Holiday sights/events at DL: What not to miss?

[Alex2kMommy]

Alex............where are you?

I see your green light lady!!

Come save your thread from the Hillbillies!!

Don't mind me, I was parked on the hyena thread, waiting for something to happen...

If I'd only known you were singing TV show theme songs over here... !

Unofrtunately, once Christmas is done, so are the Carolers. Santa is gone. The photopass guys are gone. Only the tree remains. Sad, but what can you do?

We know this because last year, PhotoPass almost lost our Santa photos! We went back on the 26th to see if we could find them and had to go to the DCA photo center, since everything was done.

Yikes, how can this be??? They have the biggest crowds of the year at this time, and the Photopass folks are gone??? That's just wrong!

 

[Sherry E]

Yikes, how can this be??? They have the biggest crowds of the year at this time, and the Photopass folks are gone??? That's just wrong!

I am guessing the PhotoPass folks are gone just from the GCH set-up they have there in the lobby by the tree and where Santa is. That is sad. I mean, yes, I guess people don't expect to see Santa after Christmas, but I am not sure about carolers. And if that gorgeous tree is there until after the New Year, why not keep a PhotoPass photographer there to snap pictures? It is true - that is their busiest time of the whole year. Many people dont even have time off work to go to DLR and see the holiday things until between Christmas and New Year's, which probably explains the huge crowds. So I would think Disney would at least extend that stuff just through that weekend right after Christmas, seeing that Christmas is on a Thursday this year, and then stop it just before the New Year. But maybe not!

 

[Sherry E]

Christmas Caroler Update (sort of!!!)

I called Guest Services and got a really perky Cast Member named Megan. I asked her if the carolers leave the GCH lobby (and everywhere else) right after Christmas. She said that each year, it may be different and that they never know for sure until maybe the second week in November. That is when they will know about PhotoPass photographers too. She said they know all the "big entertainment" schedules for December now, but they don't get the smaller ones' schedules until 2nd week in November, including the carolers. She said that last year, because Christmas was very early in the week, the carolers left right after Christmas, but this year, because Christmas is so close to a weekend when a lot of guests will arrive, it is possible they may stick around an extra day or two! Yay! Let's hope!

Then, she added, "Well, I wouldn't expect them to still be around in January, though."

And I said, "No. I don't need them in January. I only need them to stick around until at least Dec. 26th and possibly until the 28th. That's it!"

So we will have the definitive answer in approximately the second week of November but it sort of looks hopeful.

 

[Alex2kMommy]

Cool! I love listening to carolers.

I'm getting so excited for our trip!

 

[Jenn1116]

I wish DL understood how we sit day in and day out on these boards searching for info that will be relavant to our trips. Then maybe they'd have schedules complete and ready for us at a minimum of 12 months in advance.

I called Dining every day from the 3rd to the 7th to make my PSs. Now I'm twidling my thumbs waiting for more info on schedules and stuff.

I'm so excited for CHistmas at DL!!!!! But in the mean time I'll settle for show tune entertainment!

 

[Sherry E]

I wish DL understood how we sit day in and day out on these boards searching for info that will be relavant to our trips. Then maybe they'd have schedules complete and ready for us at a minimum of 12 months in advance.

I called Dining every day from the 3rd to the 7th to make my PSs. Now I'm twidling my thumbs waiting for more info on schedules and stuff.

I'm so excited for CHistmas at DL!!!!! But in the mean time I'll settle for show tune entertainment!

Do you find that it works better for you to make your dining PS's day by day, sort of as you make your food decisions, or do a bunch of them in one phone call? I made a bunch of them in one call, so I had to have all my dining decisions made up before that, but it took me a lot of time trying to schedule when to eat and where. I wonder if it would be less stressful making them separately, one at a time, rather than trying to plan all of them at once!

 

[Sherry E]

Woo hoo!! I just checked with Guest Services and the Carolers are definitely on the schedule for December 26, 27 & 28 - when I am due to be there - performing in the GCH lobby and around the resort! I was afraid I would miss them because I can't get there before Christmas this year like I did last year, and it feels extra-Christmasy to me to listen to the Carolers in that big cozy lobby near the big tree, sipping a beverage. It is a nice treat - AND, if they see you have a birthday pin, they will sing a special Carolers' version of Happy Birthday in 5-part harmony, in front of everyone in the lobby! It is my friend's birthday on the 26th, so I intend to make sure she has her button in full view! Even though Santa will be gone come December 26th, the Carolers will still be there!!! Now, if they could just find a way to put snow on the ground outside, with a nice snowman near the entrance to GCH, it would be holiday-PERFECT!!!

 

[disneymom23]

Wow, reading this post has me so excited for our upcoming trip. And we are staying at the GCH. I was questioning that decision because of the price but now am so glad we are! It sounds like this is the best time to be there. My kids don't know about the trip. I cannot wait to see their faces!

 

[Sherry E]

Wow, reading this post has me so excited for our upcoming trip. And we are staying at the GCH. I was questioning that decision because of the price but now am so glad we are! It sounds like this is the best time to be there. My kids don't know about the trip. I cannot wait to see their faces!

