Disneyland at Christmas/Holiday Season Superthread #5

[mystic95]

**only replying so I can keep up on the 2015 Christmas updates**

We are planning a DLR trip for the beginning of December and want to keep updated on what all is happening

 

[KalamityJane]

Dang, I was hoping to plan a Christmas trip for November or December... but now I'm kind of thinking maybe Sept/Oct and Jan (we have APs). Shame because I really like the Christmas stuff, but taking away the majority of the Christmas entertainment sucks.

 

[ktlm]

Okay, in MiceChat's article/blog about the Diamond Celebration, which just posted today -- HERE -- they said:



So... there you have it, folks. Last night the word was that it was just Believe in Holiday Magic Fireworks that would not be happening. Then, when reading Shawn Slater's replies under the Disney Parks Blog about World of Color - Celebrate, it became clear that Winter Dreams is not happening this year either.

And now, according to MiceChat, Steve Davison said that the Christmas parade is not happening either (which makes me think it will be brought back in 2016, spruced up and freshened up, as part of a hard ticket party).

That's 3 major holiday season entertainment staples that have been wiped out of the picture this year! Even though they will all be replaced with shiny new (non-holiday) entertainment, it's a bold move to take out all 3!!

I still think that something else that is holiday-specific will be added in to the season, but I'm not sure what (other than the likely return of the Matterhorn Christmas star).

:

​

Bummer! I am so disappointed! We have been to WDW during the Christmas season several times, but have never been to DL. We have really been wanting to experience all the Christmas festivities at DL. I was looking at planning a trip for this season. I guess we will not be planning a trip this year. I'm not interested in going without the Christmas parade and shows. We almost went last year, now I really wish we had.

 

[cari12]

Okay, in MiceChat's article/blog about the Diamond Celebration, which just posted today -- HERE -- they said:



So... there you have it, folks. Last night the word was that it was just Believe in Holiday Magic Fireworks that would not be happening. Then, when reading Shawn Slater's replies under the Disney Parks Blog about World of Color - Celebrate, it became clear that Winter Dreams is not happening this year either.

And now, according to MiceChat, Steve Davison said that the Christmas parade is not happening either (which makes me think it will be brought back in 2016, spruced up and freshened up, as part of a hard ticket party).

That's 3 major holiday season entertainment staples that have been wiped out of the picture this year! Even though they will all be replaced with shiny new (non-holiday) entertainment, it's a bold move to take out all 3!!

I still think that something else that is holiday-specific will be added in to the season, but I'm not sure what (other than the likely return of the Matterhorn Christmas star).

What's weird is that -- unless I missed something -- nothing has specifically been mentioned about Halloween Time, and that is an obvious question, as the Halloween party takes place in Disneyland, and features Halloween-specific entertainment.

But... I'll save my Halloween Time pondering for the Halloween Time at DLR Superthread!

​

Do you think the Diamond celebration will dampen the Christmas spirit at DLR or do you think they will make sure that doesn't happen? We have been wanting to go at Christmas to experience the holiday magic for years and finally we can do it this year so I am a little disheartened to find out a couple of big attractions will not be happening.

 

[chickapin parterre]

...........so 2016 Christmas would be the best choice. Thanksgiving week is back, The folks who canceled the last three months because of weather, refurbs and measles may squeeze into Christmas 2015. Plus all the anniversary traditionalist . 2015 will be worse than 2014. Rumor spreads that Disneyland is no longer manageable and 2016 Holidays become a ghost town.

 

[mom2rtk]

...........so 2016 Christmas would be the best choice. Thanksgiving week is back, The folks who canceled the last three months because of weather, refurbs and measles may squeeze into Christmas 2015. Plus all the anniversary traditionalist . 2015 will be worse than 2014. Rumor spreads that Disneyland is no longer manageable and 2016 Holidays become a ghost town.

LOL. I would compare that to how awesome Christmas 2011 at WDW was so awesome after the bitter cold of 2010. Really. I think there were a lot of "never agains" issued after that winter.

