Diva & 27th Anniv Trip w/1500+ Pics, Photopass starts #765!!

[Trentmom]

Looks like a great last day

Love the Dapper Dans. So cool they sang to you

Thanks for sharing your trip with us

Looking forward to seeing your photopass pics

 

[DizNee Luver]

Looks like a great last day

Love the Dapper Dans. So cool they sang to you

Thanks for sharing your trip with us

Looking forward to seeing your photopass pics

We had a super great last day (and trip)......we actually got to do some things we've never had the chance to do or taste.

I love the Dapper Dans & I was actually blushing.......

Thank you for reading along......a trip report is only as good as the readers who join in!!!!

 

[kaoden39]

All those pictures of the Billy's and no Tina? Oh my goodness.


I love it and of course you know that!! I cannot imagine how wonderful it felt to get home and to see Nick.

 

[DizNee Luver]

All those pictures of the Billy's and no Tina? Oh my goodness.


I love it and of course you know that!! I cannot imagine how wonderful it felt to get home and to see Nick.

Unfortunately, the Billy Tina loves (the one I got to see) was gone over the weekend when the Divas were there. The other Billy, who is now Jessica's boyfriend, was there!!

Yay for me getting to see the REAL Billy!!!! But as you saw, I took a lot of pics for all the other Billy lovers out there!!

Nick did such an amazing job, especially with the twins getting sick & not going to school 3 of the 4 days they would have given him the break in the morning. Tyler & Derek both stepped up, Big Time to help.....so I was very proud of my sons!!!

 

[jnjusoioa]

Hi There, I enjoyed going throgh your trip report, however I have to say I was at work and only was looking at your photos, but it looks like you had an amazing time and I love all your photos. How many days were you there? It seemed like you were able to do a lot, hoping for the same luck, will have to try and plan my Oct. trip out so when it is time to call for reservations, I have no trouble knowing what to do on what days.

 

[kaoden39]

Unfortunately, the Billy Tina loves (the one I got to see) was gone over the weekend when the Divas were there. The other Billy, who is now Jessica's boyfriend, was there!!

Yay for me getting to see the REAL Billy!!!! But as you saw, I took a lot of pics for all the other Billy lovers out there!!

Nick did such an amazing job, especially with the twins getting sick & not going to school 3 of the 4 days they would have given him the break in the morning. Tyler & Derek both stepped up, Big Time to help.....so I was very proud of my sons!!!

Laurie, you and Mike have done a wonderful job with your sons. You should be proud of them.

 

[kelmac284]

As always a GREAT report!! So sad it is over WAHHHH! Will look forward to the photopass pics though!! I feel like I have nothing to look forward to now LOL. I just love your reports so much! You guys did so much fun stuff and it sounds like such a great trip and one I would have liked. I like trying new things!

So glad you had such a wonderful trip and heck maybe the next trip will be our summer trip!! Won't be Disney but it's still a trip!! I am not as good at trip reports as you but as of now it is still on and mom is saying there is no way we are cancelling so for now it looks like a go!! So I am looking forward to seeing you and I think I can maybe get Carol to come and heck maybe we can even get Cathy to come!! Not sure if that is too far for her to come but wouldn't THAT be fun!!

I am hoping I can get some of the WA divas to meet me on one of the days we are in Seattle too!!

Anyway great job as always and I agree with Michelle you have some great kiddos!!

 

[Sherry E]

I know there was something I was going to comment on from a couple of posts back, and now it has totally escaped me!! (My old and tired brain at work!)

Anyway, nice job on the TR, Laurie! And you have such good kids! Sounds like they were raised by great parents!

Now, young lady, you've got to come join us over in the Christmas superthread and the HalloweenTime superthread! You are aiming for a trip during either of those times, anyway. Might as well see what you have to look forward to and learn all about the seasons (whether you go this year or next year or whenever).

But, really, even though I think you and the family will definitely all have lots of fun if you make a Halloween trip, I have a feeling you would just absolutely fall in love with DLR at Christmas time.

The best way I can put it is this: Halloween Time is great fun. Christmas Time is magical, immersive and special.

