Disneyland at Christmas/Holiday Season Superthread #5

[Sherry E]

Someone chime in , talk me down or something LOL.

Okay SO - right now I have Dec 5th and 6th booked at PPH Theme Park Club level
The plan right now is to move to DLH standard for 5 nights after.

Here's where I'm getting a little crazy..I'm thinking of doing the Disney Hotel Trifecta. PPH-GCH-DLH

Being both holiday season and our last Disney trip as AP holders for at least a year I kind of want to hit everything we never had - including a PPH and GCH stay.
I figure even if we move luggage ourselves from PPH to GCH it'll be easy as it's right across the street.

So it would be:

PPH Theme Park CL Dec. 5th - 7th - AP rate
GCH Woods/CY Dec. 7th-10th - Orbitz
DLH Standard Dec. 10th-12th - AP rate

EDIT : Decided to just upgrade to Premium view at DLH for 5 nights. Ignore my craziness lol.

Lol. Okay, so you decided against the trifecta in one trip and went for the DLH premium view instead?

Either way -- whether you stay at all 3 hotels in one trip, or you stay at two hotels with fantastic views -- your holiday adventure sounds like it will be incredible! Why not live it up? As long as you feel comfortable with spending the money and want to make your trip extra special, I say go for it! If I had the funds I would probably add all kinds of extras to my trips to make them even more special. And if you don't plan to get back to DLR for quite a while, you might as well go out with a bang on your last trip.

Hello

I ran the DL star wars half marathon last year, so I got to see the very tail end of Christmas. We saw one day of the hm overlay, the iasw overlay... And that was basically all.

This year we are lucky enough to be attending the disunplugged abd backstage magic trip, which places us at Disneyland smack dab in the middle of the holiday magic.

So I have a few questions, naturally.

1. During the dca celebration, is it feliz navidad? Are the 3 caballeros available to meet? I heard they're in the little dance party parade?

2. Will the Christmas carnival thing near the petting zoo still be occurring? Or was that canceled this year. That is where all the characters meet in their Christmas gear, right?

I think those are my two major questions for now. Sorry, I know I'm woefully uninformed.

Hi there! Welcome back to the Superthread!

Viva Navidad is in DCA, and yes -- the Three Caballeros are part of the street party, and I believe they also had a meet & greet spot at one point (though they were not there all day). I love Viva Navidad -- it is so lively and jubilant.

The Jingle Jangle Jamboree is not happening this year -- and probably never again. Santa Claus used to greet guests there, but now he is going to be in Critter Country. The characters were in winter sweaters and other holiday attire at the Jamboree, but I suspect they will be back in Town Square this year.

Right now, the ranch area adjacent to what would have been the Halloween Carnival/Jingle Jangle Jamboree is decorated for fall and Halloween. The animals are still at the petting farm. My guess is that the area will get some holiday/Christmas décor for one final year, and the animals will be there until January 10th, but there will be no characters or anything else happening at the Ranch/Jamboree/Roundup area.

 

[grnflash]

Viva Navidad is in DCA, and yes -- the Three Caballeros are part of the street party, and I believe they also had a meet & greet spot at one point (though they were not there all day). I love Viva Navidad -- it is so lively and jubilant.

The 3 met both past years in the gazebo-like structure just in front of the restrooms by Paradise Garden Grill. They met after each show.

 

[OhioStateBuckeye]

They were doing this Lego "Who's IN" sign for the new NCAA football playoff system. My husband and I really liked it and both were hoping, but not expecting that our favorite team, The Ohio State Buckeyes would make it "in". They did and won the championship.

Have a good weekend everyone!

O-H!!

Hi there! Welcome back to the Superthread!

Viva Navidad is in DCA, and yes -- the Three Caballeros are part of the street party, and I believe they also had a meet & greet spot at one point (though they were not there all day). I love Viva Navidad -- it is so lively and jubilant.

The Jingle Jangle Jamboree is not happening this year -- and probably never again. Santa Claus used to greet guests there, but now he is going to be in Critter Country. The characters were in winter sweaters and other holiday attire at the Jamboree, but I suspect they will be back in Town Square this year.