Yes, there is no question that the prices for GCH are crazy, and the standard room you get is NOT that much greater than the rooms you get in the other two DLR hotels, frankly. But the location can't be beat, and it IS the best hotel for the season because it really kind of lends itself to that holiday feeling (minus the snow on the ground outside, that is!). Having the carolers come to the lobby to sing every day/night is a very pleasant treat. It is not the sort of hotel one can stay in every time they go to DLR if money is a big concern, but every once in a while - especially if you can swing it during the holiday season - it is a nice, special thing to do!

 

[DizMe]

You guys are getting me in the mood for Christmas!! And my trip is before Thanksgiving Thankfully (ha ha), it just happens to be the beginning of the Christmas holiday season at DL--woohoo!! My first time ever going to DL during Christmas season...and I've been going since I was 1 (let's just say that both DL and I were in our infancy).

I wanted to mention that after reading about it on the boards, I signed up for the Holiday Tour. It sounds fun! You learn about the decorations in various lands, sing carols, get some history, some treats, some rides, and front row seats (yes, actual seats!) for the holiday parade. I think you might get a pin or something, too. I can't wait to sip my hot chocolate while watching the parade. If you're an AP holder (I think AAA gives this discount as well), you get 20% off so it's $47.20 or something like that. Otherwise, it's $59.

 

[disneymom23]

You guys are getting me in the mood for Christmas!! And my trip is before Thanksgiving Thankfully (ha ha), it just happens to be the beginning of the Christmas holiday season at DL--woohoo!! My first time ever going to DL during Christmas season...and I've been going since I was 1 (let's just say that both DL and I were in our infancy).

I wanted to mention that after reading about it on the boards, I signed up for the Holiday Tour. It sounds fun! You learn about the decorations in various lands, sing carols, get some history, some treats, some rides, and front row seats (yes, actual seats!) for the holiday parade. I think you might get a pin or something, too. I can't wait to sip my hot chocolate while watching the parade. If you're an AP holder (I think AAA gives this discount as well), you get 20% off so it's $47.20 or something like that. Otherwise, it's $59.

We are also going before Thanksgiving but at the start of the holiday season. It was a spontaneous trip brought on by an advertisement I saw from Jetblue on low fares. I am leaning towards the Holiday Tour as well. You are correct that AAA members also get the discount.

 

[DizMe]

We are also going before Thanksgiving but at the start of the holiday season. It was a spontaneous trip brought on by an advertisement I saw from Jetblue on low fares. I am leaning towards the Holiday Tour as well. You are correct that AAA members also get the discount.

Hey, maybe I'll see you on the tour! I know ballarinamom is on the same one I am (saw it posted on a thread); it would be fun to have 3 DISers on the tour! I'm going Sunday 23rd in the afternoon.

 

[disneymom23]

Hey, maybe I'll see you on the tour! I know ballarinamom is on the same one I am (saw it posted on a thread); it would be fun to have 3 DISers on the tour! I'm going Sunday 23rd in the afternoon.

That would be fun! The Sunday 4:15 is the one I'm thinking about. I need to call soon. I'd hate for it to sell out. Gonna go call now.

 

[Sleepless Knight]

Having survived work deadlines and the election, I can now get back to thinking about my early December visit. I'm thinking about the holiday tour, but I can only do it on my arrival day, so it may have to be a spur of the moment deal for me.

 

[Sherry E]

You guys are getting me in the mood for Christmas!! And my trip is before Thanksgiving Thankfully (ha ha), it just happens to be the beginning of the Christmas holiday season at DL--woohoo!! My first time ever going to DL during Christmas season...and I've been going since I was 1 (let's just say that both DL and I were in our infancy).

I wanted to mention that after reading about it on the boards, I signed up for the Holiday Tour. It sounds fun! You learn about the decorations in various lands, sing carols, get some history, some treats, some rides, and front row seats (yes, actual seats!) for the holiday parade. I think you might get a pin or something, too. I can't wait to sip my hot chocolate while watching the parade. If you're an AP holder (I think AAA gives this discount as well), you get 20% off so it's $47.20 or something like that. Otherwise, it's $59.

Yes, as soon as I felt a chill in the air in the last week, I was thinking, "Yay! The holidays are coming!" I love the season, the carols, the decorations and that time of year in general - especially at DLR!

That tour sounds like a great thing to do! That actually sounds right up my alley! When I was at DLR in October, my friend was asking me, "Why would anyone need to take a tour?" And I explained to her that, aside from tourists who have never been to DLR, some of us who have been there like to learn little tidbits about the parks that we wouldn't ordinarily know, get fun treats and little tokens and things. And we always skip the parades specifically because it is too much of a pain to stand and look over tall people's heads. If we had actual seats, it would be fun to finally see a parade for once! I don't think I have actually stood and watched a parade in its entirety at DLR since I was a kid! Thanks for that tip/reminder! And I will gleefully use my AP to get a discount!

