Disneyland at Christmas/Holiday Season Superthread #5

[cinder-ellah]

We did the WOC dessert party tonight and had such an amazing time. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the desserts were holiday themed and different from their regular offerings. They had a gingerbread cookie, cheesecake (egg nog or holiday spice, something like that), chocolate bundt cake, lemon macaron, and a Mickey macaroon. All of the desserts were decorated for the holidays. **sorry for all the extra cheese piled on my plate- my son decided he wanted nothing to do with cheese tonight, and threw all his on my plate before I could get a picture**

I'm so glad we were able to enjoy this particular version. It was definitely my favorite. The ending in particular was very uplifting and lovely. View attachment 209249

We loved the WOC DP !
LOL ..... my plate also got piled with my 2 GDD's cheeses.
Loved the yummy cheesecake, OMG that was delicious.

I agree with you ...... the ending is lovely.

 

[albertamom]

We lined up at 8 for an 8:15 check-in. I was very surprised to see how many people were already in line. By the time we got to pick our table, they still had both types left. We chose a low table and had a great view. There were a few kids on their parents' shoulders in the area in front, but I didn't feel like it interrupted our view at all.

Thank you!

What time was the show? My reservation is for 8:15, with the show scheduled for 8:15. What time would check-in be?

 

[Abbey1]

I *think* if your reservation says 8:15, then that would be a 9:00 show, but I could be wrong. Check in would be for 45 minutes before the show starts, I think.

 

[albertamom]

I *think* if your reservation says 8:15, then that would be a 9:00 show, but I could be wrong. Check in would be for 45 minutes before the show starts, I think.

I just double-checked. Reservation is definitely for 8:15, and the schedule shows DCA closing at 8:00 that day, with WOC at 8:15. I've been confused because everyone talks about their check-in time, and I haven't been given one.

Thanks for the guidance. We'll probably plan to line up around 7:00 and hope for the best.

 

[automaticsoap]

I'll be visiting December 18-19. I expect it'll be very crowded and don't expect to ride many attractions. I mostly want to enjoy the Christmas decorations. But I was wondering -- how are wait times during the last hour or so of the park? I won't be able to take advantage of the magic morning hour unless I buy a 3-day ticket, and I'm considering doing it unless the waits during later hours are manageable. Should I just buy the 3-day ticket to get magic morning, or would staying until closing have short enough lines?

 

[cruisehopeful]

or would staying until closing have short enough lines?

The last few times I was there late enough to notice, most of the lines were much shorter the last 2 hours. I don't know if that will be the case with Christmas, but it was the case summer and October.

 

[prestoncaldwell]

The last few times I was there late enough to notice, most of the lines were much shorter the last 2 hours. I don't know if that will be the case with Christmas, but it was the case summer and October.

Looking at TouringPlans wait time graphics from Christmas Day last year, the wait times did go down significantly after about 8. Peter Pan, for example dropped from 80 minutes to 50 minutes. It didn't get any shorter than 35-40 minutes, though.

 

[millie0312]

Here now and tomorrow will be day 2 of 5 in the parks (day 1 was Tuesday, today was a day off)- so far so much pretty good. We did just DLR and did every ride in the park but maybe 5? Also we took an afternoon nap and watched both the parade and fireworks plus lunch at Hungry Bear and dinner at the Plaza. It's crowded but if you maximize the early mornings and late nights it's manageable. Tomorrow is DCA so hoping to do all the rides so after that we can just do repeat favorites and shows, characters, etc. Anyone have questions? I heard the new security starts Friday but they are still working on it now. Security lines are SO slow so plan extra time- we got there an hour before opening for MM and it was SLOOOOOOW lol We really don't have any complaints so far though- I'm keep tr notes so maybe I'll get one done this year lol

 

[millie0312]

I'll be visiting December 18-19. I expect it'll be very crowded and don't expect to ride many attractions. I mostly want to enjoy the Christmas decorations. But I was wondering -- how are wait times during the last hour or so of the park? I won't be able to take advantage of the magic morning hour unless I buy a 3-day ticket, and I'm considering doing it unless the waits during later hours are manageable. Should I just buy the 3-day ticket to get magic morning, or would staying until closing have short enough lines?

