Disneyland at Christmas/Holiday Season Superthread #5

[Sherry E]

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!

I don't know how many are locals here other than myself -- and even I don't live in Orange County (where Disneyland is).

I hate heat. I hate humidity. I hate dry heat. I hate harsh sun. I can barely tolerate summer, and cannot wait for it to end. This weather makes me ill, and is one of the things I dislike (intensely) about Los Angeles. I've felt this way ever since I was a child, and I used to get terrible sunburns in the summer when I was younger.

So I long for and excitedly await anything that even resembles cold air. I love it! I love to be cold enough to bundle up, rather than being miserable in the heat. I am the one who is dancing and rejoicing when we are lucky enough to get something like 30-degree weather in December. (And yes, people are going to be cold when it's 30 degrees if it has been 80-100 degrees all year -- when you're acclimated to certain conditions, that's how it works!) Most of my fellow Los Angeles residents don't like cold, I gather. Many of them go running for the parkas and scarves when it drops under 70 degrees (literally). Not I, though.

In my intro post above -- look at the photo of my friends and me in front of the nighttime Winter Castle (from 2009). I am wearing a t-shirt... in December.... at night (though you can't see my bare arms). It was after 11 p.m., too. In fact, it was the weekend immediately before Christmas, so it was pretty far into December. It was probably 50-ish degrees, but there was no wind. It was pleasant enough to where I didn't need to even put on a jacket, let alone a scarf or coat. The year before -- in 2008 -- I was walking around with a hoodie on in December, and it was probably 40 some odd degrees -- and my teeth were chattering, even with the hoodie. I tried to tough it out, but I couldn't talk because my teeth kept chattering! It had also been 50 degrees in the daytime and super windy -- so that contributed to the coldness in the air.

In 2010, on my December trip, there was one day where it was 90 degrees -- miserable for me -- and probably in the 60s at night. No scarf or jacket on that occasion!

December 2013, it was 30 degrees and I tried to avoid putting on mittens as long as possible, but I had to eventually warm up to stop my teeth from chattering. The pain in my hip and leg (from an old back injury) was aggravated by the cold, and I began to feel nauseous. So, as much as I was loving the blast of cold air in Southern California, it was causing me problems and I had to go indoors.


The temperatures can vary greatly in December -- from 50 to 90 degrees in the daytime, and from 30 to 60 degrees at night. Things like wind can make a difference in how cold it feels! If it is 50 degrees with no wind, and the sun is out, it won't feel cold. However, if the wind kicks in and it's 50 degrees it suddenly gets quite chilly. If it is raining, and windy and 50 degrees, it's cold. Since I can tough it out and take a lot of weather that other people out here would consider cold, you know that if you see me wearing coats and scarves -- it is very cold for SoCal!

(By the way, in my first PhotoPass picture above, with mom2rtk and ksromack, I am the only one who is local there. Even mom2rtk -- who does not live anywhere near California -- agreed that it was very cold that morning!! By the time we took that photo, it had warmed up by a few degrees and I was already ready to shed the jacket and scarf -- but earlier that morning... Brrrrrrrrrrrr!)

 

[sgrap]

November 2005 . . . my teen in the pictures is now 24 and my preschooler is now a teenager! And we've added another daughter! Good memories . . . can't wait for our Christmas trip this November!

 

[kylie71]

I don't know how many are locals here other than myself -- and even I don't live in Orange County (where Disneyland is).

I hate heat. I hate humidity. I hate dry heat. I hate harsh sun. I can barely tolerate summer, and cannot wait for it to end. This weather makes me ill, and is one of the things I dislike (intensely) about Los Angeles. I've felt this way ever since I was a child, and I used to get terrible sunburns in the summer when I was younger.

So I long for and excitedly await anything that even resembles cold air. I love it! I love to be cold enough to bundle up, rather than being miserable in the heat. I am the one who is dancing and rejoicing when we are lucky enough to get something like 30-degree weather in December. (And yes, people are going to be cold when it's 30 degrees if it has been 80-100 degrees all year -- when you're acclimated to certain conditions, that's how it works!) Most of my fellow Los Angeles residents don't like cold, I gather. Many of them go running for the parkas and scarves when it drops under 70 degrees (literally). Not I, though.

