Disneyland at Christmas/Holiday Season Superthread #4

[Dawn16]

Thanks, Sherry. Yes, of course, what's best for the reindeer is most important. Still glad I got to see them the couple times I did





Dawn16 --

The reindeer are gone. They've been gone from the Round-Up/Jamboree since 2012, I think (2011 was the last year they were there, if I remember correctly).

I miss seeing them, but the truth is that a lot of kids were trying to pet them (even when barriers were put in place to prevent that from happening) and reindeer are not friendly. The CMs were always trying to make sure that parents didn't lift their kids up to stick a random hand over the gate because it might have angered the reindeer.

Also, the reindeer were breathing very rapidly -- I don't know if that is how they normally breathe, but I always worried that they were not adjusting to the climate very well, and were not getting enough oxygen. Honestly, I would rather that the critters be happy and comfortable in surroundings they are accustomed to than staying at the Round-Up for viewing.

 

[kylie71]

We have always done the Storytellers' Thanksgiving buffet. You can order just a Turkey plate, or do the Buffet, which I HIGHLY recommend! Their rock salt rubbed Prime Rib is Amazing! I love the atmosphere as well, service Rocks!
I believe it was $30.00 last year for the buffet, and worth every penny! You will need reservations though, it's very popular!



--Lori

 

[Sherry E]

KCmike -- I'm glad you're getting a dose of Disney holidays this year, even if it's not at DLR! The holidays at WDW look amazing, quite frankly, so I think you'll have a great trip!



Thank you, Trish and Lori, for giving the details of your Thanksgiving meals!

Along with wanting to, at some point, go to Disneyland on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, I also have to make a plan to eventually go on Thanksgiving Day too (before I am too old to move around). I think that the giant feast at the Disneyland Hotel sounds like great fun (though expensive).

I've been to DL on New Year's Eve and Day (though that was a long, long time ago). Now I have to do Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas (not necessarily in that order)! I want to know if waking up on Christmas morning at DLR feels any different or more magical than waking up elsewhere on Christmas morning!

By the way -- I could not be happier that we are done with Summer and that Fall is now here, but am I the only one who starts to feel under the weather when the seasons change? I just realized today that for the last few years -- including this year -- right around the change of seasons (not always on the actual first day of a season, however) I start to feel that 'I'm coming down with something' feeling. It usually goes away and doesn't turn into anything, but it is weird that it keeps happening -- and I didn't even connect the dots about it being related to the seasons changing until today!

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

Thank you, Trish and Lori, for giving the details of your Thanksgiving meals! Along with wanting to, at some point, go to Disneyland on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, I also have to make a plan to eventually go on Thanksgiving Day too (before I am too old to move around). I think that the giant feast at the Disneyland Hotel sounds like great fun (though expensive). I've been to DL on New Year's Eve and Day (though that was a long, long time ago). Now I have to do Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas (not necessarily in that order)! I want to know if waking up on Christmas morning at DLR feels any different or more magical than waking up elsewhere on Christmas morning! By the way -- I could not be happier that we are done with Summer and that Fall is now here, but am I the only one who starts to feel under the weather when the seasons change? I just realized today that for the last few years -- including this year -- right around the change of seasons (not always on the actual first day of a season, however) I start to feel that 'I'm coming down with something' feeling. It usually goes away and doesn't turn into anything, but it is weird that it keeps happening -- and I didn't even connect the dots about it being related to the seasons changing until today!

We ate at Blue Bayou on Thanksgiving last year, which was so much fun. We made our reservations at 60 days out so that we could hopefully get a waterside table (which after some sweet talking the day of, worked!). The year before we actually went completely untraditional (my mom had just lost her mom) and at the BTRBBQ, which was a lot of fun!

I always think about being there over Christmas. About how much fun it would be to wake up there Christmas morning. Or even the atmosphere Christmas Eve. I think the kids will have to be older though before I'm ready to give up our at home traditions for that holiday. But it's fun to think about.