The more days the better IMO and MM is always amazing for us but the last hour in the park is usually VERY mellow with a lot of walk up lines! But kids aren't out of school yet and I'm not sure if busier weeks would be busier at night

 

[egritz]

I've been absent from this superthread for the past year as we rounded out our first year as AP'ers with a Halloween trip before our AP's expired....but I Just bid for vacation for next year at work and we will likely be returning next year during Christmas time! While I'm excited for our trip (first week of December) I am slightly bummed that we won't be going during our preferred week (basically right when the holiday "season" officially opens, the weekend of the marathon before Thanksgiving) as we've always experienced amazing weather (warm - flip flops and tanks!) and low crowds. Our last time visiting in December was the second week of the month and it was CRAZY busy...hoping for a different experience next year.
Now just to wait for hotels to open up reservations for next December!

 

[minniecarousel]

Near the end of the Holiday WOC, what are they sending up into the sky? Kinda looks like balloons, but I don't think it is.

 

[Skyegirl1999]

Near the end of the Holiday WOC, what are they sending up into the sky? Kinda looks like balloons, but I don't think it is.

I've seen people call this a spoiler, so I'll send you a message.

 

[lorijohnhill]

I have to say I'm disappointed that the majority of the dated items are for 2017, not 2016. I mean, really, my visit is taking place in 2016. Why would I want my commemorative ornament to be dated 2017??? I'm glad I bought the ear hat one in October. There is a key ornament I wanted, but it is only available for next year.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

I have to say I'm disappointed that the majority of the dated items are for 2017, not 2016. I mean, really, my visit is taking place in 2016. Why would I want my commemorative ornament to be dated 2017??? I'm glad I bought the ear hat one in October. There is a key ornament I wanted, but it is only available for next year.

I've seen some 2016 items on DisneyStore.com. Most/all of the items were on sale. Go to the Disney Parks tab and look under "collections." Hope you find what you are looking for!

 

[lorijohnhill]

I've seen some 2016 items on DisneyStore.com. Most/all of the items were on sale. Go to the Disney Parks tab and look under "collections." Hope you find what you are looking for!

Thanks

 

[lorijohnhill]

I love the little surprises you find on some of the photopass shots.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

What a great photo! By the way, you might try calling the Disney Store outlet at the Citadel. They do carry a small inventory of park merchandise. Maybe they have the 2016 ornaments.

 

[hsmamato2]

Here now and tomorrow will be day 2 of 5 in the parks (day 1 was Tuesday, today was a day off)- so far so much pretty good. We did just DLR and did every ride in the park but maybe 5? Also we took an afternoon nap and watched both the parade and fireworks plus lunch at Hungry Bear and dinner at the Plaza. It's crowded but if you maximize the early mornings and late nights it's manageable. Tomorrow is DCA so hoping to do all the rides so after that we can just do repeat favorites and shows, characters, etc. Anyone have questions? I heard the new security starts Friday but they are still working on it now. Security lines are SO slow so plan extra time- we got there an hour before opening for MM and it was SLOOOOOOW lol We really don't have any complaints so far though- I'm keep tr notes so maybe I'll get one done this year lol

The security lines sound a little daunting.... Wondering,do they get better later in the day? Say after a nice nap?

 

[Angel Ariel]

Where is the wheelchair section?

We didn't use the wheelchair section this year, but last year we did use it during Paint the Night and there was one at the exit of Pixie Hollow. We loved this spot for PTN, as you got a nice clear view of the floats coming from small world down towards Main Street, and the street dancers generally stopped right around there to do their dance/number before moving on. I think it would be a good spot to watch the first parade of the day (when it's coming from small world) for the Christmas parade too. I just don't know if it's still a wheelchair section or not.

 

[Skyegirl1999]

The security lines sound a little daunting.... Wondering,do they get better later in the day? Say after a nice nap?

They ebb and flow quite a bit - got here at 10:30 and the lines were pretty long (not surprising as that's a peak arrival time), walking out at noon and there's no wait. It will probably start to get swamped around 3 as the after-school crowd shows up and stay fairly busy through the evening, but there will be low periods... Even when they look very long and feel like you're crawling, we are usually through in about 20 minutes. Look for lines that feed between two security workers; they move faster.