Nothing to See Here...

[Sherry E]

I figured I would put this post over here on your thread Sherry, hope that is ok. You all seem to all love both Halloween and Christmas, I so torn as to what time of year to go. I have been at both times of year to WDW, never to DL for either. What do you all recomend? I am just so torn.

Hi, Jen! Welcome back to my TR!

I'm going to agree 100% with TK - and in fact, I'm so glad she was out there to offer her opinion so I'm not the only one in my TR giving feedback. I like other people to speak up here too!

Oh, and don't worry at all about posting here in this TR - we do have quite a few DLR Halloween and DLR Christmas lovers here! I hope more of them (Belle Ella, deejdigsdis, mvf-m11c and funatdisney, to name several) chime in too!

I'm not sure which you would prefer. I do love both seasons at DLR - no doubt about that! They both have their benefits. Did you follow along with this latest TR I did (the one that starts on Page 83)? You can see I went crazy with the photos of holiday stuff. And I missed Halloween last year, which I was very unhappy about.

If it's any indication, I'm already planning my next holiday trip for this year. I got a great deal for the Paradise Pier, and I'd rather use it on a holiday trip than a Halloween trip. I'm trying to figure out the dates I want for December right now, so I can book a room by this weekend - and I'm going to do 5 nights/6 days, I think, instead of 3 nights/4 days.

BUT, I don't have anything in the works for Halloween yet and I want to go to the Halloween party this year. I think I can get away with one or two days for Halloween Time and be okay, whereas I feel like I need and want more time for Christmas Time.

Are you thinking of a 2012 trip, or a trip this year? If it's this year, I think most of the Halloween stuff will still be concentrated in Disneyland and not in California Adventure. In 2012, once all the changes are made in DCA, they may start putting some Halloween stuff in there again.

I love Christmas Time at DLR more because, to me, it's prettier and there is just more to see and do. I feel like you get more bang for your buck on a Christmas trip than on a Halloween trip. For example, the decorations for the holidays are so much more extensive and thorough - they can be found in all the hotels, all the restaurants and shops, in Downtown Disney and in both parks... I think It's a Small World Holiday should not be missed! Sitting in the gorgeous Grand Californian during the holiday season and enjoying the ambiance can't be beat!

But for Halloween, really, the only decorations you will see, for the most part, are in Disneyland itself - not in Downtown Disney, not in any of the hotels, and not in California Adventure (at least so far). You can walk for long stretches of space in Disneyland and not see or hear any traces of Halloween, whereas I feel like during the holiday/Christmas season, anywhere you go you know what time of year it is because you can hear the music in several lands (like in New Orleans Square, ToonTown, on Main Street, in Adventureland and Frontierland and Critter Country) and see different styles of decor in several lands (New Orleans Square, ToonTown, A Bug's Land, Frontierland, Main Street).

I just think that the holiday season, while being more beautiful, in my opinion, offers a lot more for the overall experience. Halloween Time is great - but the offerings are still limited so far. I think they will build up Halloween Time in the next few years, but right now it seems a little...thin, I guess, in comparison to the holidays.

I don't know if I helped or made the choice more confusing!!

 

[jnjusoioa]

Thank you both so much. You both did make the choice easier, it looks like it will probably be Christmas of 2012. I won't be able to make a trip at all this year due to money. It seems the past couple of years I have tried to plan a trip out West and it keeps getting canceled, I think part of it is my nerves, it is so far from home and I usually end up going alone, so it makes it a little lonely. But I for sure want to get out there again and experience DL and CA, they are just both so awesome and I love them. Sherry, I have been reading along with your trip report. Loved the photos of the Disneyland Hotel, hope none of that changes with the renovations that are going on, I was torn as to if I wanted to stay at Paradise Pier or the Disneyland Hotel and I think the Disneyland Hotel has won out.

 

[azdisneylover]

Hi, Linda! I didn't know you were still out there - I hadn't heard from you in this TR in ages. Were you lurking all through my December Peppermint Cone of Death TR?

Hello, Sherrie,
I just started back. Since having to cancel BOTH trips I had been planning for, I got really sad for a while. I missed not even going to CA to see family (VERY HARD) and so now that my major temper tantrum is mostly over I decided to jump back on and get caught up on what's going on, especially about the scoop on the holidays, etc. I doubt I will make a post about going because I jinxed myself, so I am saving and planning. Not telling the kids, or DH until I have a $$$$ saved just for it! No easy feat here. So, going through your thread, I saw the stuff about Chase, and I was excited that I could post something that might help someone, instead of me looking for help! Perks Financial has been pretty good for me so far. I am getting Amazon gift cards for Black Friday shopping, and Target gift cards to buy stuff to use for Disney trip!
I enjoy reading your posts because they are always so positive even when reporting on something that wasn't good. Plus, the pics for food, characters, etc are awesome and quite helpful for me to secretly plan a trip.
Hydro guy and Mike and Bumpershoot have good tips, etc too!
I hope I didn't just jinx myself about a trip this year.

