SOOO packed this week!

[SOCALMouseMommy]

At 7am on Monday, I selected an 8:05am return time for Jolly Holiday (for breakfast and cookies), and it took my money and then it wouldn't go through. I immediately did it again for 8:15am, and again it took my money and did not go through. I was so irritated. It took 45 minutes to be refunded.

That is exactly what happened to me!

 

[LAS2AMS]

The parking garages were at capacity by early this evening.

The Toy Story parking lot had to be the worst managed operation of any Disney property. Because of the volume of traffic, people making a left hand turn into the parking lot would turn on red and block the through traffic on Harbor. It took nearly 50 minutes to turn from Orangewood onto Harbor into the lot (1/3 of a mile). In the olden days they would open the Katella entrance up…. But of course that section of the lot (old CM) has been closed off for a few days. You’d think they’d at least direct traffic on Harbor….

We waited another 50 minutes for a bus. It was more crowded during the Halloween evening scene, but six consecutive busses - yes, six - went out of service. The line built up and some people report waiting nearly 90 minutes.

When we returned lot, the family in front of us waited until they boarded the bus to fold their stroller. So instead of asking them to step aside, they sent the bus on its way, 1/2 full, with tons of people waiting. When we boarded the next bus, the lady’s child - who was around 4-5yo - screamed at the top of her lungs the whole way back.

When I turned around and politely asked the mother if she could at least try to calm her child, mom suddenly decided she couldn’t understand English. And some other girl told me ‘you shouldn’t say things like that, you don’t know what she’s going through.’ If mom had made an attempt to calm the girl, I’d understand. But mom didn’t. Our girls understood that if they threw a tantrum, we’d walk back rather than take the bus. I noticed that mom walked out to Harbor, not her car. It would be faster to walk. Sorry if you were on the bus with me!

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

Wowie, it really just goes to show that what time you arrive matters! And the overall experience can vary so much from person to person even in the same park on the same day!

We got to DL at 3pm on Thursday, 12/18–the last day for Believe Magic Key holders. It was very quick to park at the structure, security lines were extremely short, there were no lines at the turnstile (do we still call it that?).

One of my priorities was watching A Christmas Fantasy parade since we had not yet seen it this season and this would likely be our last opportunity. Although people were lined up on the curb for some time, we were able to grab a spot on Main Street in front of the Emporium and the Firehouse at the front of the rope (after conferring with an awesome CM, we lined up where the rope would eventually be put up before it was set up and it worked out perfectly!). This was exactly one hour before the second parade and we had a great view four our party of three adults and four kids. We also had a perfect view of the Main Street tree lighting.





After the parade, the kids wanted to ride Indy, which had a 35-minute posted wait time but it was less than that. Then the big kids wanted to ride Incredicoaster so we park hopped for that, also a 35-minute wait that was accurate.

Crowds felt moderate in both parks and the park experience was very enjoyable from the time we arrived until about one hour prior to fireworks and then holy cow did the vibe change!

We had a later dinner at 8pm at the Carnation Cafe. The food was great! It was busy though! We had to wait a good amount of time for the food but we were happy to sit down and relax for a while. We actually didn’t pay and leave our table until 9:29, which is a pretty long time for a meal at Carnation Cafe but it worked out great since we got to see the snow on Main Street while we waited (we went out to dance around in it while waiting for our food) and we slipped under the rope as we left the restaurant and watched the fireworks.

I had the holiday dinner at Carnation and I really enjoyed it. I thought it was a great value at $28.



I had to use the restroom while we were there and the line was super long so I decided to walk up Main Street to the bathroom by City Hall and there were so many people waiting for fireworks I could barely get through the crowd (and that was just one adult, no stroller). It definitely felt like people came just for the fireworks and maybe that is what caused the congestion at the parking lots.

After the fireworks we grabbed some ice cream at Gibson Girl then walked to the parking structure. DTD was mobbed. The lines for the trams were nuts. And when we exited the parking stricture they were redirecting traffic so oddly, we had to make a u-turn to get back the way we wanted to go. I’ve never seen it. Traffic was very congested.

So … did it thousands of locals descended on Disneyland just to watch a 15-minute fireworks show? It really did feel that way based on what happened with the crowds and traffic. It’s baffling but we had a fantastic time and I ate my weight in gingerbread so we all left happy!

 

[Tinkaboo]

Both of those cookie versions were great! I put one of my gingermen in the freezer when I got home...nice treat in January!

 

[Wesley815]

Wowie, it really just goes to show that what time you arrive matters! And the overall experience can vary so much from person to person even in the same park on the same day!

I agree and highly dependent on staffing levels too. It's ridiculous when I've seen low amount of trams/busses or extremely slow processes through Security check points.

To me that seems even more unsafe having large number of unscreened guests waiting together, but most companies are only reactive not proactive.

 

[JerrodDragon89]

I agree and highly dependent on staffing levels too. It's ridiculous when I've seen low amount of trams/busses or extremely slow processes through Security check points.

