Disneyland at Christmas/Holiday Season Superthread #5

[Sherry E]

I am super bummed there probably won't be the JJJ this year, I only saw it once and enjoyed it so much! I was hoping to see it again when I visit this year. I understand they need the space for SWL, but surely they aren't breaking ground this quick, are they? Avatar land was announced long before they started on that, right?
I am excited about SWL, but wish we could have one final year of JJJ!

I wish we could see JJJ too. Is it a confirmed that it wont be there this year?

Nothing is definite about the Jingle Jangle Jamboree yet. It very well could return for one last hurrah this year, but if it does -- I'm sure it will be the last year for it. Remember, even before Disney announced Star Wars Land, the info had already gotten out that there were to be no pumpkin carvers at the Halloween Carnival this year, as well as no Pirates League. Someone else also told me that there probably would not be a Conjure a Villain tent. And Disneyland decorators were told that they were not having anything there this year. I thought they might need the locations for storage or rehearsals, but it sort of seemed like they were going into shutdown mode.

But then... after all of that information had come in, people got confused because Disney Visa's Fall newsletter -- which has been incorrect in the past -- mentioned the Carnival. Personally, I think that the newsletter was printed way before the info began trickling out. Maybe at the beginning of the year there was a plan for the Carnival, and then -- as it became certain that there would be a Star Wars Land -- plans changed.

It's not that ground is going to immediately be broken, nor will there be immediate demolition of the Festival Arena, where the Halloween Carnival and Jingle Jangle Jamboree take place. That work probably won't begin until next year, if not 2017. However, Disney has to start moving things around -- clearing out the area behind Toontown, clearing out space in the areas they own across the street, finding a new place for the animals (at least the horses, if nothing else). So they may need to keep the Festival Arena empty as they move things to and fro.

It's hard to say what will happen. They may try to throw together some quasi, halfhearted Halloween Carnival, with just characters and nothing else! They may stick Santa Claus in the little log cabin for photos and then keep the Festival arena closed. Or, maybe they will do something like "Jingle Jangle Jamboree -- the Final Hoedown," or whatever.

This will mean the end of the Springtime Roundup (with the Disney character egg decorators) too. So, someone at Disney had better figure out a way to carve out an area at DCA that can handle a Halloween event, a Holiday Season event, and a Springtime event!

 

[OHBelle]

Nothing is definite about the Jingle Jangle Jamboree yet. It very well could return for one last hurrah this year, but if it does -- I'm sure it will be the last year for it. Remember, even before Disney announced Star Wars Land, the info had already gotten out that there were to be no pumpkin carvers at the Halloween Carnival this year, as well as no Pirates League. Someone else also told me that there probably would not be a Conjure a Villain tent. And Disneyland decorators were told that they were not having anything there this year. I thought they might need the locations for storage or rehearsals, but it sort of seemed like they were going into shutdown mode.

But then... after all of that information had come in, people got confused because Disney Visa's Fall newsletter -- which has been incorrect in the past -- mentioned the Carnival. Personally, I think that the newsletter was printed way before the info began trickling out. Maybe at the beginning of the year there was a plan for the Carnival, and then -- as it became certain that there would be a Star Wars Land -- plans changed.

It's not that ground is going to immediately be broken, nor will there be immediate demolition of the Festival Arena, where the Halloween Carnival and Jingle Jangle Jamboree take place. That work probably won't begin until next year, if not 2017. However, Disney has to start moving things around -- clearing out the area behind Toontown, clearing out space in the areas they own across the street, finding a new place for the animals (at least the horses, if nothing else). So they may need to keep the Festival Arena empty as they move things to and fro.

It's hard to say what will happen. They may try to throw together some quasi, halfhearted Halloween Carnival, with just characters and nothing else! They may stick Santa Claus in the little log cabin for photos and then keep the Festival arena closed. Or, maybe they will do something like "Jingle Jangle Jamboree -- the Final Hoedown," or whatever.

