Disneyland at Christmas/Holiday Season Superthread #4

[rentayenta]

Love this week's theme Sherry.

The backside of the castle:

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[petals]

I'm sorry your day was horrible. I'm glad that this thread and everyone's photos provided a bit of cheer.

As long as you're standing in the middle of Main Street crying tears of joy, it will be good! It's the unhappy tears that are no fun.

Sixty-three days will fly by, and you will be walking down Main Street in no time!

Thanks. It will be tears of joy, and tears of I can't believe I'm here and walking in the park Walt saw

 

[Sherry E]

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By the way, I just wanted to point out -- and I mentioned this the other day, but am not sure how many saw/read it -- that I am fairly confident that something is still in the works at DLR as far as gearing up to announce something "new" for the holiday season. Now that "new" thing may not be anything other than some relocated and repackaged existing highlights, but I feel that there is still another significant/newsworthy announcement to be made before the season begins.

The reason I think this is that Disneyland News -- the primary source for press releases about DLR -- usually puts out a press release the day after a Parks Blog goes up with an announcement of season dates and info, especially if there is some sort of event featured/highlighted in the piece (and then they revise the releases later down the line, replacing the original versions). The press releases usually say almost exactly the same things that the Blogs say, with very little variation.

However, so far, Disneyland News has not put out a single holiday season release, despite the Parks Blog coming through with the holiday dates last week. The Parks Blog felt a bit thin -- I think it was just a "We'd better put the holiday dates out there before people storm the offices at DLR, demanding info" sort of Blog -- and didn't feel like a big announcement of any kind, and there was no DN press release to follow. It's as if Disneyland News is waiting for some other tidbit of info to come in before putting out the release.

So, I am expecting that there will be another "big announcement" Parks Blog (which may not really be all that big of an announcement) of something new or different coming for the holidays, with a DN press release to follow. This is why I think Disney is working on something behind the scenes, trying to see if they can pull it off before the holidays kick in -- but what it may or may not be is anyone's guess.

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Welcome to the Superthread and to the Countdown, darrenf67! Thank you for sharing your pictures! Your photo post has earned you your first entry into the random draw to win a $25 Disney gift card when this Countdown wraps up in early November.

Jenny -- Great photos -- your family always appears to be having the best time, which is nice to see! Your daughters look so much like you. And what an awesome shot of the nighttime Winter Castle!

JadeDarkstar -- I'm so glad you have found some photos to fit several of the themes! I know that there will be at least a couple of other themes that you will have photos for as well, so stay tuned!

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Thanks. It will be tears of joy, and tears of I can't believe I'm here and walking in the park Walt saw

petals --

It is kind of a surreal experience to walk in the place where the person who started the entire Disney empire -- with Disneyland being such an integral part of that empire -- once walked, ate, sat, strategized, slept, entertained, planned, etc. It's interesting to imagine what Walt was thinking and dreaming up in Disneyland's early days, as he sat on benches in the park and surveyed the landscape. Was he looking at the details, thinking "We need more flowers over there," or was he mentally mapping out what the next rides and attractions would be?

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[mom2rtk]

By the way, I just wanted to point out -- and I mentioned this the other day, but am not sure how many saw/read it -- that I am fairly confident that something is still in the works at DLR as far as gearing up to announce something "new" for the holiday season. Now that "new" thing may not be anything other than some relocated and repackaged existing highlights, but I feel that there is still another significant/newsworthy announcement to be made before the season begins.

The reason I think this is that Disneyland News -- the primary source for press releases about DLR -- usually puts out a press release the day after a Parks Blog goes up with an announcement of season dates and info, especially if there is some sort of event featured/highlighted in the piece (and then they revise the releases later down the line, replacing the original versions). The press releases usually say almost exactly the same things that the Blogs say, with very little variation.

However, so far, Disneyland News has not put out a single holiday season release, despite the Parks Blog coming through with the holiday dates last week. The Parks Blog felt a bit thin -- I think it was just a "We'd better put the holiday dates out there before people storm the offices at DLR, demanding info" sort of Blog -- and didn't feel like a big announcement of any kind, and there was no DN press release to follow. It's as if Disneyland News is waiting for some other tidbit of info to come in before putting out the release.