As fun and festive as Halloween Time is, there is just nothing that quite compares to seeing the gorgeous Winter Castle draped in glowing icicle lights or the IASW Holiday facade twinkling in brilliant colors at night during the Christmas season, as well as grasping at the fake falling 'snow' that lightly dusts Main Street after dark. I think you would absolutely adore the charming, rustic touches of the Reindeer Round-Up, too. And that pretty blue-green Paradise Pier tree just has to be seen in person! The music around the Resort is festive. The lights are gorgeous. The GCH is cozy and fully in the spirit of the season. The different styles of holiday decor in the various lands are interesting and unique. Plus, you can join in with us and participate in Tree Quest and Wreath Quest (which basically just involve photographing all the trees you find around DLR and all the wreaths you find - and ocne you get going on the Quests, you discover there are many trees and wreaths to photograph!)!!

So I hope hope hope you can make a DLR holiday trip happen - even if it's a shorter trip than what you might normally take. If a Halloween trip is in order instead, you will have a different kind of fun time (different than Christmas), but lots of fun nonetheless!

 

[DizNee Luver]

Hi There, I enjoyed going throgh your trip report, however I have to say I was at work and only was looking at your photos, but it looks like you had an amazing time and I love all your photos. How many days were you there? It seemed like you were able to do a lot, hoping for the same luck, will have to try and plan my Oct. trip out so when it is time to call for reservations, I have no trouble knowing what to do on what days.

I was there 8 days, my hubby was there for the last 4. We lucked out on the crowds the last 4 days......they really were mild, so that helped in us getting so much done. We also left all the kids at home & that really freed us up to go, go, go!

Laurie, you and Mike have done a wonderful job with your sons. You should be proud of them.

I'm very proud of them.....thanx Michele!!

As always a GREAT report!! So sad it is over WAHHHH! Will look forward to the photopass pics though!! I feel like I have nothing to look forward to now LOL. I just love your reports so much! You guys did so much fun stuff and it sounds like such a great trip and one I would have liked. I like trying new things!

So glad you had such a wonderful trip and heck maybe the next trip will be our summer trip!! Won't be Disney but it's still a trip!! I am not as good at trip reports as you but as of now it is still on and mom is saying there is no way we are cancelling so for now it looks like a go!! So I am looking forward to seeing you and I think I can maybe get Carol to come and heck maybe we can even get Cathy to come!! Not sure if that is too far for her to come but wouldn't THAT be fun!!

I am hoping I can get some of the WA divas to meet me on one of the days we are in Seattle too!!

Anyway great job as always and I agree with Michelle you have some great kiddos!!

Yay, I'm glad you're still coming this way this summer!!! Carol is on the east side of Portland & the zoo is on the west side. I'm south of Portland.....so pretty easy for both of us to meet you there. Cathy is in Grants Pass which is about an hour from the California border......so unless she plans on coming north.....it would make for a very long day trip for her.

Thanx Kelly.....I think I have some pretty amazing kids too!!

I know there was something I was going to comment on from a couple of posts back, and now it has totally escaped me!! (My old and tired brain at work!)

Anyway, nice job on the TR, Laurie! And you have such good kids! Sounds like they were raised by great parents!

Now, young lady, you've got to come join us over in the Christmas superthread and the HalloweenTime superthread! You are aiming for a trip during either of those times, anyway. Might as well see what you have to look forward to and learn all about the seasons (whether you go this year or next year or whenever).

But, really, even though I think you and the family will definitely all have lots of fun if you make a Halloween trip, I have a feeling you would just absolutely fall in love with DLR at Christmas time.

The best way I can put it is this: Halloween Time is great fun. Christmas Time is magical, immersive and special.

As fun and festive as Halloween Time is, there is just nothing that quite compares to seeing the gorgeous Winter Castle draped in glowing icicle lights or the IASW Holiday facade twinkling in brilliant colors at night during the Christmas season, as well as grasping at the fake falling 'snow' that lightly dusts Main Street after dark. I think you would absolutely adore the charming, rustic touches of the Reindeer Round-Up, too. And that pretty blue-green Paradise Pier tree just has to be seen in person! The music around the Resort is festive. The lights are gorgeous. The GCH is cozy and fully in the spirit of the season. The different styles of holiday decor in the various lands are interesting and unique. Plus, you can join in with us and participate in Tree Quest and Wreath Quest (which basically just involve photographing all the trees you find around DLR and all the wreaths you find - and ocne you get going on the Quests, you discover there are many trees and wreaths to photograph!)!!