 

[Sherry E]

Bummer! I am so disappointed! We have been to WDW during the Christmas season several times, but have never been to DL. We have really been wanting to experience all the Christmas festivities at DL. I was looking at planning a trip for this season. I guess we will not be planning a trip this year. I'm not interested in going without the Christmas parade and shows. We almost went last year, now I really wish we had.

Do you think the Diamond celebration will dampen the Christmas spirit at DLR or do you think they will make sure that doesn't happen? We have been wanting to go at Christmas to experience the holiday magic for years and finally we can do it this year so I am a little disheartened to find out a couple of big attractions will not be happening.

ktlm and cari12 --

Being a huge fan of the Disneyland Resort holiday season, I would be lying if I said I wasn't somewhat suspicious of what exactly they plan to do with this year's holiday season (especially since the last 3 holiday seasons have been really great at DLR). I always assumed that the events of the 60th anniversary would impact the holidays in some way, but I wasn't quite sure how it would be managed. I don't know that I expected that 3 major holiday events/shows would be completely removed.

My guess (hope?) is that Disneyland Forever, Paint the Night and World of Color - Celebrate are going to be so amazing that no one will really miss the Christmas parade, holiday fireworks and Winter Dreams.

Also, as KCmike suggested, I wouldn't be shocked if A Christmas Fantasy Parade is incorporated into the daytime festivities. I don't know how much of an undertaking it would be to run ACFP in the daytime and Paint the Night after dark, but there needs to be some sort of parade in the daytime, and the Holiday Time tour includes seats for ACFP.

I know that Disneyland is really pushing this Diamond Celebration, but they have to know that their holiday season is a huge, huge hit -- and many people plan their trips specifically for the holiday fun. I would certainly hope that Disney/DLR doesn't get sooooooo caught up in what they have planned for the 60th that they push the holiday season aside. I can't see that happening, though.

What I honestly think will take place is that some -- not all -- of the usual holiday decorations will be reduced or replaced by diamond-y things in certain areas. In other places the holiday décor will be as it usually is every year.

For example, in Critter Country I would still expect to see garland, wreaths and Christmas trees decorated with bees, pine cones and honey pots -- because it just wouldn't make any sense to stick diamonds in Critter Country! Likewise, in Frontierland, I expect to see the usual array of rustic décor on assorted poles and lampposts. Toontown's décor would probably be more or less the same. Cars Land and A Bug's Land would have the same décor.

I think that It's a Small World Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday are sure to return. My guess is that Jingle Cruise would likely return as well.

I think that the big gingerbread house will return to the Grand Californian Hotel lobby again this year (a fresh house, though -- not the same one from 2014!). I think that there will once again be smaller gingerbread creations at Storytellers Café and White Water Snacks.

I think that the Disneyland Hotel will most likely have the giant (fake) gingerbread castle in the lobby again, as well as the themed Christmas trees in the towers, though I expect to see quite a few 'diamond references' around that hotel.

I think that the Jingle Jangle Jamboree will be back in DL -- there has to be a place to meet Santa in Disneyland -- and Santa at Elias and Company should be back. The Bell Ringers will be back.

In DCA, I don't see any reason why Viva Navidad can't return. It is a hit, and it can happen in the daytime without interfering with World of Color.

I think that Frozen Fun will find a way to return in time for the holidays (after it supposedly ends in May).

We're still unsure as to what will happen with a Winter Castle Enchantment lighting of any sort, of course -- but if a diamond-adorned Castle is not sparkling and shining at night, then someone seriously dropped the ball at Team Disney Anaheim!


In other words, with the exception of the loss of those 3 major bits of holiday entertainment and maybe some scaled back décor in certain spots, I think that the holiday cheer will still be in full swing. In fact, I would expect that there will be some holiday-specific things (maybe limited pop-up events) added in because it is the 60th anniversary (although, hopefully it will be more than just a star at the top of the Matterhorn, as Janet/mom2rtk mentioned!).

