Disneyland at Christmas/Holiday Season Superthread #4

[Disney127]

DD and I arrived yesterday. Got into DL at noon, got our Photopass and headed to Plaza Inn for lunch. Seems pretty crowded, lines ups for rides were quite long. We went to check out Jingle Jangle Jamboree and took photos with Minnie and Pluto. Walked around and enjoyed the holiday decorations for abit. Around 3 pm, left the park to check into the BWPPI. After a 2 hour rest, headed back to DL to grab a bite at Pizza Port and to ride Space Mtn with FP. Stand by was 45 mins. Walked to IASW to see the light projections and admired more decorations. Since, it was still pretty crowded, we decide to go to DCA. Lined up for 30 minutes for California Screamin' since this is our favorite ride. Then we rode Silly Symphony Swings, walked onto Little Mermaid and rode Mater's Junkyard Jamboree with no wait. Since it was near closing time, hopped back to DL and went on Pirates with a 30 minutes wait. Still lots of people around, we decided to call it a night.

Today, was at the DL gates at 8:15 am, lots of people at all the gates but gate 15 was empty. First in line and as soon we were let in, DD and I walked briskly, not run, down Main Street and headed towards the left side of the Partners Statue. We even stopped to take a photo since there wasn't tons of peple on Main Street. We were the 4th family in line for the A&E meet n greet which means we get to go see A&E right away instead of getting a FP. This was a nice surprise. At 8:50 am, our line was lead to the meet n greet thru the castle. But we did get to stop in front of the castle for a few minutes and got the chance to take a photo without anyone besides us in it. Bonus! Then off into Fantasyland, it was really nice to walk into an empty Fantasyland. Anna and Elsa spent some quality time chatting with DD and commenting on her birthday pin and doll. Many photos later, we left feeling happy and relieved that we got to meet them! LOL. Then, we rode Dumbo, Teacups and Matterhorn with no waits. Checked out Pixie Hollow and took more photos with Tink and friends. Lined up for Big Thunder Mtn Railroad with a 15 mins wait. Then off to see Pooh and friends and walked onto Pooh ride. It was around noon, we decided to head back to the room to rest abit. On the way, we grabbed FP for Indy - return time was 4:30. Got back to DL at 3:30 and ran into the crowds leaving after the parade. Rode Indy and hopped over to DCA to catch the Pixar parade. Grabbed FP for Screamin' and had dinner at Boardwalk Pizza. While we were there, saw abit of the Viva Navidad street party. Will have to catch this again. After riding Screamin', we headed to Downtown Disney. So many people that it was difficult to enjoy browsing at the World of Disney - will go back another time. DD and I both wanted to stay till closing but our feet just wouldn't let us. LOL

Love the holiday decorations but hard to imagine Christmas when it is so warm out. Back home, we had snow and freezing cold! But today, it was really windy and abit chilly.

Tomorrow is another day and another adventure!

 

[goofy4tink]

Well, we're two weeks out from our trip. Two weeks from today we fly to San Diego and meet up with old friends. Then, two weeks from tomorrow, the four of us head north to DL! Staying at the Grand Californian, in a one bedroom! Two days in DL...can't wait. I've never been, so I'm looking forward to seeing how different it is than WDW! And can't wait to see the holiday decor!
Fingers crossed those two days won't be overly crowded!

 

[pepe3penelope]

DD and I arrived yesterday. Got into DL at noon, got our Photopass and headed to Plaza Inn for lunch. Seems pretty crowded, lines ups for rides were quite long. We went to check out Jingle Jangle Jamboree and took photos with Minnie and Pluto. Walked around and enjoyed the holiday decorations for abit. Around 3 pm, left the park to check into the BWPPI. After a 2 hour rest, headed back to DL to grab a bite at Pizza Port and to ride Space Mtn with FP. Stand by was 45 mins. Walked to IASW to see the light projections and admired more decorations. Since, it was still pretty crowded, we decide to go to DCA. Lined up for 30 minutes for California Screamin' since this is our favorite ride. Then we rode Silly Symphony Swings, walked onto Little Mermaid and rode Mater's Junkyard Jamboree with no wait. Since it was near closing time, hopped back to DL and went on Pirates with a 30 minutes wait. Still lots of people around, we decided to call it a night.

