****Official December 2014 Check-In! ****

[Escape2Disney]

We will be there from Dec. 8-12. Deciding between DL hotel and Paradise Pier.

Our first Disney Christmas were right about that time. Hope you have a great time!

Hi there! We will be there December 1st-6th for my daughters 13th birthday It will be me, my husband, my daughter and our best friend who's like her Uncle. We're trying to keep it a budget trip this time around so we're staying at the Maingate Motel 6 and driving down from Oregon, no planes this time. We stayed there in 2012 and I remember thinking it was very nice for an economy hotel. Can't wait, so excited! I have NEVER seen either Disney park for Christmas so I really can't begin to tell you how excited I am I'll be seeing it all lit up and full of Christmas magic!

It's so fun to plan a first holiday in the parks! Be sure to get your daughter a birthday button from City Hall. It's nice to hear a chorus of "happy birthday" wishes all day long.

 

[AmberStar]

Mini Celebration tonight as I check things off my Disney to do list.

Paid so far:
Character Meal
Photo Pass+
Silhouette Shop Money for my 3 kiddos silhouettes (my Christmas present to myself!)
Food $$
little odds and end gifts for kiddos gifts started

To pay still:
My portion of hotel
Tickets
stroller rental
Gas $$
Discovery the Magic tour costs

Slowly but surely it is getting paid off.... one step at a time.
A lot of big costs are still left.
Let the countdown continue!!!

What is on your to do list December buddies?

 

[ARIELvsURSULA]

ARIELvsURSULA --

I saw your post come in here, to Escape2Disney's December Check-In thread, and had to comment.

May I just say, you are in for a real treat! I love reading posts from people who are in the process of planning for their first Disneyland Resort holiday trips and are already filled with sheer excitement about it. Since I feel that last year's holiday season was one of the best so far in terms of overall holiday décor, activities and general Resort-wide immersion, I can tell you that if this year is anything like last year, you certainly do have a lot of Christmas magic ahead of you!

Your post just made me even MORE excited! Our brother has never been to either park, DLR or WDW. As a newbie it's already so much to take it and see, but with the holidays being in full swing it's like double the fun! I'm set on planning, re-planning and then OVER planning to make it the most amazing vacation. Can someone tell me, what are the fireworks like during December? Is it holiday themed all month long?

 

[ARIELvsURSULA]

Our first Disney Christmas were right about that time. Hope you have a great time!



It's so fun to plan a first holiday in the parks! Be sure to get your daughter a birthday button from City Hall. It's nice to hear a chorus of "happy birthday" wishes all day long.

Oh we definitely will and since my birthday is right before we leave I may just grab one for myself lol! Just so happens her birthday falls on the 3rd so it's DURING vacation. Second year in a row that lucky duck has been on vacation for her birthday

 

[ARIELvsURSULA]

Mini Celebration tonight as I check things off my Disney to do list.

Paid so far:
Character Meal
Photo Pass+
Silhouette Shop Money for my 3 kiddos silhouettes (my Christmas present to myself!)
Food $$
little odds and end gifts for kiddos gifts started

To pay still:
My portion of hotel
Tickets
stroller rental
Gas $$
Discovery the Magic tour costs

Slowly but surely it is getting paid off.... one step at a time.
A lot of big costs are still left.
Let the countdown continue!!!

What is on your to do list December buddies?

We have reservations for everything but still haven't paid for any of it because it's all a pay when you pickup/check in type of deal. Have about $800 set aside so far, hoping to have about $2600 before we go. $1300 for costs (tickets, hotel, gas, car rental) and $1300 for food, wheelchair rental for me, photopass and lots and lots of souvenirs for my birthday girl

 

[Sherry E]

Your post just made me even MORE excited! Our brother has never been to either park, DLR or WDW. As a newbie it's already so much to take it and see, but with the holidays being in full swing it's like double the fun! I'm set on planning, re-planning and then OVER planning to make it the most amazing vacation. Can someone tell me, what are the fireworks like during December? Is it holiday themed all month long?

ARIELvsURSULA -

Have you subscribed to the Disney at Christmas/Holiday Season Superthread? Most of Page 1 is filled with information to make every aspect of your holiday trip spectacular, and there have already been photos posted in the thread here and there (start on Page 3 and skim/zip through the following pages to see the various photos). In late July we will kick off the 4th Annual Theme Week Countdown, which will be a 3 month+ extravaganza of photos covering all of the different aspects of the holiday season, ending in early November -- right before the season officially begins at Disneyland Resort!

Also in the Superthread, we discuss all of the breaking news of the season, rumors, speculation, changes in events, new and removed decorations, goodies, merchandise, general holiday-related topics, etc.


About the fireworks -- unless there is some sort of major event that throws everything off course this season, "Believe in Holiday Magic" fireworks (complete with snow on Main Street, near It's a Small World Holiday and in New Orleans Square at the end of the show) will most likely begin somewhere in the range of 11/7 or 11/8, and then pick up a regular nightly schedule once the season officially begins (which should be somewhere between 11/10 and 11/14).

