Originally Posted By DisneyMommyOf3 Although I have been to Disneyland many times this will be my first trip during the holiday season. My family and I are planning on visiting the week of 12/7. I want to ensure that my family has the best possible trip since this will be a first experience for all of us. I have two girls, 6 and 9. Does anyone have any good tips, advice, must do's? All help is appreciated!
Originally Posted By Mickeysbestfan The park attendance should be low. Disneyland does close early the 7th and the 8th (maybe the 9th too, not sure) for the cast parties. Must do's Haunted Mansion Holiday Small World Holiday See Santa Holiday Parade Try the holiday food
Originally Posted By charming husband Be prepared with cold weather items such as coats, gloves, extra socks, and such. You may or may not need them. My DW started pack extra socks for the kids when they got soaked on SM and had to squish their way back to the hotel in wet socks-so bring em with ya! We have been there during that time period when it was lovely and hardly needed a sweater to it's being downright COLD. You can buy hand warmers (they are packets that you squish to activate and will keep your fingers/hands nice and toasty warm). You can find these are camping supply stores. These were really nice last year when we were watching the parade. Take time to just sit on MS with a cup of somethin' warm and just listen to the Christmas music and enjoy people watching. Nothing better.
Originally Posted By dmtbgt I too am coming with my kids for the first trip to Disneyland durning the holidays. Does anyone know when the tree lighting happens it's not on the website schedule. Does it snow for just the fireworks or the parade too. Is there a trick to where to stand for the snow or does it fall everywhere.
Originally Posted By Mickeysbestfan The snow falls from the big light posts (with the spot lights on them). It falls right at the end of the fireworks. At least that was how it was last year.
Originally Posted By 999HAUNTS DisneyMom, Since you have little ones, make sure to let them decorate the cookies available at the RoundUp area. I'm 43 and still decorate them at the holidays. Much fun!
Originally Posted By SleepingBeauty82 Be sure to check out the Lobby of the Grand Californian. It's decorated beautifully with a HUGE Christmas tree and the kids can meet Santa there as well (although you will have to check with the staff on when he will be there). Then you can enjoy an adult beverage in the Lounge next to the fire with a view of the tree.
Originally Posted By ssturgeo Snow falls on Main Street, Small World Mall, and New Orleans Square by the Rivers of America...after the fireworks, while "White Christmas" plays...love it!! Gingerbread man from the Blue Ribbon Bakery (and last year found them at Bakersfield Bakery in DCA too)...they are delicious...and they are not the same as the ones at the Market House. Santa's Reindeer Roundup at Big Thunder Ranch...cookie decorating, coloring, picture with Santa, live reindeer, characters, entertainment on the little stage. Christmas Tree lighting is usually around dusk...thinking 4:45...if you pick up the daily schedule it will be listed. Walk around the DL hotel grounds also...big tree outside, lots of nice decorations. It is truly a magical time...love DL at the holidays and in 25 days I will be there!!
Originally Posted By Dalia3001 I am not sure if they are still doing it, but when we were there two years ago there was also snow falling at the castle lighting ceremony. This little show happened earlier in the evening than the fireworks, and we really enjoyed it. There was music, and a sparkly display on the castle using the special lights in the snow. The snow fell on us as we watched from around the moat. I don't know if you are staying onsite, but we loved the tree we had delivered from Vacation Planning. All the other tips people have given you are great. We had such a wonderful time at Disneyland for the holidays!
