Disneyland at Christmas/Holiday Season Superthread #5

[mom2rtk]

The tour time is still at 2pm on Wednesday, which doesn't make much sense, as preferred viewing for the parade is supposed to be the finale.

OK, so I did go ahead and call to inquire about a tour. First, it's sold out that day. But I told them I'd still like to understand what's going on with the parades that day. She didn't know and put me on hold twice to ask her manager and to escalate the issue. No answer. She said it might be a mistake. I won't hold my breath on that. But I'll call back later today or tomorrow and see if they got an answer.

 

[jenbright]

I just called to check details for the Holiday Time Tour. The cast member confirmed that it does not include rides this year, but does include a fast pass for the Haunted Mansion (don't believe anyone else has posted that info yet). I asked about the VIP tour at the same time and the holiday pricing is $550/hour for a 6 hour minimum.

 

[MacMama0930]

I just called to check details for the Holiday Time Tour. The cast member confirmed that it does not include rides this year, but does include a fast pass for the Haunted Mansion (don't believe anyone else has posted that info yet). I asked about the VIP tour at the same time and the holiday pricing is $550/hour for a 6 hour minimum.

Dang, that's steep! But that's good news on the Fast Pass for Haunted Mansion. I was hoping they'd throw in something! I'm still really looking forward it - primarily for the holiday parade seating!

 

[mom2rtk]

I just called to check details for the Holiday Time Tour. The cast member confirmed that it does not include rides this year, but does include a fast pass for the Haunted Mansion (don't believe anyone else has posted that info yet). I asked about the VIP tour at the same time and the holiday pricing is $550/hour for a 6 hour minimum.

But that's for something like 10 people. You could take a bunch of your DIS friends!

 

[DizHanna456]

I just called to check details for the Holiday Time Tour. The cast member confirmed that it does not include rides this year, but does include a fast pass for the Haunted Mansion (don't believe anyone else has posted that info yet). I asked about the VIP tour at the same time and the holiday pricing is $550/hour for a 6 hour minimum.

Thanks so much jenbright for getting that info! That's awesome.

 

[lunaland]

Hello!!!!

I have some questions about the 3rd and 4th of December

I, like a few others here, am super excited for PtN to be retuning over the holidays.
We're from Australia and due to family stuff we were unable to make any of the 60th celebrations - so this will be our first & probably last chance to see it.

The schedule for the weekend of the 3rd and 4th if December has just been released, it looks like for both days we'll have:
- Christmas parade: 1pm & 3.15pm
- Holiday fireworks: 8.45pm
- Paint the night: 10.45pm

Though their event schedule is unavailable, I've heard this weekend might also be the weekend for the candlelight procesional?
I'm not 100% though because I can't see it on the official schedule yet.
Guess it could explain why PtN is running only once, and so late.

I can't see BB reservations for PtN yet, but would this be needed for such a late showing?
Would it be better to see it on the Saturday (with Sunday as a backup, in case something crops up on Sat?) or the Sunday? (I'm guessing more people wouldnt want a late night with work / school on Monday?)
Should I just try to keep that time on both nights free, given this is our only ever chance to catch it and I'm super keen on it?

Having the candlelight processional, 2 x christmas parade, fireworks, and PtN all on the same night (two nights in a row) sounds like a logistical nightmare for them, but I guess they must have a way to make it work somehow! I sure don't envy those back stage (in fact I'm super appreciatve for all the hard work that will be going in to make this all happen)

Tbh I picked the first week of December because that's the only month we have this year for travel, and heard that was the lowest crowd option for that month, but with all these events I'm assuming instead it will probably be huge crowds.

Also, I get the idea of the candlelight processional, but have never seen it either.
I'm probably 50/50 on it, like it'd be cool to see, but if it's over-the-top / sardines-in-a-can crowded, or needs to have hours or waiting to get a good spot I'd probably pass... though if I did pass not sure how to avoid that (hop to DCA during candlelight, then back for PtN, or that might be more trouble than what it's worth?)
Is there any way to get a reserved type area for candlelight (like dining packages)?
Is there more than one of these per night?

Sorry for so many questions!

We have done Candlelight each year during our December trip since 2012. Prior to that we actually spent about 10 years avoiding it due to the crowds. I'm crushed that we'll miss it this year but there was no way for it to workout with our schedule this time. So I can tell you how it's worked for us either way. If you decide not to go, I'd recommend either staying in the back of the park or going over to DCA. They will be most likely be using the bypasses on Main Street to get people in and out. It will be crowded that weekend, but as long as we stayed out of the way we never found it terrible. Even since we've gone to Candlelight whichever day we don't go we have managed to still have fun and get stuff done. We usually spend the early morning in Disneyland and then the rest of the day at DCA.

If you do decide to see Candlelight- and if you enjoy Christmas I really, really cannot recommend it enough- choose which day and time you are going to try and see it ahead of time. It's shown twice on Saturday and Sunday, at 5:30 and 8:00. There are major benefits to both shows. Lines are longer for the first, but if you line up for the second you will see most of the first show. Except for last year, I have gotten a seat every year. This means lining up early! Last year we tried a different strategy. My friend is not as big of a fan of Candlelight as I am and really didn't want to wait for a seat, but wanted to see both narrators. We ate dinner at Carnation Cafe, paid early, and dashed outside and into line the minute that the choir started Hallelujah (end of show). We ended up just behind the chairs with one row of people standing in front of us. Not terrible! Especially considering how long we usually wait.