Today, was at the DL gates at 8:15 am, lots of people at all the gates but gate 15 was empty. First in line and as soon we were let in, DD and I walked briskly, not run, down Main Street and headed towards the left side of the Partners Statue. We even stopped to take a photo since there wasn't tons of peple on Main Street. We were the 4th family in line for the A&E meet n greet which means we get to go see A&E right away instead of getting a FP. This was a nice surprise. At 8:50 am, our line was lead to the meet n greet thru the castle. But we did get to stop in front of the castle for a few minutes and got the chance to take a photo without anyone besides us in it. Bonus! Then off into Fantasyland, it was really nice to walk into an empty Fantasyland. Anna and Elsa spent some quality time chatting with DD and commenting on her birthday pin and doll. Many photos later, we left feeling happy and relieved that we got to meet them! LOL. Then, we rode Dumbo, Teacups and Matterhorn with no waits. Checked out Pixie Hollow and took more photos with Tink and friends. Lined up for Big Thunder Mtn Railroad with a 15 mins wait. Then off to see Pooh and friends and walked onto Pooh ride. It was around noon, we decided to head back to the room to rest abit. On the way, we grabbed FP for Indy - return time was 4:30. Got back to DL at 3:30 and ran into the crowds leaving after the parade. Rode Indy and hopped over to DCA to catch the Pixar parade. Grabbed FP for Screamin' and had dinner at Boardwalk Pizza. While we were there, saw abit of the Viva Navidad street party. Will have to catch this again. After riding Screamin', we headed to Downtown Disney. So many people that it was difficult to enjoy browsing at the World of Disney - will go back another time. DD and I both wanted to stay till closing but our feet just wouldn't let us. LOL

Love the holiday decorations but hard to imagine Christmas when it is so warm out. Back home, we had snow and freezing cold! But today, it was really windy and abit chilly.

Tomorrow is another day and another adventure!

So glad you are having such a great time! Hope you continue to enjoy DL & DCA!

 

[lilsassymom]

All the concierge, deluxe, and premium rooms are sold out at DLR for the dates we are going to be there (11/30 - 12/5) and now I'm panicking that something's going on and the parks are going to be packed . Yes I just checked because I was curious lol.

 

[marlana323]

Thanks everyone for adding photos and commenting while you are there. It's so fun to hear about your trips!

Sherry, my giftcard arrived on Saturday. Thank you so much! We are so excited. I love your stamps too!




Would it be a bad idea to book Blue Bayou on Sunday, December 7 for dinner considering the CP is going on? Thank you!

 

[crystal1313]

Have they announced who the narrator is for CP?

 

[princessmocha]

All the concierge, deluxe, and premium rooms are sold out at DLR for the dates we are going to be there (11/30 - 12/5) and now I'm panicking that something's going on and the parks are going to be packed . Yes I just checked because I was curious lol.

Your post made me go and check for when we are there at the end of December. I expect them to be sold because of our time, but it was still a little daunting to see all those you can't book this messages. Here is hoping you get low crowd day!




Thank you so much for this thread . . . It has given me some very valuable information. I can't wait to see all the decorations and just absorb all the Disney Christmastime Magic!!!

I do have a question, but not sure if this is the place for it, but I'm gonna ask anyway. We are going to be at DLR at the busiest time, 12/29-12/30. Our kids are a little older and can just keep going, but we have been debating on taking a break in the afternoons. Is this a silly idea with how busy it will, should we just stay in the parks? Does it get busier in the evenings or is it just super busy all the time?

 

[maleficent55]

Disney127: wondering who Tinkerbelle had with her in Pixie Hollow? My daughter loves all of them but just curious who it might be around this time.

 

[jammyjam25]

This might lend even more credence to all the "Frozen taking over Hollywood Land" talk...Mad T-Party is ending on November 30! - http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...d-back-through-the-looking-glass-november-30/

 

[tksbaskets]

A big THANKS to everyone who is posting from DL and DCA. It's so fun to share in your adventure.

