Help Me Plan a Trip for 2!

[Choirmom]

Hi everyone! My mom told me she would like to go to Disneyland one more time while she is still able to enjoy herself. She will be 78 this year. Mobility is NOT an issue. I don't plan on over-doing it, but getting around is not difficult.

Mom has been a few times but only during summer. I thought it would be nice for her to see the Holiday offerings. My plan is visiting the week after Thanksgiving - flying in Tuesday, Nov. 27 and leaving Saturday, Dec. 1. My birthday also falls during this time. Planning on 3 or 4 day parkhoppers, depending on flight times. Planning on staying across the street, probably at BWPPI. I stayed there last October and the short walk couldn't be beat!

I plan on focusing on things Mom would like: shows, parades, holiday overlays, etc. I also plan on getting MaxPass (if still available), not only for the easy fastpass booking, but also the photopass.

Here is a list of some things I would like input on:
-What are the crowds like this week? Would another week be better?
-I plan on doing some kind of Fantasmic dinner package, probably the second show. I'm thinking Blue Bayou since we've never eaten there.
-World of Color Dessert party. We've seen this once (standing in a sea of humanity). Mom is short and I really think she would enjoy the show and be able to relax and see!
-I also plan on seeing the Frozen show, Mickey and the Magical Map, the Christmas parade and fireworks, and rides with holiday overlays.

I know any of these things could change depending on Disney. I would like input/suggestions on the things I have chosen, experiences, and suggestions on things I haven't thought of.

Thanks!!!

 

[Geemo]

Your dates are as good as any during this time frame.
Tuesday - Thursday are some of the better weekdays. Friday will give you fireworks and Fantasmic! if those are not going Mon - Thur.
WOC dessert party is a perfect way to end the day, if it's in your budget.

If mobility does become an issue, there is a scooter rental right in the BWPPI lobby. I'd book a scooter before canceling the trip.

It sounds like you have a good start on what you'd like to do. As you know the earlier you book your room the better the rate usually will be.
Have fun

Geemo

 

[figment_jii]

I think you've selected a pretty good week. Until they announce more about what the holiday season will entail next year, I would go with that week.

If things stay the same, then the biggest constraint is likely to be F!. I believe it was only offered on weekends at that point of the season, so Friday night might be your only chance. If that is again the case in 2018, I would make getting the F! dining packge the priority and then slot in WoC on whatever other night works.

I had also considered the WoC dessert party, but ultimately did not go with it. I've read mixed reviews about whether it really has a good view or not (sounds like some tables have an awesome view, while others do not and I don't know if there is a way to improve your odds of getting one of the good tables).

Fireworks are usually offered nightly once the holiday season begins, but they can be cancelled due to weather (usually winds). So I would plan to see them early in the trip and then have fall back night(s) if in case they are cancelled. I still like watching from Main Street the best, but it can be pretty crowded.

They may also bring back the Festival of Holidays event in DCA. It's like a mini-F&W festival and was fun. It might work as a replacement for a meal or two, if you and your Mom are interested in things like that. There was also Viva Navidad, which mean some special food offerings at Paradise Garden Grill, and some entertainment and activities. It's worth checking out.

There was also a gingerbread house set-up in the Grand Californian Hotel lobby. It's pretty similar year-to-year, but it's still impressive and there are hidden Mickeys. It can take some time if you hunt for the hidden Mickeys. Likewise, there are decorations at each hotel.

 

[chickapin parterre]

holiday singing groups on Main street and in front of the parterre there is an occasional singing group, there are traditional carolers and then a Dickens street urchin group. Also, a few fun shows at late afternoon around the flagpole. Any vets in the family?

Singing groups are found thru out ROA, folks our mother's age just have a strange appreciation for music that is live.

she can be a kid again as she rushes to purchase a hand made candy cane, wrist band and all, very likely that she has not worn a wrist band to participate in a magical moment.

dusk lighting events like small world, castle and Radiator Springs. Even toontown in the holidays is a fun place to stroll. The NBC details and the variety of shapes in the bakery offerings.

 

[ballarinamom]

I would highly recommend the holiday tour. It's fun and informative, they give you a special collectors pin, samples from the candy shop, 2 front of the line rides (haunted mansion and iasw) and seats for the parade. They also give you cocoa and a gingerbread man while you watch the parade. It's a must do for us every holiday trip

 

[theluckyrabbit]

The holiday tour changed a year or two ago. Read some recent reviews before making a decision. Many DISers were regulars on the holiday tour and no longer take it since the change. There are no more rides, no FPs, the tour itself has been described as boring by more than one reviewer. The main draw is seats for the parade. If the tour changes for this coming holiday season (and it might, given 2 years straight of complaints and bad reviews), then it might be well worth the investment. Keep checking for the 2018 Holiday Time superthread here for the most updated information when it is released.

 

[Choirmom]

Thanks everyone, for all the excellent suggestions. I will make my hotel reservations ASAP! Good thoughts on WOC and the holiday tour. I'll keep checking to see if anything changes. I'm very excited about this trip, as it will be very different from any of my previous trips! I'm not planning on telling Mom until I make the plane reservations. Don't want anyone trying to tag along!