To me that seems even more unsafe having large number of unscreened guests waiting together, but most companies are only reactive not proactive.

I was there last weekend and on Saturday and Toy Story had one bus....then it took like 10-15 mins for more busses to show up

I was like come on Disney this is the busiest time of the year....insane you can't have busses ready to go.

 

[Pluto468]

Wowie, it really just goes to show that what time you arrive matters! And the overall experience can vary so much from person to person even in the same park on the same day!

We got to DL at 3pm on Thursday, 12/18–the last day for Believe Magic Key holders. It was very quick to park at the structure, security lines were extremely short, there were no lines at the turnstile (do we still call it that?).

One of my priorities was watching A Christmas Fantasy parade since we had not yet seen it this season and this would likely be our last opportunity. Although people were lined up on the curb for some time, we were able to grab a spot on Main Street in front of the Emporium and the Firehouse at the front of the rope (after conferring with an awesome CM, we lined up where the rope would eventually be put up before it was set up and it worked out perfectly!). This was exactly one hour before the second parade and we had a great view four our party of three adults and four kids. We also had a perfect view of the Main Street tree lighting.

View attachment 1032350

View attachment 1032354

After the parade, the kids wanted to ride Indy, which had a 35-minute posted wait time but it was less than that. Then the big kids wanted to ride Incredicoaster so we park hopped for that, also a 35-minute wait that was accurate.

Crowds felt moderate in both parks and the park experience was very enjoyable from the time we arrived until about one hour prior to fireworks and then holy cow did the vibe change!

We had a later dinner at 8pm at the Carnation Cafe. The food was great! It was busy though! We had to wait a good amount of time for the food but we were happy to sit down and relax for a while. We actually didn’t pay and leave our table until 9:29, which is a pretty long time for a meal at Carnation Cafe but it worked out great since we got to see the snow on Main Street while we waited (we went out to dance around in it while waiting for our food) and we slipped under the rope as we left the restaurant and watched the fireworks.

I had the holiday dinner at Carnation and I really enjoyed it. I thought it was a great value at $28.

View attachment 1032351

I had to use the restroom while we were there and the line was super long so I decided to walk up Main Street to the bathroom by City Hall and there were so many people waiting for fireworks I could barely get through the crowd (and that was just one adult, no stroller). It definitely felt like people came just for the fireworks and maybe that is what caused the congestion at the parking lots.

After the fireworks we grabbed some ice cream at Gibson Girl then walked to the parking structure. DTD was mobbed. The lines for the trams were nuts. And when we exited the parking stricture they were redirecting traffic so oddly, we had to make a u-turn to get back the way we wanted to go. I’ve never seen it. Traffic was very congested.

So … did it thousands of locals descended on Disneyland just to watch a 15-minute fireworks show? It really did feel that way based on what happened with the crowds and traffic. It’s baffling but we had a fantastic time and I ate my weight in gingerbread so we all left happy!

View attachment 1032353
View attachment 1032352

I'm so glad it all went well!

 

[Pluto468]

Both of those cookie versions were great! I put one of my gingermen in the freezer when I got home...nice treat in January!

Tinkaboo do you have a trip report?

 

[B3rlingirl]

yesterday was quite manageable with crowds…
We were even able to get „front row“ for fireworks in front of its a small world about 1h before the beginning… (actually 2nd row but the family in front of us left after the „small world light show“…

Today was way more crowded and it felt like there were more locals/regulars in the park …
Felt crowded since rope drop…by 7:40am Indi return times slipped to after 9:30am…

 

[brightlined]

Maybe a tip on Jolly Holiday gingerbread cookies if you're staying late (if this isn't common knowledge):

I noticed that they sometimes put them back on mobile order after 10pm/10:30pm and open a few end-of-the-night time slots. (I've mostly been closing the park, so it was perfect timing.) You might have to refresh the times a bit to get the slots to show up.


Also - I've been having a ton of issues with mobile order lately (Android), specifically where it won't let me say "I'm here" and/or change the time. ("Something went wrong.") I found out that if I use another phone logged into my account that it'll work on that one, so I'm basically switching back and forth. (It's annoying, but it's better than having to bother the CM to stop what they're doing to mark me as there.)

 

[LKing]

Today was way more crowded and it felt like there were more locals/regulars in the park …
Felt crowded since rope drop…by 7:40am Indi return times slipped to after 9:30am…

I was in the parks today. The only MK that was not blocked is Inspire. However, it is the last day to use the Costco tickets so that might be why you noticed more people who appeared to know their way around. MK holders don't tend to purchase LL. The Costco tickets came with LL.

 

[LAS2AMS]

I was in the parks today. The only MK that was not blocked is Inspire. However, it is the last day to use the Costco tickets so that might be why you noticed more people who appeared to know their way around. MK holders don't tend to purchase LL. The Costco tickets came with LL.

No backup to get into the lot and no wait for a bus into the park this evening. They also re-opened the former CM lot, so that helped I’m sure.

 

[LAS2AMS]

Also - I've been having a ton of issues with mobile order lately (Android), specifically where it won't let me say "I'm here" and/or change the time. ("Something went wrong.")