Hey there, we are here! We got a late start today (life with a 3 1/2 year old and 4 month old!) We didn't even leave our hotel until 9:00, had the 1 mile walk, security was busy but not unreasonable (through within 10 minutes), no line to pick up our tickets at the booth and almost no line to get into DL at that point. The morning crowds were quite manageable. We usually avoid weekend days like the plague so I was pleasantly surprised. The first 20 minutes in the park DH got our Photopass plus AND took DD through the Princess Fantasy Faire (Cinderella, Snow White, & Mulan) while I waited in line for the Elsa & Anna FP, which was appx 20 minutes. And within the first hour we'd also done Snow White, the Carousel, spent about 10 minutes with an awesome PP Photographer, rode the tea cups AND the toon town coaster 2x! That seems like a lot for a late arrival on a Sunday morning, right?

I'd say by around noon the crowds were definitely getting thicker. But honestly, they weren't that much worse than last year on that first Monday we were in the park (it was the second Monday of December). We had to go to DCA for Ariel's Grotto at 2:20, we got over there early and waited 25 minutes for the Monster's Inc ride which seemed crazy (we have never been in line outside the building before)!

By the time we returned to DL to Meet Anna & Elsa the crowds were THICK. And after the hour+ wait for A&E it was even worse with the crowds ready for the parade. (Side note, I didn't know the FP for Anna & Elsa are NON-transferrable! At the beginning of the line they scan your FP AND park ticket to make sure they were really issued to you. I had no idea and had planned to hand off the tickets to someone else if we hadn't been able to do it).

Fingers are crossed (toes too) that tomorrow is a bit tamer. We plan to spend most of the day in DCA, but will be headed out on the earlier side so that we can try to get to bed early enough to enjoy the MM on Tuesday at DL.

Oh, and a bonus, DD just barely cleared the 40" requirement at BTMRR (we didn't ride, just checked, but at about 12:20 the wait was 30 minutes & FP return time was 1:15)...so we'll be taking her on Soarin' and RSR tomorrow. DH wants to take her on TT (one of my favs) too, but I'm not sure if it will happen tomorrow.

One more thing, around noon when we walked past the Jingle Cruise the line was crazy long way out into the walkway. But Indiana Jones was a 30 minute wait (can't remember the FP return time).

Off to bed, this momma is TIRED. Hoping Baby sleeps well tonight.

Hope the baby slept well (and momma did too). Thanks for the info on and Anna and Elsa FP. I hadn't heard that.

Well, I've been dreading this post, but the time has come. Unfortunately, between medical bills, vet bills, and now dental bills, I'm afraid we will have to postpone our holiday trip for another year. I'm so sad about the situation that it was affecting my holiday spirit! But then we got seven inches of snow on Friday, which is very unusual for us. So, I went outside and made a snowman! Watching Hallmark movies and reading everyone's posts has helped. I'm wishing everyone a wonderful trip and I'm looking forward to all the pictures.

Sometimes life does put a kink in our Disney plans. I'll do my best to post a few photos when we are at DL in a couple of weeks.

Making Olaf had to have made you smile. Did you give him a warm hug?

Hugs to you too.

 

[gottalovepluto]

I do have a question, but not sure if this is the place for it, but I'm gonna ask anyway. We are going to be at DLR at the busiest time, 12/29-12/30. Our kids are a little older and can just keep going, but we have been debating on taking a break in the afternoons. Is this a silly idea with how busy it will, should we just stay in the parks? Does it get busier in the evenings or is it just super busy all the time?

Watch out for gate closures because they are known to happen during those dates. That's when the park is maxed out and you can't get in. It happens in stages that Disney keeps pretty close to the vest. I don't know if people have experienced getting in and leaving and then not being able to re-enter later on, so I would look into that if you are planning on a mid-day break to be on the safe side.

 

[Sherry E]

I guess November 30th is the final day for the Mad T Party because it will take a few weeks to transform the area into something Frozen-ish?


Well, with the Mad T Party goes the last trace of Halloween in DCA (there was a Halloween version of the Mad T Party, which was pretty much the only Halloween-ish thing in that park).


Thank you to egritz and Disney127 for reporting in live from DLR! Disney127 -- I agree that the warm weather makes it hard to believe that it is the holidays. That's one reason I prefer December over November -- we can still get some warm days in December, but it feels more Christmas-y than it does in November.

