Disneyland at Christmas/Holiday Season Superthread #5

[krispin41]

So I'm at the airport waiting to be on my way to LAX and I have a question!
What is everyones favorite Holiday treat/food item available at Disneyland?
What would you recommend I get there?

I'm definitely trying the pumpkin beignets and the yule log!

I am seriously all about the Mickey Gingerbread cookies with the ears dipped in chocolate.

 

[Sherry E]

I swung by this afternoon (wanted to avoid the early madness) and was not super impressed. Olaf was out with an extensive line, not sure how long since I had no desire to meet him, but he was outside his building...eventually he'll be inside, right? The Sing Along was not opened, and Wandering Oakens was just the old Monster's merch booth re themed. The stage was very underwhelming, but many CMs have said how impressive it will look at night. The drinks seemed interesting, multiple options for both alcoholic and non, including a piña colada which I'm excited about. There is also a Snowman Lemonaide...yellow snow anyone?

FP for the A&E meet and greet was just past the entrance to the animation building and surprisingly still available at 230 when we walked by (with a 930pm return time...so the very tail end). Inside the animation building they have the "character close up" and it looks very well done, from what I could see from the lobby plus pictures that I've seen from inside. There are also two sets like PFF so they can see twice as many guests and without having to close early in FL they can greet all the way until closing time. The regular video loop on the screens was the same, they didn't even add a frozen segment. The character sketch location does have an added sign of Olaf and "do you want to draw a snowman" that is all lit up, which detracts from the screens, IMO, and unnecessary. Also Off the Page has a large frozen section...more the collectable items but still...could they have not left all that stuff in frozen land?

Freeze the night was for sure happening tonight but I did not stay around for it. I'm did hear from a CM that Marshmellow makes quite the entrance at the beginning and then is there for meet and greets all night! That I can get on board with! Hopefully it's true...I can't wait to see pictures of it!

Cassie --

Thank you so much for the update and details on what's there on the Frozen Fun front so far. I'm actually surprised that Freeze the Night was ready to go before the sing-along and before Olaf's Snow Fest. It sounds like Olaf is there but his Snow Fest is not open yet, right? I thought that Freeze the Night wouldn't begin until January 7th.

I also wonder if some of the madness surrounding the sneak peek was not as crazy as it could have been, since some things were not open and ready to go yet.

I have no desire to meet Olaf, but I am curious to see exactly how much "snow" is in Snow Fest. Why am I thinking that it won't be very much?

We have been back from our 5 night holiday trip for a couple days now. We had a great time. We have been to DLR three times now in December (once every few years) and I think this was the best time we've had.

Stayed in a Studio at GCV with a fabulous view of Paradise Pier. Lobby gingerbread house was very pretty nicely detailed but having seen the one at Grand Floridian a couple of times it really would have been more impressive if they had been able to follow through with the original plan of selling the goodies from inside the house itself. Either way I enjoyed the spiked apple cider, yum.

We did the Holiday Tour which was great. Only bummer was the parade being rained out despite it not having rained for three hours and the pavement being dry. Our tour guide said it was likely they had sent the cast home when they cancelled the earlier parade (when it had rained for a bit). We did still get hot chocolate and Mickey gingerbread and a seat for the 45 second character cavalcade they use as a replacement. Hahaha, please, just skip it Disney.

We had the new Fantasmic package for Hungry Bear on the 15th which I believe was the third night it was available. This worked out well for us. First, the desserts were great. I'm thinking its sponsored by Ghiradelli b/c it was heavy on the chocolate. But I am a chocolate person so it worked for me. Second, we got great spots to sit (on the ground, of course) in the Hungry Bear section which is just to the left of the Blue Bayou section. This was a big time saver and we enjoyed the dessert party so, totally worth it for us.

