***Official DLR December 2021 Check-in Thread***

[abent]

So my plan was to purchase my 4 day PH. Now it looks like I will have to wait until my October trip so I can upgrade my 4 day PH to the Dream key, and quickly add my reservations for December. It is putting me out of my comfort zone as I already have flights and room reservations and fear I won’t be able to secure my park reservations needed. Going and planning used to be so much easier….

 

[DYOBL0305]

Normally I would love a holiday party, but since I already have a 5 day ticket and have booked my days, I'm just thinking about how this will affect that.

Thought the same thing when I read that. We already reserved our dates, and, although I'm sure we could change them (right? I'm purely assuming here lol), I'd rather not have to do that.

 

[lily_belle]

Thought the same thing when I read that. We already reserved our dates, and, although I'm sure we could change them (right? I'm purely assuming here lol), I'd rather not have to do that.

I guess I am not following why you would need to change dates? The party ticket doesn't get you into the park for the full day (Oogie boogie starts at 6pm with mix-in starting at 3pm) and if you don't want to do the party, whichever park the party isn't at will still be open for regular guests. I'm truly curious! Maybe I'm not thinking of any pitfalls. My friend and I are just excited because it's been a long, long year+ and we could really use some extra Disney magic and an after-hours Christmas party sounds like just the thing!

 

[DYOBL0305]

I guess I am not following why you would need to change dates? The party ticket doesn't get you into the park for the full day (Oogie boogie starts at 6pm with mix-in starting at 3pm) and if you don't want to do the party, whichever park the party isn't at will still be open for regular guests. I'm truly curious! Maybe I'm not thinking of any pitfalls. My friend and I are just excited because it's been a long, long year+ and we could really use some extra Disney magic and an after-hours Christmas party sounds like just the thing!

Okay, correct me if I'm wrong, but at WDW the MVMC party is only for guests that purchased tickets for it; everyone else without a ticket is asked to leave the park before the "party" begins (usually around 7pm, if I remember correctly). Is it different at DLR? If that's the case, then we obviously wouldn't want to be there on a night where we might have to leave early. Also, in having visited WDW during one of their MVMC events, the park is beyond crowded, even on an off-peak day, which is another reason we used to avoid scheduling our park days during those event days, unless we had planned to attend.

 

[lily_belle]

Okay, correct me if I'm wrong, but at WDW the MVMC party is only for guests that purchased tickets for it; everyone else without a ticket is asked to leave the park before the "party" begins (usually around 7pm, if I remember correctly). Is it different at DLR? If that's the case, then we obviously wouldn't want to be there on a night where we might have to leave early. Also, in having visited WDW during one of their MVMC events, the park is beyond crowded, even on an off-peak day, which is another reason we used to avoid scheduling our park days during those event days, unless we had planned to attend.

That‘s correct but only for the park the party is in. So if the party is in DCA you could hop over to Disneyland once DCA closes for the party.

 

[DYOBL0305]

That‘s correct but only for the park the party is in. So if the party is in DCA you could hop over to Disneyland once DCA closes for the party.

I guess that's true, I think I'm still thinking of park hopping as having to travel a ways to get from one park to another as is the case in WDW, which always felt, to us anyway, like a hassle with little ones. We'll just have to see how it all goes

 

[nicole88s]

The reason I don't want a separate ticket holiday party is because I already have a five day ticket and only have five days available for park days. I don't want to pay over $200 more (for 2 party tickets) to be able to enjoy the holiday offerings that were free to everyone in previous years. If I didn't already have my tickets purchased I may feel differently because then I could use a party ticket as one of my days and not feel like I'm paying double.

 

[ociana]

As much as I enjoyed the holiday party when visiting WDW, for my trip to Disneyland this time we have a lot of people who are on a budget and it wouldn't be good for our trip. Also, it would really throw off park reservation plans if the dates for the party are announced after the reservations open up (which they already have for the Nov and early Dec time) and people have to start making adjustments for the party. Hoping this is just a rumor and it actually happens next year.

 

[Tennor]

Count me in! Just booked Dec 8-13 at Del Sol Inn. I'll be at the parks 9-12.

 

[Pluto468]

Either December 5-12 at Park Vue or December 12-17 Tropicana. Still deciding if I'm crazy trying to go in December at all due to crowds etc. Leaning toward the 5-12 dates.

 

[howedaniel]

We are Disneyland first timers after being avid WDW goers for 20 years. We are from the UK so hoping the borders open by December!!

We are staying at the Anaheim Marriott Dec 20 - Dec 28...so excited!

 

[ociana]

We are Disneyland first timers after being avid WDW goers for 20 years. We are from the UK so hoping the borders open by December!!

We are staying at the Anaheim Marriott Dec 20 - Dec 28...so excited!

Welcome to the better Disney parks! I know it is an ongoing debate, but personally I love the atmosphere at these parks much more than at WDW and even Disney Paris.

 

[ociana]

Either December 5-12 at Park Vue or December 12-17 Tropicana. Still deciding if I'm crazy trying to go in December at all due to crowds etc. Leaning toward the 5-12 dates.

Those early December dates should not be a crowd issue compared to during the last two weeks of the year. There are no school breaks during that time and since the holidays are in full swing at the parks you don't get the "off season" refurbishment time.
All that said, any crowd prediction this year could be completely inaccurate!

 

[howedaniel]

Welcome to the better Disney parks! I know it is an ongoing debate, but personally I love the atmosphere at these parks much more than at WDW and even Disney Paris.