Have they announced who the narrator is for CP?

Crystal --

As I mentioned to Michelle on the previous page (last night), Beau Bridges is the rumored narrator for both nights. Nothing confirmed, just rumored.

Well, I've been dreading this post, but the time has come. Unfortunately, between medical bills, vet bills, and now dental bills, I'm afraid we will have to postpone our holiday trip for another year. I'm so sad about the situation that it was affecting my holiday spirit! But then we got seven inches of snow on Friday, which is very unusual for us. So, I went outside and made a snowman! Watching Hallmark movies and reading everyone's posts has helped. I'm wishing everyone a wonderful trip and I'm looking forward to all the pictures.

lucysmom --

I'm so, so sorry to read this because I completely understand. I know how important these trips are for a lot of people. They're not taken lightly. They are not just fun things to do -- they're meaningful traditions that have been woven into your celebration of the holidays.

I am guessing that you were probably hoping that something would work out and that you'd somehow be able to make the trip happen -- before actually typing out the words announcing that you'd have to postpone your trip. Sometimes verbalizing the thought or putting it in writing makes it seem too real before we're ready for it to be real.

And I noticed that both parks have extra magic hour on that day. Is this a misprint? I noticed that whole week it is the same way. Now we might have to rearrange our plans. Do I have this correct the extra magic morning is for resort guest and the Magic morning is for people with 3 day or more park hopper ticket? If this is the case should we visit the park where it is extra magic morning only since we are on property? Another loophole to work out. 5 weeks from Friday we are leaving. After the 3 inches of snow today we are ready to get out of here. To early for shoveling. I just hope we can get out of Detroit, have no problems in Chicago and be on our way. Way too early to be getting snow.

Brumeiser --

You know, it could be that the calendar has not been updated yet, and is carrying over info from a previous year (because that scenario has happened in the past -- when both parks were open for EMH).

However, in that week between Christmas and New Year's the crowds are substantial in both parks, and I would not be shocked if EMH was available for both parks on at least some of the days that week.

Correct -- EMH is available to onsite hotel guests for every day of their stay, at whichever park is available for EMH that day (you will see signs at the hotel that indicate which park you can use for your EMH).

If you have an EMH day in Disneyland (if Disneyland is the designated park for EMH that day), it will also probably be an MM day (I could be wrong on that, but I think the EMH and MM days in Disneyland coincide).

MM is only for Disneyland, and the people with 3-Day Hoppers or greater can use it on only one morning of their trip. I think the MM days (unless they have changed) are Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

I have found that the EMH in DCA is better (and less crowded) than in Disneyland, but I don't know what will be happening in that specific time frame this year. With all of the expected Frozen stuff about to come to DCA on or before December 20th, who knows what the crowds will be like in either park.

Well, we're two weeks out from our trip. Two weeks from today we fly to San Diego and meet up with old friends. Then, two weeks from tomorrow, the four of us head north to DL! Staying at the Grand Californian, in a one bedroom! Two days in DL...can't wait. I've never been, so I'm looking forward to seeing how different it is than WDW! And can't wait to see the holiday decor!
Fingers crossed those two days won't be overly crowded!

goofy4tink --

Hello and welcome!

The GCH is a beautiful Hotel. Did you happen to see the post I added here yesterday, with the list of holiday-specific things to see and do at the GCH?

I think you'll have a great trip, although there will be many things that are different from WDW. Please report back to us and let us know your thoughts and observations!

All the concierge, deluxe, and premium rooms are sold out at DLR for the dates we are going to be there (11/30 - 12/5) and now I'm panicking that something's going on and the parks are going to be packed . Yes I just checked because I was curious lol.

lilsassymom --

Don't panic and don't worry. There is a pharmacist convention (which I have mentioned here before) that is taking place, beginning on 12/7. However, some of the conventioneers are staying at the Disney hotels -- they get special rates to stay onsite (I looked at their info online). Might they arrive a few days early and go into the parks too, before the convention begins? Sure. It's possible. Otherwise, it's the holiday season -- which is extremely popular -- at Disneyland Resort. It won't be empty and slow unless it rains.

Also, don't trust what you see of the hotel calendars online -- the online reservations system is not always totally up-to-date, and sometimes if one or two dates within a time frame are booked, it will say that the whole week is booked. It's very weird.

