What are the things I don't want to miss in December?

[amylz]

I have been following the Christmas Super thread but it's a bit overwhelming. I am attending Disneyland with my husband and my 2 sons, ages 13 and 8. We will be there December 5-8. Besides seeing all the decor and then the special parades and fireworks, what are the things we don't want to miss this time of year? Is there certain food? Are there shows I should know about? The DL site isn't helpful because they don't have any schedules out for anything that week yet.

 

[LalaCoop]

I too am curious about not to miss holiday foods (and agree with your Superthread comment, intimidating!). How far in advance are the entertainment schedules released, anyone?

 

[AmberStar]

yay, I'm not alone. I thought I was the only one that did not like the super thread. It is TOO hard to follow for Christmas info. I gain so much by seeing other peoples ideas and things typed and lose a lot by scrolling past pictures and realizing certain questions are skipped over. Plus I don't want my suprises spoiled by the pictures.

I hope in years following that the "games" part of the super thread will be its on thread and not mixed with people that just want to chat about visiting during Christmas and get excited seeing things like times/ dates/ event released.

Just my opinion and nothing against the group owner. But knowing others are also intimidated by it helps.

We are visiting the 8th-12th and I look forward to the parade, fireworks, handmade candy canes and possibly the ice skating rink in downtown disney. I know I want to hit up the Aladdin show but I'm not sure what other shows will be playing. It seems like magical map is no longer playing?

We are going to be doing a Character Breakfast at PCH Grill (Surfs Up) and also the discover the magic tour with my kiddos (aged 4, 5, 8). I'm starting to countdown until we leave and constantly checking for more "trip tips" to write down before we visit.

oh, and I want to see the flag ceremony too.

 

[AmberStar]

No entertainment schedules listed but I think those dont come out until closer to 30 days prior to your visit. IDK for sure though.

Here is the hours link that I have been following for our trip:
https://disneyland.disney.go.com/ca/calendar/#/default/2014/12

 

[jammyjam25]

I am visiting November 30-December 4 and actually inquired with Disneyland Today earlier today on facebook about the lack of entertainment schedules for Disneyland that week on the DL site. Their only reply was to expect an update "real soon".

It is a little strange seeing that the schedules are posted that week for DCA already though!

For myself, this is my first year going at Christmas time as well and through lots of research and digging through the superthread these are the things I've determined as "must sees" for my group (outside of riding all the holiday rides, the holiday parade, etc)!

1) Visiting the 3 DL hotels to see all of the holiday decorations (doing this on our non park/character breakfast at Storyteller's day).
2) Seeing the Buena Vista Street tree lighting ceremony in DCA one night.
3) Trying the Yule Log at the Plaza Inn, along with every other holiday treat I'm sure!
4) Seeing the Fireworks once in front of Main Street and once in front of IASW (they project images onto the front of the ride during the fireworks, very cool!)
5) Viva Navidad street party in DCA.
6) Jingle Jangle Jamboree at Big Thunder Ranch.

 

[stardusty21]

It's A Small World Holiday lighting is spectacular. We look forward to seeing that this year.

 

[Nonsuch]

Candlelight is December 6 and 7, 2 performances per night.
Certainly worth seeing, but does create a mess on main street.

If your budget permits, the Holiday Time Tour is excellent

 

[AmberStar]

4) Seeing the Fireworks once in front of Main Street and once in front of IASW (they project images onto the front of the ride during the fireworks, very cool!)

I DID NOT know this!! Adding it to my list!!

 

[LalaCoop]

Our dates are the 9-12, the first three will be park days, the last (Friday) will be Surfs Up and Downtown Disney/hotel exploration. No tours for us, our littles are little (DD turns 3 that Saturday and DS will be almost 7 months), but here's what I'm planning/hoping for: DCA- Ariel's Grotto lunch, the evening lighting of Radiator Springs, Disney Jr show, Pixar Parade, maybe lobster nachos, if moods allow hubs and I will do single rider on RSR and Soarin, plus all the tot height rides. DL - fireworks, parade, A&E meet and greet, Dole Whip, corn dog, Big Thunder Ranch holiday, Small a World at night, Jungle Cruise pre-dusk, most of the tot height rides (skipping Mr. Toad, Rodger Rabbit, and possibly Pinocchio), hoping for solo Star Wars and Indy. Plan on eating at Rancho del Zocalo and Hungry Bear. Other - Trader Sams and Earl of Sandwich.
If you have the Disney Visa you get 10% off Surfs Up breakfast and dinner, FYI!

 

[jammyjam25]

I DID NOT know this!! Adding it to my list!!

You can search "It's a small world holiday fireworks show" on You Tube if you're dying for a sneak peek, there's a few videos there that show what to expect!

When I went Summer 2013 we watched the fireworks in front of IASW and LOVED seeing the images projected onto the ride. When we decided to go again for Christmas I knew we'd be doing it again!
~Jamie

 

[Mysteryincorp]

For us:

The holiday parade is magical, seeing my daughters reaction to it was priceless.
Snowing on Main Street seriously choked me up. Pure magic.
They turn all the lights off around it a small world and then turn on the Xmas lights on the ride. Again, choked up. Pure magic. It's easy to miss this as it only takes a few minutes. We stood right by that little toy shop on th stairs and got the best view.
We also love visiting Santa on buena vista street.
I've never done the jingle jangle jamboree or the tree lighting but we will this year!

 

[twinky]

I can recommend the gingerbread beignets at Cafe Orleans (served with egg nog creme anglaise). Hoping they'll bring back peppermint ice cream and egg nog marshmallows someday!

If you go to post #6 (page 1) on the Holiday Superthread you'll find some helpful links to holiday food info and blog posts. It's well worth the scrolling time, I promise!

Happy Holiday Eating!

 

[LalaCoop]

I forgot the snow on Main St!

 

[mzspaz]

I am jumping into this thread as I also get a bit overwhelmed by the superthread.

We will be at DL the 6-10th of December. This is quite possibly our only trip (DH does NOT fly well and is not looking forward to this flight. He would rather do WDW).

Glad to pick up the tip about the projections at IASW. Those are the small little things that I love to pick up no these threads! Thanks!!!!

 

[ExcitedMama]

How do I see snow on Main Street?! That sounds incredible!

Oh the gingerbread beignets sound amazing, thanks for the tip!

 

[amylz]

Thanks everyone! This is helpful for me as well.

 

[AmberStar]

Snow is on main street, IASW and New Orleans Square.

You need to be near a place where it drops. I think Main Street provides the largest area where it snows. I hear the snow has a scent too.

I am trying to figure out best day to view fireworks and where to sit.

Super excited about the IASW show. Its short but looks like it plays on the quarter hour so maybe if we just hop in line for IASW one evening we will be sure to see it. Yay!! Plus who can resist IASW with all the lights anyways.

 

[LalaCoop]

[

Super excited about the IASW show. Its short but looks like it plays on the quarter hour so maybe if we just hop in line for IASW one evening we will be sure to see it. Yay!! Plus who can resist IASW with all the lights anyways. [/QUOTE]

So the IASW lighting happens multiple times each night?

 

[AmberStar]

Based on this info I think so...

http://www.wdwinfo.com/disneyland/Events/holiday-season.htm