In my intro post above -- look at the photo of my friends and me in front of the nighttime Winter Castle (from 2009). I am wearing a t-shirt... in December.... at night (though you can't see my bare arms). It was after 11 p.m., too. In fact, it was the weekend immediately before Christmas, so it was pretty far into December. It was probably 50-ish degrees, but there was no wind. It was pleasant enough to where I didn't need to even put on a jacket, let alone a scarf or coat. The year before -- in 2008 -- I was walking around with a hoodie on in December, and it was probably 40 some odd degrees -- and my teeth were chattering, even with the hoodie. I tried to tough it out, but I couldn't talk because my teeth kept chattering! It had also been 50 degrees in the daytime and super windy -- so that contributed to the coldness in the air.

In 2010, on my December trip, there was one day where it was 90 degrees -- miserable for me -- and probably in the 60s at night. No scarf or jacket on that occasion!

December 2013, it was 30 degrees and I tried to avoid putting on mittens as long as possible, but I had to eventually warm up to stop my teeth from chattering. The pain in my hip and leg (from an old back injury) was aggravated by the cold, and I began to feel nauseous. So, as much as I was loving the blast of cold air in Southern California, it was causing me problems and I had to go indoors.


The temperatures can vary greatly in December -- from 50 to 90 degrees in the daytime, and from 30 to 60 degrees at night. Things like wind can make a difference in how cold it feels! If it is 50 degrees with no wind, and the sun is out, it won't feel cold. However, if the wind kicks in and it's 50 degrees it suddenly gets quite chilly. If it is raining, and windy and 50 degrees, it's cold. Since I can tough it out and take a lot of weather that other people out here would consider cold, you know that if you see me wearing coats and scarves -- it is very cold for SoCal!

(By the way, in my first PhotoPass picture above, with mom2rtk and ksromack, I am the only one who is local there. Even mom2rtk -- who does not live anywhere near California -- agreed that it was very cold that morning!! By the time we took that photo, it had warmed up by a few degrees and I was already ready to shed the jacket and scarf -- but earlier that morning... Brrrrrrrrrrrr!)

When I was there for Thanksgiving 2010, it was FREEZING, and I live in Northern Nevada, 30 miles from Truckee, Ca. That is near Lake Tahoe, and often the coldest place in the USA in the winters.
That 2010 trip, the highs we're in the 40's, and windy.... we wore gloves in the day time, and layered clothing, including Hoodies! It was a miserable time at the park!
Fast forward to last Thanksgiving....... I wore shorts and t-shirts everyday of the trip, including my Teva sandals. It was 90 plus everyday. You just never know with So/Cal!

--Lori

 

[Sherry E]

When I was there for Thanksgiving 2010, it was FREEZING, and I live in Northern Nevada, 30 miles from Truckee, Ca. That is near Lake Tahoe, and often the coldest place in the USA in the winters.
That 2010 trip, the highs we're in the 40's, and windy.... we wore gloves in the day time, and layered clothing, including Hoodies! It was a miserable time at the park!
Fast forward to last Thanksgiving....... I wore shorts and t-shirts everyday of the trip, including my Teva sandals. It was 90 plus everyday. You just never know with So/Cal!

--Lori

That's exactly it, Lori! I totally agree. I remember Las Vegas being absolutely arctic when I was there many years ago -- it was in February, and it was cooooooold. Out here, the weather can go in so many different directions between September and December, but, in the last couple of months of the year, if a little bit of wind or rain comes along it can make the air seem really cold. Even the people who are used to cold in their own states are not expecting SoCal to be cold in any way, so it is surprising when they end up here during a 30 degree or 40 degree week.

 

[kylie71]

I have learned to bring both kinds of clothes to So/Cal in November! We have had more warm/hot weather in Nov than cold... 2010 was the only really cold weather we have encountered in over 20 years worth of Thanksgiving trips! That's a pretty good record!
We did have a rainy Christmas trip there once where it rained for a solid 3 days.... but that was a long time ago, maybe the last El Nino year, even!

We have had such mild, and dry winters in the Sierras, everything has changed with Global warming. Sadly!

--Lori

 

[Sherry E]

I have learned to bring both kinds of clothes to So/Cal in November! We have had more warm/hot weather in Nov than cold... 2010 was the only really cold weather we have encountered in over 20 years worth of Thanksgiving trips! That's a pretty good record!
We did have a rainy Christmas trip there once where it rained for a solid 3 days.... but that was a long time ago, maybe the last El Nino year, even!

We have had such mild, and dry winters in the Sierras, everything has changed with Global warming. Sadly!

--Lori

Going in November is the key -- it very rarely drops down to 40 degrees or below in November, unless it's like 5 a.m.! December, on the other hand, is a whole different story. You would encounter many more cold days/nights out here if you went to DLR in December, January and sometimes even February. I love it, though -- even though I have realized that it will aggravate the pain in my leg/hip and make me queasy, I would still much rather bundle up to feel warm than have to deal with being miserable in the heat.