Oh, and DizMe, I have to say, I read your TR a while back - about your experience with the kidney stones and having to rest back at the hotel because of the pain. Ouch! I was cringing for you! I have never had kidney stones, and have heard that they create some of the worst pain imaginable. That is one of my secret fears - having some sort of major or extremely painful health issue arise while I am at Disneyland that ruins my trip! I have a chronic disc problem in my back that flares up really BADLY every so often and I literally cannot walk because the pain is so bad, and I am always silently afraid that will happen when I am at DLR! I must say, you were a trooper. A lot of people would have just said they wanted to go home, but you knew what you had to do, you dealt with, and you carried on!!!

 

[disneymom23]

That would be fun! The Sunday 4:15 is the one I'm thinking about. I need to call soon. I'd hate for it to sell out. Gonna go call now.

Yay! We're going on the tour. My 10 year old loves information so she'll love learning some new facts. And we get to ride HM and IASW and have front row seats for the parade. I'm going to surprise my family that morning.

 

[DizMe]

Ooooo...disneymom23, that would be cool if you reserved the tour! That's the one, 4:15! Now I'm going to see if Sherry will sign up!

Yes, as soon as I felt a chill in the air in the last week, I was thinking, "Yay! The holidays are coming!" I love the season, the carols, the decorations and that time of year in general - especially at DLR!

That tour sounds like a great thing to do! That actually sounds right up my alley! When I was at DLR in October, my friend was asking me, "Why would anyone need to take a tour?" And I explained to her that, aside from tourists who have never been to DLR, some of us who have been there like to learn little tidbits about the parks that we wouldn't ordinarily know, get fun treats and little tokens and things. And we always skip the parades specifically because it is too much of a pain to stand and look over tall people's heads. If we had actual seats, it would be fun to finally see a parade for once! I don't think I have actually stood and watched a parade in its entirety at DLR since I was a kid! Thanks for that tip/reminder! And I will gleefully use my AP to get a discount!

Oh, and DizMe, I have to say, I read your TR a while back - about your experience with the kidney stones and having to rest back at the hotel because of the pain. Ouch! I was cringing for you! I have never had kidney stones, and have heard that they create some of the worst pain imaginable. That is one of my secret fears - having some sort of major or extremely painful health issue arise while I am at Disneyland that ruins my trip! I have a chronic disc problem in my back that flares up really BADLY every so often and I literally cannot walk because the pain is so bad, and I am always silently afraid that will happen when I am at DLR! I must say, you were a trooper. A lot of people would have just said they wanted to go home, but you knew what you had to do, you dealt with, and you carried on!!!

Hey, Sherry (I have the same name, different spelling)--you should come to DL on Sunday and go on the 4:15 tour!! Looks like there might be several DISers...cool!!

And thanks for the sympathy about my stones. I have to go in tomorrow for a renal CT and see if I need a lithotripsy now (blasting them with sound waves). I have a feeling the rides at DL may act like a centrifuge and spin the stones down! I really, really don't want to try passing a stone at DL again, so I'm hoping I can get things taken care of before I go on the 22nd. I keep having the renal colic that tells me there are stones there, so the question is, how big are they? If small enough, I should be ok, but it doesn't take a very big stone to make a very large amount of pain!

And oooch...OMG I know that disc pain is awful because my dh goes through that sometimes!! You poor thing!! Yes, I *absolutely* have had the fear that I'd go through the stone thing at DL (or anywhere away from home). I always try to ignore the possibility and put it out of my mind

Cheri

 

[disneymom23]

Ooooo...disneymom23, that would be cool if you reserved the tour! That's the one, 4:15! Now I'm going to see if Sherry will sign up!


Cheri, I did sign up for the 4:15 tour. My name is Debbie. I'll be with my husband and 3 kids. Look forward to meeting you!

 

[Sherry E]

Hmmm....November 23rd, huh? I don't for sure YET that I can make that one, although I HOPE I can. I was thinking I would try to hit in December when I go, but if my friend is not interested in it, then maybe I should try to do the 11/23 tour. The tours book up really fast, though, huh? I would love to meet a couple of other DIS-ers, since I did not see one single LGMH in October! I have to check with my friend about December and see if she would want to do the tour or not first. Well, if someone else gets the 4:15 slot, then it is meant to be for them. I probably wouldn't know for 100% sure until the next couple of days and it will probably be booked then.

Oh, and Cheri - the procedures you were explaining that you have to have done sound agonizing. Again, you are a real trooper for even wanting to head back to DLR and attempt any rides, because I see what you mean about how some of them might upset matters some! But you have a good attitude - you try to be cautious and be prepared with pain killers at the ready just in case, but not worry yourself about it or think about it in the meantime! But I just imagine the pain is excruciating, from what people have told me! It makes me want to stop drinking coffee for good because I know that increases chances of getting stones!!!

 

[lisah0711]

You may want to check out the official Disneyland holiday page
http://disneyland.disney.go.com/dis...holidays/detail?name=HolidaysSpecialEventPage

It will definitely get you in the mood and excited for all of the fun! Ho! Ho! Ho! (finally got to use the Santa emoticon!)