This will mean the end of the Springtime Roundup (with the Disney character egg decorators) too. So, someone at Disney had better figure out a way to carve out an area at DCA that can handle a Halloween event, a Holiday Season event, and a Springtime event!

Darn, I wish I would have made more of an effort to make it to the Jingle Jangle Jamboree last year! I am ok with Disney trying to improve and make new "lands", but I wish it didn't have to affect other areas. I guess there is only so much land to build on though.
I won't be making it back to DLR this holiday season, so if there is a "Final" season, I won't get to see it.

 

[Sherry E]

Darn, I wish I would have made more of an effort to make it to the Jingle Jangle Jamboree last year! I am ok with Disney trying to improve and make new "lands", but I wish it didn't have to affect other areas. I guess there is only so much land to build on though.
I won't be making it back to DLR this holiday season, so if there is a "Final" season, I won't get to see it.

Oh, that's too bad! I thought you were going to sneak in a short trip during the holidays! Didn't you say that you were going at one point?

I think that a lot of people did not make the time to go to the Halloween Carnival, the Jingle Jangle Jamboree OR the Springtime Roundup -- but they really were charming gems during their respective seasons. And that BBQ restaurant is super popular. I don't think it has sunk in yet -- people have not yet realized that the BBQ restaurant will have to go. When people begin to figure it out I think there will be a lot of uproar -- unless Disney has a plan in place to quickly relocate it. There are not too many places it can go, so we'll see....

​

By the way, everyone -- this week's theme (Christmas Trees, Wreaths and Holiday Horticulture [Flowers & Plants]) ends tonight, at 11:59 p.m., PST!!!!!!! If you have any last minute photos to contribute, do it today! Tomorrow morning I will begin a new Theme Week!!!

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[OHBelle]

Oh, that's too bad! I thought you were going to sneak in a short trip during the holidays! Didn't you say that you were going at one point?

I think that a lot of people did not make the time to go to the Halloween Carnival, the Jingle Jangle Jamboree OR the Springtime Roundup -- but they really were charming gems during their respective seasons. And that BBQ restaurant is super popular. I don't think it has sunk in yet -- people have not yet realized that the BBQ restaurant will have to go. When people begin to figure it out I think there will be a lot of uproar -- unless Disney has a plan in place to quickly relocate it. There are not too many places it can go, so we'll see....

You are right, I did say we were going to sneak in a quick trip. That changed when my oldest son decided to come for Thanksgiving this year and we had to use vacation time for time with him. We didn't have too many available vacation days with my middle sons wedding in Ohio coming up in October and I am headed to Ohio this coming weekend for the bridal shower. I am not complaining about it too much though. We haven't been able to spend Thanksgiving with the oldest in eight years, and I am excited about finally adding a daughter to the family!
I still wish I had made more of an effort to see the JJJ.

 

[Angel Ariel]

If they aren't putting SW land into Tomorrowland, I can only think that maybe that's because they are eventually putting Marvel into Tomorrowland instead?

BTW, great theme week pictures! I wish I could contribute, but we've never been to DLR at the holidays, only WDW. We are *so* excited for our holidays DLR trip this year! The pictures are just getting us more excited!

 

[kylie71]

In honor of possibly losing the JJJ, here are a few more, Tree's and Wreaths..... I will not be back to DLR over the winter Holidays until 2016.

Also, some more I missed the other day....

 

[Sherry E]

If they aren't putting SW land into Tomorrowland, I can only think that maybe that's because they are eventually putting Marvel into Tomorrowland instead?

BTW, great theme week pictures! I wish I could contribute, but we've never been to DLR at the holidays, only WDW. We are *so* excited for our holidays DLR trip this year! The pictures are just getting us more excited!

You can contribute to the final theme, on November 2nd -- the Holiday Cornucopia theme! That theme covers any and all holiday photos, so if you have WDW holiday photos to share you can do it then, or any other kind of holiday photo from anywhere (as long as it's yours!).