Then, barring any weather issues or other schedule interruptions, the BIHM fireworks will light up the sky every single night, all the way through the rest of November and all of December, and will end, most likely, on Sunday, January 4th or Monday, January 5th.

 

[ARIELvsURSULA]

ARIELvsURSULA -

Have you subscribed to the Disney at Christmas/Holiday Season Superthread? Most of Page 1 is filled with information to make every aspect of your holiday trip spectacular, and there have already been photos posted in the thread here and there (start on Page 3 and skim/zip through the following pages to see the various photos). In late July we will kick off the 4th Annual Theme Week Countdown, which will be a 3 month+ extravaganza of photos covering all of the different aspects of the holiday season, ending in early November -- right before the season officially begins at Disneyland Resort!

Also in the Superthread, we discuss all of the breaking news of the season, rumors, speculation, changes in events, new and removed decorations, goodies, merchandise, general holiday-related topics, etc.


About the fireworks -- unless there is some sort of major event that throws everything off course this season, "Believe in Holiday Magic" fireworks (complete with snow on Main Street, near It's a Small World Holiday and in New Orleans Square at the end of the show) will most likely begin somewhere in the range of 11/7 or 11/8, and then pick up a regular nightly schedule once the season officially begins (which should be somewhere between 11/10 and 11/14).

Then, barring any weather issues or other schedule interruptions, the BIHM fireworks will light up the sky every single night, all the way through the rest of November and all of December, and will end, most likely, on Sunday, January 4th or Monday, January 5th.

Just checked that thread out, thanks for the link

 

[mlnbabies]

We are booked at Paradise Pier from 12-9 to 12-13. We are so excited!

 

[BARBARAL26]

We are booked at Paradise Pier from 12-9 to 12-13. We are so excited!

My daughter and I will be there Dec 10th till the 14 PP maybe we'll run into to you there.

 

[Escape2Disney]

We are booked at Paradise Pier from 12-9 to 12-13. We are so excited!

You'll love those dates! We really enjoyed the same time in 2012. Have a wonderful time!

 

[WestMom2two]

Mini Celebration tonight as I check things off my Disney to do list.

Paid so far:
Character Meal
Photo Pass+
Silhouette Shop Money for my 3 kiddos silhouettes (my Christmas present to myself!)
Food $$
little odds and end gifts for kiddos gifts started

To pay still:
My portion of hotel
Tickets
stroller rental
Gas $$
Discovery the Magic tour costs

Slowly but surely it is getting paid off.... one step at a time.
A lot of big costs are still left.
Let the countdown continue!!!

What is on your to do list December buddies?

Paid for:
5 -4 day park hopper passes

Still need to pay:
GC for daughter's BBB castle package
Hotel (booked but not oaid for)
character meal
photo pass plus
lego land tickets (1 day)

 

[MamaChelle]

December 3-11 DI&S !!!

 

[Escape2Disney]

December 3-11 DI&S !!!

Woo hoo!! Nice long trip!

 

[5forMickey]

Much needed Family trip 12/28/14 - 1/3/15 - DLH (I know we are CRAZY)

 

[Escape2Disney]

Much needed Family trip 12/28/14 - 1/3/15 - DLH (I know we are CRAZY)

Naw, you aren't crazy, you're BRAVE! I'm sure it'll be a fantastic trip!

 

[ARIELvsURSULA]

Good morning everyone! Looks like our plans have changed slightly. Originally we had planned for my brother, DH and DD to be in DLR Dec 1st -6th for DDs 13th birthday. We were trying to keep it a low budget trip (as if THAT ever works out lol) so we were going to drive from Oregon. DH had serious concerns about whether I'd be able to do much driving, particularly on the way home. Because I am disabled and Disney tends to wear me down he thought it was asking too much of me. I have to admit, I'm relieved! Driving long distances is very hard for me, but I was willing to suck it up for Disney lol. Let's face it, a 15 hour drive with only 2 drivers means either two very cranky people or we would have had to stop at another hotel along the way home to get some rest.

Sooo, long story short, we're flying in to John Wayne Airport (SNA) December 2nd -7th now, so long as prices on airfare don't change between now and when I can buy them, after the 1st. It was significantly cheaper to travel a day later and I can't recommend enough that if you're even somewhat flexible in your plans to use Southwest's flexible fare calendar.

Now to my question to you lovely people is what is the best way to get to Motel 6 Maingate from SNA? Since we're a party of 4, I was thinking a shuttle would probably be just as expensive if not more than getting a cab or town car. Can someone please recommend me a town car/cab service I can look into? And average prices, if you know it please!

And one last question, I know undercover tourist doesn't do Disneyland tickets, besides aRes is that pretty much the only "discount" on DLR tickets? My DH was military, but I don't think he qualifies for the military discount because he not active or retired, he didn't serve the full 20 years.