Right now, the ranch area adjacent to what would have been the Halloween Carnival/Jingle Jangle Jamboree is decorated for fall and Halloween. The animals are still at the petting farm. My guess is that the area will get some holiday/Christmas décor for one final year, and the animals will be there until January 10th, but there will be no characters or anything else happening at the Ranch/Jamboree/Roundup area.

OK great! I've been hoping to meet the Caballeros forever!

That is such a shame about the ranch area. I love that whole place. It is so laid back and so different from anything WDW (my home park) has. We got to experience the very end of the Easter festivities one year when they had all the rabbits out meeting (Roger, Thumper, Rabbit from Winnie the Pooh) and then Mickey and Minnie in their Easter finery (or as I called it, their golfing outfits). I'm glad I get to see it one last time in December.

My boyfriend and I have been big into character hunting lately, and that was a great place for it.

What with all the ABD activities that are planned, I hope we have enough time to see most of the Christmas stuff!

The 3 met both past years in the gazebo-like structure just in front of the restrooms by Paradise Garden Grill. They met after each show.

Awesome! Looking forward to this a lot, hope they still do it.

 

[grnflash]

Awesome! Looking forward to this a lot, hope they still do it.

Me too and I don't see why they wouldn't. They are already in costume for the street show. They had a photopass photog last year, I hope they do this year too and you get a good shot .

 

[OHBelle]

O-H!!

I-O!!!

 

[Sherry E]

Starbucks' Frappuccino White Chocolate Mocha Coffee Drink has been spotted on store shelves, and it is has a definite wintry/holiday-ish design (snowflakes) on the package - http://www.theimpulsivebuy.com/word...appuccino-white-chocolate-mocha-coffee-drink/.

Tomorrow I am heading to the store and I am going to look carefully for Dreyer's (Edy's) Limited Edition Peppermint Wonderland ice cream (which is also served at Disneyland Resort during the holidays!!!), as it should be in the freezer aisle by now!! I love me some peppermint ice cream and I need a fix!

 

[Angrose]

Just a few pictures for this week:

 

[Sherry E]

Now is around the time when Thanksgiving dinner reservations should open up, although some folks may remember the confusion that took place last year over when the reservations became available! This year the reservations have been weird for October and early November, so it is possible that Thanksgiving reservations could be delayed.

DIS'er Orbitron posted some great photos from 2014's Thanksgiving feast at the Disneyland Hotel, here - http://www.disboards.com/threads/di...i-november-13th.3358217/page-57#post-54303737.

The Parks Blog should be doing a Thanksgiving Dining piece in the next week or so, and hopefully the reservations will be open at that point. If you happen to be booking a Thanksgiving meal and find that the reservations are open even before the Parks Blog does their annual blog, please report here and let us know!

 

[Astylla]

Thanks! What is your opinion of the fried chicken, Sherry? We've never tried it.

OMG you MUST have it !! It's one of our favorite meals in the parks. MY DH and I always split it , ask for white meat only and it always fills us up. We usually get in line at 11am to wait LOL.

Starbucks' Frappuccino White Chocolate Mocha Coffee Drink has been spotted on store shelves, and it is has a definite wintry/holiday-ish design (snowflakes) on the package - http://www.theimpulsivebuy.com/word...appuccino-white-chocolate-mocha-coffee-drink/.

Tomorrow I am heading to the store and I am going to look carefully for Dreyer's (Edy's) Limited Edition Peppermint Wonderland ice cream (which is also served at Disneyland Resort during the holidays!!!), as it should be in the freezer aisle by now!! I love me some peppermint ice cream and I need a fix!

Oh peppermint ice cream is the BEST. I thought last year it wasn't the same in the parks or did that ever get confirmed or denied ? I just recall lots of discussion about it lol.

Oh btw I'm STILL constantly checking and rechecking and overthinking our stay..this is what I get for being a planner and overacheiver LOL.