This would be a perfect year to once again try to expand the Candlelight Ceremony/Processional -- even if it had to be relocated to another spot in either park. They could just add a few extra nights/performances to it -- not a 20-night marathon. It is one of Disneyland's oldest holiday traditions, and it would make sense. It doesn't interfere with fireworks or parades.

 

[mrsbicewdw]

ktlm and cari12 -- Being a huge fan of the Disneyland Resort holiday season, I would be lying if I said I wasn't somewhat suspicious of what exactly they plan to do with this year's holiday season (especially since the last 3 holiday seasons have been really great at DLR). I always assumed that the events of the 60th anniversary would impact the holidays in some way, but I wasn't quite sure how it would be managed. I don't know that I expected that 3 major holiday events/shows would be completely removed. My guess (hope?) is that Disneyland Forever, Paint the Night and World of Color - Celebrate are going to be so amazing that no one will really miss the Christmas parade, holiday fireworks and Winter Dreams. Also, as KCmike suggested, I wouldn't be shocked if A Christmas Fantasy Parade is incorporated into the daytime festivities. I don't know how much of an undertaking it would be to run ACFP in the daytime and Paint the Night after dark, but there needs to be some sort of parade in the daytime, and the Holiday Time tour includes seats for ACFP. I know that Disneyland is really pushing this Diamond Celebration, but they have to know that their holiday season is a huge, huge hit -- and many people plan their trips specifically for the holiday fun. I would certainly hope that Disney/DLR doesn't get sooooooo caught up in what they have planned for the 60th that they push the holiday season aside. I can't see that happening, though. What I honestly think will take place is that some -- not all -- of the usual holiday decorations will be reduced or replaced by diamond-y things in certain areas. In other places the holiday décor will be as it usually is every year. For example, in Critter Country I would still expect to see garland, wreaths and Christmas trees decorated with bees, pine cones and honey pots -- because it just wouldn't make any sense to stick diamonds in Critter Country! Likewise, in Frontierland, I expect to see the usual array of rustic décor on assorted poles and lampposts. Toontown's décor would probably be more or less the same. Cars Land and A Bug's Land would have the same décor. I think that It's a Small World Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday are sure to return. My guess is that Jingle Cruise would likely return as well. I think that the big gingerbread house will return to the Grand Californian Hotel lobby again this year (a fresh house, though -- not the same one from 2014!). I think that there will once again be smaller gingerbread creations at Storytellers Café and White Water Snacks. I think that the Disneyland Hotel will most likely have the giant (fake) gingerbread castle in the lobby again, as well as the themed Christmas trees in the towers, though I expect to see quite a few 'diamond references' around that hotel. I think that the Jingle Jangle Jamboree will be back in DL -- there has to be a place to meet Santa in Disneyland -- and Santa at Elias and Company should be back. The Bell Ringers will be back. In DCA, I don't see any reason why Viva Navidad can't return. It is a hit, and it can happen in the daytime without interfering with World of Color. I think that Frozen Fun will find a way to return in time for the holidays (after it supposedly ends in May). We're still unsure as to what will happen with a Winter Castle Enchantment lighting of any sort, of course -- but if a diamond-adorned Castle is not sparkling and shining at night, then someone seriously dropped the ball at Team Disney Anaheim! In other words, with the exception of the loss of those 3 major bits of holiday entertainment and maybe some scaled back décor in certain spots, I think that the holiday cheer will still be in full swing. In fact, I would expect that there will be some holiday-specific things (maybe limited pop-up events) added in because it is the 60th anniversary (although, hopefully it will be more than just a star at the top of the Matterhorn, as Janet/mom2rtk mentioned!). This would be a perfect year to once again try to expand the Candlelight Ceremony/Processional -- even if it had to be relocated to another spot in either park. They could just add a few extra nights/performances to it -- not a 20-night marathon. It is one of Disneyland's oldest holiday traditions, and it would make sense. It doesn't interfere with fireworks or parades.