 

[tksbaskets]

Thank you both so much. You both did make the choice easier, it looks like it will probably be Christmas of 2012. I won't be able to make a trip at all this year due to money. It seems the past couple of years I have tried to plan a trip out West and it keeps getting canceled, I think part of it is my nerves, it is so far from home and I usually end up going alone, so it makes it a little lonely. But I for sure want to get out there again and experience DL and CA, they are just both so awesome and I love them. Sherry, I have been reading along with your trip report. Loved the photos of the Disneyland Hotel, hope none of that changes with the renovations that are going on, I was torn as to if I wanted to stay at Paradise Pier or the Disneyland Hotel and I think the Disneyland Hotel has won out.

I think for a solo trip DL is a bit more comfortable. No long waits on the bus or in line for a bus, several nice hotels/motels within walking distance. DTD just a walk away. I went in October solo and had a lot of fun. The only time I *really* missed my family was during my wait in line for Toy Story Midway Mania and the hour wait for World of Color. I people watched and messed around with my Blackberry then. You'll love the DLH. We had dinner there and it was charming!

 

[azdisneylover]

Sherry,
I apologize for misspelling your name. One of my SIL is named Sherrie.
Sorry about that.

Linda

 

[jnjusoioa]

I think for a solo trip DL is a bit more comfortable. No long waits on the bus or in line for a bus, several nice hotels/motels within walking distance. DTD just a walk away. I went in October solo and had a lot of fun. The only time I *really* missed my family was during my wait in line for Toy Story Midway Mania and the hour wait for World of Color. I people watched and messed around with my Blackberry then. You'll love the DLH. We had dinner there and it was charming!

Thank you so much for your vote of confidence. I have done solo trips before but only to WDW, I am sure that it will be fine and I will have a lovely time. I just always worry about my dog and family when I am away. But it is all good. I am hoping I made a good choice with the DLH, I just hope we all the remodeling it dosen't take away from the whimiscal side of it, I like that, like I love the photos of the lobby that Sherry posted in her report this past year, it just looked so fun.

 

[kaoden39]

Thank you so much for your vote of confidence. I have done solo trips before but only to WDW, I am sure that it will be fine and I will have a lovely time. I just always worry about my dog and family when I am away. But it is all good. I am hoping I made a good choice with the DLH, I just hope we all the remodeling it dosen't take away from the whimiscal side of it, I like that, like I love the photos of the lobby that Sherry posted in her report this past year, it just looked so fun.

I was just at the DLH 2/21-2/24 we had a completely remodeled room. It was wonderful!!! We had to walk a little further but it was no big deal. The changes they made added a lot of whimsy to the rooms.

 

[TheColtonsMom]

Okay, I will admit.... I hope, hope, hope that DLR does not choose to use their option for a third gate (park) at DLR to build...a water park.

Why am I bringing this up out of the blue? Because I just received yet another survey from Disney and it has me thinking that they are planning for a waterpark at DLR, which is what I was afraid of. This survey was not as lengthy or as detailed as the one I did a couple of weeks ago (that one was the one that outlined all the changes DLR is considering making to their onsite hotel bookings and packages). This one today was very brief, and just asked basic questions such as "Are you a current Annual Pass holder," "When you recently visited Disneyland resort, did you go to Disneyland, California Adventure or Downtown Disney," "What is your annual income," etc. Basic stuff.

However, there was one rather interesting question in the whole thing. It was something like "Which projects are you aware of that Disney is currently planning/building?" I am paraphrasing, but that was essentially it, maybe with a word or two switched around.

And the choices they gave as answers to that question included "A resort in Hawaii," "A resort in China," a couple of other things that I can't recall, and...."A water park in California." (Or was it a water park in Anaheim? I don't remember.)

In any case, all of the other options for answers that they gave were, indeed, things that are already in the planning stages, about to open, or are being built. We already know about the resort in Hawaii. We already know about Shanghai Disneyland. And I wish I could recall what the other two choices were, but they were things I had already heard of being planned or built.

And then there was the "water park" in California or Anaheim option.

So the obvious conclusion that I drew from that would be that, indeed, a water park for CA is in the works. It could be in the very, very early planning stages. It might even be in some other location in CA that is not Anaheim.



But seeing that there has been much speculation as to what will happen with the third gate idea and if it will be a water park or something else, it sounds like it could, possibly, be a water park.

Am I the only one who will be very disappointed if Disney wastes their limitless creativity - and limited space - on a water park in Anaheim? First of all, we have other water parks in SoCal. Yes, I know Disney's water parks are cuter and more detailed. But they could do so much with another space - even a small space. Even if they had to do a little mini-park, a mini-Epcot, they could find some great way to execute it without having to resort to the water park idea. A water park seems like the easy way out to try to build up Disneyland Resort as a vacation destination - without having to put too much thought into it.

Then again, I don't have kids so I am only looking at it from a grumpy adult viewpoint.

Any thoughts or opinions?

Oh I would be so disappointed if they did this and I do have a kid...I would so rather see an EPCOT type attraction. Just my 2 cents,,,

Good luck to Colton and his Science Fair entry!! How fun!!

