'Tis the Season in Disneyland: A California Christmas *COMPLETED* (Feb. 2/Pg. 14)

[mt mommy]

Yeah, Another TR!!! Christmas in DL looks so fun. So, how crowded was it? What would you say the average wait was? I'm debating an '08 Christmas trip. But if it's too crowded I may opt to wait until Jan. '09 when it's usually dead!!

Great TR, As ALWAYS!!!

 

[TheDISneyFamily]

OK A BIG DUH to me!!! I was looking all over for your continued trip report with no luck! Finally I went back to my PMs and linked in and guess what - I found you in the DL trippies, not WDW. DUH!! I should have figured. Oh well, back to catchin' up...

Don't worry, you weren't the only one, Lesley! LOL! I kept looking on the WDW TR board, too. I'm so glad Lindsey posted on my TR today so I could follow the link in her signature over here!

OK, I made it! Now that you are a DL vet, I know who to ask for advice when we finally go out west! WE HAVE TO SEE THE DL HAUNTED MANSION!!! Thanks for the pictures! I can't wait to show Brenna!

Take care,
Michelle

 

[Fairy_Tale_Bride]

A Fantasmic Evening at Disneyland




I couldn't believe the day was almost over and it was already time for dinner. The one thing that I also noticed in Cali is that it gets darker earlier than I am use to in Florida. The sun started going down around 3:00 pm and it was almost completely dark by 4:00 pm, so that didn't give us as much sunlight as I would have liked.

We had dinner reservations over at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel again and this time we were dining at the PCH Grill aka the Pacific Coast Highway Grill. We went to catch the monorail in Tomorrowland and we got to sit in the way back in our own private little room. We just loved it! It was the perfect way to ride and we could lie down.

We really enjoyed the Monorail ride from Tomorrowland over to Downtown Disney. You actually go right over California Adventure's Golden Gate Bridge, which was so neat! It's especially a beautiful view with all the Christmas lights too.

We made the walk to the Paradise Pier Hotel and we were cold and hungry! The restaurant had a very cute decor and it was a quiet night there, which we really enjoyed. It was relaxing and we were really able to enjoy our meal.

I really like the salt & peppershakers here and the crazy straws that you get with your drink! Yes, it's the little things that make me happy!

I had to start my meal with some nice warm soup. In Cali, I had to start every meal with hot tea or soup to heat me up. The mushroom bisque was very good and the cheese pizza I ordered was yummy! DH had a chicken sandwich and he was just crazy about the BBQ sauce.

The PCH Grill had Christmas decorations, but they also had two Gingerbread Houses that they had made. The one was my favorite; it is the "Nightmare Before Christmas" Haunted House. I loved it and wanted to take it with me, haha!

We finished our lovely dinner and we made our way back to Disneyland. We walked to the Monorail, so we could be dropped off in Tomorrowland right next to Nemo's Submarine Voyage. We hopped off the Monorail and saw that the line for the ride was actually short! The CM was even yelling and saying that this is the shortest the line will ever be because everyone is watching the Fireworks. We decided we'd take advantage of the 30-minute wait. It was a very chilly night and we were able to see a few of the Fireworks as we waited in line, which didn't make the wait seem bad at all.

I was thrilled because Nemo's Submarine Voyage was not open yet when we were here in May. We missed it by just two weeks and I was so excited to actually be going into the submarine. It's still a Disneyland original, even if it is Nemo now, instead of "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea."

We were the first in line for our group to be able to board the submarine and I made my way down the small winding staircase to my small pull down blue seat in the submarine. It was pretty cramped in the submarine and little claustrophobic once everyone was inside. That's why they actually had air vents in front of each window for everyone because I can imagine people freaking out from being in such a tight space and under water.

The ride was just fantastic! I was so impressed with all of the graphics and I still don't know how they actually created most of the ride. It was really cute too and all of your favorite characters from "Finding Nemo" were there. My favorite part was at the very beginning when you see Darla, which was a surprise to me. Everyone laughed when we saw her. I think it is the most impressive and details Disney ride there is!

