Qs for Dec 04 trip

[HenDuck]

Sorry to ask these questions which I know have been asked before but the search function is down.

We are planning on going to DL/DCA around Dec 8-14 this year. I have a few questions:
1. What is the Candlelight Processional? What time does it run and how long does it last?
2. What other special events do they have at Christmastime that we should not miss (especially for small children, like 4 year olds)?
3. Is there snow every night on Main Street?
4. What kinds of special treats (food-wise) do they have at this time of year?

Oh yeah, how do I add the countdown clock?

Thanks so much for your help!

 

[HenDuck]

I also wanted to know what nights the Electrical Parade would be on during this time? Would it be Friday, Saturday and Sunday or some combination of the above?

Thanks again in advance!

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Originally posted by HenDuck
Sorry to ask these questions which I know have been asked before but the search function is down.

We are planning on going to DL/DCA around Dec 8-14 this year. I have a few questions:
1. What is the Candlelight Processional? What time does it run and how long does it last?
* The Candlelight Processional is usually held the 2nd weekend of December. It includes a choir made up of Disney cast members, as well as local schools, an orchestra, a bell/chime choir, sign-language interpreter, and a well-known person as key speaker. The key speaker will tell the story of Christmas, and the music enhances the story.

The CP may be held in front of the Train Station on Main Street (like last year), or may be held in the Fantasyland Theater (like other years) - we'll find out, or someone may already know. The choir members process to the stage area from some location, each holding a candle and singing. When they reach the stage area they position themselves on risers & resemble a Christmas tree ... at least, that's how it was when I saw it.

It's beautiful.

If getting tickets is the same as it has been in the past years.... You go to Guest Services (left of the Disneyland Entrance), and they start dispensing tickets (no more than 4 to a person) at 8:00am. HOWEVER, this is so popular, that people will line up at 5:am to get tickets. When I was there, I arrived at 5:am, and there was already a line - I heard the earliest person had arrived at 3:30ish or so. The tickets were all distributed by 8:20am on that day.

I'm hoping that they will do this again this year -- you can purchase dinner and a meal for a certain price - have dinner at one of the hotel restaurants, and then have reserved seating for the CP.

The show primarily is set for Disney execs and distinguished contributors to Disney ... we, the general public, get any tickets that are left over.

2. What other special events do they have at Christmastime that we should not miss (especially for small children, like 4 year olds)?
* You must see the Haunted Mansion (set like Nightmare Before Christmas - rent the movie first so the kids can appreciate the characters), and you MUST see It's a Small World - all decked out in lights, and the inside is decorated for Christmas, with the dolls singing Jingle Bells in different languages. Usually starting on Thanksgiving Day is the Christmas Parade - great parade, catchy tune, and it shows twice a day. On Main Street, in the afternoon, Dickens carolers lead everyone in popular Christmas tunes. I love to sing (not that I do it well), so I usually enjoy this, too.

3. Is there snow every night on Main Street?
* Yes. There is snow right after the fireworks. It falls on Main Street, New Orleans Square, and the mall in front of It's a Small World.

4. What kinds of special treats (food-wise) do they have at this time of year?
* Well, the kids & I used to have a tradition of decorating cookies, and munching on them while watching the Main Street Band play. They have cookies for decorating at the Fire House on Main Street, and different cookies (like an alligator, etc.) for decorating at New Orleans. Also, the French Market, a restaurant in New Orleans, has dessert that matches the holiday theme at Haunted Mansion.

Oh yeah, how do I add the countdown clock?

* Go to the Techy Board, and look at the FAQS -- also, there is usually a thread that has a link to the instructions that is usually bumped to the top.

Electrical Light Parade
* Usually plays on the weekend during non-tourist times, and every night during tourist times - which I expect will be the two last weeks in December, but not too sure.

Thanks so much for your help!

 

[Firefly777]

1. Not sure

2. There is Haunted Mansion Holiday and Small World Holiday. Also there's the Christmas parade.

3. This year, it's still up in the air on the fireworks. "Believe" was replaced by another fireworks show called "Imagine". So there may or may not be a holiday version of Imagine.

4. I know they have Nightmare Before Christmas themed desserts at New Orleans Square. I'm sure there's more though.

 

[HenDuck]

I don't really want to go to CP, I just want to know if it will affect my park visit on that night.

Does this mean that when CP is on, the rest of the park is still open?

Would it be on for Saturday and Sunday night?

I am thinking maybe we'll just go to Knotts on Sat and DCA on Sunday to avoid any problems caused by CP. We definitely need to see the Electrical Parade so we may hit DCA Sunday night to see that.

Anyone have any thoughts?

Mahalo much!

 

[mobetsy]

Just a note on the snow: my 9 y.o. ds has been there the past two years when they were doing this, and to him and his friends, it was a non-event. Not enough to play in, barely enough to find...he's away or I'd ask him for his comments. I wouldn't make any plans around this feature at DL!

 

[Firefly777]

I always hear many people say how magical the snow is after the fireworks show. I saw the show once and I thought the same. Another year I didn't watch the show, but I was walking along Main St. and the snow was all over. I guess it depends on where you are, but on Main Street, it's impossible to miss. I would definitely recommend seeing the fireworks/snow, if they're still doing it this year.

Just another perspective.

FYI: It's not real snow.

 

[iceskatejen]

It's "snow" not real snow. There wouldn't be enough to play in because it's actually soap foam, not real snow. Still, the way they light it, it looks cool.

 

[dletz]

Comments on Candlelight Processional

They have been held at Disneyland for the past 45 years. Unlike WDWs candleight processional which was done mainly for the guests, DLs main focus has always been for the cast memebers. I remember years ago when they used to do it on mainstreet in front of the train station, it was wonderful. While to get seats you needed tickets, you could stand on mainstreet and watch them come down mainstreet, and form a christmas tree at the train station. Then they started doing it in Fantasyland theater. It was a lot harder to see, as you needed tickets and we just stopped going.

Last year (I think due to working on Snow White) they moved it back to main street. We didn't get a chance to see it. I don't think it would affect crowds much. Maybe a bit, but I doubt it. Again DLs main focus is for the cast members.

 

[HenDuck]

Thanks everyone for the responses!

We can't wait for our trip!

I just added my countdown clock below.

Wooohooo!