Thanks for taking the time to read my rambling

 

[Cheshirecatty]

Hi ARIELvsURSULA!!!!

Congratulations on being able to fly into SNA, and getting rid of the 15 hour drive(Yuck)!!!!!!

Whenever we fly into SNA, the easiest way to the Resort area(we've found), is to just walk outside the terminal(south side), and cross over to the line of waiting taxis and vans. I think there are two taxi companies which are always waiting---we've never differentiated between them---we just take the next one waiting in line.

We have never used a shuttle(they're probably cheaper, but don't know for sure). The Taxi runs us around $40.00 to $45.00, plus tip.

With good traffic, we usually make it to the Resort in about 15 or so minutes---it's so quick and easy!

 

[Sherry E]

Good morning everyone! Looks like our plans have changed slightly. Originally we had planned for my brother, DH and DD to be in DLR Dec 1st -6th for DDs 13th birthday. We were trying to keep it a low budget trip (as if THAT ever works out lol) so we were going to drive from Oregon. DH had serious concerns about whether I'd be able to do much driving, particularly on the way home. Because I am disabled and Disney tends to wear me down he thought it was asking too much of me. I have to admit, I'm relieved! Driving long distances is very hard for me, but I was willing to suck it up for Disney lol. Let's face it, a 15 hour drive with only 2 drivers means either two very cranky people or we would have had to stop at another hotel along the way home to get some rest.

Sooo, long story short, we're flying in to John Wayne Airport (SNA) December 2nd -7th now, so long as prices on airfare don't change between now and when I can buy them, after the 1st. It was significantly cheaper to travel a day later and I can't recommend enough that if you're even somewhat flexible in your plans to use Southwest's flexible fare calendar.

Now to my question to you lovely people is what is the best way to get to Motel 6 Maingate from SNA? Since we're a party of 4, I was thinking a shuttle would probably be just as expensive if not more than getting a cab or town car. Can someone please recommend me a town car/cab service I can look into? And average prices, if you know it please!

And one last question, I know undercover tourist doesn't do Disneyland tickets, besides aRes is that pretty much the only "discount" on DLR tickets? My DH was military, but I don't think he qualifies for the military discount because he not active or retired, he didn't serve the full 20 years.

Thanks for taking the time to read my rambling

Jenna -

As far as the shuttles portion of your question, the prices I've paid to use them would be different from what others paid to use them because I go to and from home and DLR or DLR hotels, while others go to and from hotels/airports/terminals/train stations and DLR. So I'm not sure what the actual fees would be to get to the hotel from the airport and back, or to DLR from the airport or hotel, etc.

As I was mentioning to minbabies in the Christmas/Holiday Season Superthread, I know that a lot of people use Super Shuttle. I think they stick with it because it is well known and has a long history. Some folks use Karmel Shuttle. I've used both Super Shuttle and Karmel and they were fine, but expensive for my point-to-point (leaving from home, with no stops at the airport) service.

Last year there was some buzz about a place called DK Livery. I know that one of our 2013 December travelers -- egritz -- used DK Livery and was very happy with their service, and would use them again. You might want to check them out.

I use a service called Sav-On Shuttle.net. I have used them many times. (They have mostly great reviews on Yelp, the last time I checked.) It's a very small, no-frills, informal sort of service (you are not required to put a deposit down or pay the whole thing in advance, which allows more flexibility for cancellations, I think), but the drivers have always been prompt, friendly and courteous when they have picked me up, and I got a better price from them for point-to-point service than I did from Super Shuttle or Karmel. They do a lot of business around DLR, transporting guests to and from DLR and various other popular spots in SoCal.

 

[ARIELvsURSULA]

Hi ARIELvsURSULA!!!!

Congratulations on being able to fly into SNA, and getting rid of the 15 hour drive(Yuck)!!!!!!

Whenever we fly into SNA, the easiest way to the Resort area(we've found), is to just walk outside the terminal(south side), and cross over to the line of waiting taxis and vans. I think there are two taxi companies which are always waiting---we've never differentiated between them---we just take the next one waiting in line.

We have never used a shuttle(they're probably cheaper, but don't know for sure). The Taxi runs us around $40.00 to $45.00, plus tip.

With good traffic, we usually make it to the Resort in about 15 or so minutes---it's so quick and easy!

Thanks for your input and advice, we will probably end up doing this unless I find a really great deal on a car service. I tend to be an over planner so I'm the sort who would normally rather pay a little extra to have a car waiting for us. Since this is supposed to be a budget trip I guess I just may have to sacrifice luxury and convenience in the name of more money for souvenirs and churros

 

[dec2009mama]

OK – you can move me from the no dates nailed down yet list!!

Just book this morning --- dec 4 to 9 at Tropicana Hotel

so excited – my little ones 5th b-day is dec 6 and I am thrilled that we can celebrate in disneyland!