Thankyou! We are so excited to experience it. So many people have said the same about the atmosphere and how much more intimate it is. I have been looking on YouTube and the parks seem so much smaller but full of attractions, we can't wait!

 

[nicole88s]

Count me in! Just booked Dec 8-13 at Del Sol Inn. I'll be at the parks 9-12.

Either December 5-12 at Park Vue or December 12-17 Tropicana. Still deciding if I'm crazy trying to go in December at all due to crowds etc. Leaning toward the 5-12 dates.

We are Disneyland first timers after being avid WDW goers for 20 years. We are from the UK so hoping the borders open by December!!

We are staying at the Anaheim Marriott Dec 20 - Dec 28...so excited!

Updated with your dates! Pluto468, I put in the dates you said you are leaning toward, but if it changes let me know and I can update it.

 

[Halloweenqueen]

Girls trip! My three grown daughters and myself heading to DL: December 11-16th, staying at Desert Inn. Crossing my fingers for Small World Holiday and the parade. Wouldn't Fantasmic be awesome too?

We had a difficult time getting dining for our Halloween trip. I recommend a lot of advance planning if you have a dining must do on your list!

 

[Pacific Northwest]

After cancelling my son's HS graduation celebration trip twice, we are now booked at HOJO Dec 28 - Jan 1. We have never been during the Holiday season and are very excited!

 

[Didi8367]

Myself, DH, DS (15), and DH (will be 13 when we go) just decided yesterday to give ourselves a quick trip to Disneyland as a Christmas present this year! We’ll be there from 12/30-1/2. Staying at the Fairfield Inn.

Now, time to catch up what I’ve missed since our last trip in July 2019.

 

[nicole88s]

Holiday Magic is Coming! Beloved Seasonal Traditions Return to Disneyland Resort as Holidays Begin Nov. 12

by Michael Ramirez, Public Relations Director, Disneyland Resort
The Disneyland Resort will once again transform into a merry and magical place as guests return to enjoy their holiday season here, Nov. 12, 2021. You’ll have three more days to celebrate the Holidays, too, because we’re extending it through Jan. 9, 2022.
As you visit to make new memories this year, many beloved traditions are back that will provide you with cheerful entertainment, yuletide treats, specialty merchandise, sparkling décor and seasonal transformations of select attractions!

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Disneyland Park
At Disneyland park, nostalgic holiday magic shines brightly with the glistening Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle and a 60-foot Christmas tree on Main Street, U.S.A. Both make wonderful photo locations for that cherished memory of your Holiday visit.
Entertainment making a comeback this year at the park includes “A Christmas Fantasy” parade where beloved Disney characters join Santa Claus for a merry musical celebration down Main Street, U.S.A. You may also see Santa making other stops within the parks throughout your visit. For the perfect kiss goodnight, you will be treated to “Believe … in Holiday Magic” fireworks spectacular and magical snowfall over portions of Main Street, U.S.A. Additionally, seasonal transformations will happen once again at “it’s a small world” Holiday and the 20th installation of Haunted Mansion Holiday.

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Disney California Adventure Park
At Disney California Adventure park, create new memories during Festival of Holidays and discover the sights, sounds and tastes of a diverse season of celebrations during this festive time of year, including Christmas/Navidad, Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Three Kings Day. Friends and families are invited to celebrate with “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” as Disney characters host a fun street party featuring Mexican folklórico dancers and Mariachis, Brazilian samba dancers and percussionists, giant mojiganga puppets and Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in their fiesta best! At Paradise Gardens, you’ll enjoy festively themed food and beverages, live music and dance, and later in the holiday season, Mirabel from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ upcoming film “Encanto” will make her park debut. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for information on Mirabel’s arrival!

Over in Cars Land, the four-wheeled residents will be pulling out all the stops with their holiday décor. From the snow-covered billboard at the entrance all the way to the hubcap-studded tree at the courthouse, you will see automotive ornamentation at its finest along Route 66. And for a little more festive magic two popular attractions will transform into Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl and Mater’s Jingle Jamboree.

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More Merry-Making
Also around the resort, traditional holiday décor and carolers bring the holiday spirit to Downtown Disney District and the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort. Over at the lobby inside Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, you’ll want to discover all the fun, new details on the giant gingerbread house this year.
With so much to do at the Disneyland Resort, where will your merry making begin? For more details, continue to check back on the Disney Parks Blog where additional information about Holidays at the Disneyland Resort will be shared.

 

[nicole88s]

Girls trip! My three grown daughters and myself heading to DL: December 11-16th, staying at Desert Inn. Crossing my fingers for Small World Holiday and the parade. Wouldn't Fantasmic be awesome too?

We had a difficult time getting dining for our Halloween trip. I recommend a lot of advance planning if you have a dining must do on your list!

After cancelling my son's HS graduation celebration trip twice, we are now booked at HOJO Dec 28 - Jan 1. We have never been during the Holiday season and are very excited!

Myself, DH, DS (15), and DH (will be 13 when we go) just decided yesterday to give ourselves a quick trip to Disneyland as a Christmas present this year! We’ll be there from 12/30-1/2. Staying at the Fairfield Inn.

Now, time to catch up what I’ve missed since our last trip in July 2019.

Welcome! I have added you all to the list.

We have some great news coming from the Parks Blog today! The castle will have lights, Small World will have lights, the parade and fireworks will be back, along with many other exciting holiday offerings. I'm so happy! And no mention of a paid holiday party.