Disneyland at Christmas/Holiday Season Superthread #4

[TraderCharlie]

We are heading for our first Disneyland Christmas on Christmas eve as well. The excitement throughout the house is off the charts!
Does anyone have any recommendations for events we should not miss? We will be park hopping for 4 days, but I was hopping that Christmas eve would be special.
Thanks!!

 

[mistyinca]

Those bell ringer carolers are amazing! I hope they still appear until the 6th!

Do you know where at Downtown Disney the carolers are?

 

[Sherry E]

I'm glad to hear that the hubcap tree has magically reappeared! It must have really taken a hit from the wind or something!

We are heading for our first Disneyland Christmas on Christmas eve as well. The excitement throughout the house is off the charts!
Does anyone have any recommendations for events we should not miss? We will be park hopping for 4 days, but I was hopping that Christmas eve would be special.
Thanks!!

TraderCharlie --

Look for a few characters around Town Square, greeting guests in their pajamas on Christmas Eve.

I don't know that anything else out of the ordinary happens on Christmas Eve or Day, other than maybe some special meals or menu items. But you will have a fantastic trip! Seeing the Winter Castle at night, It's a Small World Holiday, Jingle Cruise, Haunted Mansion Holiday, the Believe in Holiday Magic fireworks, Viva Navidad, A Christmas Fantasy Parade, etc. -- not to mention all of the Frozen Fun! -- will be amazing. The Jingle Jangle Jamboree is a lot of fun as well.

Don't miss the mini-gingerbread Cozy Cone model in the Cozy Cone office. Don't miss the gingerbread houses in Storytellers Café, as well as the giant one in the lobby of the Grand Californian Hotel. Don't miss seeing the (fake) gingerbread Castle in the lobby of the Disneyland Hotel.

Try to catch the Bell Ringers on Buena Vista Street if you can. Find Molly the Messenger and have her "deliver" a letter or postcard to Santa for you.

Try to catch the carolers and Santa by the Grand Californian Hotel Christmas tree.

There are so many things to recommend!

Do you know where at Downtown Disney the carolers are?

mistyinca --

Last year the Carolers were in Downtown Disney on one day in early December, and then daily/nightly from mid-December on through Christmas, I think. When the holiday dates were first announced this year, the Disneyland website said that the carolers would be there on the same exact dates they were there last year (12/5 and 12/16-12/25, I think it was). I'm not sure if that was a mistake, or if they have the same schedule again.

The Downtown Disney Holiday Carolers' times (according to the Disneyland website) are:

6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM, 9:00 PM, 10:00 PM

You will see them near the Winter Village area, I think.

 

[dolphingirl47]

I am all caught up again.

Congratulations to the winners of the Theme Week Countdown.

What a shame that they do not list the peppermint ice cream. I so wanted to try this. I watched Gibson Girl and Clarabelle's like a hawk and never saw it mentioned. I have to admit that it never occurred to me to ask if they have it.

I experienced Jingle Cruise at Walt Disney World last year and it left me cold. I got to experience it at Disneyland this year as part of the Holiday Tour and I absolutely loved it. It is very well done and very funny. I did not smell anything though.

If Winter Dreams was improved from last year, I would have hated to see the original version. This did not do anything for me. I had made arrangements to watch this with the group as part of our VIP tour, but then ended up seeing it on November 12th and scrapped that idea. We ended up going for drinks at the new Jazz lounge at Club 33 instead.

I think the Candlelight Processional is causing all kinds of disruption to the tours this year. When I was waiting to check in for the Holiday Tour, I overheard a phone call that the cast member made to somebody who had booked the A Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour for that weekend and the time had been moved from 2:30 PM to 6:30 AM!!! I did that tour and loved it, but not enough that I would want to be there for it that early.

I had Maria for the holiday tour, too. She was fantastic. We had about 20 people and quite a few strollers, which made for an interesting tour. Some of the kids were also scared of Haunted Mansion Holiday and on of their parents were waiting with them outside until the group got back.