Thanks for breaking it all down. I agree with you, it's the holiday season and there will be plenty to see even if some of the events are gone. WDW goes big for the holidays all over the resort, and honestly the decorations and things are my favorite part. Seeing all the trees with themed ornaments, festive window treatments and shop set ups, eating holiday foods. That's the fun part! As long as there is one Santa to meet somewhere, we will be happy. I want a picture of my kids with a disney santa! They always look so perfect to me.

 

[Disney127]

Unfortunately, Disneyland Resort is so slow in releasing info to people that we probably won't hear anything pertinent to the holiday season (anything official, that is -- I'm sure we will hear more rumors) until at least July, if not September!

Reading all this about the 60th celebration and the Christmas holiday season is getting me so excited! We are going to be in the parks on July 17th even though we know it is going to be very busy but just wanted to be a part of it. Plus, we have decided to come down again for the holiday season and spend Christmas and New Year's at the parks. We really enjoyed all the decorations at the parks even with all the crowds!

Sherry,
Could you please attach my Holiday Time trip report to this thread in the front? Thanks!

 

[lvdis]

Do fireworks (holiday or other) typically happen nightly during the Christmas holiday season? We are hoping to have our trip be either 12/6 - 12/11 or 12/13 - 12/18, depending on best flights I can get. Either week we would be in the parks Mon-Thurs, so no weekend days or nights. Also, what about WOC nightly? Those are two nighttime events I won't want to miss and wondered if I need to alter our days to include a Fri, Sat or Sun. Thanks!

 

[Sherry E]

Do fireworks (holiday or other) typically happen nightly during the Christmas holiday season? We are hoping to have our trip be either 12/6 - 12/11 or 12/13 - 12/18, depending on best flights I can get. Either week we would be in the parks Mon-Thurs, so no weekend days or nights. Also, what about WOC nightly? Those are two nighttime events I won't want to miss and wondered if I need to alter our days to include a Fri, Sat or Sun. Thanks!

lvdis --

Yes -- from the start of the holiday season in mid-November, to the end of the season in early January, fireworks are always nightly (weather permitting, of course). Even though the holiday fireworks aren't happening this year, I expect that Disneyland Forever will run nightly.

World of Color (this year it will be Celebrate and not Winter Dreams) is nightly as well -- and there will probably be more than one show every night.

 

[svfive]

We are planning a California trip from in November, from the 7-17. Do you think the fireworks will be nightly at this time? I am trying to decide if we can do Disney without doing a weekend day. We ill have 5 day park hoppers. My concern with the weekend is that it happens to be the Avengers half Marathon Weekend Not sure how busy that will be!

 

[Sherry E]

We are planning a California trip from in November, from the 7-17. Do you think the fireworks will be nightly at this time? I am trying to decide if we can do Disney without doing a weekend day. We ill have 5 day park hoppers. My concern with the weekend is that it happens to be the Avengers half Marathon Weekend Not sure how busy that will be!

svfive --

There have been mixed reports about the Avengers weekend -- some have said it was really, really crowded, and others have said it was crowded -- but tolerable and manageable.

As long as the holiday season has officially begun (and I'm sure it will have officially begun by 11/17 -- the season will likely begin somewhere between 11/12 and 11/16), then there will definitely be fireworks every night -- weather permitting.

If I were to hazard a guess, I'd think that the fireworks will be running nightly from at least 11/6 on through the rest of the year. There is usually some sort of taping for ABC that goes on around Veterans Day weekend (I guess it would technically be considered Veterans Day weekend, even if it is several days before Veterans Day), and I think that all of the new 60th anniversary events will be running for the taping.

There is some question as to the schedule of the new Disneyland Forever fireworks, and whether or not it will run nightly -- or almost nightly -- outside of summer and the holiday season (which are peak seasons). I am leaning towards thinking that the fireworks will run a bit more often during those 'off' times (fall 2015 and spring 2016) than is usually the case because this is a special year, but we won't know for sure what happens until we get to fall (including the early days of November).

 

[TiggerTrigger]

Feel like we are crazy for doing this, but I booked a trip to Disneyland for 12/27-12/31. I was originally going to go in August and some of the things for the 60th, but DH wants to ski this year too, so we're booked for just after Christmas and then heading up to Mammoth after that. Really excited to see the HM and IASW overlays, but not looking forward to the crazy crowds.

