Disneyland at Christmas/Holiday Season Superthread #5

[707MickeyGirl]

Just following along to get tips for our upcoming December trip.

 

[pudinhd]

Sherry - I thought of you when I saw this...

http://blogs.disney.com/oh-my-disney/2015/06/10/the-ultimate-disneyland-cookie-crawl/

 

[lorijohnhill]

Ok, now I want a cookie!

 

[pudinhd]

Ok, now I want a cookie!

Yummy, right?!?!

 

[peanutmomma]

May have to talk the boy into doing a cookie crawl instead of the never-ending pressed penny quest!

 

[rentayenta]

Subbing @Sherry E You always do such an amazing job with this thread! We will be there Noz 30-Dec 5.

 

[Sherry E]

Subbing @Sherry E You always do such an amazing job with this thread! We will be there Noz 30-Dec 5.

Hi, Jenny!

Thank you for the kind words. I'm glad you're here with us again, for another round o' fun and holiday shenanigans!

Speaking of holiday shenanigans.... The 5th Annual Theme Week Countdown will be starting in this thread, in the not-too-distant future. More gift card giveaways and photo-sharing fun await!

 

[dolphingirl47]

The 5th Annual Theme Week Countdown will be starting in this thread, in the not-too-distant future. More gift card giveaways and photo-sharing fun await!

I can't wait. This time I will have plenty of photos to share.

Corinna

 

[Sherry E]

I can't wait. This time I will have plenty of photos to share.

Corinna

I thought of you when I was mentally mapping out how this year's Countdown might play out (there are some categories I may cut out entirely, or I may group them together with others), and how you'd have photos for many of the categories this time! I may eliminate the Code Word Challenge this year and just encourage the folks who have not yet visited DLR for the holidays to post during the Holiday Cornucopia theme (since that one will only require some sort of Holiday photo from anywhere) to get an entry into the drawing.

I haven't worked it all out in my mind (or on paper) yet, but one thing I do know is that the previous winners of the previous drawings will not be able to win again this year, so the winners of this year's Countdown drawing will be people who have not previously won!

By the way, what happened to Jamie/DisneyJamieCA? I've seen her posting on the forums, but she has not popped into this thread. Hopefully she will be back for this year's Countdown too!

 

[rentayenta]

Hi, Jenny!

Thank you for the kind words. I'm glad you're here with us again, for another round o' fun and holiday shenanigans!

Speaking of holiday shenanigans.... The 5th Annual Theme Week Countdown will be starting in this thread, in the not-too-distant future. More gift card giveaways and photo-sharing fun await!

Can't wait! Happy to be here. It's truly the most well organized there here. Fun too!

 

[mlnbabies]

I will have photos to post! Can't wait to share them.

 

[PlutoIsHere]

So my wife and I will be in Disneyland from the 5th through the 11th of December! We're super stoked, and I really appreciate this forum and all the help it gives. I did have a question for you folks though. I know that fantasmic will be in off hours and only running on the weekends while we're there, so I want to go on Saturday and get a bb dinner package. However, that weekend will most likely be the candlelight processional as well, and I'm not sure if they run fantasmic on the night of the processional or not?

 

[Sherry E]

So my wife and I will be in Disneyland from the 5th through the 11th of December! We're super stoked, and I really appreciate this forum and all the help it gives. I did have a question for you folks though. I know that fantasmic will be in off hours and only running on the weekends while we're there, so I want to go on Saturday and get a bb dinner package. However, that weekend will most likely be the candlelight processional as well, and I'm not sure if they run fantasmic on the night of the processional or not?

PlutoIsHere --

Yes -- unless something different happens this year with the schedule -- Fantasmic should be running on both nights of Candlelight weekend (presumably 12/5 and 12/6). This is last year's December schedule - http://www.wdwinfo.com/disneyland/park-hours.cfm?month=12&year=2014. You will see the Fantasmic times on Candlelight weekend, which was 12/6 and 12/7.

