Disneyland at Christmas/Holiday Season Superthread #5

[flyingdumbo127]

Pudinhd, where was the Nativity set up?

 

[pudinhd]

Pudinhd, where was the Nativity set up?

This was at the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at WDW.

 

[Disney127]

A few of my favorite things ... spending the holidays at Disney with my favorite people in the whole wide world ... my family! Only 51 more days to go before we get to make more magical memories!

Thank you again Sherry for this wonderful thread where we can all share our photos - it has been so much fun each week! I have enjoyed looking at everyone's photos!

 

[RAPstar]

As far as I can tell they have all been pretty off this year. I don't think anyone was expecting the 60th to be as huge as it has been. I mean, they knew it would be big, but it's turning out to be really huge!

Would it be safe to use the personalized plans on Touring Plans as a guideline but be prepared for backups? The only real issue I see coming up is the times for the FP's being off from what it says. Luckily we have 4 days for both park compared to the one I tried to do in 2013 on a CP night (me and my friend are both uber planners and neither of us knew it was going on lol).

 

[JadeDarkstar]

I am using them as guide lines too.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Thank you, Pudinhd. I would have loved to been able to see that in person and the lights as well.

Disney127, wow, I love how you made a collage of sorts of all your photos that is so cool. Very cute how Mickey is sitting "watching" your family and smiling too

 

[RAPstar]

I've been doing some looking trying to find out what days the candy canes will be made during our trip. Sherry mentions this site near the beginning of this thread to check for info "The Disney Parks Authentic/Candy Treats section will post the dates each year -- HERE." I just checked and it looks like the 2015 dates are there!

Also, note that Dec 14th is a DCA day which is also an early entry day.

 

[Angel Ariel]

Yay! A theme week I can participate in Here are some favorites from our WDW trip in Nov 2007 (the days before I owned a DSLR )

Gingerbread House at Kona Cafe


Jingle Jungle Parade at AK:



AK Christmas Tree:


Epcot Christmas Tree:


Lights of Winter:

Magic Kingdom:


Some more to come in another post

 

[bhyer]

I have so many pictures of our Disneyland holidays that I adore but this has to be one of my favorites. One of my 28 year old daughter's with Santa.



And then here she is exhausted after a long day in the parks sleeping with her Teddy Bear (yes, if she knew I was posting this I'd be in BIG trouble!!)



And no matter how magical the parks are and how much I have adored our vacations, there is nothing like coming home to your own Christmas tree and decorations.

 

[Angel Ariel]

Looking back at these photos and having been to WDW for the beginning of the holiday season last year too, it's amazing how different the parks are. No more lights of winter, no more jingle jungle parade, no more DHS parade...now Osbourne Lights are leaving after this year too. I wish TDO would take a look back and see how much they are taking away with all the little bits they take away one at a time!

Holiday parade at DHS:

Gospel show at DHS:

Pere Noel in France (Epcot):


Shades of Green Lobby:

Grand Floridian Lobby:




We were there at the very beginning of the holiday season in 2014, so there wasn't much up yet. Here's just a couple of pictures from November 2014:

ETA: Well...the server doesn't want to let me upload them,lol. So I'll post them to photobucket then link them, but that'll be tomorrow probably

 

[A.Sparkle]

It's very possible that the CM I spoke with was incorrect. That happens frequently with WDW and DCL CMs so I would assume DL is similar

I also spoke with a CM today with same question. We have lunch reservations for WOC at Wine Country and want Winter Dreams WOC. She confirmed we'd get passes for the earlier Winter Dreams show.

Christmas Eve is my 37th birthday and I will be in Disneyland with my family.The plan is:
Birthday Theme: Peter Pan (Tinkerbell, Pirates, Mermaids)- "Any Merry little thought."
Early Start (we are off property so no extra magic hour), Peter Pan, Small World, Birthday Button!
Birthday Lunch- Blue Bayou at 11:40
Christmas parade - 3:15
Jingle Cruise, Haunted Mansion Holiday
Dinner Carnation Café 6:40pm
Fireworks - 9:30pm

Given how crowded DL is expected to be that day, some questions:
1) Does this agenda look ok or too ambitious?
2) Would VIP guide help much? What would cost estimate (6 hr minimum) be for that and does it make sense for a group of 8-10 that day?
3) Would Holiday Time Tour make sense?
4) Any other tips or suggestions for a 12/24 birthday at DL?

 

[ten6mom]

OK folks can someone point me in the right direction... the freshly made candy canes. I see WHEN they are being made and WHERE they are being made.. but why are they so popular? Do they taste different than any other candy cane? Do people actually eat them or are they decorative, or...? Basically I will be there for ONE day in December and I am trying to figure out if it's worth trying to get there before park opening (DCA on a Saturday.... eek) in order to stand in line for them.

 

[lffam]

there was only an 8:30 available for the day we can go for the Fantasmic! Dining package. I though that was too late but f it comes up is it safe to assume there is a late show?

 

[Disney127]

Disney127, wow, I love how you made a collage of sorts of all your photos that is so cool. Very cute how Mickey is sitting "watching" your family and smiling too

Thanks! We take so many photos that it can be difficult to choose the ones to post ... I thought that it would be easier if I can make collages out of them. And I love Photopass - it's always fun to add borders or characters to the photos.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Just booked the Holiday Time Tour! Four weeks from now at this time, I'll be on the plane!

Me, too! We're going to have so much fun!!