Now the pseudo plan is

PPH CL Premium view Dec. 5th -7th
GCH Woods/CY view Dec. 7th - 9th/10th
PPH Standard CL Dec. 9th/10th - 12th

I need help..

 

[Sherry E]

OMG you MUST have it !! It's one of our favorite meals in the parks. MY DH and I always split it , ask for white meat only and it always fills us up. We usually get in line at 11am to wait LOL.



Oh peppermint ice cream is the BEST. I thought last year it wasn't the same in the parks or did that ever get confirmed or denied ? I just recall lots of discussion about it lol.

Oh btw I'm STILL constantly checking and rechecking and overthinking our stay..this is what I get for being a planner and overacheiver LOL.

Now the pseudo plan is

PPH CL Premium view Dec. 5th -7th
GCH Woods/CY view Dec. 7th - 9th/10th
PPH Standard CL Dec. 9th/10th - 12th

I need help..

Now I am craving that Plaza Inn fried chicken too! Someone asked about pizza in a different thread and I began craving that. I know what it is -- I haven't eaten much this past week, and so everything I hear about is now calling out to me. Chicken? I want that! Pizza? I must have it now! Ice cream? Bring it on!

I think that the final verdict on last year's peppermint ice cream at DLR was that it was, indeed, the same as it had been in previous years. At first it seemed like it was the dreaded Slow Churned ice cream, but it turned out to be the normal, full fat variety, as I recall.

Well, I think that if you are going to go for the PPH Standard View CL at the end of your trip, you might as well just do the trifecta and stay at the DLH! If it were the DCA view room at PPH I might feel differently, but a standard view is probably not as magical as staying at the DLH. Plus, I don't think I have ever read a TR or heard a report of anyone staying at all 3 hotels in one single trip! That is probably a first -- or at least, very rare.

Whatever you decide, it sounds like your last trip to DLR for a while will be amazing!

 

[Astylla]

Now I am craving that Plaza Inn fried chicken too! Someone asked about pizza in a different thread and I began craving that. I know what it is -- I haven't eaten much this past week, and so everything I hear about is now calling out to me. Chicken? I want that! Pizza? I must have it now! Ice cream? Bring it on!

I think that the final verdict on last year's peppermint ice cream at DLR was that it was, indeed, the same as it had been in previous years. At first it seemed like it was the dreaded Slow Churned ice cream, but it turned out to be the normal, full fat variety, as I recall.

Well, I think that if you are going to go for the PPH Standard View CL at the end of your trip, you might as well just do the trifecta and stay at the DLH! If it were the DCA view room at PPH I might feel differently, but a standard view is probably not as magical as staying at the DLH. Plus, I don't think I have ever read a TR or heard a report of anyone staying at all 3 hotels in one single trip! That is probably a first -- or at least, very rare.

Whatever you decide, it sounds like your last trip to DLR for a while will be amazing!

I could eat Plaza Inn Chicken every week if I could lol. All the food threads are amazing , I'm drooling already.

The hotel thing is a balancing act for sure LOL. I'm trying to maximize value and enjoyment while not breaking the bank TOO much..hah.
We always spend a good chunk of cash on drinks so the club level waters/sodas would definitely help. We also like to take breaks while closing the park so the hours work well for us as well as the cost for the room with CL even "standard" is negligible over the DLH view room. As much as I love the pool and DTD views at DLH , I think we would make USE of the CL more than our window in this trip.

I think i've decided the first two nights with theme park view at PPH are more important for us because it's our arrival days and just being able to take things in before we spend the rest of the week on the go could be a good way to start.

So I'm still in semi flux and re-checking daily ( That's how I grabbed PPH CL standard for Dec, 9th-12th/was unavailable all week) and absolutely worst case can see at check in if there is any way for a paid upgrade to Theme Park CL at PPH
Worst case we still have CL access. Phew..and this is why everyone comes to me when planning haha.

 

[sgrap]

I could eat Plaza Inn Chicken every week if I could lol. All the food threads are amazing , I'm drooling already.

.

Is there usually a long wait for the Plaza Inn?