 

[MacMama0930]

I had been second guessing my PPH stay for next month, but got such a good deal, plus the AP rate included extra goodies so I was pretty set on keeping what I had. But I've still been crazily refreshing the hotel reservation page on the website and wham...out of nowhere, a AP rate standard room at the DLH popped up so I booked it! Yay! I was really happy. We stayed there a couple weeks ago and just loved it. I'm glad we'll be staying there. And I thought you had to kind of "pick a fast pass" for a specific ride as part of the AP package but the CM told me it's a totally generic fast pass that you can use at ANY attraction, including ones that don't use Fast Passes...for any time! Which will be great for us to use on either Sunday night (we won't get to the park until 3:00pm, so who knows if fast passes will even still be available! Or possibly for ToT last check out, which doesn't use FPs. So yay! AND when I told her about my initial disappointment on PtN not being there. She said "well you know...we're always supposed to say that schedules are subject to change". And she said it with some kind of sneakiness in her voice. Maybe it's just hopeful thinking, but she didn't just say "ya, I'm sorry, it's not going to show until the 18th". So who knows. And now I heard the holiday tour does include a FP for Haunted Mansion. So, I feel like I'm getting my share of pixie dust...which makes me so happy!!

 

[ashnjam]

So no PTN during our trip...bummed.

 

[DizHanna456]

Does anybody know/have any guesses if the Holiday Tour is still offered during Candlelight? I see that the Christmas parade is moved up on 12/3 and 12/4 presumably for Candlelight... would the tour be moved up too?

 

[MacMama0930]

Does anybody know/have any guesses if the Holiday Tour is still offered during Candlelight? I see that the Christmas parade is moved up on 12/3 and 12/4 presumably for Candlelight... would the tour be moved up too?

It doesn't appear to be offered on those days. It's on the 5th, but not the 3rd or 4th. But like Disney loves to say...everything is subject to change!

 

[DizHanna456]

It doesn't appear to be offered on those days. It's on the 5th, but not the 3rd or 4th. But like Disney loves to say...everything is subject to change!

Thanks! D'oh, I didn't realize the calendar on the page was up and operational. Will also be there the 2nd so I'll book for that day.

 

[Abbey1]

I can't wrap my head around the fact that the Holiday season starts in *16* days and we still have no information about the new Festival of Holidays, no official announcement about the full PTN schedule, no more info on the new WOC show... It's crazy!

 

[MacMama0930]

I can't wrap my head around the fact that the Holiday season starts in *16* days and we still have no information about the new Festival of Holidays, no official announcement about the full PTN schedule, no more info on the new WOC show... It's crazy!

I'm starting to think that PtN is what it is. Thanksgiving week and then weekends. I can't wrap my head around the fact that they aren't showing it on the FIRST weekend of the holiday season!
I agree with you, it's bonkers that WOC isn't even on the entertainment schedule after November 9th!

 

[audrey2580]

MacMama0930 - I will be getting a new AP in December (it's been years). Can I ask what was the AP rate for PPH and DLH? What goodies were added? Hope you have a lovely trip

 

[MacMama0930]

MacMama0930 - I will be getting a new AP in December (it's been years). Can I ask what was the AP rate for PPH and DLH? What goodies were added? Hope you have a lovely trip

I got 25% off the room, so the actual rate will vary. The PPH was $228 and the DLH was $305/night. It comes with a fast pass for each member (to any attraction, any time, whether it takes fast passes or not), and a $20 dining voucher. The fast pass sealed the deal for me!! Ha!!

 

[lorijohnhill]

Are there any different or special characters that appear during the holiday season? Or are the characters pretty standard throughout the year?

 

[mommymermaid]

MacMama0930 - I will be getting a new AP in December (it's been years). Can I ask what was the AP rate for PPH and DLH? What goodies were added? Hope you have a lovely trip

I find I receive the best Disneyland hotel discounts randomly through e-mail, when I am not an AP. Just make sure that the resort has your email address in their database! I tool around on the hotel website, and sure enough within a week or two I receive a coupon for a stay at the resort. For instance, this year we took a break from our AP due to star wars construction, and I received a 40% off coupon for Disneyland Hotel. The standard AP discount rate is usually 25% off! Needless to say that was such a good deal we jumped on it and will be at the Disneyland hotel from Dec. 11-15.

 

[MacMama0930]

I find I receive the best Disneyland hotel discounts randomly through e-mail, when I am not an AP. Just make sure that the resort has your email address in their database! I tool around on the hotel website, and sure enough within a week or two I receive a coupon for a stay at the resort. For instance, this year we took a break from our AP due to star wars construction, and I received a 40% off coupon for Disneyland Hotel. The standard AP discount rate is usually 25% off! Needless to say that was such a good deal we jumped on it and will be at the Disneyland hotel from Dec. 11-15.

I'm on that website more often than is healthy! Haha!! I look all the time for email offers...no go so far! But yes, I would jump at a 40% off coupon!!

 

[mommymermaid]

I'm on that website more often than is healthy! Haha!! I look all the time for email offers...no go so far! But yes, I would jump at a 40% off coupon!!

They aren't the typical coupons. For instance, I put my preferred days and hotel in the "cart" on the Disney site, but don't book it...I leave it there. Then they e-mail me at discount rate within a couple weeks, to encourage me to close the deal, I guess, and Voila! I always have success with this method on off AP years....

 

[fsjking]

I tried all of that and got a WDW Pin code