 

[PHXscuba]

Both of my later 2013 visits (in mid-September, and the December one when we met) were unseasonably cold. That day in December was cold enough that they turned off the water to Grizzly River Run and kept it closed. I had hot chocolate 3 times that day (Ghirardelli was the best by far). The wind was the real problem that day, chilling me and eventually stopping World of Color (holiday version).

PHXscuba

 

[Sherry E]

Both of my later 2013 visits (in mid-September, and the December one when we met) were unseasonably cold. That day in December was cold enough that they turned off the water to Grizzly River Run and kept it closed. I had hot chocolate 3 times that day (Ghirardelli was the best by far). The wind was the real problem that day, chilling me and eventually stopping World of Color (holiday version).

PHXscuba

Oh my goodness -- I remember that day! That was the Club 33 day (and I had met Janet/mom2rtk and Kathy/ksromack the day before, when it was also cold). The wind was crazy for a while. I remember reading in your TR about not being able to see the entire Winter Dreams because it had to stop due to wind. And I remember that you got hot chocolate at least once -- did you get some in Hollywood Land at some point? - but I had forgotten that you had it 3 times! (The Club 33 version of hot chocolate was tasty, but lukewarm.)

 

[PHXscuba]

Oh my goodness -- I remember that day! That was the Club 33 day (and I had met Janet/mom2rtk and Kathy/ksromack the day before, when it was also cold). The wind was crazy for a while. I remember reading in your TR about not being able to see the entire Winter Dreams because it had to stop due to wind. And I remember that you got hot chocolate at least once -- did you get some in Hollywood Land at some point? - but I had forgotten that you had it 3 times! (The Club 33 version of hot chocolate was tasty, but lukewarm.)

Let's see, in the morning I had mint hot chocolate from HollywoodLand (Award Weiners or Schmoozies?), the cup I had at Club 33, and Ghirardelli to keep us warm while waiting for WoC. I do love hot coca but don't get nearly enough chance to drink it here in AZ (and I sit here in the 106 heat slurping a large diet soda).

PHXscuba

 

[Sherry E]

Let's see, in the morning I had mint hot chocolate from HollywoodLand (Award Weiners or Schmoozies?), the cup I had at Club 33, and Ghirardelli to keep us warm while waiting for WoC. I do love hot coca but don't get nearly enough chance to drink it here in AZ (and I sit here in the 106 heat slurping a large diet soda).

PHXscuba

I'm trying to get myself into "Fall food/drink mode," and start preparing my taste buds for warm drinks and seasonal flavors. But really, it's too hot, and all I have been craving are cold, fruity things -- lemonade, strawberry smoothies or Frappuccinos -- or root beer floats! I am hoping that the arrival of the Dreyer's Grand Peppermint Wonderland ice cream next month will help me with the transition from summer flavors to holiday flavors!

 

[kylie71]

Its 98 here today, and I also had a large Diet soda with lunch... I have given up many things, but I hold on to that 1 diet soda a day!

In 2010, we drank hot cocoa too, the then Market House also had a pretty good hot apple cider. Something I had never had at Disneyland!
We spent some time in the Hearthstone Lounge that trip, getting a Bailey's and coffee!

--Lori

 

[Sherry E]

Its 98 here today, and I also had a large Diet soda with lunch... I have given up many things, but I hold on to that 1 diet soda a day!

In 2010, we drank hot cocoa too, the then Market House also had a pretty good hot apple cider. Something I had never had at Disneyland!
We spent some time in the Hearthstone Lounge that trip, getting a Bailey's and coffee!

--Lori

I have not had cider in soooooo long. Either it's just not cold enough to drink it, or when it is cold enough I don't have any around and handy. I would like to try some of Disneyland's cider!

It's funny you and PHXscuba mention the soda. Normally I drink water and plain black coffee in everyday life. Despite the cravings for the lemonade, root beer floats and Frappuccinos, I have only had a few this whole year (since spring). I tend to save the "splurging" on beverages for trips. However, I do keep soda in the fridge for those "just in case" times, and it has been hot and uncomfortable enough to where I broke down and drank a soda to cool off a couple of weeks ago!

 

[ksromack]

December 2013, it was 30 degrees and I tried to avoid putting on mittens as long as possible, but I had to eventually warm up to stop my teeth from chattering. The pain in my hip and leg (from an old back injury) was aggravated by the cold, and I began to feel nauseous. So, as much as I was loving the blast of cold air in Southern California, it was causing me problems and I had to go indoors.