Just don't worry!

Thanks everyone for adding photos and commenting while you are there. It's so fun to hear about your trips!

Sherry, my giftcard arrived on Saturday. Thank you so much! We are so excited. I love your stamps too!



Would it be a bad idea to book Blue Bayou on Sunday, December 7 for dinner considering the CP is going on? Thank you!

marlana323 --

You're welcome! I'm glad the gift card arrived.


I don't know why it would be a bad idea, but there could be some CP attendees who eat at BB before the performances (the CP would take place at 5:30 and 8 p.m.), so I would probably plan the reservation to coincide with a time when the CP is taking place or just about to take place. For example, at 5:45 or 7:30 or something.

Thank you so much for this thread . . . It has given me some very valuable information. I can't wait to see all the decorations and just absorb all the Disney Christmastime Magic!!!

I do have a question, but not sure if this is the place for it, but I'm gonna ask anyway. We are going to be at DLR at the busiest time, 12/29-12/30. Our kids are a little older and can just keep going, but we have been debating on taking a break in the afternoons. Is this a silly idea with how busy it will, should we just stay in the parks? Does it get busier in the evenings or is it just super busy all the time?

princessmocha --

Thank you for sticking with us here, and I am so glad that the thread has been helpful to you, and informative.

A lot of times I read comments from people in other threads who say, "I didn't know that existed," or "I've never heard of that" -- and if they had followed this thread or asked a question in this thread they would have known it months and months ago! We discuss and cover everything Disneyland/holiday-related in this thread, year-round, and many times people will miss learning of certain details and events if they don't subscribe!

As gottalovepluto said, there is the issue of gate closures if the parks reach capacity on your dates (especially Disneyland). That's the only reason why I would suggest staying in the parks and not leaving. Otherwise, I would say that mid-day breaks are often helpful and even necessary.

Sometimes Disneyland can hit capacity early in the day -- before noon, even -- and it might not open up again until the evening, when some folks have cleared out and headed over to DCA.

If there is rain or even a threat of rain, that will keep people away a bit, and the crowds will thin out because some of the locals will stay home. However, since we are expecting that Frozen-in-Hollywood Land will become a reality and not just a rumor, and that it will begin on or around December 20th, I have no idea how that might impact the crowds in California Adventure as well during your trip, during an already super-busy time of the year.

I think I would stay in the parks and not take a break if I were you, but you'll be able to gauge what the crowds are like when you're there. If you see big crowds, it's probably better to stay put and skip the break. If it's not as crowded as you would have expected, you might be able to get away with a short break.

 

[liesel]

I am back from our quick weekend to run the Avengers Half Marathon. That was a tough windy race, but fun. We did enjoy the holiday rides and decorations on a crowded Saturday. We really enjoyed the Jingle Cruise, it was cute and corny and the holiday touches extended throughout the ride. We also caught the beginning of the holiday parade from the ISAWH queue. I didn't take many pictures this trip, but we are returning next weekend to visit before Thanksgiving with DH's family. We also missed out on the Mad T Party since I had such an early bedtime but we will be sure to visit next weekend before its gone.

 

[Sherry E]

I am back from our quick weekend to run the Avengers Half Marathon. That was a tough windy race, but fun. We did enjoy the holiday rides and decorations on a crowded Saturday. We really enjoyed the Jingle Cruise, it was cute and corny and the holiday touches extended throughout the ride. We also caught the beginning of the holiday parade from the ISAWH queue. I didn't take many pictures this trip, but we are returning next weekend to visit before Thanksgiving with DH's family. We also missed out on the Mad T Party since I had such an early bedtime but we will be sure to visit next weekend before its gone.

Lisa --

So the race (combined with the first weekend of the official holiday season) was a success? Since it's happening again next year in November, I am assuming that Disney had high hopes for it being a success before it even happened!

Did you find the crowds to be too big, or were they not that bad?

 

[Sailorwife]

This is my first attempt at writing a trip report so we will see how it goes! I wish I could post some pictures but my post count is not high enough. I guess I need to do more posting and less lurking!