I keep thinking that something has got to eventually happen with Tomorrowland. The rumor has been for a while that Marvel would end up in DCA (a land of sorts, behind Hollywood Land or behind Cars Land). But Tomorrowland really needs some freshening up -- even if Disney hangs on to its oldest attractions for nostalgic purposes, it seems that most of the land can at least be given an aesthetic makeover.

 

[maleficent55]

My contribution for this week:

 

[flyingdumbo127]

I love the bear in the wagon, Kylie! The potted Christmas tree is so cute and reminds me of my own smaller Christmas tree that is planted out front of my building.

I first got to see Disneyland at Christmastime last December and am disappointed that I didn't at that time check out JJJ. It also sounds like the Spring round up is being axed also. I truly was looking forward to next Eastertime doing the egg hunt and seeing all the rabbits.

Tomorrowland definitely needs something...PeopleMover I also would love a fresh take on the submarines.

 

[Angel Ariel]

You can contribute to the final theme, on November 2nd -- the Holiday Cornucopia theme! That theme covers any and all holiday photos, so if you have WDW holiday photos to share you can do it then, or any other kind of holiday photo from anywhere (as long as it's yours!).

I keep thinking that something has got to eventually happen with Tomorrowland. The rumor has been for a while that Marvel would end up in DCA (a land of sorts, behind Hollywood Land or behind Cars Land). But Tomorrowland really needs some freshening up -- even if Disney hangs on to its oldest attractions for nostalgic purposes, it seems that most of the land can at least be given an aesthetic makeover.

I've got some great wdw shots...I will look forward to that last theme!! Thanks sherry!

 

[planningjollyholiday]

Downtown disney inside D street

Tangaroa terrace at the Disneyland hotel

Adventure tower at the Disneyland hotel

Shopping at Buena vista street

 

[Sherry E]

It’s Monday -- and it’s time for the second week of the 5th Annual Theme Week Countdown to begin!!

……Approximately 12 Weeks Until the
Holiday Season Begins at the Disneyland Resort!!!!
​

With each new week will come a different Disneyland Resort holiday theme!

As I have previously mentioned in this Superthread, I’ll be showcasing a particular aspect of DLR's holiday festivities each week until early November. Including today’s theme, there are 12 more themes to explore over the next 11 weeks: Eleven main weekly themes every Monday from today, August 17, 2015, through October 26, 2015, and a final “Holiday Cornucopia/These Are a Few of My Favorite Things” theme on Monday, November 2, 2015 (there will be more details about what the “Cornucopia” can include when we get closer to that date!).

Last year I began the Countdown about 3 weeks earlier than I started it this year. I am ending it before I expect the Holidays at DLR to officially commence (which will probably be Thursday, November 12th or Friday, November 13th, 2015, although nothing has been announced just yet). Once November starts and the decorations in the parks appear little by little each day, our attention shifts to learning information about and seeing photos of what is new for the current season’s celebration. This year there are many questions revolving around what will or will not be back for the holidays with the current focus on the Diamond (60th) Anniversary of Disneyland, and all eyes will be on any news or reports coming in from the parks.

Theme Week Countdowns are a great way to keep the photos rolling in on a regular basis and build anticipation for November at the Disneyland Resort! They are also a way to display the different elements, nuances and details of the Holidays at DLR that may be totally new to some visitors…or previously unnoticed/undiscovered by others. Finally, this is an excellent way for our Theme Week Countdown participants to shine a light on their wonderful pictures and attract visitors to their Trip Reports, photo libraries, etc.

Last week, we shared photos of beautiful Christmas Trees, Wreaths and Holiday Horticulture (Holiday Flowers and Plants) around Disneyland Resort.. So…what will be our second theme of 2015? It is a triple header Theme Week, featuring 3 themes in one!!

In the Spotlight this Week......

HOLIDAY CHARACTERS, PHOTOPASS and SANTA CLAUS PHOTOS!!!!!!​

Whether you’ve held Tinker Bell in your hand, gasped in shock at Stitch popping up out of the ground, pointed up at Disney characters ‘soarin’ overhead or sat on a bench next to Mickey Mouse, chances are you may have posed for a PhotoPass picture or two in the past.

