Disneyland at Christmas/Holiday Season Superthread #5

[grannyminnie]

I have to say, in response to past posters, the CM told me that you didn't actually go on any rides during the Holiday Tour..that the guide just talked about them. I actually believed her, and chose the Walk in Walt's Footsteps Tour instead. This was last week when I booked. If I find out she was wrong, I'm gonna be an unhappy camper! This was the tour I actually preferred.

 

[SecretPoohLove]

When I booked our holiday tour she told me they go on the thee christmas themed rides subject to change of course

 

[grannyminnie]

When I booked our holiday tour she told me they go on the thee christmas themed rides subject to change of course

Was that recently you booked?

 

[gallandro]

When I booked our holiday tour she told me they go on the thee christmas themed rides subject to change of course

I was told this on the phone yesterday as well. I called just to get an idea on pricing, and on any discounts (NOTE: There's a 15% discount offered to those holding a Disney Visa, as well as APs), and what to expect in general since I'll have the grandson along. Riding Haunted Mansion Holiday, Jingle Cruise, and It's a Small World were highlighted, along with the tour, souvenir mug, trading pin, and reserved seating at the parade.

 

[cruisehopeful]

The Holiday tour sounds fun and like a good value for me. I won't be there until December. Do I need to wait 30 days prior to make the reservation?

 

[gallandro]

Yes, 30 days out from the day you want to tour. Agent told me to call early as the slots fill up faster the closer to Christmas... we are going the 22nd-27th of December... goal is tour on Christmas Eve, or Christmas Day.

 

[hsmamato2]

so I made my res for the party on Saturday.... but we'll visit from Thurs-Sat,and I am now concerned that my party would rather do the party on Friday,bc it's all new and they'll want to watch the show..... ughhhh I wish I could see a calendar for my dates to plan better(recovering WDW obsessive planner) I always get excited within the two month window!

 

[cruisehopeful]

so I made my res for the party on Saturday.... but we'll visit from Thurs-Sat,and I am now concerned that my party would rather do the party on Friday,bc it's all new and they'll want to watch the show..... ughhhh I wish I could see a calendar for my dates to plan better(recovering WDW obsessive planner) I always get excited within the two month window!

The thing I like about a Saturday tour is that the park is usually so full that you can't do anything in the afternoon. I figure a Saturday tour would help with that quite a bit. There's no reason why you couldn't watch the show from not as great of a spot on Friday and still do your tour on Saturday with the good spot.

 

[grannyminnie]

Just a little bit. I just know that it's a 2 hour tour that ends with SEATING, like in chairs! for the Christmas parade. While watching the parade they give you a giant gingerbread cookie from Jolly Holiday and a hot cocoa in a souvenir mug it's just little ol'e me this trip so I was willing splurge on it. I wouldn't do it for our family of 4.

So if you book the 2:00 tour, do you view the first parade or second?

 

[lwanthony]

So if you book the 2:00 tour, do you view the first parade or second?

Second

 

[marivigi]

We did ours on a very busy weekend day as well. It was a great way to avoid some lines and staking out a spot for the parade.

It will be interesting to see if they run PTN on some nights if that's the parade the seating is offered for later tours. If I could afford to give up half a day I would almost do it just for that.

Just be aware that not everyone gets front row seats for the parade. There are several rows of chairs set up.

Just being able to sit down is a plus!

How long does the tour last for?

 

[MacMama0930]

That's too bad. When we did our tour it was timed so that we were at Small World just as the lights went on. Then our view of the parade was against the backdrop of the lit up attraction. 4:15 is too early for the lights to be on.

I know, I thought

Just being able to sit down is a plus!

How long does the tour last for?

It's a 2 hour tour that walks through both parks. Which will be kind of cool since this year they are doing a whole new festival in DCA for the holidays. Then you sit for the parade after the 2 hours tour.

 

[mom2rtk]

Just being able to sit down is a plus!

How long does the tour last for?

We checked in for our tour at 2:45 and it ended with the parade at 5:30.

 

[SecretPoohLove]

Was that recently you booked?

I booked it yesterday

 

[grannyminnie]

I booked it yesterday

Thank you. I booked it this morning. Really want to do it!

 

[grannyminnie]

Second

I realized after I asked this that because of my time frame, it would HAVE to be the second one~ Looking forward to it, and especially as another poster mentioned, sitting down for it!!!

 

[kylie71]

I am booking it on the 27th!

--Lori

 

[grannyminnie]

Anybody know how long the parade lasts, assuming it's the same as last year?

 

[Steven G]

Hi, I just talked with the tour center, and the lady told me the following

The tour is changed from previous years.

It does NOT include going on any rides, however there will be discussions about all the Christmas themed rides, and possibly some backstage as well on the rides. She read from her computer that people will be encouraged to go on the rides after the tour is over. It does include the vip parade treatment and other items though.

It does include about 20 minutes in DCA, however you don't need a hopper ticket, the guides will help you get into DCA if you don't have a hopper. She double checked this with her manager.

I'm disappointed because I don't think my 6 year old is going to like the tour if there are no rides...

 

[mom2rtk]

Hi, I just talked with the tour center, and the lady told me the following

The tour is changed from previous years.

It does NOT include going on any rides, however there will be discussions about all the Christmas themed rides, and possibly some backstage as well on the rides. She read from her computer that people will be encouraged to go on the rides after the tour is over. It does include the vip parade treatment and other items though.

It does include about 20 minutes in DCA, however you don't need a hopper ticket, the guides will help you get into DCA if you don't have a hopper. She double checked this with her manager.

I'm disappointed because I don't think my 6 year old is going to like the tour if there are no rides...

That's a huge downgrade in experience! I actually toyed with doing it again, but that definitely seals it! I'm not even remotely tempted!