DL in December

[hoosiergirl7]

DH is expecting to get word on a new job this week that will move us to Atlanta. However, he will have to do 10 days of training out in Long Beach and DS and I are planning on going with him. One of the possible training dates is Dec 3 - 11.

We lived in So. Cali for 3 yrs and never once visited DL at Christmas. We got to it plenty of other times. I know, how sad is that. So if we go we will definitely spend the weekend or at least part of it at DL. For those who have been to DL in December what should I expect. I'm so excited at the prospect of going. Christmas and Mickey - two of my favorite things (next to DH & DS).

I can't wait to sink my teeth into an In 'n Out burger with grilled onions! I think that's one of the things I'm looking forward to the most. And I'm also looking forward to the parking lot traffic on the 405

 

[Sherry E]

DH is expecting to get word on a new job this week that will move us to Atlanta. However, he will have to do 10 days of training out in Long Beach and DS and I are planning on going with him. One of the possible training dates is Dec 3 - 11.

We lived in So. Cali for 3 yrs and never once visited DL at Christmas. We got to it plenty of other times. I know, how sad is that. So if we go we will definitely spend the weekend or at least part of it at DL. For those who have been to DL in December what should I expect. I'm so excited at the prospect of going. Christmas and Mickey - two of my favorite things (next to DH & DS).

I can't wait to sink my teeth into an In 'n Out burger with grilled onions! I think that's one of the things I'm looking forward to the most. And I'm also looking forward to the parking lot traffic on the 405

I think everyone agrees that DL is magical to begin with, but there is something extra, extra special during the holidays. It is like Disneyland, but 100 times more enchanting. First of all, you will be able to ride BOTH the Haunted Mansion Holiday and It's A Small World Holiday rides. On Small World, as you sail through the 'candy factory,' if you smell hard enough you will catch a faint whiff of peppermint in the air. Those rides are worth the visit alone. Then, if you can, take a walk through the lobby of the Grand Californian Hotel and soak in the ambience. The whole place sort of looks lilke an elegant but rustic chalet. Dark wood and dim lights. It's great. The lobby is enormous, there is a fire burning in the hearth, there are big, comfy chairs to sit in, sip hot drinks and admire the large Christmas tree, and Carolers come in every night to entertain and take requests. Plus, there is a piano player every night too. IN DL, there are Mickey-shaped wreaths scattered here and there on lampposts (they use to adorn Main Street, but last year I only saw them in ToonTown), and there is a humongous tree with enormous (fake) presents underneath right near the entrance to Main Street. The Blue Ribbon Bakery and other assorted places serve special holiday munchies and beverages. At night, take a look at the castle - it glows a bluish-purple throughout the park, glistening with fake 'icicles' draping offof it. It is STUNNING to look at from afar. It almost takes your breath away. The Christmas lights at night are gorgeous too. And then, at several times throughout the night, there is 'snow' that falls on Main Street (check with city Hall for times on that). All the characters are wearing some sort of winter gear. There is all kinds of stuff there for the holidays.

And for non-holiday stuff that is there year round, keep an eye out for Hidden Mickeys everywhere; look at the 'fake gum' on Main Street which is actually magnetic sensors used for parade floats' location; and check out all the edible plants and trees in Tomorrowland. Also, look for all the pressed penny machines as there are special holiday ones only out for a limited time.

I hope I gave you a good idea of some things to look for. I am having a hard time typing tonight for some reason! Anyway, our other great members here will chime in with brilliant wisdom and tips for you! Have a great time! (But I already know you will!)

 

[Sherry E]

And here is what It's A Small World Holiday looks like at night. The line for the ride increases 300% at night because these gorgeous lights attract people like moths to a flame! My picture does not do it justice!

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[dizneekrazee]

Sherry is right. It is incredibly gorgeous at christmas time. We have not been at that time of year for a few years, and plan on that again next year, if our jobs allow of course. Definately visit while you are in town, it is a must do experience for all Disney fans. Sherry is also right about the picture, it does not serve justice to seeing IASW in person, breathtaking. The only thing about the holidays (halloween and christmas) that I wouldnt mind them doing away with, is HM holiday. I love the original HM too much. Well, I guess it is ok for chirstmas, but halloween should have the sppokier original IMHO.

Please go, you will not be disappointed.

 

[mariezp]

You will love it! I have to agree with Sherry E, that as magical as DL is all the time, it is even better during the holidays. There is just a certain feel to the park that will put you in the Christmas spirit!

Be sure to check out Big Thunder Ranch during the holiday season. Santa is there with his reindeer. They also have shows and cookie decorating.