 

[Sherry E]

Feel like we are crazy for doing this, but I booked a trip to Disneyland for 12/27-12/31. I was originally going to go in August and some of the things for the 60th, but DH wants to ski this year too, so we're booked for just after Christmas and then heading up to Mammoth after that. Really excited to see the HM and IASW overlays, but not looking forward to the crazy crowds.

It will be a great winter trip -- you'll get to see IASWH and HMH, as well as whatever other holiday fun is in store for this year, and all of the special 60th anniversary shows as well! And then skiing to finish it all off!

 

[mvf-m11c]

We are planning a California trip from in November, from the 7-17. Do you think the fireworks will be nightly at this time? I am trying to decide if we can do Disney without doing a weekend day. We ill have 5 day park hoppers. My concern with the weekend is that it happens to be the Avengers half Marathon Weekend Not sure how busy that will be!

Just as Sherry pointed out that the fireworks mostly do happen on all nights during the official days of holiday season at DL. The fireworks would be Believe...In Holiday Magic fireworks but it will be replaced with the new Disneyland Forever fireworks during the 60th anniversary. This is the same thing that happened in 2005 during DL 50th anniversary where Remember Dreams Come True fireworks played during the holiday season.

I was there during the Avenger's Marathon last year and it did felt busy but not like the Christmas break crowds where it was tough to walk through the DLR and get on rides with long wait times. It felt like summer crowds to me during my time that weekend. If you plan on going that weekend, I would be prepared on what you want to do. The wait times for the rides were high which can be in the hour range for the big rides, the restaurants can be very busy during the peak times, and the wait times for the shows as well. With the marathon going on that weekend along with the opening weekend of the holiday season at the DLR last year, it did felt very busy.

 

[Sherry E]

Well, as you all can see -- the forum has completely changed in appearance. All of the features are in different places. My avatar photo is no longer showing up, so I have to put something else in its place. I'll be honest -- it's going to take some getting used to. At the moment, I don't know where anything is or how to do anything!

 

[mvf-m11c]

Well, as you all can see -- the forum has completely changed in appearance. All of the features are in different places. My avatar photo is no longer showing up, so I have to put something else in its place. I'll be honest -- it's going to take some getting used to. At the moment, I don't know where anything is or how to do anything!

It is going to take some time to get use to the new boards. Hope you are able to find your avatar picture Sherry.

 

[Sherry E]

It is going to take some time to get use to the new boards. Hope you are able to find your avatar picture Sherry.

I had to change the avatar. The old photo that was my avatar got eaten by the system, I guess, and it is no longer viewable. I had to pick a temporary new one. I'm not going to lie -- I'm not digging this new layout. I know I will get used to it eventually, but right now it is taking me more steps to accomplish things (like quoting your post, for example) than it did before, and I can't figure out where certain private messages and threads have gone. Also, many of my links on page one of this thread are now messed up, with weird codes in the titles -- so I have to go back and try to fix each one.

I really think the old forum layout was better for trip reports -- the photos displayed better on the pages.

 

[mvf-m11c]

I had to change the avatar. The old photo that was my avatar got eaten by the system, I guess, and it is no longer viewable. I had to pick a temporary new one. I'm not going to lie -- I'm not digging this new layout. I know I will get used to it eventually, but right now it is taking me more steps to accomplish things (like quoting your post, for example) than it did before, and I can't figure out where certain private messages and threads have gone. Also, many of my links on page one of this thread are now messed up, with weird codes in the titles -- so I have to go back and try to fix each one.

I really think the old forum layout was better for trip reports -- the photos displayed better on the pages.

I see. My old one was lost as well. Just like you, I am not digging the new layout as well. Even though there are some nice new additions to the thread but there are things that the old thread has are not on the new one.

I was able to to have my links on my signature below. But my trip report thread lost all the links to each different posts. So it will be a pain to go through the thread and look for each one. I like the old one way better than the new one.