So I hope hope hope you can make a DLR holiday trip happen - even if it's a shorter trip than what you might normally take. If a Halloween trip is in order instead, you will have a different kind of fun time (different than Christmas), but lots of fun nonetheless!

Thanx Sherry.....its nice to see how the boys have turned out, now that they're young adults.

I should go check those threads out.....I think it will just give me the itch even worse!!! I'm shooting for December......Mike says it won't happen this year.....but I don't give up that easily.

Sherry do you remember if there were any special AP rates last December for the PPH? I've saved a couple offers in my saved offers file on the Disneyland website....hoping they'll knock me off my feet.....but I doubt it. I imagine the holidays, they don't have to offer much to get people to come. Is there a normal discount for the resort hotels with the AP when they're not running specials??

What really sucks is, we have to get a suite or 2 rooms.......that really jacks up the prices. We could so easily get away with 1 room.....but no one will allow that......so that's the biggest drawback for planning right now. Mike really would want to stay at PPH again (so would I) but it's twice as much as a neighboring motel......so hard to justify the expense.

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

Loved your report and pictures, Laurie! Looks like you and Mike had such a great time!

I will definitely pop in to see your photopass pics!

 

[DizNee Luver]

Loved your report and pictures, Laurie! Looks like you and Mike had such a great time!

I will definitely pop in to see your photopass pics!

Thanx Vicki!!! I should be mailing out your pins Thursday as long as the world continues to rotate normally......... But with my household......it's hard to say if that will happen!!

 

[Sherry E]

Thanx Sherry.....its nice to see how the boys have turned out, now that they're young adults.

I should go check those threads out.....I think it will just give me the itch even worse!!! I'm shooting for December......Mike says it won't happen this year.....but I don't give up that easily.

Sherry do you remember if there were any special AP rates last December for the PPH? I've saved a couple offers in my saved offers file on the Disneyland website....hoping they'll knock me off my feet.....but I doubt it. I imagine the holidays, they don't have to offer much to get people to come. Is there a normal discount for the resort hotels with the AP when they're not running specials??

What really sucks is, we have to get a suite or 2 rooms.......that really jacks up the prices. We could so easily get away with 1 room.....but no one will allow that......so that's the biggest drawback for planning right now. Mike really would want to stay at PPH again (so would I) but it's twice as much as a neighboring motel......so hard to justify the expense.

Oh, those threads - the Halloween Superthread (and its predecessor) and the Christmas Superthread (and its predecessor) will most definitely give you the itch and the motivation to get a trip together! They have inspired quite a few DLR trips - some DIS'ers have actually posted in the threads and said they were convinced to go after seeing all the fantastic photos and reading about the wonderful experiences!

Well, this past December's AP rates - if there were any - did not show up on the AP hotel calendar as far out as mid-November. Michele and Courtney both kindly checked the calendar for me to see if there were any good PPH prices for December, and nothing was showing all the way until I got my AP in mid-November. And I checked the calendar again shortly after getting my AP...still nothing. So IF any good December rates for the PPH showed up, it would have been late in the game - probably at the end of November, if that. Isn't that ridiculous?

I used an AP rate for the PPH in December 2008, as I recall, and I didn't have to wait soooo long for rates to come out that year.

But something changed in 2009, and DLR began waiting a long, long time to release the good rates. And then last year, there were some months that never showed any good rates at all.

I don't know for a fact that this is true, but to me it seems like DLR is kind of slowly getting rid of the good rates for popular times like the holidays or even Halloween season. Or they are making them less available - for example, instead of showing good AP rates for 3 weeks in October, now they may only show good rates for 1-1/2 weeks. I don't know if this means that they are simply booking more rooms at regular rack rates, leaving fewer rooms available to AP holders. Or maybe they are just purposely limiting the discounts to AP holders so that they can make bigger money from people who buy packages and book at the regular rates.

Either way, to me it seems like they are slowly inching out the really good AP rates. If my hunch is right about this, I think it will only get worse in the next couple of years, as all the changes are complete at DCA and Disneyland Resort starts treating itself as more of a vacation destination for people all over the U.S. and not just a place for locals or semi-locals.

The regular AP "discount" that you can get 365 days a year at the hotels is only 10%. So you would have that, if nothing else. But that doesn't amount to much at all. In fact, 10% is not very good.