It was getting close to time for Fantasmic! This was our first time seeing the show and I really didn't know what to expect. We had no idea how they were going to have the show right there at Tom Sawyer's Island. We couldn't believe how crowded it was already and I think we grabbed the last possible spot available. I couldn't wait to see it! After 30 minutes of waiting in the cold, that amazing Fantasmic music began and Mickey appeared!

I am very glad that we got the entire show on video and I can share it all with you! Enjoy!




Video: Part 1 of Fantasmic at Disneyland

Video: Part 2 of Fantasmic at Disneyland

Video: Part 3 of Fantasmic at Disneyland




It was truly amazing and it was so different than Fantasmic at WDW. I have to say that I loved it more! The part with Peter Pan and Captain Hook flying around on the pirate ship was incredible! I loved how Disneyland used their Mark Twain Riverboat and the Sailing Ship Columbia as a part of the show.

Before we made our exit on the Monorail, I just had to go see Sleeping Beauty Castle! There it was in all its beauty covered in glistening icicles!

It was such a Magical day at Disneyland and we had a blast! We were exhausted and couldn't wait to be back in our comfy Disneyland Hotel bed. We had another busy day ahead of us tomorrow!

More Soon!

 

[Fairy_Tale_Bride]

WHOOHOO great TR! I'm so glad I found it! I'm going to Disneyland in March and now based on what you've said I think I will definitely spend the extra $$$ to stay at the Disneyland Hotel. I love your pictures of Haunted Mansion Holiday!

Need...more...now!

Thanks! That's so great that you will be there in March! You will just love the Disneyland Hotel if you decide to stay there.

Gosh I am jealous!!! How much fun you had...the Haunted mansion was so cool! Boy this trip was 1000% better than the last with the exception of the POC release and Johnny etc. Woman I want your life!!! < me green with envy lol!

Awwww! You are too funny! That's why I knew I had to make it back to DL and soon! After that first trip in the Roach Motel! Thank goodness for Johnny to make it all worth it!

Lindsey, did you close the disc in the camcorder? I know that if you don't close the disc (you won't be able to record anything else on it) it won't read on anything except the camcorder. Did that make sense? Just pop it back in the camcorder and close it...

You mean Finalize the disc? Yes, I did that and still no luck. I've tried everything!

I just love your trip reports...Can't wait for more..

Thank you!!!

 

[iggbees]

that finding nemo ride looks so cute! we're supposedly stopping in cali to visit relatives on our way to hawaii next year; i can't wait to ride it! my only tattoo so far is of pearl. i love her!

the castle is gorgeous! is it still like that in wdw too?

 

[Tink rules]

Fantasmic at DL looks great!!!

Silly question... since I haven't seen it at WDW in quite a few years... is it the same music now?

 

[Fairy_Tale_Bride]

Wow Lindsey........how cool is the Haunted Mansion Holiday. I am soooooooo glad you got to see that & that you shared it with us. I had read about it but coudln't really imagine how they could do it & now I can totally imagine it all thanks to your pictures.

Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I wanna go to Disneyland NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!! Said in my best Veruca Salt voice.

HAHA! You need to add the "Daddy" in front of the line.

I didn't know what to expect with the Holiday Haunted Mansion and I honestly had no idea they changed the entire ride too. It was amazing and I am so glad we decided to go to DL in December! It was a Tim Burton fan's dream!

Ok, so I've read up to here, and now I'd like an update... Can that be arranged??

Done!

Lindsey, as always your pictures are amazing and beautiful, looking at The Haunted Mansion as The Nightmare Before Christmas I actually felt like I was on the ride and can't wait to see it next Dec.

Would you believe that I actually have never watched The Nightmare Before Christmas, so I decided to stop by Blockbuster the other day and they don't have it to rent or buy, so I checked the local library and they have it, now I just have to wait for it to come in, I want to be prepared for the ride, I hope it is a good movie. I am sure it is though, it is Disney.

Wish I could help you with your computer issue but I know nothing, I am sure you know way more then I do.

