period of time during the holiday season.

I loved Moonlight & Mistletoe too (with Tom Arnold and Candace Cameron Bure)! I do exactly what you do -- as soon as the Countdown to Christmas begins, I turn to the Hallmark Channel and it generally stays there as background sound while I am doing other things on the computer, throughout most of 2 months. Sometimes I have time to watch the movies so I do that too, of course, but I find that leaving the marathon on in the background is sort of the equivalent of leaving Christmas songs on in the background, but better -- it sets the mood and sort of creates a bubble of holiday cheer.

Plus, these Countdowns to Christmas are ways for me to catch up on the older Hallmark movies that have somehow escaped me. I think I have seen 75% of them, but there are some that I have just not made time or had time to watch. Every year I manage to watch at least a few that I have never seen before. I like the mix of the older and new movies.

Yes, pumpkin and peppermint do not go well together at all! In my separate Halloween Time at DLR Superthread I have been tracking all of the Fall/Harvest/Halloween goodies that have been popping up in stores since July, and the number of items with seasonal makeovers was really surprising to me. I could be wrong, but it seems as though the number of items with Fall versions has increased in the last couple of years, so I can only imagine how many cranberry/gingerbread/peppermint/pine items are headed our way this year too!

Then again, even though Halloween things began hitting the shelves in July (slowly), I didn't see my first Halloween TV commercial until a couple of days ago. It was still pretty early compared when Halloween commercials used to begin (in prehistoric days), but not as early as I expected given the appearance of pumpkin-y things on store shelves!

Since your birthday is the day before Halloween, does that mean you do a combo birthday-Halloween celebration every year, or do you celebrate the two days separately? I know that some people find that a birthday close to a holiday of any kind is a blessing, while others say it's a curse!

 

[Misskitty3]

Thanks girl! We arrive to So Cal on 12/6 and it's impossible for us to not go to DTD for a gingerbread cookie and then hop on over to the GCH for some hot chocolate for the kids and cocktail for us. Its this fun tradition when we go during December.

I hope my kids want to ice skate this year. The rink is so cool. I'm glad DTD is getting some holiday attention.

Do you get the cookies at Marcelines? And where at the GC can you get hot chocolate? Sounds like a great tradition!

 

[Sherry E]

Speaking of hot chocolate/hot cocoa (when it is hotter than Hades outside right now )...

Does anyone here use a Keurig, and if so... have you used it to make cocoa or tea?

I drink enough coffee that having a cheaper drip coffee maker and cheaper coffee makes more sense for me (the K-Cups are expensive).

However, during the winter I like to drink cocoa and tea -- not as frequently as I drink coffee, but just here and there. So a Keurig would make more financial sense for random cups of cocoa and tea, or if I wanted to serve a guest a cup of coffee that was actually palatable (unlike the current coffee I brew on the drip). Plus, I hate having to boil the water for cocoa and tea. It's so annoying. I've tried microwaving too, and the water is lukewarm in 4 minutes.

I have the opportunity to get a free Keurig (I think it's a special edition version of it) through one of my survey panels, and it comes with a sample pack of tea, cocoa and plenty of coffee, of course. I just don't know if I want to use my accumulated points on the Keurig if it's not worth it. I hear about issues with it breaking down after a year or 6 months, so I am skeptical.

But I need a better way of making a cup of tea or cocoa that doesn't involve difficult tasks such as...boiling water. Winter is on its way, and I must be prepared for those Arctic 50-degree nights. If the Keurig only made hot apple cider too, I'd be ready to rock with my holiday beverages!

 

[Dot2Vegas]

Speaking of hot chocolate/hot cocoa (when it is hotter than Hades outside right now )...

Does anyone here use a Keurig, and if so... have you used it to make cocoa or tea?

I drink enough coffee that having a cheaper drip coffee maker and cheaper coffee makes more sense for me (the K-Cups are expensive).

However, during the winter I like to drink cocoa and tea -- not as frequently as I drink coffee, but just here and there. So a Keurig would make more financial sense for random cups of cocoa and tea, or if I wanted to serve a guest a cup of coffee that was actually palatable (unlike the current coffee I brew on the drip). Plus, I hate having to boil the water for cocoa and tea. It's so annoying. I've tried microwaving too, and the water is lukewarm in 4 minutes.

I have the opportunity to get a free Keurig (I think it's a special edition version of it) through one of my survey panels, and it comes with a sample pack of tea, cocoa and plenty of coffee, of course. I just don't know if I want to use my accumulated points on the Keurig if it's not worth it. I hear about issues with it breaking down after a year or 6 months, so I am skeptical.

