What to expect??

[2prettyprincesses]

My DD has been begging me to go to Disney for her birthday on fall break. Unfortunately we couldn't make it happen because she had major surgery back in June and Dh and I didn't want to risk anything. She was crushed because we had to cancel our first ever Disneyworld trip for the surgery. So Im making it up to her by going to Disneyland for Christmas break! We are DL pros but have never been for a holiday. I really have no idea what to expect! How far out should we plan? We have decided for a 4 day trip, 2 days at DL. What are some of the special things that only come out for the Holidays? I want to make the best out of this trip, not only for her but the whole fam.

 

[spacemermaid]

I'm glad that she'll be able to go to Disney after all...what a wonderful surprise!

There's a huge thread here about the Park during the holidays, with tons of pictures & advice about Disneyland visits during the most wonderful time of the year: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2612827 It has info & pictures about the various shows, ride overlays (Haunted Mansion & it's a small world get decorated for Christmas, and it is AWESOME!), decorations around the Parks & hotels, and treats that are only available then.

IMO, right about now would be a good time to start booking lodging/transportation during the Christmas season. In fact, I just reserved/paid for all my stuff last week , because it's usually alot less expensive to do those things ahead of time.


Happy planning!

 

[Minnie Loves Mickey]

If you don't mind saying, what type of back surgery? Will she be able to ride the rides? I only ask because I had major back surgery and it was a full year befor I was cleared to ride rides.

 

[krash2501]

She didn't say what kind of surgery it was she just said "she had major surgery back in June". Could be any thing

We love the holidays and can't wait to be there the 7th-10th.

 

[Sherry E]

As spacemermaid suggested (thank you, spacemermaid!), come join us in the Disneyland at Christmas Time Superthread. Don't be intimidated by the size of the thread. Just start with the first 3 posts on Page 1, which have thumbnails, links to blogs and Trip Reports, all kinds of information about the seasonal offerings in general, a Table of Contents with links to photos, etc. You don't have to read any further if you don't want to, but those first 3 posts will give you lots of good information about what you can expect for the holidays and all the fun that awaits, from decorations to treats to entertainment to merchandise, etc.!

Feel free to jump into the Superthread at any time and read some of the discussions on the last couple of pages, or ask questions. We have lots of holiday season vets in that thread and they are very helpful! As soon as there is any breaking news or info that comes in, we will be talking about it!

Not only that, but we have started doing a different photo "theme" each week in the Superthread (every Monday) as we count down to the opening day of holiday season. This will help build anticipation, help fill the time in between discussions and news, and highlight certain areas that people may otherwise not pay as much attention to. There are already tons of photos in the thread, but every week we will showcase a different aspect of the Disneyland holiday season. Last week the spotlight was on Santa's Reindeer Round-Up. This week the theme is Main Street. Next week...well, that's a secret to be revealed on Monday!

You will absolutely love, love, love the parks at Christmas time - it's more magical than ever!

 

[tallpkb]

You might want to try to score one of the coveted handmade candy canes!

 

[2prettyprincesses]

Thank you for the link!! I'll be sure to check it out later!! Oh and DD13 had abdominal surgery to take out endometriosis and adhesions. She also had her intestines work on. I'm still stresses out that the rides will be too much!

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

Thank you for the link!! I'll be sure to check it out later!! Oh and DD13 had abdominal surgery to take out endometriosis and adhesions. She also had her intestines work on. I'm still stresses out that the rides will be too much!

Well, I would definitely talk to her doctor about what will and won't be safe to do. Since you're a DL pro though you already know that there is so much more to Disneyland and Disney California than "thrill" rides. Plus, the holiday decorations and festivities just add to the fun that's already there year-round. There is a Christmas parade and a Christmas fireworks show with "snow" in DL. It's a Small World and Haunted Mansion have special holiday overlays. The cabin in Frontier Land becomes Santa's house, and he does meet-and-greets there throughout the day. Santa in Victorian costume (and, previous to the new theming, beach costume) has also done daily meet-and-greats at DCA in the past. There are an abundance of holiday decorations, especially on Main Street, in Toon Town, and usually in a Bug's Land at DCA. There are yummy holiday themed treats to purchase in the bakery and candy shop and restaurants. The Billies at the Golden Horseshoe put on a holiday version of their show, and some of the other performers such as the Disneyland Band perform holiday tunes. Obviously, all of these things are probably discussed in greater detail in the superthread referenced by PPs.

 

[Minnie Loves Mickey]

I apologize I miss read the original post and when she said back in June in my mind I read Back Surgery...I will try to be more careful.

 

[blackjackdelta]

I guess I need to start reading this, we have been talking about flying down foer the weekend during holiday time.

Jack