Did you and DH make it to the Disney Soda Fountain in Hollywood this trip? I know you had said you did some of LA too, just wondering what it is like.

Lindsey you are very kind too, I just had to add that, you are one of the kindest people I know and I love how sweet you are to share information with all of us so we don't miss anything. Your great!!!

Well, "The Nightmare Before Christmas" is a Tim Burton masterpiece. I don't think I'd give Disney much credit.

DH & I did make a special trip to the Disney Soda Fountain, but I may continue this Trippie all the way through to the end of our Cali trip.

We did a half DL trip and a half Cali trip. We actually spent more time in Cali doing other things, than we did at DL. It was a blast, so I think I'll have to do a long Trippie!

You are just too sweet Jen! Thanks for those kind words! I just love sharing my trips with my fellow friends and DIS'ers!

I just got back from Disney World last night so I just found your trip report...can't wait to read it!

I'm sure you are sad to be back to reality. Did you have a nice WDW vacation? I hope you had a fantastic and Magical time! Now, you can visit DL with me!

Cool, cool, cool! Thanks so much for posting those pictures! I had heard they did that, but I had no idea it was so extensive. I must say it again, Cool!!!!!

Me either! I was shocked!

 

[CriminyCrafft]

Great update!!! Loved your Fantasmic videos. I bit the bullet and booked the Disneyland Hotel today! March 12-17. I CANNOT WAIT.

 

[Fairy_Tale_Bride]

Just watched a show on the Food Network about the food at DL. I have been there twice myself...once when I was 7 and once in 2002. I did eat at the Blue Bayou at the time and it was great!

Anyway, they highlighted several places including the Ariel place you had in your plans. But another place they highlighted was Napa Rose at the Grand Californian. Man, I wouldn't mind eating there. I looked on your plans to see if you had plans to eat there b/c I wanted to see what you thought, but I see you did not have it in your plans. From the sound of the show, it is a really neat place. Maybe you can hit it up one trip and let us know if it is really great or what!

We did eat at the Blue Bayou when we were at DL in May and we really like it. I loved that it was in the POTC ride and the POTC desserts were the best! You can see my pics and my review in my other DL Trippie.

I've never been to Napa Rose, but it is right above the Wine Country Trattoria restaurant we at on our first day. Napa Rose is pricier and is only open for dinner, so we skipped it for this trip. Next time!

Yeah! I just found your new trip report! I love the way you write them. I can't wait to catch up!!

That's sweet of you to say! I'm glad you are here and joining me for my Trippie again!

We have had the good fortune to visit Disneyland TWICE during the Holidays....once in early Nov and once over Thanksgiving. It has been 3 yrs I think. since our last visit.

We LOVE the HM Holiday version and the first time we saw it in I think 2002 was soooo cool because we loved the movie from the day it came out but it wasn't the cult classic that it is now.

It is really fun to relive your trip with you. Your pictures are always fun and your enthusiasm and happy attitude really make your trippies fun to read

did you eat at Blue Bayou? I didn't see it on your list??? another of our favs

I saw "The Nightmare Before Christmas" when it first came out in theatres on opening day and I was actually in 6th grade at the time! I was even a huge Tim Burton fan back then. I have the original VHS when it came out for the first time. It's still amazing to me how it all of a sudden became so popular and a cult hit. It happened after Tim Burton had more success, I guess and then he also put out "Corpse Bride." Then, Disney actually wanted their name above the title.

That's so sweet to say! I love everything Disney and I love sharing all of that with fellow DIS'ers!

No, we did not go to Blue Bayou on this trip, but we did in May and ate there the day before the POTC Premiere, so that was exciting! I loved it, but we wanted to make sure to try everything new this time.

I just love your pictures of the Haunted Mansion. It is one of my favorite rides but I have never been fortunate to be there during the holidays. I think that a visit during the holdiay season will definitely be in my future.

Thanks! Oh, it is worth checking it out during the holidays! Come Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Christmas!

i just love seeing the parade pictures, it's just such a great time to go, well to any Disney park, (never been to DL yet!!) hey does it SNOW in DL parde, just like in the WDW Christmas parade? and HM lookes awsome decked out with the Nightmare before Christmas theme going on.
i guess your next trip to CA should be in july or aug. so you guys wont be so cold!!!