First time for our group experiencing Radiator Springs. Wow. I was really worried it wouldn't live up to the hype but it so did. I think RSR is my new favorite ride. Worth the trip cross country just for that (we live in the Boston area). All my fellow WDW vet friends are jealous

We really loved Viva Navidad (first time seeing it). Such talented performers and great music choices. And we got pics with the Three Caballeros, woo hoo. Our 8 year old was thrilled (so was I Thanks to those of you who suggested standing between Jumpin Jellyfish and the Bayside Brews. Perfect spot to see Donald, Jose and Panchito. Plus they sell Sangria at the beer stand

I confirmed that California Screamin' is my fave Disney coaster. Its so smooth, fast. While I really enjoy Rock n' Rollercoaster at the Studios in WDW it seems like it last two seconds compared to Screamin'.

Can't get enough of Haunted Mansion Holiday. We rode three times. Also love Small World Holiday. Jingle Cruise was so much better this year (rode at WDW last year). My favorite joke is at the piranha area. I don't want to ruin it for those of you who haven't ridden yet.

Favorite food/dining experiences include breakfast at Storytellers (they have Waldorf salad!), candy cane (still the best candy cane ever and worth the effort), Matterhorn macaroon (mmmmm), peppermint stick ice cream in a crushed candy cane waffle cone (we have peppermint stick ice cream year round in New England but its somehow still better in DL) and churro bites (omg how are they even better than full sized churros?!).

Anyway, there's a bazillion other things we did and really liked too but these were the highlights.

Thank you so much, Sherry, for your tireless effort on this thread. My trip was a huge success in no small part to all the detailed information you provide. It is greatly appreciated!

Dawn16 --

Thank you so much for reporting back to us with the trip rundown -- and thank you for the kind words. I appreciate it. I'll add your review to the Trip Reviews post on page 1.

I'm so glad you had a great holiday trip, although I had to chuckle at the idea of the 45-second rainy day cavalcade that is supposed to take the place of the Christmas Fantasy Parade! It's not a sufficient substitute when seats for the Christmas parade are what people are paying for! Disney should have some sort of plan for rainy days that is better than that. There has to be a better alternative!

I agree -- the peppermint ice cream (even if it is abundant in stores outside of Disneyland) just tastes better at Disneyland!

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

Jamie -- I'm not sure if you missed my reply to you on the 15th with the recommendations of what to try to catch -- HERE. Did you record Naughty or Nice (with Hilarie Burton) ... or did you record Naughty & Nice (with Haylie Duff)? Your list said Naughty & Nice. They are two different movies, but the first one is good and the second one isn't! The Hilarie Burton movie is the good one. Skip the Haylie Duff movie.

I did see it, but spent most of the week running around (kids' choir/band concerts, ice skating office party, San Francisco Nutcracker, etc), that I didn't have time to search for any I had previously missed. I'm doing that now. I recorded Naughty & Nice - that's not worth watching? Bummer, but at least it's one less I have to try squeeze in!

ETA: Found 3 of the ones you recommended - A Bride For Christmas, Finding Christmas & Window Wonderland and they are all set to record over the next few days. I'm pretty sure I've seen Mrs. Miracle and have read the book for sure. Thanks again for all your help wading through this new world of Christmas movies for me

 

[Sherry E]

I did see it, but spent most of the week running around (kids' choir/band concerts, ice skating office party, San Francisco Nutcracker, etc), that I didn't have time to search for any I had previously missed. I'm doing that now. I recorded Naughty & Nice - that's not worth watching? Bummer, but at least it's one less I have to try squeeze in!

Naughty or Nice (with Hilarie Burton) is the cute one. The other one (Naughty & Nice) is not worth wasting time on, and it's on a different channel (not on a Hallmark Channel of any kind).

 

[Luisa]

Just an update on my Hallmark movie viewing (or lack of really with the minimal programming this year....) Today I watched Snow Bride and Snowglobe Christmas, I enjoyed both but Sherry you are right about that part of the movie that goes off track with the forest sale, just doesn't fit. I know I watched a couple of others but can't remember the first one (must have been great....) the other was Christmas in Conway, it was nice and I cried appropriately .

ETA I still can't remember what the other one was called but have remembered it was about a single mum with a locket with the North Star on it and that it was ok.

 

[revwog1974]

Have people reported the best places to watch parade in Disneyland if you aren't on the tour? I know there has been extensive discussion on the place to watch the parade in DCA but I'm mom my tablet and of there's a way to search for things by thread, or even just forum, I haven't found it. Thank you!