Although I think it is 99.9% certain that 12/5 and 12/6 will be the Candlelight dates (since that first full weekend in December is the tradition), we should know for sure next month or by early August at the very latest. I suspect that if any extra Candlelight nights were going to be added in or if there were going to be big changes, the participants and/or choir directors would have most likely received some sort of letter from Disneyland to alert them, and then word of the changes would trickle out online, on boards like these. Nothing like that has happened yet, but it could happen in July.

I think it was right around mid-to-late July last year when I saw the confirmed Candlelight dates, so I am expecting that the same will happen this year.

 

[Disney127]

Speaking of holiday shenanigans.... The 5th Annual Theme Week Countdown will be starting in this thread, in the not-too-distant future. More gift card giveaways and photo-sharing fun await!

I can't wait for the Theme Week Countdown, it is always so much fun to see everyone's photos plus adding my own. We will be visiting DL again at Christmas but this time, we will be there on the actual day so I am so excited! I know that it will probably be quite busy on that day and I am going to go back and read some past trip reports so that I can be mentally prepared.

 

[lvdis]

So my wife and I will be in Disneyland from the 5th through the 11th of December! We're super stoked, and I really appreciate this forum and all the help it gives. I did have a question for you folks though. I know that fantasmic will be in off hours and only running on the weekends while we're there, so I want to go on Saturday and get a bb dinner package. However, that weekend will most likely be the candlelight processional as well, and I'm not sure if they run fantasmic on the night of the processional or not?

We'll be there almost the same time as you (12/5 - 12/10)! I hope to get a BB Fantasmic dinner package on Sunday the 6th!

 

[MarcV]

bamagirl36507 --

Welcome!

I think that figment_jii and Bret/mvf-m11c would probably be able to offer more specific info about F! and WOC, as well as the dining options for those shows, and times.

As for the rides during EMH -- I hopes that others weigh in on this as well. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think that on a day when California Adventure is your EMH park, you should be able to get on Radiator Springs Racers in Cars Land. If not, or if I am incorrect, I'd go for Toy Story Midway Mania, California Screamin' or Soarin.' I have been in DCA during an EMH, and I am struggling to remember what exactly was open, or if everything was open.

In Disneyland, there are not as many things open during the EMH/MM. Usually it is just Fantasyland and Tomorrowland that are open. A lot of people rush to Peter Pan, as that line gets long very fast. You may want to try that. IF It's a Small World Holiday happens to be open during the EMH (usually it is not, but I was there once when it was open early), you could get on that before the line grows. If you like the Matterhorn and it's open, of course, head for that. The Teacups have a nice short line during EMH/MM, as does Alice. The Nemo Subs can have a super-long line, so you might want to hit that.

When you say "must do things during this time that might not get as much advertisement," do you mean rides and shows? Or just general holiday season things? I think it depends on who is in your group (all adults, adults with very young kids, adults with older kids, etc.).

In general, I would suggest making a point of seeing Viva Navidad in California Adventure -- it's a colorful, fun, lively event featuring a "street party" and authentic food, decorations and theme-appropriate characters (such as the Three Caballeros).

I think that the Jingle Jangle Jamboree in Frontierland is a fun area for kids. There are holiday games, crafts and treats. Characters wear holiday attire. Santa Claus may or may not still be there after Christmas, but if he is there beyond 12/25 he wears a different outfit (not the red suit) and greets guests. There are cute, rustic reindeer decorations all around the area. There is cookie decorating and a little stage show.