The lowest possible AP rate you would probably see for October or early December (IF they decide to release any good rates) would be in the range of, say, $139, and that's unlikely. It would more likely be mid-range, at about $159. And the highest AP rate for PPH (but still good) would probably be like $189. With just a regular 10% discount, it would be way higher than that!!

So the rate that I got by doing the "Saved Offers" thing on the DLR website last year was $163. That was actually quite good, as I expected $179 or $189 for an AP rate (which never showed up). It is quite possible DLR will respond to your saved offer in your My Disneyland account when they see that you haven't booked anything, although it may be a while before they do offer you a better rate, since December is so far off. They may not send you a good offer right away because they are still waiting to see if you book with the offer you saved.

Yes, having to get 2 rooms or a suite is a problem - so expensive. I guess the best way to do it would just be to book 2 off-property rooms in advance (assuming you don't have to put down any money right away), and then wait to see if anything good comes out of the AP hotel rates. Wherever you stay, you will have a spectaclar time at DLR for the holidays and you will still get to enjoy all 3 hotels!

 

[DizNee Luver]

Thanx Sherry!! I don't think staying at the PPH will be remotely possible because of having to upgrade to the suite.....hurumph!!!

We are pricing out Monday, December 5 to Friday, December 9......flying in at 9:30am Monday, leaving Friday at 10:30am. So 4 nights, 4 days in the park. I'm looking at the Desert Inn & Suites.....not my favorite place to stay, but conveniently located at the ped crossing and affordable. Right now, if no price breaks on PH's & flights......estimating meals we're looking at $4400. Really trying to convince Mike to go for it. He said we have to catch up on bills & start saving. Piecing the vacation apart, I could pre-pay motel at some point, buy park-hoppers some where down the road & wait & watch for price reductions on flights. Buying airfare for 6, I might only get the savings one way......but even that would be helpful.

So that's the plan.......it will really depend on whether or not financially we can pull it off. The 2 older boys are moving out this summer......this could help or hurt.....Ty helps out financially, but Derek doesn't. (we made the deal with all the boys, that when you're in school, you don't pay rent).......so it's hard to figure out how this will pan out this summer. I know the grocery bill will come down & possibly some of the utilities with 2 less people in the house...........

So hopefully I can get this plan put into motion!!!! Tentatively shooting for December 5th!!!! (now Sherry, if we come down that week.......YOU WILL COME SEE ME!!!!)

 

[BillyFan]

All those pictures of the Billy's and no Tina? Oh my goodness.


I love it and of course you know that!! I cannot imagine how wonderful it felt to get home and to see Nick.

I'm here!

Laurie, I just finished up your report, and I gotta say that I loved all the pictures of my boyfriend! I was so bummed that he was on vacay while I was there, but I'm glad you got to see him.

Great report, as always!

 

[kelmac284]

Laurie you will LOVE it at Xmas the only thing I know about that week that MAY or may not be a problem is that in the past they had the cast member Christmas parties during the first week of Dec which makes the park close early some nights and also Candlelight Procession is the first weekend of Dec usually although it sounds like you won't be there over a weekend so hopefully that shouldn't be a problem. That is usually a VERY busy weekend.

And hopefully you won't have to deal with the AWFUL weather we got into last year. Hopefully that was just a weird fluke. I have gone in December several times in the past and NEVER had that happen before so I am hoping that was just a one time freak thing!

When mom and I talked about a possible trip in the fall we debated about halloween or xmas and parted of me really wanted to do over xmas because I REALLY felt like we didn't get to do anything and it had been SO long since we had been at xmas. We have gone at halloween in 07 and 09 but not at xmas since like 06 and now this last time it was a wash out. ALL the stuff was cancelled because of the weather so although we were THERE we didn't get to see the parades, fireworks, snow anything But since mom has never been to DL at halloween we opted for that.

I think you will LOVE xmas if you end up going and I can tell you I have stayed at DI PLENTY of times and we really like it. Sure it is no Hojo or esp no Disney hotel but they re-did it a few years back and I think it is perfectly fine and we have always been happy with our stays there and you can't beat the fact that they have LOTS of room!

Also I agree with Sherry in that they just don't seem to have the discounts over the holidays. I got discounts back in 09 during halloween but then when I looked again last year there were NONE at the same exact time so I think they are not doing them as much! The last month that they had discounts was in Sept and then Oct through Dec they were outragous! I kept checking and the rates NEVER went down.