 

[millie0312]

Hmmm- the Disneyland hours have me confused! The second week of December (when I'm there because I thought it would be LESS crowded based on last year) the hours at DLR are 8-12, DCA is mostly 8- 10 or 11 on the weekends, but I figured like last year starting that Friday and through the rest of the prime holiday season DLR would stay 8-12 and DCA would stick with the weekend schedule of 8-11, but it's showing only open until 10... Wonder if they expect more crowds the second week and less the third for some reason or even less crowds then last year? Pretty sure last year they were open until 11.... Just when I think I can understand Disney hours lol It will sure be interesting to see how all the holiday offerings pan out with crowds and how to get into the 2 WOC and the lines at the launch bay, Star Wars offerings, etc, plus now I am interested to see how the crowds will be when I'm there and beyond just for curiousity lol still waiting to see when they actually add the new Jedi training back into the schedule too- so far as of Dec 16 it's not on there....

Christmas Eve is my 37th birthday and I will be in Disneyland with my family.The plan is:
Birthday Theme: Peter Pan (Tinkerbell, Pirates, Mermaids)- "Any Merry little thought."
Early Start (we are off property so no extra magic hour), Peter Pan, Small World, Birthday Button!
Birthday Lunch- Blue Bayou at 11:40
Christmas parade - 3:15
Jingle Cruise, Haunted Mansion Holiday
Dinner Carnation Café 6:40pm
Fireworks - 9:30pm

Given how crowded DL is expected to be that day, some questions:
1) Does this agenda look ok or too ambitious?
2) Would VIP guide help much? What would cost estimate (6 hr minimum) be for that and does it make sense for a group of 8-10 that day?
3) Would Holiday Time Tour make sense?
4) Any other tips or suggestions for a 12/24 birthday at DL?

Ok- I haven't been on that particular day but here's what I think- it's very possible with the crowds high all year there could be some change to the "normal" schedule so be ready for that- something like 2 fireworks shows, EE at both parks, etc- they have changed a lot based on the high crowds this year. So with that being said...
1- I think your agenda is very doable- it doesn't have too many rides vs crowd level and as long as you expect waits and have reservations for meals it should be fine. Expect that there could have been an EE before you go into DLR that morning so 1- I would be waiting 30-40 mins at least before RD to get in (crowds are much better in the mornings!!) and expect even if you "walk with a purpose" to PP there could be almost an hour wait. IASW should be mellow that early though- even with a long PP line you should be able to fit in another ride or two (or attraction) before lunch at BB. Also don't forget to grab FP for rides like HM. Also if you haven't seen PTN it may be worth it to watch right before the fireworks. I'm sure you will be able to squeeze in what you want plus a few more fun things.
2- not sure about costs from memory of the plaid but it is costly. Everyone of course loves this if they do it but I think you wouldn't need it based on what you want but of course want vs need and on your birthday..,. Lol just saying if you have extra cash I'm sure you would enjoy it
3- the holiday tour is good for busy days, a few front of the line rides and parade seating but depending on if you care what rides you get- I'm not sure you are garanteed certain ones every time. Like the VIP super fun if you have the extra cash it just depends on what you are looking to get out of it.
4- happy early birthday!! I believe there is a thread on here from recently about birthday treats, free birthday ideas and maybe even 1-2 more threads so it may be worth it to do a search. I'm sure no matter what you do a Disney birthday will be great! I suggest trying a few goodies unique to DLR but I'm a goodie kind of birthday gal lol
Anyway HTH and I'm sure others here will have more info for you

 

[lvdis]

Hmmm- the Disneyland hours have me confused! The second week of December (when I'm there because I thought it would be LESS crowded based on last year) the hours at DLR are 8-12, DCA is mostly 8- 10 or 11 on the weekends, but I figured like last year starting that Friday and through the rest of the prime holiday season DLR would stay 8-12 and DCA would stick with the weekend schedule of 8-11, but it's showing only open until 10... Wonder if they expect more crowds the second week and less the third for some reason or even less crowds then last year? Pretty sure last year they were open until 11.... Just when I think I can understand Disney hours lol It will sure be interesting to see how all the holiday offerings pan out with crowds and how to get into the 2 WOC and the lines at the launch bay, Star Wars offerings, etc, plus now I am interested to see how the crowds will be when I'm there and beyond just for curiousity lol still waiting to see when they actually add the new Jedi training back into the schedule too- so far as of Dec 16 it's not on there....

The hours do seem somewhat crazy. During the time we will be there (12/6 - 12/9), DLR is open 8-12, 9-11, 9-11 and 8-12, while DCA is 8-10, 9-8, 9-8 and 8-9. It seems like inconsistent closing times between the 2 parks, but maybe that's normal and I don't realize it!

 

[millie0312]

The hours do seem somewhat crazy. During the time we will be there (12/6 - 12/9), DLR is open 8-12, 9-11, 9-11 and 8-12, while DCA is 8-10, 9-8, 9-8 and 8-9. It seems like inconsistent closing times between the 2 parks, but maybe that's normal and I don't realize it!

No- last year it was "normal" and predictable but this year it's all over the board!! Glad I'm not the only one scratching my head about them lol

 

[pattyduke34]

A few of my favorites for the last week!

 

[DisneyWillow1975]

I have been waiting for this week, as I have pics from our Christmas trip last year. We did a trip to WDW and then a 7-day cruise on the Disney Magic.