I wonder if the changing of the seasons brings any allergies up for you? I don't know how much the weather has changed down there, but we're definitely starting to get into some Fall weather. Leaves are turning, the nights are cooler and it's getting darker earlier. We also seem to the have the marine layer/fog every morning now. That said there are some true illnesses going around up there - both whooping cough & a stomach virus. I hope yours continues to stay nothing!

 

[Sherry E]

We ate at Blue Bayou on Thanksgiving last year, which was so much fun. We made our reservations at 60 days out so that we could hopefully get a waterside table (which after some sweet talking the day of, worked!). The year before we actually went completely untraditional (my mom had just lost her mom) and at the BTRBBQ, which was a lot of fun!

I always think about being there over Christmas. About how much fun it would be to wake up there Christmas morning. Or even the atmosphere Christmas Eve. I think the kids will have to be older though before I'm ready to give up our at home traditions for that holiday. But it's fun to think about.

I wonder if the changing of the seasons brings any allergies up for you? I don't know how much the weather has changed down there, but we're definitely starting to get into some Fall weather. Leaves are turning, the nights are cooler and it's getting darker earlier. We also seem to the have the marine layer/fog every morning now. That said there are some true illnesses going around up there - both whooping cough & a stomach virus. I hope yours continues to stay nothing!

Jamie --

Oh, that's right -- you and Trish/Phoenixrising were both at the Blue Bayou at the same time last year, and didn't see each other, right? Or one of you saw the other one but you never actually crossed paths?

I would bet that the BBQ is a lot of fun on Thanksgiving or on any holiday!

It is fun to think about a Christmas Eve/Day trip -- although my mind immediately goes to: 1) bigger crowds, and 2) more expensive hotels/no discounts! I'm sure the whole experience would still be worthwhile and fruitful even without hotel discounts, but that price is a hard pill to swallow!

I suppose the weather has changed in that it's not 104 degrees like it was last week , and it is suddenly cooler at night and in the morning. It's still been warm in the daytime though -- not too Fall-like. And you're right -- all of a sudden it seems like it is getting darker earlier! A couple of days ago I didn't really notice it getting darker earlier, but tonight I did! It might very well be allergies, but I just thought about it today and concluded, "This keeps happening every year, right around this time!" Well, whatever the case, I am glad to be done with Summer and on to "the fun block of the year"!!!

I have heard about the whooping cough going around -- not the stomach virus, though.

 

[Misskitty3]

Misskitty3 --

I've been posting about The Impulsive Buy and linking to it for a while now! Have you missed all of that until Luisa mentioned it? I said that I have no clue how I didn't know about the site prior to this year, and that they seem to have their finger on the pulse of seasonal and limited edition items (as does the Junk Food Guy website).

I haven't missed .....just trying to resist peaking over there.

 

[Phoenixrising]

Hi Sherry! DisneyJamieCA and I missed each other by I think around 5 mins. Two shadows passing in the BB. It's funny that the first day of Fall we had rain, and suddenly it's cooling down slightly with alot more rain. I don't mind the rain, just don't like getting soaked walking DS10 to school and back 2 times a day. Good exercise for the knees though, so I don't mind it too much. DS11 is determined to bike to school despite the weather so I let him. I could drive the kids to school, but it's better exercise if I have them walk and bike plus it saves on fuel for the beast (the van we own).

 

[Misskitty3]

UPS just delivered Birthday Mickey Ears and 2 autograph books today!! I love getting stuff from Disneyland!! I had also ordered a churro but I guess they couldn't fit that in....

Yesterday, hours were posted through Nov 3rd (I think?) but now they just are showing Nov 1st.

 

[She Taz]

Hi everyone.
Another quick question. We are hoping to do the Holiday Tour if it still runs after Jan 1. Anyway my question is this " Do kids enjoy the tour or is it more geared for adults?" Hoping our 9yr DD enjoys it. Thanks.