So I have a feeling you may not get any discounts. But like I said the DI is a fine alternative. Certainly not as fun obviously but will do in a pinch!

 

[DizNee Luver]

I'm here!

Laurie, I just finished up your report, and I gotta say that I loved all the pictures of my boyfriend! I was so bummed that he was on vacay while I was there, but I'm glad you got to see him.

Great report, as always!

I figured you'd enjoy getting to see him.....even if it was only pictures!! I was thrilled he was there when we went.....I've seen the other Billy, funny but not as dreamy as THE Billy........lol

Laurie you will LOVE it at Xmas the only thing I know about that week that MAY or may not be a problem is that in the past they had the cast member Christmas parties during the first week of Dec which makes the park close early some nights and also Candlelight Procession is the first weekend of Dec usually although it sounds like you won't be there over a weekend so hopefully that shouldn't be a problem. That is usually a VERY busy weekend.

And hopefully you won't have to deal with the AWFUL weather we got into last year. Hopefully that was just a weird fluke. I have gone in December several times in the past and NEVER had that happen before so I am hoping that was just a one time freak thing!

When mom and I talked about a possible trip in the fall we debated about halloween or xmas and parted of me really wanted to do over xmas because I REALLY felt like we didn't get to do anything and it had been SO long since we had been at xmas. We have gone at halloween in 07 and 09 but not at xmas since like 06 and now this last time it was a wash out. ALL the stuff was cancelled because of the weather so although we were THERE we didn't get to see the parades, fireworks, snow anything But since mom has never been to DL at halloween we opted for that.

I think you will LOVE xmas if you end up going and I can tell you I have stayed at DI PLENTY of times and we really like it. Sure it is no Hojo or esp no Disney hotel but they re-did it a few years back and I think it is perfectly fine and we have always been happy with our stays there and you can't beat the fact that they have LOTS of room!

Also I agree with Sherry in that they just don't seem to have the discounts over the holidays. I got discounts back in 09 during halloween but then when I looked again last year there were NONE at the same exact time so I think they are not doing them as much! The last month that they had discounts was in Sept and then Oct through Dec they were outragous! I kept checking and the rates NEVER went down.

So I have a feeling you may not get any discounts. But like I said the DI is a fine alternative. Certainly not as fun obviously but will do in a pinch!

We purposely did a Mon-Fri.......I knew the processional might be the weekend before or after......I'm actually hoping after....since we're leaving Fri morning & I'm guessing the crowd would start picking up. The castmember parties really wouldn't be an issue......with the twins, late nights at the parks aren't really in the schedule for us.

Do they run the parade & fireworks daily??

I don't even have an AP anymore.....but would gladly get one if there would be discounts worth jumping on.....but it doesn't sound like they happen too often during the holidays......so would rather have plans ironed out early & shoot for them. I should know in a couple months whether or not this trip can happen.

We debated between Christmas & Halloween.....but if I get to come down for one of the holidays.......Christmas is my first choice (and obvious one if you know me very well). As much as I would have loved to meet up with you all.......I really want to see the trees, wreaths, snow, castle, etc all decked out!

So fingers crossed we can work this out!

 

[Sherry E]

We purposely did a Mon-Fri.......I knew the processional might be the weekend before or after......I'm actually hoping after....since we're leaving Fri morning & I'm guessing the crowd would start picking up. The castmember parties really wouldn't be an issue......with the twins, late nights at the parks aren't really in the schedule for us.

Do they run the parade & fireworks daily??

I don't even have an AP anymore.....but would gladly get one if there would be discounts worth jumping on.....but it doesn't sound like they happen too often during the holidays......so would rather have plans ironed out early & shoot for them. I should know in a couple months whether or not this trip can happen.

We debated between Christmas & Halloween.....but if I get to come down for one of the holidays.......Christmas is my first choice (and obvious one if you know me very well). As much as I would have loved to meet up with you all.......I really want to see the trees, wreaths, snow, castle, etc all decked out!

So fingers crossed we can work this out!

The CM parties would be no problem for you even if not for the twins, and I will explain in a minute. I was there this past December over the CM party days (you should really go over and read my Christmas TR and look at all the photos!). Kelly is right in that they usually have the CM parties on the Monday and Tuesday immediately following the Candlelight Processional.