~Sue

No, it did not snow in the DL Christmas parade, but it didn't snow in WDW's Christmas parade either. Did it before? This year in WDW, Chip & Dale threw some snow at each other and there was a little snow flying from their float, but that was it.

That's what I was thinking too, but then I don't want it to be too hot! I know it gets very warm in Cali too. Hmmmm...maybe September!

OK A BIG DUH to me!!! I was looking all over for your continued trip report with no luck! Finally I went back to my PMs and linked in and guess what - I found you in the DL trippies, not WDW. DUH!! I should have figured. Oh well, back to catchin' up...

HaHa! That's okay Lesley! We all have our moments. I'm glad you found me again!

OK all caught up! Lindsey, your trip reports are so awesome!!! I absolutely love that DL is all decked out for the holidays. Every ride too, amazing! I loved the Haunted Mansion with Jack and the crew - wicked cool. Thanks for taking and sharing such great photos!

Lesley

Thanks Lesley! You're too sweet! I've so many more photos to post! I think the rides in DL are so amazing! The details in DL are just fantastic!

Yeah, Another TR!!! Christmas in DL looks so fun. So, how crowded was it? What would you say the average wait was? I'm debating an '08 Christmas trip. But if it's too crowded I may opt to wait until Jan. '09 when it's usually dead!!

Great TR, As ALWAYS!!!

The crowds were actually not too bad, except for our first full day there. For some reason, that weekend is one of the most packed weekends. Sadly, I didn't know this, but after the weekend it was great. It was busier than it was when we were there this past May, but it was not too bad at all.

The average wait was probably around 45 minutes, except for the more popular rides and the holiday themed rides were a lot more crowded than usual. There is actually a long line for "It's a Small World."

I find Disneyland to be pretty empty in the morning and then it gets crowded in the afternoons. The lines are never too bad early in the day or in the evening.

Thanks a bunch!

 

[Fairy_Tale_Bride]

Don't worry, you weren't the only one, Lesley! LOL! I kept looking on the WDW TR board, too. I'm so glad Lindsey posted on my TR today so I could follow the link in her signature over here!

OK, I made it! Now that you are a DL vet, I know who to ask for advice when we finally go out west! WE HAVE TO SEE THE DL HAUNTED MANSION!!! Thanks for the pictures! I can't wait to show Brenna!

Take care,
Michelle

Hey Michelle!

That's right, I'm the DL expert now! I'm now a little to in love with DL and I am already trying to plan when to go back. If you ever decide to go, I know you would love it and I'll have to help you with the planning.

It's so worth it to go during the Holidays just to enjoy the Holiday themed rides!

that finding nemo ride looks so cute! we're supposedly stopping in cali to visit relatives on our way to hawaii next year; i can't wait to ride it! my only tattoo so far is of pearl. i love her!

the castle is gorgeous! is it still like that in wdw too?

You have a tattoo of Pearl!? That is so cool!

DH & I have just been talking about taking a trip to Hawaii lately. We've never been and it's something he has always wanted to do. Disney will be building a resort there soon, which is pretty neat.

I'm not sure if they have taken all the lights down from Cinderella Castle yet. I haven't been there, since before Christmas, but we may go this weekend for DH's birthday. I'll have to go investigate.

Fantasmic at DL looks great!!!

Silly question... since I haven't seen it at WDW in quite a few years... is it the same music now?

It's the same music, but it is a little different of a score because DL has different parts and segments that are not at WDW and vice versa.

Great update!!! Loved your Fantasmic videos. I bit the bullet and booked the Disneyland Hotel today! March 12-17. I CANNOT WAIT.

How exciting! I'll have to take credit for that!