I was traveling with my DD17 and DN15. We did the 2:55 tour. We checked in at the Guided Tours booth about 2:40. At check-in, we were given pins with our names on them. We were asked to wear them on our left shoulder so we could be identified as a part of the tour.


We were given audio receivers to wear around our necks and headphones. Hint: You can use your own earbuds, if you prefer. The girls usually are not caught without their earbuds but on this occasion they had left them in the room. The ear phones just hook over one ear or you can ask for a double headset.

We had a group of about 9 people. It was just about the right size group. Our tour guide was Maria. She was very sweet and very well-spoken. We started out going over to CA. They took us in a side gate. Maria talked about the decorations on Buena Vista Street and the Christmas tree. She pointed out several things I would have never noticed. We then went to the candy shop and were given a yummy treat. A marshmallow dipped in caramel and chocolate. It was delicious. I ate mine and DD’s. She is not a fan of marshmallows so her loss!

We then went back over to DL. Maria gave us some history on how the Christmas tree is put together and some of Walt’s wishes that are still important in decorating for the holidays. We then headed over to Adventureland. One issue we ran into was the parade was ending and the crowds on Main Street were very heavy. It was a little difficult to keep up but we worked as a group to keep track of everyone. Our 1st ride was Jingle Cruise and I loved it! We went in the exit and waited for just a few minutes for our boat. Our boat Captain was very good with the jokes. I am a sucker for corny jokes. I was laughing the entire time and the girls were just looking at me weird. Luckily, I am used to that! I don’t have anything to compare it to but I thought there were quite a few decorations worked into the ride.

From Adventureland we headed to New Orleans Square. Maria told us about the history of New Orleans Square and pointed out several details about the decorations. It was interesting to stop and look at things we probably would have just walked right by on our own. Next, we went to the Haunted Mansion Holiday. The Haunted Mansion is one of my favorite rides so I was excited to get to see the holiday overlay. The ride was very crowded. We went in the exit and entered the stretching room with another group. When we came out the other side, it was kind of a madhouse and we were all separated. The girls and I hopped on the ride and thoroughly enjoyed it. The attention to detail is amazing. We were able to quickly assemble our group again at the end of the ride.

We stopped for a “comfort break” about this time and were able to get some water at a nearby cart. The girls had to have what surely was at least their 5th bucket of popcorn this trip. They loved the popcorn. (We were able to get a Santa Mickey bucket!)

Fantasyland was our next stop. It’s a Small World was our last ride. We again went in the exit and were waiting for our boat when the façade was lit up with the Christmas lights. It was truly an amazing sight. We hopped on our boat and enjoyed the holiday overlay of this ride. We always have fun identifying the countries as we go. My husband works in Nigeria so after visiting him a few times, we have become familiar with a lot of African customs and it is fun to pick some of those out. As we came out of the ride, the crowd was lined up for the parade and our group was separated. There were several guides looking out for us and they were great about rounding us all up.

We were escorted to our seats to watch the parade right in front of It's a Small World. After several days of walking, I was very excited about having a place to sit! They passed out hot chocolate in the holiday souvenir cups and yummy gingerbread cookies. We were also given a neat pin. We were at the very end of the parade and did get a little extra attention from some of the walking characters. It was really neat to see the performers stay in character right up until they went behind the gates. The parade was very good and really put you in the holiday mood. The whole tour was about 3 1/2 hours. It went by very quickly though.

I felt like this was money very well spent and would do it again in a heartbeat! There was really nothing negative to say about it. All the guides were very friendly from check-in to making sure we were taken care of at the parade. The girls and I will be talking about this for awhile!

We are now counting down the days until next year's Christmas cruise on the Magic!

 

[Sherry E]

This is my first attempt at writing a trip report so we will see how it goes! I wish I could post some pictures but my post count is not high enough. I guess I need to do more posting and less lurking!


I was traveling with my DD17 and DN15. We did the 2:55 tour. We checked in at the Guided Tours booth about 2:40. At check-in, we were given pins with our names on them. We were asked to wear them on our left shoulder so we could be identified as a part of the tour.


We were given audio receivers to wear around our necks and headphones. Hint: You can use your own earbuds, if you prefer. The girls usually are not caught without their earbuds but on this occasion they had left them in the room. The ear phones just hook over one ear or you can ask for a double headset.