 

[mlnbabies]

We watched the 5:45 parade last Thurs. We got our spot at 4p. We sat on the curb in front of the Emporium corner near the fire station. The parade started in Town square so we could see the floats as they turned the corner by the train station.

It was a great spot to see the floats but not a good spot to take pictures due to the big spotlights. I have parade pictures in my trip that Sherry linked on the the first page.

 

[CassieF]

Cassie --

Thank you so much for the update and details on what's there on the Frozen Fun front so far. I'm actually surprised that Freeze the Night was ready to go before the sing-along and before Olaf's Snow Fest. It sounds like Olaf is there but his Snow Fest is not open yet, right? I thought that Freeze the Night wouldn't begin until January 7th.

I also wonder if some of the madness surrounding the sneak peek was not as crazy as it could have been, since some things were not open and ready to go yet.

I have no desire to meet Olaf, but I am curious to see exactly how much "snow" is in Snow Fest. Why am I thinking that it won't be very much?

I was not expecting freeze the night...I thought I had heard that would be one of the things opening on the 7th. I did not stay to see it but pictures look amazing...especially Marshmellow (if you ignore the CM controlling him with poles in plain sight).

I heard from a Lead CM over in DL that they were missing some Elsas yesterday so I wonder if maybe that's why the sing along wasn't open, or if it's not planned until later.

As for the lack of madness...honestly there's not a ton to do currently, meet olaf, meat the sisters, then the night show so I'm thinking people saw it in the morning and there's not enough to hold someone there all day so by the time we ventured over it was chill. Time will tell...

 

[meljensmom]

Hi Ya'll....
I purchased the photo pass + and I have it in my possession....my question is what exactly do I need to take to DL? Do I need to take the entire case or just the certificate that is attached on the outside?

Sorry if this is a silly question, but I don't want to pack any more than I need to.

Thanks!




Ok...well, it's actually a small plane to SFO and then a bigger plane to Las Vegas and then LAX....but you get my drift.

My little girl (and big girl too, I think) are excited beyond words.....it's hard to believe that we are a mere 16 hours from climbing on a plane to DL.

This is a bittersweet trip for us as we are creating new memories for our little family after the loss of my sister and my Dad in the past year. We are doing everything and anything....can't wait to see our room all decorated for the girls when we arrive at the DLH. It's the first of a few surprises we have in store for them.

I will try to post pics etc. while we're there....but I'm kind of inept at the tech stuff. LOL

Merry Christmas, everyone!!

 

[krispin41]

Hi Ya'll....
I purchased the photo pass + and I have it in my possession....my question is what exactly do I need to take to DL? Do I need to take the entire case or just the certificate that is attached on the outside?

Sorry if this is a silly question, but I don't want to pack any more than I need to.

Thanks!

Just take the certificate taped to the outside of the case. You can take it to either the photo store on Main St in DL or the photo store on Buena Vista St. in DCA.

Take a picture of the back of the card on the lanyard as soon as you get it (the CM actually had me do this, but I would have done it anyway) so in case you lose it you have the number. They told me they would replace it ONE time if I lost it.

Don't forget to ask for Magic Shots if the photographer doesn't have a tripod, and to use it for all your ride photos and character meals!

 

[OHBelle]

Tracy --

I can't even believe that the Countdown to Christmas movie marathon is ending in 11 days! Even though, as I mentioned earlier today, the last few days of the marathon begin to get chaotic for me, as there are other marathons that I want to watch and I am haphazardly switching all over the place, back and forth between channels -- it will be so sad when it ends!

It looks as if Hallmark is trying to step up their non-Christmas movies and make them more of an 'event' to viewers who are going through Countdown to Christmas withdrawal. They've got a bunch of new Valentine's Day/love-themed movies in January and February (including Surprised By Love, with Hilarie Burton of Naughty or Nice and Paul Campbell of Window Wonderland), and Bridal Wave (with Arielle Kebbel and Andrew, both from A Bride for Christmas).

And, there will be at least a couple of new Mother's Day movies this year too -- one of which is starring Candace Cameron Bure! Still, though, they don't quite fill the void left behind when the Countdown to Christmas ends! Even when a few of the movies in the Countdown are not that good, I still love the marathon!