Of course, you don't want to miss the Christmas parade and Christmas fireworks! You can grab a wonderful white hot chocolate at the Market House to keep you warm if the night is nippy!

We have also done the Christmas tour and found it quite enjoyable.

There are all kinds of little holiday details. And what better place to get started on your Christmas shopping!

 

[Sleepless Knight]

I have gone to Disneyland every single year in December since 2003. Frankly, I've reached a point where I'm worried about what happens in the December that I don't make it down to Disneyland. It's almost like I'm not in full Christmas mood until I've been to Disneyland.

 

[TheAXIOM]

I have gone to Disneyland every single year in December since 2003. Frankly, I've reached a point where I'm worried about what happens in the December that I don't make it down to Disneyland. It's almost like I'm not in full Christmas mood until I've been to Disneyland.

My sentiments exactly!

If I can recall, lately every year since maybe 2005 I've gone to DL with my family in the winter... I've almost forgotten what it looks like in the summertime without all the decorations!

The decorations really multiply the magic of the park. The giant Christmas Tree in Main Street, the festive decor all over New Orleans Square (not to mention my favorite ride during the festive times; The Haunted Mansion Holiday ), and everything else in between really makes the vacation even more enjoyable.

The fireworks last year (correct me if I'm wrong, "Believe...In Holiday Magic!") were also a treat. The "snowfall" at the end is definitely the icing on the cake for an enjoyable day at Disneyland.

I'm going this year with cousin wazowskiLOVER and the rest of the family in October... Can't wait!!

 

[hoosiergirl7]

Thank you all for the info. I remember how different the IASM ride is compared to WDW. I think I liked the DL one better. But overall I'm excited about going back to So. Cal. There were things I hated about living there but there are also things I really miss.

 

[Sherry E]

Thank you all for the info. I remember how different the IASM ride is compared to WDW. I think I liked the DL one better. But overall I'm excited about going back to So. Cal. There were things I hated about living there but there are also things I really miss.

As far as I know, WDW does not do any holiday versions of any rides YET. They just have the regular IASW ride. But DL transforms the whole IASW ride - not just the exterior - into a holiday spectacular, with Christmas carols sung by the children of different nations and everything. It is almost a totally different ride from what it normally is in DL, so if you have not seen the holiday version, you must! Same thing with Haunted Mansion - that is REALLY transformed and it REALLY seems like a whole different ride for the holidays because it has been taken over by Jack Skellington and crew from Nightmare Before Christmas. It is not the Haunted Mansion you're used to between late September and early January!

 

[Jenn1116]

Has anyone done the Holiday Tour and can you give lot s of details?? Do the tours book up early? What is the cost? How long does it take?

 

[wazowskiLOVER:)]

The fireworks last year (correct me if I'm wrong, "Believe...In Holiday Magic!") were also a treat. The "snowfall" at the end is definitely the icing on the cake for an enjoyable day at Disneyland.

I agree. It was the icing on the cake. I know this pic is a little blurry, but we were so engulfed in happiness. It was amazing. I almost wanted to tear up because all of the kids were looking up at the sky and all of the couples were holding eachother. It was just a great moment of appreciation and love.

oh yeah ! and I made the blankets for the trip with hoods on em

 

[Sherry E]

I agree. It was the icing on the cake. I know this pic is a little blurry, but we were so engulfed in happiness. It was amazing. I almost wanted to tear up because all of the kids were looking up at the sky and all of the couples were holding eachother. It was just a great moment of appreciation and love.

oh yeah ! and I made the blankets for the trip with hoods on em

As I told you last week, your pictures are great and full of joy! This is another example! You can tell when people are 'forcing happiness' in pictures and when they are having a truly great time. And I think it is obvious your group is having a great time. That blanket with the hood idea is interesting - has anyone else already patented that idea? You should look into it right away and see if there is a patent on it. If not, you might have just made yourself some big money! That would be great for camping, for the beach, the park, all kinds of places! I don't THINK I have seen those anywhere, but maybe they exist.

I have seen your pictures on this board and I know your camera is a good one, so I don't think this photo is blurry, per se. Just like my shot of IASWH above, I think the lighting just wasn't as good as in other spots - even with a flash - so it makes the 'pixelation' more evident!

 

[wazowskiLOVER:)]

As I told you last week, your pictures are great and full of joy! This is another example! You can tell when people are 'forcing happiness' in pictures and when they are having a truly great time. And I think it is obvious your group is having a great time. That blanket with the hood idea is interesting - has anyone else already patented that idea? You should look into it right away and see if there is a patent on it. If not, you might have just made yourself some big money! That would be great for camping, for the beach, the park, all kinds of places! I don't THINK I have seen those anywhere, but maybe they exist.