 

[tksbaskets]

Hi everyone.
Another quick question. We are hoping to do the Holiday Tour if it still runs after Jan 1. Anyway my question is this " Do kids enjoy the tour or is it more geared for adults?" Hoping our 9yr DD enjoys it. Thanks.

I feel your 9 yo would enjoy it. Not a ton of talk talk talk but you are moving in a group and listening to a headphone. You might want to bring your own ear phones. Some littler ones had trouble with the head sets.

Just tell her she's going to have a pimo seat for the parade and be able to ride IASWH without much of a wait and it's all good. The hot chocolate and gingerbread cookie is a treat too.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

Hi everyone. Another quick question. We are hoping to do the Holiday Tour if it still runs after Jan 1. Anyway my question is this " Do kids enjoy the tour or is it more geared for adults?" Hoping our 9yr DD enjoys it. Thanks.

We have done this tour twice and my kids loved it. As the PP said, the headsets were a little troublesome for them - wouldn't stay on, they couldn't hear very well, but I'm not sure how much listening they would done anyway. They were 9, 8, 4 & 2 last year.

 

[Sherry E]

Don't forget, everyone -- we're in the middle of Frontierland--Jingle Jangle Jamboree (formerly Reindeer Round-Up) Theme Week, so be sure to post your photos by Sunday night!


I saw a Coffee Mate TV commercial today, advertising their seasonal line of products -- though it mainly seemed to be highlighting the Pumpkin Spice Creamer and the Peppermint Mocha Creamer (I don't think they showed the Butter Toffee, Gingerbread Latte or Spiced Rum Cake flavors, which are also holiday-specific).

However, as Jamie pointed out a while back, the Peppermint Mocha creamer is now available all year long, so why is Coffee Mate advertising this as a seasonal product? It's not "seasonal" or "limited edition" if it is available 365 days a year! Lies!!!!! They are trying to trap us in a web of holiday marketing deceit over at Nestle/Coffee Mate!

Over on the wonderful Impulsive Buy site, Pumpkin Pandemonium carries on, and, although I am not a huge fan of pumpkin flavoring, I have to admit that the Pillsbury Grands Cinnabon Pumpkin Spice rolls and the Sara Lee Iced Pumpkin Cakes look rather tempting!

​

Hi Sherry! DisneyJamieCA and I missed each other by I think around 5 mins. Two shadows passing in the BB. It's funny that the first day of Fall we had rain, and suddenly it's cooling down slightly with alot more rain. I don't mind the rain, just don't like getting soaked walking DS10 to school and back 2 times a day. Good exercise for the knees though, so I don't mind it too much. DS11 is determined to bike to school despite the weather so I let him. I could drive the kids to school, but it's better exercise if I have them walk and bike plus it saves on fuel for the beast (the van we own).

Trish --

I agree about the rain -- trying to walk around in it can be problematic, especially when it's heavy rain, and especially if you are trying to stay dry and keep someone else dry too, as well as carry bags and what not. It's also a problem if it starts leaking through roofs and things, contributing to traffic accidents and causing mudslides, etc.

Staying inside on a cold, rainy day, with cocoa, blankets, books, music or TV can be amazing!

Have you ever seen the movie Autumn in New York (with Richard Gere and Winona Ryder)? There are scenes in that movie that depict perfect Fall days -- which is what I want -- with colored leaves scattered everywhere, people bundled up in coats because it's chilly, umbrellas in hand just in case it rains, trees blowing in the wind (not like a crazy windstorm, but just a nice breeze), overcast skies, etc.

UPS just delivered Birthday Mickey Ears and 2 autograph books today!! I love getting stuff from Disneyland!! I had also ordered a churro but I guess they couldn't fit that in....

Yesterday, hours were posted through Nov 3rd (I think?) but now they just are showing Nov 1st.

Misskitty3 --

I would bet that if DLR could find a way to ship churros and Dole Whips in the mail (so that they stayed fresh and intact and didn't fall apart), they'd have a big hit on their hands!