During the Christmas season you will find extra special holiday photo opportunities, which may or may not include the dazzling nighttime Winter Castle; the enormous tree on Main Street; the magnificent It’s a Small World Holiday façade after dark; the ‘real’ Santa in front of the stunning tree in the lobby of the Grand Californian Hotel, and many more. Accentuate those photos with festive themed borders on the PhotoPass website and you’ve got the perfect family Christmas cards!


Whether or not you choose to invest the time and money in PhotoPass, you may want to meet a few characters. During the holiday season at Disneyland Resort, the characters in the parks will sometimes dress in winter sweaters and scarves or Santa hats – maybe even reindeer ears. Sometimes they simply wear their ‘street clothes’ and stand in front of a holiday display of some kind. Often times you can find these furry, playful friends around Main Street, or maybe even in Toontown. Occasionally they will appear in their seasonal outfits at character meals (more recently at Minnie and Friends). And you are sure to find at least a couple of characters (including Santa Goofy) at the Jingle Jangle Jamboree in Frontierland.


Santa Claus is in hot demand during the holiday season. Not only is he busy with his delivery duties on Christmas Eve, he is also a popular fixture in several places around Disneyland Resort.

From the official start of the holiday season in November to Christmas Eve, you will find the familiar ‘Red Suit Santa’ at the Jingle Jangle Jamboree (a.k.a. Big Thunder Ranch, a.k.a. Round-Up) in Disneyland and at the Elias & Co. store on Buena Vista Street, in California Adventure.

From Thanksgiving to December 24th you can find Santa at all 3 of the Disneyland Resort hotels (at different times of day – see the “Hotels” post on page 1 of this thread for Santa’s approximate schedules). Santa usually has a PhotoPass photographer with him at all locations except the one at the Paradise Pier Hotel (though the PPH Santa is said to be especially fun and lively) and sometimes the one at the Disneyland Hotel.

Infrequent sightings of a post-Christmas Santa, clad in a less formal green-ish ensemble at the Jingle Jangle Jamboree, have been reported -- though I’m not sure if Green Plaid Santa is guaranteed to be at the JJJ every year between Christmas and New Year’s Day. (At this rate, I’m not even sure if the Jingle Jangle Jamboree is going to return, but we’ll save that for another Theme Week!)

Today I am posting a mix of my PhotoPass pictures, character pictures, and pictures of Santa’s various photo spots, but please feel free to share your holiday character pictures (whether or not they are PhotoPass), your Santa Claus photos and your PhotoPass pictures!!!!

A few of my favorite PhotoPass Pictures through the years



From December 2013 – This was a free PhotoPass photo that I got with my PPH hotel reservation. I had to go to the camera shop on Main Street to pick up the photo, and I later scanned it (hence, the diminished quality). PhotoPass did not send me the actual photo file, which I think I would have preferred!

Anyway, I’m the one with the blue winter scarf, and the friendly faces you see around me (in front of the Buena Vista Street Christmas tree) are DIS’ers and Theme Week Countdown participants Janet/mom2rtk and her daughter, and Kathy/ksromack and her husband; as well as DIS’er Kim/kmedina and her family!

December 2011 – With Duffy at his former photo spot on Paradise Pier in DCA…

December 2009 - In front of the glorious nighttime Winter Castle, aglow in icicle lights…

December 2008 – With Santa at his Grand Californian Hotel photo spot (as you can see, I love me some winter scarves!)

December 2008 - Surprise (in front of the old, old DCA Christmas tree, pre-Buena Vista Street)!!!

Holiday-inspired Characters!



December 2013 – Notice that Buena Vista Street Goofy is wearing a holiday tie and a little wreath of some sort…

December 2013 – All the Pooh characters at this location in Critter Country wear some sort of holiday accessories/accents/attire!