So, I am expecting that there will be another "big announcement" Parks Blog (which may not really be all that big of an announcement) of something new or different coming for the holidays, with a DN press release to follow. This is why I think Disney is working on something behind the scenes, trying to see if they can pull it off before the holidays kick in -- but what it may or may not be is anyone's guess.

I'm still listening. And waiting.

I actually had that thought the other day. With all the Frozen stuff they're throwing at the wall in WDW, I can't believe they aren't going to try to do SOMETHING SOMEWHERE at DLR.

So that's my guess.

 

[Sherry E]

I'm still listening. And waiting.

I actually had that thought the other day. With all the Frozen stuff they're throwing at the wall in WDW, I can't believe they aren't going to try to do SOMETHING SOMEWHERE at DLR.

So that's my guess.

Janet --

It's got to be Frozen-related, because the Frozen mania still seems to be going strong for Disney, and, let's face it -- the theme of the movie fits in enormously well with the holidays (all that snow, a snowman, etc.). Also, there's the Anna & Elsa Boutique in Downtown Disney, the Olaf ice rink in DTD, as well as the meet & greet (with the crazy long return times, as Bret/mvf-m11c experienced during his current Halloween Time visit).

Personally -- and I know this is not the acceptable thing to say -- I am a little Frozen'd out at this point. I've had enough. I loved the idea of the Olaf sandman in the Esplanade for the summer, but I would be fine with nothing new and Frozen-related being added in right now. The existing things are fine.

However, I also do not have kids, so I realize that I have a different outlook. The kids will love as much Frozen as they can get, I assume, and so I think that DLR will deliver. There will be more Frozen to come for the holidays.

I would really like Disney to expand on/branch out from the Viva Navidad concept and delve more into celebrating the holiday traditions and festivities of other countries and cultures too. I think that could be a substantial 'well' to tap into, but all of the activities would probably either have to take place in DCA or in DTD, and they are running out of room.

 

[mom2rtk]

Janet --

It's got to be Frozen-related, because the Frozen mania still seems to be going strong for Disney, and, let's face it -- the theme of the movie fits in enormously well with the holidays (all that snow, a snowman, etc.). Also, there's the Anna & Elsa Boutique in Downtown Disney, the Olaf ice rink in DTD, as well as the meet & greet (with the crazy long return times, as Bret/mvf-m11c experienced during his current Halloween Time visit).

Personally -- and I know this is not the acceptable thing to say -- I am a little Frozen'd out at this point. I've had enough. I loved the idea of the Olaf sandman in the Esplanade for the summer, but I would be fine with nothing new and Frozen-related being added in right now. The existing things are fine.

However, I also do not have kids, so I realize that I have a different outlook. The kids will love as much Frozen as they can get, I assume, and so I think that DLR will deliver. There will be more Frozen to come for the holidays.

I would really like Disney to expand on the Viva Navidad theme and delve more into celebrating the holiday traditions and festivities of other countries and cultures. I think that could be a substantial 'well' to tap into, but all of the activities would probably either have to take place in DCA or in DTD, and they are running out of room.

There are about a dozen threads on the WDW full of people saying they are Frozened out too!

I really would just like SOMETHING new for this year. And I'm perplexed about the ice rink thing. If it's staying in DTD, then I'm skeptical about all the rest of that rumor of Frozen stuff that went around a while back.

Still lots of rumors about something Frozen related during MVMCP at the MK as their "paid event within a paid event". Heck, at this point I'd pay the up charge to meet some new rare characters.

 

[Sherry E]

There are about a dozen threads on the WDW full of people saying they are Frozened out too!

I really would just like SOMETHING new for this year. And I'm perplexed about the ice rink thing. If it's staying in DTD, then I'm skeptical about all the rest of that rumor of Frozen stuff that went around a while back.

Still lots of rumors about something Frozen related during MVMCP at the MK as their "paid event within a paid event". Heck, at this point I'd pay the up charge to meet some new rare characters.