 

[Tink rules]

I'm booked for the Grand Californian after the PC Repo cruise... I love the pics you are posting - gives me a little sneak peak at what to see!!!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Great update - I love how you notice the little things. Looks like you had a really romantic evening!
Okay, I have to say it, I have thought it too many times - Cali is NOT North Dakota!!!!
It is practically tropical compared to most of the US at this time of year Just sayin'

 

[jnjusoioa]

Lindsey, as always your pictures are wonderful!!! The ones of the castle at night are so beautiful, I can't wait to go!!! Nemo looks and sounds like it was fun, can't wait to ride it, hopefully in March but if not then for sure in Dec. I can't wait to watch your videos, Fantasmic sounds awesome and I can't wait to see it, I have thought about doing the reserved seating for that but I think I will wait and decide later, but it looks wonderful from the picture and your story, can't wait to see the video of it.

So cool you made a special trip to the Disney Soda Fountain,I do hope you continue your trippie through your whole Cali trip, Cali has a special place in my heart so it will be neat to hear about it, plus I can't wait to hear your review of the soda fountain, so I can decide if it is worth the trip or not.

I picked up The Nighmare Before Christmas yesterday at the library and will watch it tomorrow, can't wait, I will be sure and let you know what I think.

Thank you again for sharing with us, your so awesome!!!

 

[iggbees]

You have a tattoo of Pearl!? That is so cool!

DH & I have just been talking about taking a trip to Hawaii lately. We've never been and it's something he has always wanted to do. Disney will be building a resort there soon, which is pretty neat.

I'm not sure if they have taken all the lights down from Cinderella Castle yet. I haven't been there, since before Christmas, but we may go this weekend for DH's birthday. I'll have to go investigate.

my sister and i have a running octopus joke... it was only fitting that my tattoo reflect that and who better than pearl?? that's her below...

http://mtholyoke.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30761721&l=b8a42&id=10401058

i've never been to hawaii either and i can't wait to go! i actually got a hawaii guide from my bf's parents for christmas! i can't wait to read it.

we'll be in disney this weekend too. i'm really hoping that the castle is still like that... it's sooo beautiful! maybe we'll see you there!

 

[tinkerbell87512]

Lindsey your pictures are fantastic! I love the HM all dressed up for TNMBC! Very cool.

The nemo ride sounds fun. Glad you got to ride it.

Ohh and the pictures of Sleeping Beauty castle are great. They did a beautiful job with the lights.


That will be cool if you guys take a trip to Hawaii! I've always wanted to go there, looks beautiful! I didn't hear about the Disney resort there. Is it a DVC resort?

 

[Funniebunny]

Fantastic update. I love the Disney parks at Christmas. Seeing WDW castle all lit up brought a tear to my eye. The DL castle looks just as good.

 

[wdwgirl03]

Sleeping Beauty Castle looks cool all lit up and covered in snow! But, I am partial to Cinderella Castle, so I just don't think it compares. As I heard someone say when I was last in DL Cinderella Castle "owns" Sleeping Beauty Castle! Great update!

 

[Disneygrl36]

Lindsey,
What an awesome night you guys had.
I the Fantasmic videos..........I it at WDW but it is even cooler at DL since that is where it started. I hope I get to see it soon.
I am glad we get to hear about the whole trip......keep on writing.

 

[Fairy_Tale_Bride]

I'm booked for the Grand Californian after the PC Repo cruise... I love the pics you are posting - gives me a little sneak peak at what to see!!!

How nice! You will have to let me know about it. The lobby, restaurants, and outside is gorgeous, so I'd love to now how pretty the rooms are.

Great update - I love how you notice the little things. Looks like you had a really romantic evening!
Okay, I have to say it, I have thought it too many times - Cali is NOT North Dakota!!!!
It is practically tropical compared to most of the US at this time of year Just sayin'

I never said California was North Dakota. It's like when it's 35 degrees in Florida. That's not what you would expect coming here on vacation for the first time. You see it as a tropical place, so to wake up to frost would be shocking. I would expect to be walking around in snow in North Dakota. Just like the image we are always given of Cali and LA is a warm climate in short mini dresses and tank tops. To see everyone in winter coats, hats, and gloves is not the image of the LA area that is projected to the world. It was major news in CA when we were there because they actually had snow, which was rare for that to happen. I am from NC and now I live in FL, so for me it is cold. It's a huge deal here when we got frost the other week and it was big news because of our tropical plants and produce. NC may get snow for one or two days a year and FL does not get snow. Come on, I'm a Florida girl!