November 2013 – Jingle Jangle Jamboree -- Holiday vest-wearing Mickey (excuse the blur – I literally had less than a second to snap, as people were running up to Mickey and I was trying to get one shot before anyone else ran in the frame)…

November 2012 – Buena Vista Street Pluto…

December 2010 - Reindeer Pluto at the Reindeer Round-Up (now known as the Jingle Jangle Jamboree)!

Ho ho ho! It’s Santa Claus!



November 2013 – At the Jingle Jangle Jamboree (again, another slightly blurry shot because I had to snap super-fast to catch Santa while I had a view of him, before anyone else got in the way)…

November 2013 – Another blink-and-you’ll-miss-him chance to snap Santa at Elias & Co. before people got in the way…

November 2012…Signs point the way to Santa at Elias & Co. …

December 2013 – Santa Claus’ jazzy, beach-themed photo spot at the Paradise Pier Hotel…

December 2013 – Santa’s elegant spot at the Grand Californian Hotel Christmas tree…

December 2013 – Santa’s lovely, detailed photo spot at the Disneyland Hotel (my favorite of the 3 hotel Santa locations)…

​

I may or may not post more photos during the week.

Please feel free to post your Holiday Character pictures, PhotoPass pictures and Santa Claus photos all this week, through Sunday, August 23, 2015, 11:59 p.m., P.S.T.

Then, stay tuned for our third theme on Monday, August 24th!! We have many themes coming up in future weeks, so get your photos ready!

 

[petals]

Some characters in their holiday finest:

This Mickey Mouse was the cutest. He was dancing along to the music playing nearby:

Jamboree characters:

Elias and Co.'s Santy:

and his elf:

 

[mlnbabies]

 

[jammyjam25]

What a great category for this week! I love themed characters.




Holiday Mater greeting guests in Carsland.



Goofy helping out with the reservations at Carthay Circle.



The Dapper Dans in their Christmas finest!



Mickey & Pluto outside Carthay Circle.



One of the citizens of Main St. looking festive indeed.



Viva Navidad! Minnie



The Three Caballeros! Was so excited to get our photos with them. <3



Mrs. Claus at the Jingle Jangle Jamboree



This isn't my kiddo but I thought it was too cute watching them walk down the street with Santa and Ms. Claus holding their hands!


And finally, me with Santa. Because you're never too old to tell Santa what you want for Christmas.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Awww, what an adorable start to this Monday. I am not even more excited at being at Disneyland this Christmastime and doing Minnie's breakfast. I don't have any character pictures except for the small world clock wearing a Santa hat but don't think that counts. It is awesome seeing photos of some you fellow Dis-er's who chose to post them. I do have two character photos that show me but I am very old fashioned and prefer not to post that type of photo (showing me) online. This year I'll have to take more pictures in general and of the characters. I have never done Photo Pass before but may look into it due to the character breakfast. Hooray for week 2 of our countdown! Yesterday my church celebrated Christmas in August (missed doing it in July) so lol we're getting there

 

[kylie71]

Here are a few from me....

Santa inside Elias & Company:

My sister Loretta and I, 2014
I am on the left

Me getting a hug from my favorite character, Pluto!

Me and Miss. Minnie!

My sister and I....

Me: and Mr. Disney, and a friend!

Family: Brother Mike, SIL Susan, Me, and sister Loretta

 

[valiamo]

So funny to look at the awesome photos and see those that are locals ( dressed in hoodies, sweaters, and scarves) and those that are from northern climates and dressed in T-shirts and shorts.

Great to see that Disney goes all out for this holiday, looking forward to our December trip, and YES I will be dressed in t-shirt and shorts!

 

[pattyduke34]

I Love taking pictures with characters!!

 

[OHBelle]

Here are my contributions to this weeks theme. I never got a picture of Santa, which I am bummed about and it will be first on my list whenever I get the chance to get back to DLR during the Holiday season. I will also get more pictures with the characters in their Holiday finery next time!


With Daisy

Carsland

Mater in his Santa hat

With Walt and Mickey

Disneyland