This is not something that is necessarily advertised by Disney, but it is known on Disney discussion boards such as this as being a great thing to do -- enjoying the GCH lobby. Since you will be staying at the GCH you will be passing through the lobby every day, but if you have some time and want to relax, grab a beverage or snack from Downtown Disney, from the nearby Hearthstone Lounge or from the snack area next to the large gingerbread house, and hunker down in the comfortable chairs, or near the hearth. I don't think that Santa Claus or the Christmas carolers will still be there during your dates, but the giant Christmas tree will still be there. Lots of people plop down around the tree and just chat, take photos, etc. The pianist will probably be there, playing some seasonal tunes. I can't explain it, but it's just a nice, cozy atmosphere for unwinding. You can still be in a Disney environment, but not out in the chaos of the parks. And you can, of course, drink adult beverages in the hotel lobby too, if that's what you prefer.

Another thing that you can do at the GCH is visit the Napa Rose lounge. While you would need a reservation for the actual Napa Rose restaurant, you don't need one for the lounge. You can order many of the same beverages and appetizers that you would be ordering inside the restaurant (such as NR's popular hot chocolate).

I don't know if these things will be going on during your dates because they are post-Christmas, but the GCH offers a "Winter Ornament Workshop" (making snowglobes). There is also a "Merriest Holiday Hunt" that takes place for all onsite hotel guests (of any of the 3 DLR hotels), and that may or may not still be going on during your trip.

I always like to suggest walking around the other hotels as well, as they all have different trees and decorations.

Visit Tangaroa Terrace at the Disneyland Hotel for really good and interesting counter service food. Trader Sam's right next door to TT is popular for snacks and adult beverages as well -- people love the atmosphere!

White Water Snacks at the GCH is a popular counter service location that always gets good reviews. I enjoy Storytellers Cafe's cozy, earthy environment for lunch or dinner (and that's at the GCH too). Both Storytellers and White Water should have miniature gingerbread houses as well.

There will probably be some New Year's Eve events and/or special dining at some of the restaurants in Downtown Disney, such as Catal, Jazz Kitchen and maybe Tortilla Jo's.





MarcV --

I loved that Candlelight ran for 20 nights, as it meant that I finally got to see it! I had been wanting to see it for years, but tales of crowds and waiting all day always scared me away. When the 20-night bonanza took place, I could finally see it and actually have seats, two nights in a row. I love, love, LOVED Candlelight. I am a huge Christmas fan anyway, and I love Christmas music. I loved the whole setting -- the candlelight in Town Square really added a haunting quality to it. I almost tried for a Kurt Russell night in 2012, but I ended up with Lou Diamond Phillips instead -- which was fine. He did a good job. The music was so moving -- especially the young man singing "Silent Night" -- and everyone was in good spirits and happy to be there. In 2013 I saw Candlelight again, but that time I did not get seats. I wanted to see Kurt Russell narrate, since I had missed him in 2012.

Candlelight is definitely something that everyone who truly loves Christmas and Christmas music should see. I would not recommend it for the casual Christmas fan -- if someone really just likes decorations and gingerbread cookies, and otherwise doesn't care that much about Christmas, I would say that Candlelight is not worth the effort. But for those who really view that time of year as extra special and magical, those who don't mind the non-secular aspect of the Ceremony, and those who like choirs and things of that sort, Candlelight is for you!





mrsbicewdw --

Good to see you back with us -- though I don't think you missed too much while you were away! All we really know so far is that the Christmas parade is supposed to be off the holiday schedule this year (although that could always change), the holiday fireworks are not happening this year, and the holiday version of Winter Dreams is supposedly not happening either. More than likely there will be no garland hanging over Main Street, as it would interfere with some taller parade floats. The old rumor (from last year) was that the long-departed Christmas star -- not seen since the early '70s -- will be making a grand return to the top of the Matterhorn. I think that is very likely to happen, as we have already seen the return of the Hatbox Ghost in Haunted Mansion.

The Winter Castle is a mystery. Personally, I like the icicle lights at night during the holiday season, and I can't imagine the Castle not looking like that this year. I don't think the current nighttime Castle is quite as spectacular. But I don't know if the current "diamond" overlay of the Castle would take the place of the icicles for the rest of the year, or if the sparkle factor would be amped up several notches for the holidays. I would hope that the holiday Castle is extra special, and not just the same one that's there right now.

