I know, I know. How can I narrow it down to just five things? I enjoy
the holidays around the resort—it’s the most magical time to visit.
Here are some of the best activities to help even Scrooge McDuck himself
get into the spirit of the season.
5. Riding “it’s a small world” Holiday
The only time I really look forward to riding “it’s a small world”
is during the holiday season. The promenade leading up to the attraction
is decorated in outrageously colorful wreaths and garlands, each one different
and carefully detailed.
Like the lamp posts in New Orleans Square, each wreath leading up to “it’s
a small world” is unique. Photo by Jeff Moxley.
The facade of the attraction looks magical at night with the thousands
of colorful lights added to the traditional white background.
Plan on a bit of a wait during busy days. Photo by Jeff Moxley.
Inside the attraction, the soundtrack blends the familiar theme song
with Jingle Bells, Deck the Halls and We Wish you a Merry Christmas. Each
country gets their holiday makeover and clever details make for fun eye
spies. See if you can spot Nemo and Stitch on your next voyage.
In past years, Fastpass machines were installed to deal with the higher traffic
during Small World’s makeover. This year it appears equality reigns and there
will be one line for all.
4. Enjoying holiday decorations
It’s the little details that make the Disneyland so special at the holidays.
Rivaling Main Street for detail is New Orleans Square. Every alcove and
balcony is gussied up with Christmas glitz.
A feather boa strung with lights serves as a garland in New Orleans Square.
Photo by Lisa Perkis.
Each lamp post in New Orleans Square is decorated with a different color
scheme. Photo by Lisa Perkis.
You can find these large Santa ornaments hanging from many balconies,
each one tied with glittery ribbons. Photo by Lisa Perkis.
New Orleans Square is even more beautiful at night. Photo by Jeff Moxley.
3. Checking out the special entertainment
How many years has the Christmas Fantasy Parade marched down Main Street?
I don’t know and don’t care. I love it. The floats are wonderfully detailed,
the costumes are still fresh and sparkly, and the choreography exact.
The section with Belle, Cinderella and Snow White dancing with their princes
at the Christmas ball is lovely year after year. Santa’s reindeer may
have a new look, but they still dance the same jig. Some call it mind-numbing
repetition; I call it beloved tradition.
The Main Street train station platform is the best place to see a good
overall view of the procession.
These Christmas parade toy soldiers really play those horns. No, really.
Photo by Adrienne Vincent Phoenix
Carolers are another Christmas treat. The singers look like they have
stepped out of an old fashioned Christmas card—muffs and all. They
perform spirited renditions of traditional carols up and down Main St.
Look for their performance times in the daily entertainment schedule,
or check with a helpful Main Street CM.
2. Watching the holiday fireworks and snow
If the music from the Believe In Holiday Magic fireworks show doesn’t
make you cry, the rendition of “White Christmas” and softly
falling snow certainly will; or else there is something emotionally wrong
with you. Grab a spot facing the castle—on a bench, and preferably
closer to Tomorrowland than Frontierland, so the fireworks are centered
behind the Castle. Plan on waiting a good hour for a prime spot on a bench
during busy evenings. It’s worth it.
Red and Green fireworks, of course. MousePlanet file photo.
If you would rather ride attractions than wait that long, stand in the
street in front of the hub 20 minutes prior to lights out. After the fireworks,
the light come up a bit and the snow starts swirling around. If you are
at the castle, turn around and look down Main Street towards the tree.
It’s an unforgettable sight.
1. Sampling holiday treats
The holidays are all about eating the things you would hesitate to indulge
in; all at once, and everyday you visit the parks. We can find our families’
favorite holiday treats at Disneyland right on Main Street.
Creating edible works of art. Photo by Lisa Perkis.
My children look forward to decorating cookies on Main Street every year.
For a mere five dollars, children get a large sugar cookie, and a choice
of two frostings and two sprinkles to let their imaginations run wild.
Watch out for the blue icing—it will permanently dye your lips a
Laura Palmer hue. If young ones are interested in saving their cookie
to admire later, cast members provide boxes and bags.
The Blue Ribbon Bakery adds gingerbread men to their repertoire during
November and December that are cheerful and delicious. Wash them down
with a peppermint mocha. The Main Street candy shop makes fresh candy
canes every Friday in December. Station yourself by the window of the
Candy Kitchen and check out the amazing transformation of a bag of sugar
and some peppermint extract and food coloring into one of the best candies
of the season.
You can catch him, for the right price. Photo by Lisa Perkis.
Since I love the holidays at Disneyland so much, I’ll give you one more
fun activity. Shopping at Disneyland is even more fun during this season.
Ever wanted a Tinker Bell stocking? It’s there. How about a Sleeping Beauty
Castle blown glass ornament? Stitch in a Santa suit? A giant Christmas
tree hat? Yes, yes and yes.
Pooh on your stocking? Photo by Lisa Perkis.
I hope you all get the chance to visit the resort and try out a few of
my favorite holiday activities this season. If I have left out your favorite,
please email and share it. Happy Holidays!