The crowd levels surprised me. I knew there would be crowds as we were there over the Thanksgiving weekend, but the days that it was crowded came as a surprise. We were there on November 11th and 12th and then again November 24th to 30th. November 24th was very crowded with November 11th a close second. Thanksgiving took me completely by surprise. I essentially had Hollywoodland to myself and waited for 25 minutes (posted time 35 minutes) for Toy Story Mania. Saturday was a little busier, but very manageable and Sunday was quite easy on the crowds as it was raining.

The fairies at Pixie Hollow seemed to change. One day we had Tinkerbell and Irridessa, one day just Tink and on my last day in the parks it was Tink and Fawn.

I would never have guessed that the Gingerbread House at the Grand Californian was supposed to be 7.5 foot high or even 6 foot as initially stated, but it was very nice indeed. The hot drinks and gingerbread were sold on a table off to the right of it. I have to say the hot cider with Morgan's Spiced Rum tempted me, but I never had the chance to sample it. I was also impressed that they sold whole Stollen and Stollen slices, but I suppose Anaheim has a strong German heritage. I had every intention to try one of the Stollen slices, but for some reason I was off my food pretty much all trip. I still have the Gingerbread Mickey from the Holiday Tour, too. By November 24th, they always had a cast member by the Gingerbread house. I assume this was to make sure that nobody tried to eat it.

I really enjoyed the Thanksgiving Feast and I did manage to meet Orbitron, which was nice. As far as the meal was concerned the appetizers, soups and desserts were amazing and some of them quite unusual, but the entrees were a little hit and miss. The turkey tasted like reconstituted meat and was a little on the rubbery side. The prime rib was divine though. The big highlight for me though were the characters. They had some fairly rare characters there like Meeko and Pocahontas; Clarabelle and Horrace Horsecollar; Robin Hood and Friar Tuck plus the Country Bears. They also had Chip and Dale; Donald and Daisy; Pluto and Minnie. Of those, only Minnie had a special outfit.

I wonder what happened to that tree in Carsland. I remember thinking when we came back from Aulani that I am surprised that there is no tree there as it is such an obvious space. However, when I started editing my Photopass photos, I found some from that area from November 12th with the tree very much there. I must have forgotten this as I was still jetlagged.

As to the character breakfast at the Plaza Inn, I was seated inside and had issues with the characters as well. I was eating by myself, but had the camera on the table so that it was obvious and Tigger, Dale, Max and Rafiki passed me by. Eeyore was about to, but I managed to make eye contact with him and he came over. Rafiki I ended up chasing down as I really wanted to meet him. I managed to meet Pooh, Chip, Minnie (who came to the tables), Captain Hook, Eeyore, Pinocchio and the Fairy Godmother.

I managed to get a candy cane the first day they were made. I had got to the turnstiles about 20 minutes ahead of opening and the lines were not particularly long. Unfortunately I ended up behind a group that all seems to have issues with their tickets and I was finally inside at 8:05. I powerwalked down Main Street and managed to get a wristband. I assume this must have been for the second batch as my pick up time was from noon onwards. They have relaxed this a little from previous years. I had read that previously the pick up window was only 30 minutes. I could pick my candy cane up any time between noon and 4:00 PM. This worked great for me as I just got it on the way out.

I got to see Anna and Elsa twice. I decided to forego EMH at California Adventure on November 12th and headed to Disneyland instead. As soon as I was in the park, I headed to the holding spot by the hub and they walked us over to the meet and greet location about 10 minutes prior to park opening. I was thinking that I may have made the first 40, but must have just missed it. I got a 10:20 return time and managed to meet Captain Hook and ride It's A Small World Holiday before heading back to the meet and greet. At that stage there was nobody waiting and I was straight in. The second time was the day after Thanksgiving. I headed there after I got my wristband for the candy cane. The line ended just past the entrance to Jingle Jangle Jamboree and I waited about 40 minutes to get my return time. My return time was for 1:55 and I waited about 15 minutes to see Anna and Elsa.

When I did the Holiday Tour, we were told that the parade taping would take place on that Saturday.

