I took a 15 year break from DL and started going back with my now 8 year old son 4 years ago. Both of us are hooked. In the past we were always in such a hurry to get to the rides. We are going to Anaheim this November from 11/20-28 with a 6 day hopper. My goal is to take it slow in the afternoons. I have read about hidden mickeys, but is there other cool things to check out that might usually get over looked. I wanna see it all this trip.
Thanks
1220 hours until we leave for DL from Sacramento.
Since you're going to be there right smack dab in the middle of the extremely magical holiday season, the things to do and see will be amped up a bit. The Christmas season adds an extra layer of sorts over the already infinite hidden gems and clever details in DLR.
You're going to have a good amount of time to really adopt a leisurely pace and enjoy the festive ambiance.
You may have already done some of these things in the past or maybe have already put them on your to-do list, but here are some suggestions:
1. Visit Santa's Reindeer Round-Up. You'd probably be visiting it anyway - but really take a good long time to explore and look around all of the Round-Up (again - the details!). There are many overlooked gems there, I think. Plus, that's one of the locations at which you will find Santa.
2. Maybe do the holiday tour? You get reserved seats for the holiday parade, front of the line access to It's a Small World Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday, you get a free cookie and free hot cocoa, you get a free collectible pin and you learn lots of interesting holiday-related facts about DLR. Plus, the guide encourages everyone to sing Christmas carols as they stroll along.
3. Try some cookie decorating at the Plaza Pavilion. That's fun for both kids and adults!
4. Take some time to relax in one of the comfy chairs or sofas in the lobby area of the Grand Californian Hotel. During the Christmas season it is especially cozy. There is a guitarist by the fireplace, strumming Yuletide classics. The pianist plays familiar holiday songs as well. Christmas carolers come in at night to entertain people lounging on the chairs and sofas (or even the carpet!), and they take requests. Santa and his PhotoPass photographer capture magical memories by the enormous Christmas tree. It's just a really, really nice environment to be in during that time of year. People can rest, with drinks or snacks in hand and just absorb the wonderful atmosphere - and better yet, it's free entertainment.
5. Wander around the 3 DL hotels. The decorations at each hotel are different and there is a Santa at each hotel during different times of the day.
6. Be sure to enjoy the very clever holiday decorations in both ToonTown and A Bug's Land.
7. Grab some peppermint fudge, peppermint ice cream, peppermint cupcakes, or any other special holiday goodies at the bake shops and sweets shops!!
8. Try a character meal or two - I'm guessing that Surf's Up with Mickey, Minnie & Friends or Goofy's Kitchen might be a hit.
9. If you happen to ride It's a Small World Holiday in the daytime, be sure to go back at night to get your photo in front of the spectacularly lit facade. Also be sure to get a nighttime picture in front of the stunning Winter Castle.
10. Don't miss the light display that extends from the Castle up Main Street to the giant tree at night, as well as the 'snow' that falls on Main Street, in New Orleans Square and near IASW Holiday.
11. Make it a point to photograph as many Christmas trees as you can. There are 700 trees of all sizes around DLR during the season - this includes at all 3 hotels, in Downtown Disney, in every single shop and restaurant in both parks, in small window displays, etc. They are everywhere - and some of them have different themes which are specific to that particular land or area. For example, the Goofy's Kitchen tree and the Pooh's Corner tree are very much themed to those locations. The tree in the Grand Californian has a very elegant but rustic feel that matches the decor of the GCH itself.