We had a group of about 9 people. It was just about the right size group. Our tour guide was Maria. She was very sweet and very well-spoken. We started out going over to CA. They took us in a side gate. Maria talked about the decorations on Buena Vista Street and the Christmas tree. She pointed out several things I would have never noticed. We then went to the candy shop and were given a yummy treat. A marshmallow dipped in caramel and chocolate. It was delicious. I ate mine and DD’s. She is not a fan of marshmallows so her loss!

We then went back over to DL. Maria gave us some history on how the Christmas tree is put together and some of Walt’s wishes that are still important in decorating for the holidays. We then headed over to Adventureland. One issue we ran into was the parade was ending and the crowds on Main Street were very heavy. It was a little difficult to keep up but we worked as a group to keep track of everyone. Our 1st ride was Jingle Cruise and I loved it! We went in the exit and waited for just a few minutes for our boat. Our boat Captain was very good with the jokes. I am a sucker for corny jokes. I was laughing the entire time and the girls were just looking at me weird. Luckily, I am used to that! I don’t have anything to compare it to but I thought there were quite a few decorations worked into the ride.

From Adventureland we headed to New Orleans Square. Maria told us about the history of New Orleans Square and pointed out several details about the decorations. It was interesting to stop and look at things we probably would have just walked right by on our own. Next, we went to the Haunted Mansion Holiday. The Haunted Mansion is one of my favorite rides so I was excited to get to see the holiday overlay. The ride was very crowded. We went in the exit and entered the stretching room with another group. When we came out the other side, it was kind of a madhouse and we were all separated. The girls and I hopped on the ride and thoroughly enjoyed it. The attention to detail is amazing. We were able to quickly assemble our group again at the end of the ride.

We stopped for a “comfort break” about this time and were able to get some water at a nearby cart. The girls had to have what surely was at least their 5th bucket of popcorn this trip. They loved the popcorn. (We were able to get a Santa Mickey bucket!)

Fantasyland was our next stop. It’s a Small World was our last ride. We again went in the exit and were waiting for our boat when the façade was lit up with the Christmas lights. It was truly an amazing sight. We hopped on our boat and enjoyed the holiday overlay of this ride. We always have fun identifying the countries as we go. My husband works in Nigeria so after visiting him a few times, we have become familiar with a lot of African customs and it is fun to pick some of those out. As we came out of the ride, the crowd was lined up for the parade and our group was separated. There were several guides looking out for us and they were great about rounding us all up.

We were escorted to our seats to watch the parade right in front of It's a Small World. After several days of walking, I was very excited about having a place to sit! They passed out hot chocolate in the holiday souvenir cups and yummy gingerbread cookies. We were also given a neat pin. We were at the very end of the parade and did get a little extra attention from some of the walking characters. It was really neat to see the performers stay in character right up until they went behind the gates. The parade was very good and really put you in the holiday mood. The whole tour was about 3 1/2 hours. It went by very quickly though.

I felt like this was money very well spent and would do it again in a heartbeat! There was really nothing negative to say about it. All the guides were very friendly from check-in to making sure we were taken care of at the parade. The girls and I will be talking about this for awhile!

We are now counting down the days until next year's Christmas cruise on the Magic!

Sailorwife --

You should be able to post photos -- you have enough posts! Do you have a free Photobucket account? All you have to do is upload photos there and then copy the IMG code that you will see near the photo and paste it right here into your post.

Thank you so, so much for coming back here to report on your tour for us! I really appreciate it, and I know that many others do as well. It definitely sounds as if it was a good idea to do the tour and that it was worthwhile.

How did the rest of your trip go? Any pros and cons? Highs and lows? Good, bad and ugly?

 

[OHBelle]

This is my first attempt at writing a trip report so we will see how it goes! I wish I could post some pictures but my post count is not high enough. I guess I need to do more posting and less lurking!


I was traveling with my DD17 and DN15. We did the 2:55 tour. We checked in at the Guided Tours booth about 2:40. At check-in, we were given pins with our names on them. We were asked to wear them on our left shoulder so we could be identified as a part of the tour.