Corinna

 

[pepe3penelope]

At DCA right now and the hub cap tree by Stanley is back!! Do to know if this is old news. Just thought I'd share

Crystal, Welcome back to the happiest place on earth! Hope you are enjoying yourself!

 

[joyfulDisneytears]

This is the photo that Malcon10t posted of Green Plaid Santa (who she saw on January 2nd) -- the photo vanished from the previous Christmas/Holiday Season Superthread, so I had to hunt it down in another thread where she had posted it! (It's good that I can remember where and when certain things were posted!)

Would you believe since I first read about this, I was imagining a Santa in a three-piece green plaid suit? Like a green and red sort of plaid jacket and pants, and a green or red vest, maybe with a pocket watch? I think he would look quite dapper that way! I clicked on this picture and mentally went, "Ohhhh...."

Anywhooooo I'm leaving in the wee hours of the morning the day after tomorrow!!!! I'm so excited! I feel like I can't accomplish anything because my mind is already in Disney!

 

[revwog1974]

I must confess I don't really understand the Frozen events. Not that I dislike Frozen; I actually love it quite a lot (don't flame me ). Why the doublespeak about the opening dates? If things are actually going to open on 12/20 with "previews" why bother saying it will open in January?

 

[momrek06]

Can I just say this is such an AWESOME and FABULOUS thread!!!!!!!

Many thanks first and foremost to SHERRY E and many thanks to EVERYONE that has posted everything from INFO and PICTURES as well as their THOUGHTS and IDEAS on how to have the BESTEST holiday experience at DISNEYLAND!!!!!!!!

THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!

 

[Sherry E]

Right now, a few of our DIS'ers are in the parks -- TK/tksbaskets, Tracy/OHBelle (her first DLR trip in more than 30 years!!!!!!), Crystal/crystal1313, DisneylandPlanner, dalstitch45, etc., etc. I think that Janet/mom2rtk is either at DLR right now, or is about to be very soon! Jenny/rentayenta is going to be at DLR very soon (within the next week)! Orbitron is already back from his trip!

I can't wait to read everyone's reviews and see the wonderful photos!

​

Corinna --

Thank you so much for coming back to give such a great rundown/recap of your trip (which I will link in the Trip Reviews section on page 1)! It sounds like you did a lot and got a lot done during both segments of your DLR visit. And what a treat that you and Orbitron got to meet as well! I am hoping that he will pop in and give us a good recap of his trip too.

I can't wait to read your trip report and see your photos!

​

Would you believe since I first read about this, I was imagining a Santa in a three-piece green plaid suit? Like a green and red sort of plaid jacket and pants, and a green or red vest, maybe with a pocket watch? I think he would look quite dapper that way! I clicked on this picture and mentally went, "Ohhhh...."

Anywhooooo I'm leaving in the wee hours of the morning the day after tomorrow!!!! I'm so excited! I feel like I can't accomplish anything because my mind is already in Disney!

joyfulDisneytears --

I like your idea of a green plaid suit for Santa! I could be completely wrong, but I thought I remembered seeing an older photo of Green Plaid Santa (from 2 or 3 years back), and the outfit seemed a little greener (darker) and may or may not have had a tiny bit more plaid. Again, I could be misremembering that because the image is not completely clear in my mind and I never saw him in person, but I instantly thought of him as Green Plaid Santa (the counterpart to Red Suit Santa!), and that has been my nickname for him ever since!

It's impossible to concentrate on anything or get anything done when a Disney trip is just hours away! I hope you have a great time -- and remember to come back here and let us know how the trip went!

I must confess I don't really understand the Frozen events. Not that I dislike Frozen; I actually love it quite a lot (don't flame me ). Why the doublespeak about the opening dates? If things are actually going to open on 12/20 with "previews" why bother saying it will open in January?

revwog1974 --

The dates are a bit confusing, indeed. My assumption -- which could be off-base, but it's what I believe -- is that Disney is feverishly working on trying to get as much work done on Frozen Fun as they can, and whatever happens to get finished by December 20th will open in "Sneak Peek" form on 12/20. They will make sure to have at least 2 things open by 12/20 just to pacify the guests wanting the promised sneak peek.