 

[Jenasweetemotion]

I saw a Coffee Mate TV commercial today, advertising their seasonal line of products -- though it mainly seemed to be highlighting the Pumpkin Spice Creamer and the Peppermint Mocha Creamer (I don't think they showed the Butter Toffee, Gingerbread Latte or Spiced Rum Cake flavors, which are also holiday-specific).

I will have to report back after I go to the market but I could swear they had the Butter Toffee already. I don't recall if I saw the other flavors though.

 

[rentayenta]

Speaking of pumpkin every thing Sherry, Starbucks pumpkin scone is amazing! Their pumpkin cream cheese muffin is incredible too but the scone is to die for. The scone isn't overly pumpkin at all. It's light. Wow.

 

[Sherry E]

I will have to report back after I go to the market but I could swear they had the Butter Toffee already. I don't recall if I saw the other flavors though.

Jenasweetemotion -

Yes, please report back! They probably do have the entire line of "seasonal" products on the shelves now (including the non-seasonal Peppermint Mocha), but I guess the TV ad was trying to showcase the Pumpkin Spice creamer while Pumpkin Spice Mania is sweeping the nation! I'm shocked they don't have a Caramel Apple flavor of creamer, as that seems to be the other flavor of the moment!

Speaking of pumpkin every thing Sherry, Starbucks pumpkin scone is amazing! Their pumpkin cream cheese muffin is incredible too but the scone is to die for. The scone isn't overly pumpkin at all. It's light. Wow.

Jenny --

"Pumpkin everything" is right! Pumpkin spice, pumpkin pie, pumpkin pie spice, pumpkin on its own -- it's everywhere, and it has taken over every product! I've been able to avoid indulging so far because most of it doesn't tempt me too much, as I am not a huge pumpkin person -- I don't hate it, but I don't really love it or crave it either. Every so often, some of the pumpkin items sound tempting enough to make me want to try them. I think that the Pillsbury Cinnabon Grands Pumpkin Spice rolls might be yummy, so I might have to break down and try those.

The pumpkin scone sounds kind of intriguing...and I have a bit of a balance left on a Starbucks gift card! I just wish that Starbucks -- everywhere, in and out of DLR -- didn't have such hideous lines! The Starbucks in my area of town have the longest lines (all of the out-of-work actors, musicians, agents, publicists and models have to get their daily fix!).

Now, when the inevitable gingerbread wave o' goodies comes along, I can't promise that I will hold back on indulging. Chowing down on gingerbread cookies, hot cocoa and Peppermint Wonderland ice cream is a necessity for me during the holiday season!

 

[rentayenta]

We really like gingerbread too. You're almost making me like winter. Almost. If it weren't for the cold and snow, it would be amazing.

You may like the scone if you like a mild pumpkin flavor. It's not strong like the creamer. It's got that great Fall flavor.

My oldest works at Starbucks as a barista. She's always bringing treats home. She also gets free product weekly. We are well stocked in coffee.

 

[kylie71]

I am with you Sherry, I am not a Pumpkin person either! I can eat one slice of pie, on Thanksgiving, or not, and be fine with it! It gives me indigestion

Our Starbucks here in Northern Nevada is always packed too! We happen to have 6 in Sparks alone, the one inside Safeway is not usually to busy, on early weekend days... which is when I like to shop!


--Lori

 

[dolphingirl47]

They better have the Peppermint Wonderland ice cream at Disneyland this year. I have read so much about this on here that I really want to try this and I don't even like mint.

Corinna

 

[dec2009mama]

I can't wait for our trip in dec -- all these pictures are making me "home sick"

here are my theme week pictures:

 

[KCmike]

KCmike -- I'm glad you're getting a dose of Disney holidays this year, even if it's not at DLR! The holidays at WDW look amazing, quite frankly, so I think you'll have a great trip!

Thanks so much Sherry E!

Beautiful photos everyone! Always love to check in on this superthread!