(By the way, in my first PhotoPass picture above, with mom2rtk and ksromack, I am the only one who is local there. Even mom2rtk -- who does not live anywhere near California -- agreed that it was very cold that morning!! By the time we took that photo, it had warmed up by a few degrees and I was already ready to shed the jacket and scarf -- but earlier that morning... Brrrrrrrrrrrr!)

It WAS chilly that day! Fortunately I knew to bring a variety of clothes (and this is actually true for WDW during December). I'll post my pics tomorrow but wanted to comment on how great everyone's photos have been!

 

[lorijohnhill]

When I was there for Thanksgiving 2010, it was FREEZING, and I live in Northern Nevada, 30 miles from Truckee, Ca. That is near Lake Tahoe, and often the coldest place in the USA in the winters.
That 2010 trip, the highs we're in the 40's, and windy.... we wore gloves in the day time, and layered clothing, including Hoodies! It was a miserable time at the park!
Fast forward to last Thanksgiving....... I wore shorts and t-shirts everyday of the trip, including my Teva sandals. It was 90 plus everyday. You just never know with So/Cal!

--Lori

We were there for Thanksgiving 2010 also! I was just looking at my photos yesterday and marveling at how bundled up we were! It was cold! I would love to have some of that cold right now....

 

[kylie71]

Are you from California? Seems like you are.... Yes, it's very hot here the last few days! I would like a 60ish day.....

--Lori

 

[lorijohnhill]

Are you from California? Seems like you are.... Yes, it's very hot here the last few days! I would like a 60ish day.....

--Lori

Yes, Sacramento. Like Sherry, I get sick from the heat. I much prefer fall and winter.

 

[kylie71]

I was born in Carmichael! It's Small world after all.........

--Lori

 

[lorijohnhill]

Thanksgiving trip 2010... she was so little!





Tigger was bouncing her! LOL It was so funny!


January 2015








Back to Thanksgiving 2010. This was the only Santa she ever visited with hysterical tears and screaming.

I was born in Carmichael! It's Small world after all.........

--Lori

hmmm... same name, same area of origin (I was born on Mather AF base), visit Disney at the same time... I'd say it's a very small world!

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Thank you again to all for sharing your awesome photos and also in some letting us "meet" us through them, too. I have enjoyed very much a more careful gander at photos from earlier today and also later. I would love to meet some of you sometime at DL, awesome some of you have done that already. Thanks to all for the awesome border pictures, too, love them all and maybe one day will invest as I said in that thread in PP+. I appreciate being able to check it out more live through your pix here now.

Anyway....trying to not forget anyone. OhBelle, I don't think I have ever seen Daisy at the parks before....now that I think about it....maybe Donald has been hiding too? Such a cute picture and looks like you and your husband were having fun

Kylie, from yesterday Drummer Mouse Mickey by the popcorn and TV set featuring a snowy village is so cool! From today, Reindeer Pluto, aww. His Mouse friend Mickey probably has a little favorite character place in my heart but I have always liked Pluto too. Cool he's your favorite.

Sherry thanks again for the PP pictures and it is also so cool meeting some Dis-ers on here, thanks for sharing. The castle is gorgeous and so cute Santa Duffy. I love Winnie the Pooh and Friends. I got to meet him, tigger, and eyeore last December. No Rabbit. Cute to see Santa Rabbit and will keep an ear out for him this year.

Petals, Mickey in his green sweater is adorable! Lol is Goofy doing a puzzle?

Minbabies, thanks for sharing your pix, too. The cars/map border is neat.

Jammyjam, I like your username. Mickey and Pluto sure do look all decked out

Valiamo, I am local and cane be weather sensitive. I lived up in NorCal, for years where it was much cooler than down here and was usually bundled up but got more used to it for some reason. I remember teaching preschool out here (I am local, about 45-1 hour from DL) and some later afternoons outside being freezing. I'd wear a sweatshirt under a parka and a knit hat. At that time, I was also thinner than I am now, maybe close to being too thin and maybe that's why I was cold. Last December for a Candlelight night, the earlier time, I was a little cold but okay in a long sleeved T and a lightweight but heavier fleecy sweatshirt.

Pattyduke what a precious little boy and picture with Mrs. Claus.

Hooray for Christmas memories and pictures in August. Thanks again for sharing to all!

 

[JadeDarkstar]

here is my fav from last year. I will look to get more up this week but I have had a long couple days and have a couple long days ahead of me so getting this in just in case I miss the rest the week.