We know for sure that the Storybook Land Canal Boats will be open by 12/20 -- so that is one element that will be covered.

The Anna and Elsa meet & greet is scheduled to close in Fantasyland (at the end of the day) on 12/19, so my guess is that Anna and Elsa will be in their new home at the Animation Building on 12/20.

I would imagine that the Olaf-drawing sessions at the Animation Academy will also begin on 12/20.

What seems to be up in the air is Snow Fest, the sing-along and Freeze the Night. What I have been reading is that people don't expect Freeze the Night to open before January 7th.

Supposedly, the Muppet theater and Stage 17 are not even close to being ready for the sing-along and Snow Fest, respectively. Painting and other prep work needs to be done and Cast Members need to be trained, and it seems unlikely that this would all come together by December 20th.

At the same time, I would expect that more things will open after 12/20 and before 1/7. In other words, I can picture Snow Fest and the sing-along opening before the official end of the holiday season on 1/6.

I think that the show at the Royal Theatre in FL will not open until January 7th, or maybe the day before.

Someone who is a CM said on another forum that all of the Frozen Fun events will be open on December 20th, but that January 7th is the day that is being promoted because that's the day when the big marketing push for Frozen Fun begins (commercials and other types of ads).

Another CM said that he/she is expecting/thinking that the "snow" at Snow Fest is going to be a tiny snow play area -- not much larger than a few portable sandboxes.

Can I just say this is such an AWESOME and FABULOUS thread!!!!!!!

Many thanks first and foremost to SHERRY E and many thanks to EVERYONE that has posted everything from INFO and PICTURES as well as their THOUGHTS and IDEAS on how to have the BESTEST holiday experience at DISNEYLAND!!!!!!!!

THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!

Thank you for the kind words, momrek06!

I really appreciate it. The holiday season at DLR is one that needs to be explored -- both in an informative, accurate, detailed way and in a fun way -- and my hope is always to hit all of those notes in my Superthreads, getting a lot of people to participate and share their experiences, break news, or ask questions, etc.

​

 

[gottalovepluto]

Hi all, I came across this video about how Disney gets that massive Main St Christmas tree in place and thought y'all might like a look at it!https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL70A3458ABAE59B73&v=tHGSGcnhdRM

 

[Jenasweetemotion]

Main Street is so beautiful with all the CP stuff up. I haven't seen any CP merchandise yet, except for the pin. Going back to the park shortly for the Holiday Tour.

They have a CD in the emporium as well.

 

[Sherry E]

They have a CD in the emporium as well.

Jenasweetemotion --

Have you encountered huge crowds? Another DIS'er mentioned in a separate thread that it is super packed -- more crowded than it has been on this weekend in the past. I have to imagine that it's because of the combo of Candlelight crowds, RaverDay crowds, pharmacists (who are also staying at the Disney hotels) in town to attend their Midyear meeting over the next several days, and maybe some folks who were there for the limited edition pin event and signing at the GCH this morning.

 

[dalstitch45]

They have a CD in the emporium as well.

This is the only thing available I saw today. I was hoping for a t-shirt or something. Oh well.

 

[Sherry E]

Has everyone made their LEGO mini-figure holiday postcard? You can choose different backgrounds, different greetings, different clothes and hair, etc. It's free and it's fun, and you can download more than one version. The page is -- HERE.

​

 

[Jenasweetemotion]

Jenasweetemotion --

Have you encountered huge crowds? Another DIS'er mentioned in a separate thread that it is super packed -- more crowded than it has been on this weekend in the past. I have to imagine that it's because of the combo of Candlelight crowds, RaverDay crowds, pharmacists (who are also staying at the Disney hotels) in town to attend their Midyear meeting over the next several days, and maybe some folks who were there for the limited edition pin event and signing at the GCH this morning.