Your plans sound amazing!!! You will have fun wherever you stay! We are definitely partial to the Grand Californian . . . stayed there on our first DLR family trip right after it opened. Got spoiled. We tried the PPH (standard view) once and it wasn't the same. I think if we weren't so spoiled by the Grand, it would have been great though. We finally bought into DVC at the Grand Californian this year --should have done that a long time ago! It will be our first DVC stay when we go in November, can't wait!

 

[Sherry E]

I could eat Plaza Inn Chicken every week if I could lol. All the food threads are amazing , I'm drooling already.

The hotel thing is a balancing act for sure LOL. I'm trying to maximize value and enjoyment while not breaking the bank TOO much..hah.
We always spend a good chunk of cash on drinks so the club level waters/sodas would definitely help. We also like to take breaks while closing the park so the hours work well for us as well as the cost for the room with CL even "standard" is negligible over the DLH view room. As much as I love the pool and DTD views at DLH , I think we would make USE of the CL more than our window in this trip.

I think i've decided the first two nights with theme park view at PPH are more important for us because it's our arrival days and just being able to take things in before we spend the rest of the week on the go could be a good way to start.

So I'm still in semi flux and re-checking daily ( That's how I grabbed PPH CL standard for Dec, 9th-12th/was unavailable all week) and absolutely worst case can see at check in if there is any way for a paid upgrade to Theme Park CL at PPH
Worst case we still have CL access. Phew..and this is why everyone comes to me when planning haha.

Good points. It's important to get the most bang for your buck and it sounds like CL will work for you on both ends of the trip. It also sounds like a good plan to start out the trip with the awesome view. The view is kind of an introduction to the magic. It's a teaser. You can look out into the Paradise Pier area of DCA and even see the Christmas tree. You can hear the Viva Navidad street party going on. It's great. It helps to build excitement before getting into the parks. It always boosted my mood to be able to look out at the great view.

 

[Astylla]

This will be our first split stay experience but I feel that PPH and GCH are close enough that it's not that difficult, especially as its just DH and me we don't bring that much. I've wanted to stay at GCH forever, because if we don't try something new we won't know how it compares. I love the DLH and am obsessed with the headboards and views, but it actually came out about $250 LESS before factoring in any food and drink offerings from CL.

My husband just laughs and goes with the flow thankfully. I'm looking forward to enjoying Hearthstone lounge too and the lobby is always amazing at GCH especially the holidays. I've heard the hotel tour is awesome too so we'll try to do that also.

I'm sure we'll be at the DLH for a Trader Sams night anyway and possibly meeting friends at Steakhouse 55.

Now I'm just waiting for dining to open up because as many times as we've been to DL we never ate at Big Thunder Ranch BBQ so that's a must.

 

[siskaren]

Tomorrow I am heading to the store and I am going to look carefully for Dreyer's (Edy's) Limited Edition Peppermint Wonderland ice cream (which is also served at Disneyland Resort during the holidays!!!), as it should be in the freezer aisle by now!! I love me some peppermint ice cream and I need a fix!

I've seen it (as well as Pumpkin Patch) at both Target and a local grocery chain. And I've discovered a new seasonal item that I really like - Archer Farms (which is a Target private label) Cinnamon & Sugar Sweet Potato Chips.

 

[Sherry E]

I've seen it (as well as Pumpkin Patch) at both Target and a local grocery chain. And I've discovered a new seasonal item that I really like - Archer Farms (which is a Target private label) Cinnamon & Sugar Sweet Potato Chips.

Last year and this year, Archer Farms has been cranking out the seasonal products -- particularly for Fall/Halloween, it seems. I have not tried any of them but they are certainly getting in the spirit of the season!

Thank you for letting me know about the Peppermint Wonderland sighting at Target! That gives me hope that I will see it at CVS or at Ralphs. And if it's not at either of those stores then I will probably find it at CityTarget. Some stores seem to get the ice cream in stock earlier than others, as we have learned from the last couple of years of stalking the peppermint ice cream!