However, last year Disney pulled a fast one and changed the CM party days to one week later than they normally would have them - so they fell right during my trip!! I was thinking that I was cleverly avoiding the CM party nights, and they switched them up on me! (I was there Sunday - Wednesday.)

You can use those 2 CM party nights to your advantage IF they happen to fall in the middle of your trip. Make those nights are the nights that you go see World of Color in DCA. They only shut down DL early for the parties. OR - take one of the nights and go to the GCH lobby with some cocoa and cookies, and enjoy the carolers performing by the tree, the guitarist by the fireplace and the pianist. Get your photo taken with Santa (there is a PhotoPass person at the GCH with him). Or go and explore the PPH and DLH.

There is lots of stuff to do in all of the other areas of DLR when DL closes early for the CM parties, so it would be no problem at all. They close the park at 6 p.m.-ish. The snow falls and the fireworks happen and the gorgeous castle lights up before they close. I took some nifty Main Street at dusk photos on a CM party night - some of the ones I like best - and I may never have gotten those if I hadn't been heading to Main Street to leave DL by 6 p.m.!

Laurie - not only may I be able to meet up with you if you can go during that time frame, but I am actually hoping I can make my own yearly holiday sojourn to DLR in that same time frame!! I used to always go on the weekend immediately before Christmas. Too crowded. So last year I switched to weekdays, and I went 12/12 - 12/15 instead. This year, if all goes well and I can get the money together, I am aiming for the same week you want to go. I was already kind of planning for that week (if money works in my favor).

I have a PPH rate of one free night, and $99 each additional night (for their screw up with the almost $300 hold last year). I actually really liked having the room to myself, quite honestly, but the rate was so good that I felt I wanted to share it, because, let's face it - even with an AP rate, it ain't never gonna get any cheaper than that!! I offered it to Jessica, but I don't think she will be able to go. I asked my friends from out of state (who may or may not be out here this year), and before I got an answer my friend ended up in the hospital for pneumonia and related lung problems! So I'm not sure about them.

So, I am perfectly fine going solo again! I had such a blast by myself last year, and got so much photo-taking done. I could come and go as I pleased and do what I wanted! The only things I really prefer doing with friends are eating meals and going on rides. I enjoy those more with people. But I can keep myself busy all day and night and never be bored!

Yes, the parade runs at least 2 times a day (I have the theme song from the parade stuck in my head!) - afternoon and evening, I think - and the fireworks are every night, even on CM party nights. The hours are long. The Castle lights up several times a night, and then stays in the 'icicles' for the remainder of the night. The Main Street tree turns kind of 'blue' at night, because it is supposed to appear as though it has been covered in icy snow. The trees around the hub also get that 'snowy' look after the fireworks end.

It is just gorgeous!

You should show Mike the DLR at Christmas Superthread and see if that convinces hiim!

Now, I would not steer you wrong - if Halloween Time were even on the same level as the holiday season in terms of overall styles of decor, music, colors, etc., I would have a hard time picking one over the other to recommend. I love Halloween Time. In fact, I WISH that DLR would do more with their Halloween celebration, but they actually scaled it down last year from the years before. I want Halloween Time to be an all-over, Resort-wide celebration...and it just is not at that stage yet. Christmas time is so all-encompassing. As I always say, Halloween Time is awesome, but if you want to get the 'most bang for your buck,' the holiday season will give you that because there is just so much more to it. Even DLR CM's admit that they treat Christmas as a much bigger, more special deal than Halloween Time.

But, really, if, for some reason, DLR suddenly made a big, huge deal of Easter or St. Patrick's Day and went all out for those holidays, I would have no problem recommending those too! It's not so much about my preference being the holiday season. How I look at it is that I have very little money to throw around, and if I am going to throw it around at DLR, I am going to do it when I can get the most bang for my buck!

So now, if ever I cannot make it to both Halloween Time and Christmas time at DLR, I will pick Christmas time (though I will be sad about missing Halloween Time). There is just no comparison in the overall scale and immersion of the seasons - even the Storybook Land Canal Boats have tiny Christmas decorations!

 

[DizNee Luver]

The CM parties would be no problem for you even if not for the twins, and I will explain in a minute. I was there this past December over the CM party days (you should really go over and read my Christmas TR and look at all the photos!). Kelly is right in that they usually have the CM parties on the Monday and Tuesday immediately following the Candlelight Processional.