Rob Morrow was not only a poor choice for the role of Mr. Miracle -- and that's not to say that he is a bad actor, but I just wasn't sure what he was trying to do with the character -- but I did not give two hoots about the girl and her boyfriend. Why was I supposed to care about them? Christmas at Cartwright's would have worked fine as a Mr. Miracle storyline, but I guess there were different writers for each movie.




Anyway... about your DLR trip. Thank you so much for giving the review -- I was especially interested in your trip because of the fact that you hadn't been to Disneyland in so long! I'm glad it was a success for you!

You said you are planning to return in mid-November next year, and will try to stay onsite. Keep in mind that, in mid-November, the hotels might possibly not be decorated yet (meaning no Santa at the hotels, and no giant gingerbread house). Santa won't show up at the hotels until Thanksgiving and beyond (same with the hotel carolers), but the Christmas trees may or may not go up early. At the earliest they'd probably go up about 9 days before Thanksgiving, but the GCH gingerbread house may not be up until after that.

The hotel holiday atmosphere may not make a difference to you, but just in case it does then you would want to be there at a time when the hotels are definitely in full holiday mode.

Also, remember that the crowds in the parks were not just due to Candlelight -- the crowds were worse because of those other events taking place (RaverDay and the pharmacists' Midyear Meeting). Those events were new to that particular weekend, but they may not repeat in 2015.

This is the thread for next year! I had to switch to a new thread earlier than I had planned because we hit the page limit in the old one, but this one will be the 2015 thread for as long as it lasts.

Sherry-

It feels like the Countdown to Christmas just started and here we are nearing the end of it. I still have three of the new movies to watch. I am kind of glad I still have them to look forward to watching since all the new ones are finished for this season.

I have seen the commercials for the January/February new movies. I am glad they are trying to extend our movie watching into the new year. I will certainly be watching and hopefully a couple of them will be keepers. I know they can't all be good. Just like this Countdown season.

Thank you so much for the reminders of the things that won't be up and running in mid November. I had totally forgotten about those things. We may go back to the weekend after Thanksgiving like this year. It wasn't THAT bad. We just know to get our DL things done before Saturday.

 

[mvf-m11c]

Have people reported the best places to watch parade in Disneyland if you aren't on the tour? I know there has been extensive discussion on the place to watch the parade in DCA but I'm mom my tablet and of there's a way to search for things by thread, or even just forum, I haven't found it. Thank you!

The best spot to watch the parade is getting a front row spot on the parade route. It only depends on what place you want to watch it from. It can be from Main Street, Town Square, Hub, Fantasyland or It's a Small World Plaza. It will depend on the wait time of how long are you willing to stake out a spot for the parade. The spots that will require a lot of wait time will be at Main Street from the Hub towards Town Square. A nice spot to watch the parade with the least amount of wait time will be around IASW Plaza. I have seen people show up less than 15 minutes for a front row spot for the parade. It will depend on what the crowd level is like during that day at DL where it can require at least an hour at IASW Plaza. The best place in my opinion to watch the parade is at Main Street.

 

[KCmike]

Looks like the Hong Kong "Paint the Night" parade is coming to DL for its 60th Anniversary.

Read about it here....

http://www.stitchkingdom.com/disney...ess-here-parade-hong-kongs-paint-night-73775/

 

[mvf-m11c]

Thanks for the link Mike. It will be very interesting to see this parade next year.

 

[revwog1974]

The best spot to watch the parade is getting a front row spot on the parade route. It only depends on what place you want to watch it from. It can be from Main Street, Town Square, Hub, Fantasyland or It's a Small World Plaza. It will depend on the wait time of how long are you willing to stake out a spot for the parade. The spots that will require a lot of wait time will be at Main Street from the Hub towards Town Square. A nice spot to watch the parade with the least amount of wait time will be around IASW Plaza. I have seen people show up less than 15 minutes for a front row spot for the parade. It will depend on what the crowd level is like during that day at DL where it can require at least an hour at IASW Plaza. The best place in my opinion to watch the parade is at Main Street.

Thank you.