Lindsey, as always your pictures are wonderful!!! The ones of the castle at night are so beautiful, I can't wait to go!!! Nemo looks and sounds like it was fun, can't wait to ride it, hopefully in March but if not then for sure in Dec. I can't wait to watch your videos, Fantasmic sounds awesome and I can't wait to see it, I have thought about doing the reserved seating for that but I think I will wait and decide later, but it looks wonderful from the picture and your story, can't wait to see the video of it.

So cool you made a special trip to the Disney Soda Fountain,I do hope you continue your trippie through your whole Cali trip, Cali has a special place in my heart so it will be neat to hear about it, plus I can't wait to hear your review of the soda fountain, so I can decide if it is worth the trip or not.

I picked up The Nighmare Before Christmas yesterday at the library and will watch it tomorrow, can't wait, I will be sure and let you know what I think.

Thank you again for sharing with us, your so awesome!!!

I really was impressed with Disneyland’s Fantasmic and thought it was so neat. The Disney Soda Fountain was such a sweet and fun place! They had the best Disney themed sundaes. It’s right there across from the Kodak and Chinese Theatre. We had a great trip and we plan on going back to Cali real soon!

my sister and i have a running octopus joke... it was only fitting that my tattoo reflect that and who better than pearl?? that's her below...

http://mtholyoke.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30761721&l=b8a42&id=10401058

i've never been to hawaii either and i can't wait to go! i actually got a hawaii guide from my bf's parents for christmas! i can't wait to read it.

we'll be in disney this weekend too. i'm really hoping that the castle is still like that... it's sooo beautiful! maybe we'll see you there!

Your tattoo is so cute! I love it! I think it would be pretty neat to get a Crush or Squirt tattoo. Now, you’ve got me thinking, haha! It’s DH’s birthday tomorrow, so I’m surprising him this weekend with dinner at the Spirit of Aloha Show. He will really enjoy it! I’ll have to see if he wants to spend some of the day at the MK. Where will you be staying when you go to Hawaii? DH has already been sending me links to resorts, haha! I think he’s ready to go!

 

[Fairy_Tale_Bride]

Lindsey your pictures are fantastic! I love the HM all dressed up for TNMBC! Very cool.

The nemo ride sounds fun. Glad you got to ride it.

Ohh and the pictures of Sleeping Beauty castle are great. They did a beautiful job with the lights.


That will be cool if you guys take a trip to Hawaii! I've always wanted to go there, looks beautiful! I didn't hear about the Disney resort there. Is it a DVC resort?

Thanks girl! I'm not sure about all the details with Disney's Hawaii resort, but the sketch photos of it are pretty amazing. It's kinda different for Disney, maybe kinda like the idea they had with Disney's Vero Beach Resort. Disney is everywhere!

Fantastic update. I love the Disney parks at Christmas. Seeing WDW castle all lit up brought a tear to my eye. The DL castle looks just as good.

Thanks! I was very happy to see Sleeping Beauty's Castle looking just as beautiful as Cinderella's Castle. The icicles are such a great touch and it makes the castles even more magical!

Sleeping Beauty Castle looks cool all lit up and covered in snow! But, I am partial to Cinderella Castle, so I just don't think it compares. As I heard someone say when I was last in DL Cinderella Castle "owns" Sleeping Beauty Castle! Great update!

I think Sleeping Beauty's Castle could fit inside of Cinderella's Castle, but it is the original and that's why it has a special place in my heart.

Lindsey,
What an awesome night you guys had.
I the Fantasmic videos..........I it at WDW but it is even cooler at DL since that is where it started. I hope I get to see it soon.
I am glad we get to hear about the whole trip......keep on writing.

I was just thinking about that last night. I didn't know where Fantasmic began, DL or WDW? Now, I know! It's amazing that they can create the entire show right there on Tom Sawyer Island.