However, last year Disney pulled a fast one and changed the CM party days to one week later than they normally would have them - so they fell right during my trip!! I was thinking that I was cleverly avoiding the CM party nights, and they switched them up on me! (I was there Sunday - Wednesday.)

You can use those 2 CM party nights to your advantage IF they happen to fall in the middle of your trip. Make those nights are the nights that you go see World of Color in DCA. They only shut down DL early for the parties. OR - take one of the nights and go to the GCH lobby with some cocoa and cookies, and enjoy the carolers performing by the tree, the guitarist by the fireplace and the pianist. Get your photo taken with Santa (there is a PhotoPass person at the GCH with him). Or go and explore the PPH and DLH.

There is lots of stuff to do in all of the other areas of DLR when DL closes early for the CM parties, so it would be no problem at all. They close the park at 6 p.m.-ish. The snow falls and the fireworks happen and the gorgeous castle lights up before they close. I took some nifty Main Street at dusk photos on a CM party night - some of the ones I like best - and I may never have gotten those if I hadn't been heading to Main Street to leave DL by 6 p.m.!

Laurie - not only may I be able to meet up with you if you can go during that time frame, but I am actually hoping I can make my own yearly holiday sojourn to DLR in that same time frame!! I used to always go on the weekend immediately before Christmas. Too crowded. So last year I switched to weekdays, and I went 12/12 - 12/15 instead. This year, if all goes well and I can get the money together, I am aiming for the same week you want to go. I was already kind of planning for that week (if money works in my favor).

I have a PPH rate of one free night, and $99 each additional night (for their screw up with the almost $300 hold last year). I actually really liked having the room to myself, quite honestly, but the rate was so good that I felt I wanted to share it, because, let's face it - even with an AP rate, it ain't never gonna get any cheaper than that!! I offered it to Jessica, but I don't think she will be able to go. I asked my friends from out of state (who may or may not be out here this year), and before I got an answer my friend ended up in the hospital for pneumonia and related lung problems! So I'm not sure about them.

So, I am perfectly fine going solo again! I had such a blast by myself last year, and got so much photo-taking done. I could come and go as I pleased and do what I wanted! The only things I really prefer doing with friends are eating meals and going on rides. I enjoy those more with people. But I can keep myself busy all day and night and never be bored!

Yes, the parade runs at least 2 times a day (I have the theme song from the parade stuck in my head!) - afternoon and evening, I think - and the fireworks are every night, even on CM party nights. The hours are long. The Castle lights up several times a night, and then stays in the 'icicles' for the remainder of the night. The Main Street tree turns kind of 'blue' at night, because it is supposed to appear as though it has been covered in icy snow. The trees around the hub also get that 'snowy' look after the fireworks end.

It is just gorgeous!

You should show Mike the DLR at Christmas Superthread and see if that convinces hiim!

Now, I would not steer you wrong - if Halloween Time were even on the same level as the holiday season in terms of overall styles of decor, music, colors, etc., I would have a hard time picking one over the other to recommend. I love Halloween Time. In fact, I WISH that DLR would do more with their Halloween celebration, but they actually scaled it down last year from the years before. I want Halloween Time to be an all-over, Resort-wide celebration...and it just is not at that stage yet. Christmas time is so all-encompassing. As I always say, Halloween Time is awesome, but if you want to get the 'most bang for your buck,' the holiday season will give you that because there is just so much more to it. Even DLR CM's admit that they treat Christmas as a much bigger, more special deal than Halloween Time.

But, really, if, for some reason, DLR suddenly made a big, huge deal of Easter or St. Patrick's Day and went all out for those holidays, I would have no problem recommending those too! It's not so much about my preference being the holiday season. How I look at it is that I have very little money to throw around, and if I am going to throw it around at DLR, I am going to do it when I can get the most bang for my buck!

So now, if ever I cannot make it to both Halloween Time and Christmas time at DLR, I will pick Christmas time (though I will be sad about missing Halloween Time). There is just no comparison in the overall scale and immersion of the seasons - even the Storybook Land Canal Boats have tiny Christmas decorations!

I don't figure early closures will be a big deal for us, as long as we get to see the fireworks, parades & snow!! The twins are pretty set at going to bed at 8pm.....but last summer, we were able to keep them up a couple times so we could see WoC & a later dinner.

