Holiday/Nighttime Shows with Kids

[dis1010]

Hi all,

We'll be at Disneyland for two days in mid-December (a Friday and Saturday). We're a family of four with 2 kids (twins who will be just under 5).

We've never been during the holidays. Our kids were 15 months the last time we went DL. So, we didn't do any nighttime shows anyway.

I'm wondering what people think are the best holiday and/or nighttime shows to see with kids our age? We only have a short trip. So, I know we can't do everything.

I'd note that we are going to WDW next May. So, I'd prioritize things that are either: 1) Better at DL than WDW: or 2) special to the holidays.

Is the holiday parade worthwhile? WoC?

Thanks,
David

 

[Tksolomom]

I would definitely see WoC. I would also see the fireworks, but maybe at Small World instead of in front of the castle if you are there on the weekend.

 

[monkeypat83]

A big question is how do you kids do at night? Will they be able to stay up and be awake, not melting down etc. for a nighttime show or will it be a struggle to even make it to a show that starts at 9 PM or later? The Christmas parade is shown 2 times a day once in the afternoon (3:30ish) and then again in the evening (6:30ish) so if they are going to struggle with a late night I would aim for that. The 6:30 pm one is better in my opinion because it is dark out or mostly dark at that point so it is all lit up. It is a cute parade and very festive.

 

[Jperiod]

As an adult, I like WoC, but our kids have been less than impressed, especially since the viewing is terrible if you're short. And we can't hold them for 20 minutes so they can see. My kids have enjoyed the christmas parade #1 and the fireworks #2, especially the "snow" afterward. I'd recommend watching in front of Small World because it's less crowded, the kids will like the projections, and there's still snow there.

 

[dis1010]

Thanks, all!

How long to people need to camp out for the parade? I'm thinking the second parade so they can see the lights? We can do that on Friday instead of Saturday, if it's less crowded...

 

[Angel141925]

I love love love the holiday fireworks. I will always have a core memory of sitting in front of its a small world watching the fireworks with my son in my lap crying to the first song. That first song is amazing. As I get teary eyes typing this lol. The snow is so fun after the fireworks and my son just loved it. We watched it every single night we were there. The parade was ok. We did the dining package so we could have a good seat. It was convenient but a once and done for us. Will probably try to catch it once this trip without the dining package though. WOC wasn’t going last year. I plan on doing the dining package for it this year. I’m big on dining packages they just make life easier. I don’t think my son will care too much though. He wasn’t big on Fantasmic and I feel world of color is much the same without the fireworks so I have a feeling it’ll be one and done for us as well.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

I love love love the holiday fireworks. I will always have a core memory of sitting in front of its a small world watching the fireworks with my son in my lap crying to the first song. That first song is amazing. As I get teary eyes typing this lol. The snow is so fun after the fireworks and my son just loved it. We watched it every single night we were there. The parade was ok. We did the dining package so we could have a good seat. It was convenient but a once and done for us. Will probably try to catch it once this trip without the dining package though. WOC wasn’t going last year. I plan on doing the dining package for it this year. I’m big on dining packages they just make life easier. I don’t think my son will care too much though. He wasn’t big on Fantasmic and I feel world of color is much the same without the fireworks so I have a feeling it’ll be one and done for us as well.

In my experience WOC and Fantasmic are more appreciated by older kids. my 7 year old loves them and watches frozen and riveted. My 3 year old doesn’t really care a lot them, and gets bored/wiggly. Both my kids love the parades and fireworks.

I think mature 5 year olds might enjoy Fantasmic though some elements are a little scary/loud. I have been told that Fantasmic is much better at DL than WDW but I haven’t seen the one at WDW. Fantasmic is my favorite show at DL.

The OP’s kids might also like World of Color. Depending on how/where you view it, it can be hard to see.