You're absolutely right that December seems so much closer. Last year it seemed like, once we began the Theme Week Countdown in July and the assorted Fall/Halloween products began appearing on the shelves in July as well, everything after that just zipped by at lightning speed.

I'm glad to see that your plans are still on track!




lunaland --

You're welcome!

I was spoiled after my 2012 Candlelight seats as well! I would have given anything for a seat in 2013, as I was in a lot of pain (in my leg, which is also related to having a bad back!), but I stood and watched Candlelight, smooshed in the crowds. After a while I had to make a quick escape because the cold air (30 degrees) was not agreeing with the pain in my leg, and I began to feel queasy. You never want to feel a sudden wave of nausea come over you when you are standing in a big crowd. So I had to push my way OUT of the crowd. People were getting annoyed with me for causing them to have to move an inch, but I was trying to get OUT -- not cut in front of them to get a better view!

That's why it annoyed me to no end that those people who sat on the planter were escorted out of that area by a CM and then placed in actual chairs to watch the rest of the CP. I was standing there in pain and nauseous and didn't try sneaky tactics to get a seat -- but they sat in the wrong spot and got chairs!

Yes -- I think that a lot of people will wait in Town Square all day long to get those benches.

In 2013 got in line for the second CP while the first CP was still going on. I stood in the line that was forming on Main Street. I think it was around 6:30 or so. Maybe earlier. I ended up on the right side (facing the stage).




LoriLovesMickey --

Thank you for posting that! I guess that sgrap never saw my question to her about IASWH being decorated in 2005, so I am glad you posted the photo! I thought that IASWH had the outside lights in 2005, but your photo confirmed it. I don't think there is any doubt that IASWH will be back in its full glory this year. It's too popular an attraction to not bring back, and too many other holiday shows are not happening. I think that the projections on the IASW façade will happen as usual during Disneyland Forever, and then when the fireworks are over the IASWH lights will come back on.




flyingdumbo127 -

I feel fine -- I'm not sick at all. I took ZzzQuil because I needed to sleep -- that medicine is just for sleep! It's NyQuil and DayQuil that are used for colds and flus and what not.

99 cents is definitely a great deal for Dreyer's/Edy's ice cream of any flavor, but I just can't deal with that deceptive Slow Churned nonsense. It's a great price, though, if someone just wants to try the ice cream and see if they like it.





JadeDarkstar -

The 99 Cents Only stores really do have some great finds -- and they have things that you have to grab right away, or they will be gone the next time you go in! They always have good brands of dish liquid and hand soap (all the brands that everyone knows and uses), good toothpaste, good plates and large mugs and things like that. Plus, they get in lots of seasonal products that are left over after the seasons have ended (like the Pumpkin Pie Pop Tarts). They also have a lot of good fruit and vegetables now as well. Produce is not cheap at grocery stores, but at the 99 Cents Only store it is!




scopewest --

I've never been to Times Square, but from what I've seen of the crowds waiting for the ball to drop, Disneyland will not be that bad. It might get a bit like that on Main Street, leading up to midnight -- it was pretty uncomfortable the one and only time I decided to try New Year's Eve at Disneyland. However, in the rest of the park the crowds should not be wall to wall, at a standstill, all day long.

The parks will be busy -- so at least you know that going in, and know to expect it. Yes, Disneyland will reach capacity at some point in the period of time after Christmas and by/before New Years (unless it is raining). Capacity could happen on one or more days that week, and they will stop letting people in the park for a while if it reaches capacity. You may or may not be able to get back in the park, or you may have to go over to the other park. I would probably plan to stay in Disneyland and not leave until you're ready to go back to the hotel for the night.