We ended up with a wonderful front row seat on the hub. We waited about 40 minutes, but we had a kiddo sleeping in a stroller and everyone's feet were tired. Plus, it happened be right next to where the Frozen float broke down for about 10 minutes and my girls had a long time watching Anna and Elsa. They were thrilled!

 

[mvf-m11c]

Your welcome.

Plus, it happened be right next to where the Frozen float broke down for about 10 minutes and my girls had a long time watching Anna and Elsa. They were thrilled!

That must have been exciting to see the Frozen float for 10 minutes and get to see Anna and Elsa for that long.

 

[Brumeiser]

Can not believe after 2 more nights of work I will be done with work for 2 weeks. . First I am having problems buying the photo pass. I posted on the boards and someone gave me a link to click on. How do you buy the Photopass before you leave? I created a account but I don't see where you pay 70 to prepurchase it. Lastly where do you pick up the fast passes for Fantastic if you don't buy the dinner package? Thanks Sherry for keeping these boards up for all this time you and the rest of the posters you all have been a big help. We should be in our hotel Friday night by 8pm so I hope we have some energy left to walk over and get our 4 day passes converted to Annual Premium Pass and walk the park just to get familiar with the layout of the parks. It is a 2,200 mile trek across the country to get here. We are finally going to see the park that Walt has created. Merry Christmas everyone.

 

[krispin41]

I think I posted on your other thread, but here is the link: http://www.disneyphotopass.com/specialoffers/dlrppp.htm

Click on the Green "Order Now" button.

AS for FPs for Fantasmic!, I recall a white tent near Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

Can not believe after 2 more nights of work I will be done with work for 2 weeks. . First I am having problems buying the photo pass. I posted on the boards and someone gave me a link to click on. How do you buy the Photopass before you leave? I created a account but I don't see where you pay 70 to prepurchase it. Lastly where do you pick up the fast passes for Fantastic if you don't buy the dinner package? Thanks Sherry for keeping these boards up for all this time you and the rest of the posters you all have been a big help. We should be in our hotel Friday night by 8pm so I hope we have some energy left to walk over and get our 4 day passes converted to Annual Premium Pass and walk the park just to get familiar with the layout of the parks. It is a 2,200 mile trek across the country to get here. We are finally going to see the park that Walt has created. Merry Christmas everyone.

 

[meljensmom]

Just take the certificate taped to the outside of the case. You can take it to either the photo store on Main St in DL or the photo store on Buena Vista St. in DCA.

Take a picture of the back of the card on the lanyard as soon as you get it (the CM actually had me do this, but I would have done it anyway) so in case you lose it you have the number. They told me they would replace it ONE time if I lost it.

Don't forget to ask for Magic Shots if the photographer doesn't have a tripod, and to use it for all your ride photos and character meals!

Thank you so much!!

 

[tksbaskets]

Hi Ya'll....
I purchased the photo pass + and I have it in my possession....my question is what exactly do I need to take to DL? Do I need to take the entire case or just the certificate that is attached on the outside?

Sorry if this is a silly question, but I don't want to pack any more than I need to.

Thanks!

Can not believe after 2 more nights of work I will be done with work for 2 weeks. . First I am having problems buying the photo pass. I posted on the boards and someone gave me a link to click on. How do you buy the Photopass before you leave? I created a account but I don't see where you pay 70 to prepurchase it. Lastly where do you pick up the fast passes for Fantastic if you don't buy the dinner package? Thanks Sherry for keeping these boards up for all this time you and the rest of the posters you all have been a big help. We should be in our hotel Friday night by 8pm so I hope we have some energy left to walk over and get our 4 day passes converted to Annual Premium Pass and walk the park just to get familiar with the layout of the parks. It is a 2,200 mile trek across the country to get here. We are finally going to see the park that Walt has created. Merry Christmas everyone.

Merry Christmas!

If you pre-order the PPP card you need to do it 2 weeks before your trip. Mine came in a shorter amount of time. Hope this helps. If you don't have enough time you can purchase it for full price at the park.

A couple of ride photos and a character meal and the price is worth it (if you're one to purchase these)

http://www.disneyphotopass.com/specialoffers/dlrppp.htm