I have seen your pictures on this board and I know your camera is a good one, so I don't think this photo is blurry, per se. Just like my shot of IASWH above, I think the lighting just wasn't as good as in other spots - even with a flash - so it makes the 'pixelation' more evident!

Thanks Sherry You're so sweet !! I loved making 'em, and yes the camera was a bit crappy haha !! I know that when we were there walking around with the blankets a bunch of people were asking about 'em. I even had a man jokingly ask where the webiste was haha. Too bad I used Disney licensed fabric, there's no way you can sell those ! I can't wait until we go in October tho so I can start making stuff again, like the shirts on my signature. I loved painting those!!!

 

[Sleepless Knight]

I have gone to Disneyland every single year in December since 2003. Frankly, I've reached a point where I'm worried about what happens in the December that I don't make it down to Disneyland. It's almost like I'm not in full Christmas mood until I've been to Disneyland.

Let's add 2008 to that list officially. We just booked a trip for December 3-7(Candlelight Processional!!!!) today.

 

[disneyfan4ever54]

Let's add 2008 to that list officially. We just booked a trip for December 3-7(Candlelight Processional!!!!) today.

Yay! Isn't it exciting? We will be there that weekend too. It will be our first time to see the CP and visit the parks during the holidays. I've heard so much about how beautiful everything is at that time of year.....I can't wait!

 

[Sleepless Knight]

Oh you are in for a treat. It's literally like a whole new park at Christmastime. The fur characters wear special Christmas costumes, they play Christmas music all down Main Street and there are wreaths and garland everywhere.

Believe in Holiday Magic is almost as good as RDCT and the parade is fun too. It has nice touches like Buzz's ship being made at the North Pole.

And when it snows at Disneyland, it's an amazing experience. I'm not a very emotional person, but there's something that always gets to me when Disneyland makes it snow.

The thing I appreciate most about Christmas at Disneyland though is that they don't ignore Jesus. While there's all the fun and decorations of the season, they play religious Christmas music in the parks and during the fireworks as well. In too many places we find the commercialism of Christmas without the meaning, but Disney acknowledges the meaning without doing it in such a way as to be tacky or crass.

 

[disneyfan4ever54]

Oh you are in for a treat. It's literally like a whole new park at Christmastime. The fur characters wear special Christmas costumes, they play Christmas music all down Main Street and there are wreaths and garland everywhere.

Believe in Holiday Magic is almost as good as RDCT and the parade is fun too. It has nice touches like Buzz's ship being made at the North Pole.

And when it snows at Disneyland, it's an amazing experience. I'm not a very emotional person, but there's something that always gets to me when Disneyland makes it snow.

The thing I appreciate most about Christmas at Disneyland though is that they don't ignore Jesus. While there's all the fun and decorations of the season, they play religious Christmas music in the parks and during the fireworks as well. In too many places we find the commercialism of Christmas without the meaning, but Disney acknowledges the meaning without doing it in such a way as to be tacky or crass.

It sounds wonderful! And on a personal level, I totally agree with your post. I can't wait to be there at Christmas time!

 

[Tasscrapper]

Sleepless Knight where did you find the info of when the processional will be? I couldn't find the entertainment schedule for December on the Disneyland website. Do you by chance know when the cast mate party is too? I've seen it mentioned in some threads but can't figure out what date it is on or how it will affect the parks schedule for that day.

 

[DangerMouse]

Sleepless Knight where did you find the info of when the processional will be? I couldn't find the entertainment schedule for December on the Disneyland website. Do you by chance know when the cast mate party is too? I've seen it mentioned in some threads but can't figure out what date it is on or how it will affect the parks schedule for that day.

Although it hasn't been officially listed on the DLR calendar, the major Disneyland fan sites have been reporting the CP on the 6th and 7th, and the Cast Member Parties on the 1st and 2nd. The nights of the CM parties, DLR will close at early, at 6pm, but they will show Believe fireworks at 5:45, and DCA will stay open later those evenings.

 

[hoosiergirl7]

I noticed the blankets in the photo. How cold does it get in Anaheim in early December? I've been gone for 3 yrs and I've forgotten what the weather is like in Dec.

Also are Cast Member parties for cast members? I'm guessing yes. I also didn't realize that DL does the CP as well. Not that I've seen the one at WDW, I just wasn't familiar how many things are done similarly and how many are done differently.