Janet --

The problem is that Disney has to try to capitalize on Frozen mania while the movie and characters are fresh in everyone's mind (as they do with any megahit movie they put out), and to do that they have to throw every possible Frozen idea out there into the assorted parks and Resorts -- essentially all at once. It ends up being too much, too soon, and people feel inundated with all things Frozen.

The ice rink wouldn't be perplexing if we hadn't read that MiceAge rumor/article! If that article didn't exist, the ice rink in DTD would be expected and nothing out of the ordinary. When we factor in the MiceAge piece, then it becomes an issue of knowing they're clearly not going to have 2 Frozen-themed rinks (what a waste of space and creativity that would be!) -- one out of the parks and one in DCA -- but Disney could still throw the sing-along into Hollywood Land. That might be the extent of the new events this year -- the sing-along.

At this rate it doesn't even seem like Jingle Cruise is returning to DLR, although it seems like it would be easy to bring it back (especially since it is coming back to WDW). Erin at the Parks Blog didn't answer anyone when they asked if JC was coming back. Maybe it will become a WDW exclusive, while we keep our HMH and IASWH overlays! And, you know, if there is a choice between keeping IASWH and HMH vs. keeping Jingle Cruise, I think I know which way I am leaning!

 

[mom2rtk]

Janet --

The problem is that Disney has to try to capitalize on Frozen mania while the movie and characters are fresh in everyone's mind (as they do with any megahit movie they put out), and to do that they have to throw every possible Frozen idea out there into the assorted parks and Resorts -- essentially all at once. It ends up being too much, too soon, and people feel inundated with all things Frozen.

The ice rink wouldn't be perplexing if we hadn't read that MiceAge rumor/article! If that article didn't exist, the ice rink in DTD would be expected and nothing out of the ordinary. When we factor in the MiceAge piece, then it becomes an issue of knowing they're clearly not going to have 2 Frozen-themed rinks (what a waste of space and creativity that would be!) -- one out of the parks and one in DCA -- but Disney could still throw the sing-along into Hollywood Land. That might be the extent of the new events this year -- the sing-along.

At this rate it doesn't even seem like Jingle Cruise is returning to DLR, although it seems like it would be easy to bring it back (especially since it is coming back to WDW). Erin at the Parks Blog didn't answer anyone when they asked if JC was coming back. Maybe it will become a WDW exclusive, while we keep our HMH and IASWH overlays! And, you know, if there were a choice between keeping IASWH and HMH vs. keeping Jingle Cruise, I think I know which way I am leaning!

Well, all I can do is share some of this......



I think it's interesting that Erin didn't answer the question about JC.

 

[Sherry E]

Well, all I can do is share some of this......



I think it's interesting that Erin didn't answer the question about JC.

Werther's Original has put out a limited edition Spiced Caramel Apple Caramel Popcorn, so the will be tasty and Fall-like!

 

[dolphingirl47]

I would love the chance to experience some Frozen stuff. I can understand that people who have been exposed to this all year are getting fed up with this, but when I last visited a Disney park, Frozen had just come out and I don't think even Disney realized how much of a success it would be.

Corinna

 

[elamarca]

IMG_0044_1 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_5062 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_5138 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_5134 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_5147 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_5193 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_0122 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_0201_1 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_0225 by mom2rtk, on Flickr



IMG_9974 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_3945 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_3949 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_3951 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

url=https://flic.kr/p/nEnb3o]

[/url]IMG_3953 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_9979 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_9993 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

Really beautiful pictures! I've been to Disneyland more times than I can count, but I never get tired of looking at pictures like these. Really nice.

 

[mom2rtk]

Werther's Original has put out a limited edition Spiced Caramel Apple Caramel Popcorn, so the will be tasty and Fall-like!

I like the way you think!

Really beautiful pictures! I've been to Disneyland more times than I can count, but I never get tired of looking at pictures like these. Really nice.

Thank you so much. It really is such a great place to hang out with a camera!

 

[Sherry E]

I would love the chance to experience some Frozen stuff. I can understand that people who have been exposed to this all year are getting fed up with this, but when I last visited a Disney park, Frozen had just come out and I don't think even Disney realized how much of a success it would be.