I have been to Candlelight in Epcot as well but enjoyed Disneyland way more. The setting on Main Street USA is just incredible and very intimate. I remember the Choir's voices just booming down on us. It was amazing

 

[becd]

Hi Sherry - I missed Christmas at DLR last year but am returning this year for December 2-6. Last time I only brought my twin DS who are 8 now. This year their younger brother (DS-6) and their Dad is coming too. I am so excited!!!! Probably more than they are. We enjoyed everything about our Christmas trip in 2013 more than I can say. I am a WDW vet and we usually make it there at least once a year - as much as I love it I think I have decided I like the convenience of DLR better. There is something about being able to walk when you park hop that cannot be beat! If only it was closer to New Orleans.

Last time we stayed at DLH, but this time we are biting the bullet and getting a suite at GC. I think its the only way I can get my husband to cooperate - he is not much for the adventure part of travel or for cramming our family into one room. And don't tell him I told you, but he will definitely be taking some "me" time in the spa (lol). Plus having the kids club there will be a big help too. Ok, enough of the over share.

Anyway, thanks for doing the thread - it is more helpful to me than I could ever put into words!

OK, and now I have a question. I just noticed the Rave Day is scheduled when I had planned our trip. What in the world is this and is it crazy? Meaning should I pick a different weekend? Ugh.

 

[Sherry E]

OK, and now I have a question. I just noticed the Rave Day is scheduled when I had planned our trip. What in the world is this and is it crazy? Meaning should I pick a different weekend? Ugh.

That info I have in that Dates to Remember post on page 1 is from last year -- I leave it up there so people can get a sense of when certain things went up or started for the holiday season, until we find out what's happening for the current year. I don't think Raver Day is happening at Disneyland this year -- or, if it is, I have not heard about it. Did you read about it somewhere else? (Edited to add -- Raver Day is happening this year, but not during your dates! )

Raver Day happened to be going on around the same time as the pharmacy convention in Anaheim, and many of the convention attendees were staying at DLR hotels and in the parks. Supposedly, the crowds in the parks were quite substantial.

You will be at DLR during the Candlelight Ceremony & Processional weekend, though (12/5 and 12/6, most likely), and that brings in extra crowds. It's not anything I would avoid, but some people think it's too crowded. I love Candlelight, so I try to go on at least one day over that weekend.

 

[sgrap]

That info I have in that Dates to Remember post on page 1 is from last year -- I leave it up there so people can get a sense of when certain things went up or started for the holiday season, until we find out what's happening for the current year. I don't think Raver Day is happening at Disneyland this year -- or, if it is, I have not heard about it. Did you read about it somewhere else? (Edited to add -- Raver Day is happening this year, but not during your dates! )

So what is it? Just curious!

 

[Sherry E]

So what is it? Just curious!

Beats me! I'm not a raver! (Last year was the first I'd ever heard of it!)

This is a website I have come to like. It's called Unofficial Park Days (or Unofficial Disney Days on Facebook), and it lists off a bunch of special "Days" happening in the parks that we might not otherwise hear about (such as Christmas in July Day), along with some that we have heard about (like Dapper Day). Here is the site - http://unofficialparkdays.com/calen...~1448006399/cat_ids~69,6/request_format~html/

As far as I know, there was a summer Raver Day event that just took place at DLR a few days ago. But, so far, I haven't seen anything about a December event.


ETA: This is text from one of the Raver Day Facebook pages (for their June 2013 event):

Raverday is a day at Disneyland for ravers to hang out together and represent the positive vibes of the rave culture at the happiest place on earth. MAKE FRIENDS! TAKE PICTURES!

...And on another Facebook page I found this text:

RAVERDAY - A gathering that happens 2 times a year. Summer and Winter Season...

So, it sounds like there will be another one in winter, if the tradition sticks, but I don't see a date listed so I don't know when it will be.

Okay, I just solved my own mystery. RaverDay (or RAVERDAY) is happening at Disneyland in December - https://www.facebook.com/events/1407419249587372/

Saturday, December 12th & Sunday, December 13th, 2015

I shall add it to the 2015 Dates to Remember post on page 1!!