It was crowded on Friday but I think it had a lot to do with the fact it rained for 2 days and kept a lot of people away. It was getting really busy for us but we used the day as a shopping day instead of waiting an hour for most rides. I am not there today though we got home at 2 am this morning.
I am going to do a mini trip report on here though about our vacation from Nov 30- Dec 5. Just to give you a highlight though we were supposed to stay at the Disneyland Hotel (which would have been our first time) but ended up staying at Grand Californian Hotel (also a first) after a horrible first day.

This is the only thing available I saw today. I was hoping for a t-shirt or something. Oh well.

In 2012 there was a shirt I remember being available at Disney Showcase and Downtown Disney but I didn't see anything leading up to it. I would ask a CM though and see if there is one out.

 

[crystal1313]

Crystal, Welcome back to the happiest place on earth! Hope you are enjoying yourself!

Thank you!!! Having so much fun!!

CP crowds must have been heavy as we got to use the west side new alleyway! Saw the JC boats docked up. So cool! DH got ahead of me when it dumped us out by Walt's apartment and he was right behind beau bridges! And we saw Billy Bush from access Hollywood at carnation at lunch! Lots of plaids out today!

 

[DisneylandPlanner]

Both Friday and Saturday at disneyland have been insanely busy, spent a very nice afternoon in DCA, crowds not bad at all and wait times all good.

Update storyteller is back to one fabulous gingerbread house. I do not know where the other one went but it is right up front again.

We did get to do meet and greet with Elsa and Anna, but it took dad doing the dash and us coming up behind. I have never seen so many people running it is crazy. They should distribute passes up front, it is so not safe or fair.

As Crystal said the carsland hubcap tree is back.

Tomorrow is a full day in DCA so I will get yo experience more fun. Also I think I have passed on the idea of trying to get a candy cane, the line was super long and slow. It is not worth it to me or the kids.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

I just wanted to say hello from the Candy Cane. I viewed the CP tonight, it was my first time seeing it. So beautiful and I just loved it. I was also so blessed to have gotten a seat and had a wonderful view of Beau Bridges and the choir. If any of you are at DL tomorrow, I would highly recommend going, just lovely. I got back to Town Square around a quarter to 4. CM's told me different things throughout the day and as far as times to wait. I stood in front of City Hall in the roped off area sort of all the way down on the left near I think some plants. To be able to watch the processional and just be apart of the ceremony was awesome. The lighted Christmas tree was beautiful, too. Thank you to Sherry for your help with CP and hope you got to enjoy too. 'night everyone.

 

[Sherry E]

I have to admit that I am finding this year's Disneyland Resort holiday mysteries very entertaining! The hubcap tree -- it was there; then it was half gone; then it was completely gone; now it is back in its place again.

And the gingerbread houses (plural!) near the buffet at Storytellers Café -- they were there last month, when Lori/kylie71 was at DLR, and now (as reported by DisneylandPlanner above) there is only one house at Storytellers and it is back at the front (where it used to be in previous years) and not near the buffet!! What happened to the second house that Lori saw at Storytellers? Could it have been moved over to White Water Snacks, where there is usually a gingerbread house of some sort?



flyingdumbo127 -- I'm so glad you got to see the CP and found a seat for it! It is a beautiful, moving ceremony, indeed. I recommend it to anyone who loves Christmas and Christmas music.


Jenasweetemotion -- I can't wait to find out how your planned stay at the DLH ended up in a stay at the GCH!


Crystal -- Have a great time! Please report back here when you get home, if you can, and let us know how everything went!


gottalovepluto -- Thank you for sharing the video!

​

 

[Jenasweetemotion]

What happened to the second house that Lori saw at Storytellers? Could it have been moved over to White Water Snacks, where there is usually a gingerbread house of some sort?

Jenasweetemotion -- I can't wait to find out how your planned stay at the DLH ended up in a stay at the GCH!

​

There is a gingerbread house in White Water Snacks which I can post of picture of tomorrow. Not sure if it was the one in Storytellers.

I am going to write a mini trip report tomorrow as well. I was going to write that during my time I didn't see the mysterious hubcap tree (I didn't go back to Cars land on Friday) was gone but it has since returned wish I could have see and taken photos of it. Anyway off to bed I go 4 hours of sleep is starting to have an effect on me.