He won for Kindergarten... he built 5 paper airplanes 1 traditional one and 4 fancy ones that he found online plans for..wanted to see if all the fanciness made them fly better...answer nope..we threw paper airplanes all weekend LOL the judges comments were all stuff like "enthusiastic about his project" "original and obviously a project he picked himself and liked" "presentation was fun to watch and he answered questions with humerous statements" wish I knew what he said I didn't get to be there for the judging but no doubt it was another funny Coltonism.

 

[funatdisney]

I have finally caught up with your TR, Sherry. I was in Tenn for a long weekend, and then, I got slammed with lots of PTA stuff and volleyball stuff and horse stuff, lately. I have barely been able to keep up DISboards, but I have been able to check in a few times. Finally had some time tonight and I found that I was a couple of pages behind your TR. Good to be back!


As for the water park idea. I have been getting the feeling that the powers that be have in mind to make DL more and more like WDW. WDW has a Halloween Party, so should DL. WDW has DVC rooms, so should DL. WDW has cruise ships, so should DL. WDW has water parks, so should....wait a minute! DL doesn't have a water park? Start the surveys, start the focus groups, start calling the imagineers to start the plans...... DL should have a water park. Does anyone else getting the same feeling?

 

[jnjusoioa]

Just curious, does the DLH have those most adorable little Mickey shampoos, etc like the Paradise Pier does?

 

[kaoden39]

Just curious, does the DLH have those most adorable little Mickey shampoos, etc like the Paradise Pier does?

Yes!! I brought home a ziploc bag full of them. And my BFF took home some too.

 

[jnjusoioa]

Yes!! I brought home a ziploc bag full of them. And my BFF took home some too.

Awesome can you post a photo of them if you can. Thanks a million.

 

[kaoden39]

Awesome can you post a photo of them if you can. Thanks a million.

These are them at the DLH in the bathroom and now minus the shower cap which my DH uses on his bicycle helmet when it rains to keep his head somewhat dry.

 

[deejdigsdis]

I figured I would put this post over here on your thread Sherry, hope that is ok. You all seem to all love both Halloween and Christmas, I so torn as to what time of year to go. I have been at both times of year to WDW, never to DL for either. What do you all recomend? I am just so torn.

Another vote for Christmas Time from someone who has been during both Halloween and Christmas Time.

I see you are leaning toward the Christmas season trip. I really enjoyed both, but Christmas time feels more all-around Christmas-y. The falling snow on Main Street was one of the most magical things for me, which is funny considering I see plenty of real snow. But the real snow isn't surrounded by the sights/smells of Main Street with Christmas music in the background. I hope you enjoy planning your trip!

 

[funatdisney]

jnjusoioa, I was torn whether to vote for Halloween Time or Christmas for your DL trip. After thinking about it, I vote for Christmas. At first I was leaning towards Halloween Time because it is done on a much smaller scale than Christmas at DLR. You are not a submerged with Halloween decor as you are with Christmas. Both parks, the three hotels, Downtown Disney, and even the plant beds are decorated with Christmas decor. Whereas, only DL's Main Street and Big Thunder Ranch area is decorated with a Halloween flare. I was thinking of starting with the smaller scale holiday and then lead up to the bigger holiday at a later trip. But I think you could go to DLR at Christmas first and go for a Halloween trip later, if possible. Halloween Time could stand on its own and you would not feel a let down with Halloween Time after experiencing a DLR Christmas. Halloween Time has its own feel and decor touches without mimicking Christmas. It is unique on it's own.

Both holidays are special to me and I am grateful that I can visit both annually.

 

[jnjusoioa]

These are them at the DLH in the bathroom and now minus the shower cap which my DH uses on his bicycle helmet when it rains to keep his head somewhat dry.

Thank you so much, I will for sure have to come home with a collection of these!!! Love them.

 

[jnjusoioa]

Thank you all so much for the advice on Christmas or Halloween, I took a poll at work too, it seems that Christmas wins out so thats what it will be in 2012. I wish it was this year but would like to wait for most of the CA expansion to be done.

 

[funatdisney]

Sherry, I found myself at DL last weekend, but we only stay a few hours. DD's volleyball tournament took place right across the freeway from DL. The tourney finished way early, so headed to DL. It was crowded and HOT! DD was tired after playing some pretty hard volleyball, so we left at 4pm. I was able to get some food porn pics last weekend. I thought you would appreciate them.

Spring treats

Never mind that I baked 82 cupcakes this week. I want one of these:

 

[jnjusoioa]

Sherry, I found myself at DL last weekend, but we only stay a few hours. DD's volleyball tournament took place right across the freeway from DL. The tourney finished way early, so headed to DL. It was crowded and HOT! DD was tired after playing some pretty hard volleyball, so we left at 4pm. I was able to get some food porn pics last weekend. I thought you would appreciate them.

Spring treats

Never mind that I baked 82 cupcakes this week. I want one of these:

Awesome, I wish I could just find myself at Disneyland as well. That would be great. Love the spring treats, Disneyland is just so amazing and great.

 

[jnjusoioa]

Does anyone know what the chances of a ticketed Christmas event is this year? I know people thought it might happen this year so was just curious. Thank You.