We were given audio receivers to wear around our necks and headphones. Hint: You can use your own earbuds, if you prefer. The girls usually are not caught without their earbuds but on this occasion they had left them in the room. The ear phones just hook over one ear or you can ask for a double headset.

We had a group of about 9 people. It was just about the right size group. Our tour guide was Maria. She was very sweet and very well-spoken. We started out going over to CA. They took us in a side gate. Maria talked about the decorations on Buena Vista Street and the Christmas tree. She pointed out several things I would have never noticed. We then went to the candy shop and were given a yummy treat. A marshmallow dipped in caramel and chocolate. It was delicious. I ate mine and DD’s. She is not a fan of marshmallows so her loss!

We then went back over to DL. Maria gave us some history on how the Christmas tree is put together and some of Walt’s wishes that are still important in decorating for the holidays. We then headed over to Adventureland. One issue we ran into was the parade was ending and the crowds on Main Street were very heavy. It was a little difficult to keep up but we worked as a group to keep track of everyone. Our 1st ride was Jingle Cruise and I loved it! We went in the exit and waited for just a few minutes for our boat. Our boat Captain was very good with the jokes. I am a sucker for corny jokes. I was laughing the entire time and the girls were just looking at me weird. Luckily, I am used to that! I don’t have anything to compare it to but I thought there were quite a few decorations worked into the ride.

From Adventureland we headed to New Orleans Square. Maria told us about the history of New Orleans Square and pointed out several details about the decorations. It was interesting to stop and look at things we probably would have just walked right by on our own. Next, we went to the Haunted Mansion Holiday. The Haunted Mansion is one of my favorite rides so I was excited to get to see the holiday overlay. The ride was very crowded. We went in the exit and entered the stretching room with another group. When we came out the other side, it was kind of a madhouse and we were all separated. The girls and I hopped on the ride and thoroughly enjoyed it. The attention to detail is amazing. We were able to quickly assemble our group again at the end of the ride.

We stopped for a “comfort break” about this time and were able to get some water at a nearby cart. The girls had to have what surely was at least their 5th bucket of popcorn this trip. They loved the popcorn. (We were able to get a Santa Mickey bucket!)

Fantasyland was our next stop. It’s a Small World was our last ride. We again went in the exit and were waiting for our boat when the façade was lit up with the Christmas lights. It was truly an amazing sight. We hopped on our boat and enjoyed the holiday overlay of this ride. We always have fun identifying the countries as we go. My husband works in Nigeria so after visiting him a few times, we have become familiar with a lot of African customs and it is fun to pick some of those out. As we came out of the ride, the crowd was lined up for the parade and our group was separated. There were several guides looking out for us and they were great about rounding us all up.

We were escorted to our seats to watch the parade right in front of It's a Small World. After several days of walking, I was very excited about having a place to sit! They passed out hot chocolate in the holiday souvenir cups and yummy gingerbread cookies. We were also given a neat pin. We were at the very end of the parade and did get a little extra attention from some of the walking characters. It was really neat to see the performers stay in character right up until they went behind the gates. The parade was very good and really put you in the holiday mood. The whole tour was about 3 1/2 hours. It went by very quickly though.

I felt like this was money very well spent and would do it again in a heartbeat! There was really nothing negative to say about it. All the guides were very friendly from check-in to making sure we were taken care of at the parade. The girls and I will be talking about this for awhile!

We are now counting down the days until next year's Christmas cruise on the Magic!

Thank you so much for posting a review of the Holiday Tour! It sounds wonderful and I cannot wait to go on it December 5th!

 

[707MickeyGirl]

Yes - THANK YOU for posting a review of the tour! I'll be doing this tour with my granddaughter in just a few days and I'm so excited!

 

[revwog1974]

I was shopping today, looking for little things for my girl's Advent box when I happened upon these at the Dollar Store. My older daughter said to me, "Mom, you're so weird." because I was excited. But honestly, I hate the whining for flashy light toys in the evenings and we have 2 little girls in our party who will flip for light up princess bracelets. Also, the Christmas packs of crayons and activities will be perfect to toss in a backpack and bring out at dinner or maybe even in a really long line. Ok, maybe my daughter is right, maybe I am weird.

 

[southlake]

Anyone have Santa's Schedule for the GCH for 2014?