I definitely plan on checking out all 3 hotels as part of our trip!! We're planning Surf's Up with Mickey & PCH Grill for a dinner. So we'll be there.......we'll have to go thru GCH when coming or going to those, so I can check out that as well. The DLH will be a special trip or go out the back of PPH to see it. Maybe some of the construction on the grounds will be completed by then!

It would be awesome if our trips overlapped!!! We could hang out as much as you could stand being around 4 kids!!! Unfortunately, Goofy's Kitchen is not on the radar for this trip. We're trying to stay with in a certain budget & the kids & Mike opted for Mickey's & Minnie's breakfasts.....they are the cheaper 2! When I know for sure this is a go & it gets closer, we'll figure something out!

Do you think doing the tour would be worth it for us?? We'd have to take all 4 kids.....so that does add up!

Boo on the screw up at the PPH, but YAY on the rate!!!! (can you sneak 6 of us in with you??)

I'd love to take the kids to Trick or Treat at DL one of these years (before they get too old) but Christmas is by far, my favorite holiday & if I get the chance to go to one or the other....Christmas is winning, hands down!!! Don't even have to think twice about it!!

Do you know (or remember) if they do any kind of ticket promo during that time?? Right now the tickets & airfare is what's killing me......if both of those could come down.....it would be much easier to commit!

 

[Sherry E]

I don't recall any kinds of ticket promos during that season - even in early December. There are actually more likely to be hotel discounts than ticket promos, I think. So that is one drawback.

Well, the tour is good for a few reasons. Jessica did the tour, so hopefully she can jump in and offer her input. One great thing about it is that you get front of the line passes, basically, for IASW Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday. If you time it so that you take the last tour of the afternoon, you will end up at IASWH just as the gorgeous colored lights are coming on (they go on as soon as dusk hits). Since those rides are hugely popular, this will save you tons of time.

Another cool aspect of the tour is that you get reserved actual seats/chairs for the Christmas Fantasy Parade. It's a really fun, lively, cute parade. Love the chubby-cheeked snowmen! You get cocoa and gingerbread cookies with mouse ears to munch on while you watch the parade. You also get a souvenir collectible pin for everyone in the party, if I recall.

Plus, you get to learn interesting bits of holiday trivia about the parks. The tour guides point out noteworthy things. You also get to listen to Christmas carols on the headphones, and the CM's encourage everyone to sing along as you all stroll through the park.

I think the tour definitely seems like worthwhile for anyone who is interested in those things!

Make sure you time it so that you are on Main Street at one of the times when the snow falls - you'll find out when that happens as you get closer to the time frame.

 

[DizNee Luver]

I don't recall any kinds of ticket promos during that season - even in early December. There are actually more likely to be hotel discounts than ticket promos, I think. So that is one drawback.

Well, the tour is good for a few reasons. Jessica did the tour, so hopefully she can jump in and offer her input. One great thing about it is that you get front of the line passes, basically, for IASW Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday. If you time it so that you take the last tour of the afternoon, you will end up at IASWH just as the gorgeous colored lights are coming on (they go on as soon as dusk hits). Since those rides are hugely popular, this will save you tons of time.

Another cool aspect of the tour is that you get reserved actual seats/chairs for the Christmas Fantasy Parade. It's a really fun, lively, cute parade. Love the chubby-cheeked snowmen! You get cocoa and gingerbread cookies with mouse ears to munch on while you watch the parade. You also get a souvenir collectible pin for everyone in the party, if I recall.

Plus, you get to learn interesting bits of holiday trivia about the parks. The tour guides point out noteworthy things. You also get to listen to Christmas carols on the headphones, and the CM's encourage everyone to sing along as you all stroll through the park.

I think the tour definitely seems like worthwhile for anyone who is interested in those things!

Make sure you time it so that you are on Main Street at one of the times when the snow falls - you'll find out when that happens as you get closer to the time frame.

So I'm assuming the Holiday Tours are ok with little ones then? I know a lot of the other tours they suggest for older kids & adults.

It sounds like it would be worth the expense to do the tour......at least in my book!! Thanx for the info! So do you do the rides while on the tour, or any time after?? One of the tours I took, gave us FP's for certain rides.....so was just curious if that's what they do.