 

[millie0312]

OMG you MUST have it !! It's one of our favorite meals in the parks. MY DH and I always split it , ask for white meat only and it always fills us up. We usually get in line at 11am to wait LOL.



Oh peppermint ice cream is the BEST. I thought last year it wasn't the same in the parks or did that ever get confirmed or denied ? I just recall lots of discussion about it lol.

Oh btw I'm STILL constantly checking and rechecking and overthinking our stay..this is what I get for being a planner and overacheiver LOL.

Now the pseudo plan is

PPH CL Premium view Dec. 5th -7th
GCH Woods/CY view Dec. 7th - 9th/10th
PPH Standard CL Dec. 9th/10th - 12th

I need help..

Lol!! You plan like me- probably too much but we just can't help ourselves! I was thinking about trying DLH this trip but after staying at GCH I just can't "downgrade" LOL honestly the only downgrade for me there is the walk (we have two kids in tow) and the views (I have NO desire to see DTD which looks like a bunch of buildings to me when I can overlook the pool and theme park at GCH). I want to stay at DLH someday because the beds, rooms and pool are great and the atmosphere is awesome- characters running around the lobby, etc. I bet you will love any room you pick but hoping you can get out of the standard the last couple days.

 

[scorpio69]

Hi there, what would be the best time to see the Xmas decorations, iam open to any date since iam local. Mid November before thanksgiving week. .? But I see the marvel thing going on the 14th and 15th. Iam not concerned about the roses but just want it sane enough to enjoy the decorations! Thanks for any help

 

[Sherry E]

Hi there, what would be the best time to see the Xmas decorations, iam open to any date since iam local. Mid November before thanksgiving week. .? But I see the marvel thing going on the 14th and 15th. Iam not concerned about the roses but just want it sane enough to enjoy the decorations! Thanks for any help

Hello, and welcome!

Normally I might say that if you don't care about seeing the hotels decorated (that would include the gingerbread creations at the GCH), go at the start of the season in November, before Thanksgiving week. However, this year there will be the Avengers marathon taking place from 11/12 - 11/15, and then the Star Wars-influenced Season of the Force begins on 11/16. The crowds already seem to be affected by the 60th anniversary this year -- Disneyland even reached capacity for a short time last week, which is very unusual for September -- so I have a feeling that with Season of the Force opening on 11/16, in conjunction with the holidays, the parks will pretty much be very busy through the rest of the year... unless it rains. If it rains, the crowds will drop considerably.

So, since I don't think the crowds will necessarily be light in the week before Thanksgiving, I might suggest early December. If you can manage a weekday -- like a Wednesday -- in the first week or two of December, that might be good, as it will be after the crowds for Thanksgiving break have left, and before the Christmas break crowds arrive. And the hotels will be in full holiday decoration mode at that point, so you can see those too, if you want to.

 

[scorpio69]

Hello, and welcome!

Normally I might say that if you don't care about seeing the hotels decorated (that would include the gingerbread creations at the GCH), go at the start of the season in November, before Thanksgiving week. However, this year there will be the Avengers marathon taking place from 11/12 - 11/15, and then the Star Wars-influenced Season of the Force begins on 11/16. The crowds already seem to be affected by the 60th anniversary this year -- Disneyland even reached capacity for a short time last week, which is very unusual for September -- so I have a feeling that with Season of the Force opening on 11/16, in conjunction with the holidays, the parks will pretty much be very busy through the rest of the year... unless it rains. If it rains, the crowds will drop considerably.

So, since I don't think the crowds will necessarily be light in the week before Thanksgiving, I might suggest early December. If you can manage a weekday -- like a Wednesday -- in the first week or two of December, that might be good, as it will be after the crowds for Thanksgiving break have left, and before the Christmas break crowds arrive. And the hotels will be in full holiday decoration mode at that point, so you can see those too, if you want to.

Thank you Sherry, iam a long time lurker here (!) . We will be going to our second halloween party on the 14th which I did not even know about until I stumbled on this great board! I think the first Wednesday of December sounds like a plan.