But I need a better way of making a cup of tea or cocoa that doesn't involve difficult tasks such as...boiling water. Winter is on its way, and I must be prepared for those Arctic 50-degree nights. If the Keurig only made hot apple cider too, I'd be ready to rock with my holiday beverages!

I have a knock off Keurig so your results may vary, but I did not like the hot cocoa :-( I found it way too weak and watery (I used swiss miss). I stick with instant hot cocoa and boiling water or homemade hot cocoa for special occasions.
I loved tea in the Keurig, when I visit MIL thats what she has for me. I drink far too much tea throughout the day, so using the cups isnt affordable for me!

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

Speaking of hot chocolate/hot cocoa (when it is hotter than Hades outside right now )... Does anyone here use a Keurig, and if so... have you used it to make cocoa or tea? I drink enough coffee that having a cheaper drip coffee maker and cheaper coffee makes more sense for me (the K-Cups are expensive). However, during the winter I like to drink cocoa and tea -- not as frequently as I drink coffee, but just here and there. So a Keurig would make more financial sense for random cups of cocoa and tea, or if I wanted to serve a guest a cup of coffee that was actually palatable (unlike the current coffee I brew on the drip). Plus, I hate having to boil the water for cocoa and tea. It's so annoying. I've tried microwaving too, and the water is lukewarm in 4 minutes. I have the opportunity to get a free Keurig (I think it's a special edition version of it) through one of my survey panels, and it comes with a sample pack of tea, cocoa and plenty of coffee, of course. I just don't know if I want to use my accumulated points on the Keurig if it's not worth it. I hear about issues with it breaking down after a year or 6 months, so I am skeptical. But I need a better way of making a cup of tea or cocoa that doesn't involve difficult tasks such as...boiling water. Winter is on its way, and I must be prepared for those Arctic 50-degree nights. If the Keurig only made hot apple cider too, I'd be ready to rock with my holiday beverages!

We have a Keurig and use it all the time! We buy the k-cups sometimes, but we actually just by our favorite coffee from Costco, grind it and use the reusable k-cup in the morning. We've used the tea & hot chocolate k-cups and they are great, but again sometimes just use it to boil water and use tea bags/hot chocolate packs.

We use it for a lot more than I thought we would. Anytime we need hot water, really. DH uses to make beans. Those cup o' soup things, which the kids use during Nutcracker season. I think ours was money well spent and couldn't imagine not having it now.

Speaking of Nutcracker, the girls had auditions today. That show is the pinnacle of the holiday season to me!

ETA: They do have Apple Cider. Also Caramel Apple Cider, which I may just have to order!

 

[tksbaskets]

TK --

Oooooooooh! Thank you so much for telling me that! I had no idea that A Snow Globe Christmas was coming out on DVD. I only knew about A Very Merry Mix-Up and The Christmas Ornament! Right there are 3 movies that I can clear off of the DVR if I can get them on DVD, which will free up space for new movies and all-new Travel Channel holiday specials! If only they would put out Let it Snow and Snow Bride on DVD too...

That would complete all my favorites as well!






Pictures from 2013

HMH

 

[Jenasweetemotion]

Just got my hands on some Peppermint Wonderland tonight at our local Lucky's. The lady said ringing me out "Don't you think it is a little early to celebrate Christmas". I say NO it is never too early.

 

[Misskitty3]

We have a Keurig and use it all the time! We buy the k-cups sometimes, but we actually just by our favorite coffee from Costco, grind it and use the reusable k-cup in the morning. We've used the tea & hot chocolate k-cups and they are great, but again sometimes just use it to boil water and use tea bags/hot chocolate packs.

We use it for a lot more than I thought we would. Anytime we need hot water, really. DH uses to make beans. Those cup o' soup things, which the kids use during Nutcracker season. I think ours was money well spent and couldn't imagine not having it now.

Speaking of Nutcracker, the girls had auditions today. That show is the pinnacle of the holiday season to me!

ETA: They do have Apple Cider. Also Caramel Apple Cider, which I may just have to order!

I was just going to post about the apple cider k-cups. We don't have a Keurig but our orthodontist does and one of the choices is apple cider. Yum!

I admit, I use the microwave for tea and hot chocolate....

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

Just got my hands on some Peppermint Wonderland tonight at our local Lucky's. The lady said ringing me out "Don't you think it is a little early to celebrate Christmas". I say NO it is never too early.

Oh, I'm on the hunt now!