Corinna

Corinna --

The good thing is that, even if nothing "new" on the Frozen front comes along this year -- because of some wild fluke -- you will still have the things that were in place last year: The Olaf ice rink in DTD, the Frozen Meet & Greet, and Olaf playing a big role in World of Color-Winter Dreams. Add to that the fact that the Anna & Elsa boutique is opening, and there will be plenty of Frozen to go around. Also, I think it safe to say that there will be tons of Frozen merchandise everywhere.

That said, I still think that something new is coming and it will likely be Frozen-themed, but I would not be disappointed if it turned out to not be Frozen-related. I think that Frozen is an easy go-to theme for Disney right now, especially with the holidays rapidly approaching, and they will milk it for all it is worth!

It would be cute if they somehow managed to work in a tiny Frozen scene along the Storybook Land Canal Boat ride!

 

[petals]

I'm not Frozened out yet (unless it's kicking the muppets out as well as Duffy being evicted because of Oswald!) I haevn't been to any park since Frozen was released!

 

[flyingdumbo127]

I also really appreciate all the Christmas pictures. I am so excited to get to take some of my own this year.

It sounds like I might be in the minority here, but I am very much hoping the Jingle Cruise comes back this year. I've never ridden on it and have heard how cute it is. I don't much care for the Haunted Mansion Nightmare Before Christmas but am glad so many of you do and will get to see it. I'm editing to ask will Small World also be decorated for Christmas?

 

[Sherry E]

I'm not Frozened out yet (unless it's kicking the muppets out as well as Duffy being evicted because of Oswald!) I haevn't been to any park since Frozen was released!

petals -

It definitely sounds as though Duffy is gone for a while, at least, if not forever. His little "pumpkin patch" photo spot was one of the only traces of Halloween in DCA at all (even though the pumpkin patch idea didn't really work in the Paradise Pier setting), and his holiday photo setting was pretty cute.

I think Oswald is probably to blame for Duffy's departure in some way, but it remains to be seen if Frozen will take over the Muppets' theater in DCA this year, for a sing-along. I can see it happening -- Disney has done some other things with that theater in the past, on a temporary basis. It almost seems like too obvious an opportunity for them to pass up -- to insert some sort of Frozen element into that space for the holidays. I just don't think there would be an ice rink in DCA too, since there will be a rink in DTD.

I also really appreciate all the Christmas pictures. I am so excited to get to take some of my own this year.

It sounds like I might be in the minority here, but I am very much hoping the Jingle Cruise comes back this year. I've never ridden on it and have heard how cute it is. I don't much care for the Haunted Mansion Nightmare Before Christmas but am glad so many of you do and will get to see it. I'm editing to ask will Small World also be decorated for Christmas?

flyingdumbo127 -

I liked Jingle Cruise, but it might not be coming back. I would have no problem if it came back -- I thought it was cute -- but if WDW is getting it as an exclusive and we get to keep Haunted Mansion Holiday and It's a Small World Holiday at Disneyland, I am fine with that too!

It's a Small World Holiday is one of the major highlights of the holiday season -- it will, indeed, be decorated inside and outside -- it is a thorough overlay! I think that if Disney tried to take that from us, there would be a mutiny of some sort.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Thank you Sherry and that is awesome to know about Small World, one of my very favorite rides.

 

[Sherry E]

New Disney Parks Blog:

"What’s This? Disneyland Resort Entertainment Team Shares Top Pics for Haunted Mansion Holiday" - Disney Parks Blog; posted on September 16th, 2014 by Shannon Swanson, Public Relations Manager, Disneyland Resort

 

[rentayenta]

Thanks Sherry. We really do have a great time in the parks.


I am loving everyone's photos.

 

[Sherry E]

Thanks Sherry. We really do have a great time in the parks.


I am loving everyone's photos.

It's been a great group of photos so far! I know there are quite a few more people who should be posting photos, too -- such as Lori (when she gets back on 9/18), KCmike, Janet, Jamie, Elk Grove Chris (though I think Chris is possibly at Disneyland and in Catalina this week?), pudinhd, Amanda, Luisa, etc.