We get the same issue with our iPhones. Probably just a glitchy app.

Speaking of apps, looks like ART has retired theirs. All the busses have signage directing you to d/l it.

 

[dunkindonut]

Finished my stay and have some thoughts:
Pros:
Parks are beautiful around Christmas and the decor is lovely.

The cast this time around was among the best I’ve ever experienced. They truly have gone above and beyond.

Grand Californian carolers were phenomenal, highly recommend checking them out.

Haunted Holiday is such an awesome overlay, I love to see it whenever I go.

All the new trader Sam’s drinks were phenomenal. I tried a majority of them, I think I missed one but they were well crafted.

The holiday merch was a pleasant surprise and they really went above and beyond.

The reusable bags are like the ultimate gift, super cheap and they feel well made. I use them for my groceries at home and for like a $5 ginormous bag or whatever, you can’t really go wrong.

Cons:

Downtown Disney Christmas music loop is obnoxious, I feel bad for the people working there all day.

Holiday food felt much worse than Halloween offerings imo. Personally, I hate peppermint desserts but even then it’s just they’re so extravagant for no reason. The thanksmas sandwich and smores cheese from jolly holiday, the reindeer macaron from alien pizza planet were all lovely though.

DLH DVC studio room honestly felt so lack luster compared to the normal DLH room I stayed in before. No proper table, very lack luster furnishing in general, and honestly the tower location is just inconvenient. I stayed here since I rented DVC. Which was my first time doing it, and it definitely felt like a bargain since if I paid the normal Disney price I’d definitely be very disappointed.

The walk way for DVC tower only has 1 path and to get to the other side of the resort. Or maybe you use the gate from the bar? But even then it just feels very strange. Why they gated it off is beyond me. Compared to staying in adventure tower, it just felt like such a longer walk to get everywhere.


Holidays time in general is way too crowded. Even at night I just didn’t find it enjoyable.


Overall Christmas at Disney was fun but I’m not sure if I’d ever do it again.

 

[Tinkaboo]

Tinkaboo do you have a trip report?

I might do a short one.... Thanks for asking!

 

[MonocularVision]

smores cheese from jolly holiday

 

[irlandaise]

smores cheese from jolly holiday,

Yeah, that sounded weird to me, too. Chocolate, marshmallow, and fontina? Or maybe brie??

Turns out it's actually s'mores cheesecake. I found this description on the DL website: "Chocolate Cheesecake with Chocolate Ganache, topped with Marshmallow Mousse and a Torched Marshmallow." On a graham-cracker bed, of course. That sounds much more promising.

 

[B3rlingirl]

Finished my stay and have some thoughts:
Pros:
Parks are beautiful around Christmas and the decor is lovely.

The cast this time around was among the best I’ve ever experienced. They truly have gone above and beyond.

Grand Californian carolers were phenomenal, highly recommend checking them out.

Haunted Holiday is such an awesome overlay, I love to see it whenever I go.

All the new trader Sam’s drinks were phenomenal. I tried a majority of them, I think I missed one but they were well crafted.

The holiday merch was a pleasant surprise and they really went above and beyond.

The reusable bags are like the ultimate gift, super cheap and they feel well made. I use them for my groceries at home and for like a $5 ginormous bag or whatever, you can’t really go wrong.

Cons:

Downtown Disney Christmas music loop is obnoxious, I feel bad for the people working there all day.

Holiday food felt much worse than Halloween offerings imo. Personally, I hate peppermint desserts but even then it’s just they’re so extravagant for no reason. The thanksmas sandwich and smores cheese from jolly holiday, the reindeer macaron from alien pizza planet were all lovely though.

DLH DVC studio room honestly felt so lack luster compared to the normal DLH room I stayed in before. No proper table, very lack luster furnishing in general, and honestly the tower location is just inconvenient. I stayed here since I rented DVC. Which was my first time doing it, and it definitely felt like a bargain since if I paid the normal Disney price I’d definitely be very disappointed.

The walk way for DVC tower only has 1 path and to get to the other side of the resort. Or maybe you use the gate from the bar? But even then it just feels very strange. Why they gated it off is beyond me. Compared to staying in adventure tower, it just felt like such a longer walk to get everywhere.


Holidays time in general is way too crowded. Even at night I just didn’t find it enjoyable.


Overall Christmas at Disney was fun but I’m not sure if I’d ever do it again.

Are you talking about the reusable bags that were more widely advertised a couple years ago? I didn’t know they were still a thing. I hadn’t seen a single person with a reusable Disneyland and haven’t seen anything posted in the stores either…

But thanks for pointing it out… I desperately need new ones because my old ones aren’t usable anymore…

 

[LKing]

They have canvas holiday totes which are around $30. I think they are also still selling the 70th shopping totes (3 sizes) which are less than $10 each.

I grabbed this picture of the shopping bags from Google images. @dunkindonut is this what you are referring to?

 

[longboard55]

Friday was the last day for Key passes, should be lighter crowds next week