[Question] 1st at Christmas any tips/must see/do welcome!!! :)

[Kangel]

I've been to Disneyland many times over the years, but NEVER at Christmastime and I"m so excited! Would you share your experiences and must do/see list?

I will be there Nov 28, 29 & 30. And someone confirmed that they have snow at Christmastime there! How cool is that????!!!???

Ok, so some questions....

Where is the best place to see the snow? And is it with a show or?
Do they still do Tinkerbelle flying during Christmas?
Any special shows or parades they do?
I've heard they have Reindeer there? Where are they located?
Best time of days to experience the events?
Any special souvenir we'll want to get?
Do they have special Christmas mouse ears?
Best places to eat on a budget?

I've never been to Carsland, so any suggestions on that is greatly welcome for that too!

We also made lunch reservations for Blue Bayou, another first for us!!! We decided to split a lunch, so we can afford it. Any tips for something not to miss there?

Any and all tips and suggestions are very excitedly welcome! Thank you! :yea:

[Disneymike]

Re: 1st at Christmas any tips/must see/do welcome!!!

Where is the best place to see the snow? And is it with a show or?

Main Street. It snows after the fireworks.

Any special shows or parades they do?

They do have a holiday parade and the lighting of the Castle is very nice.

I've heard they have Reindeer there? Where are they located?

The reindeers will no longer be on display according to Disney.

Best time of days to experience the events?

Night time is the best as all the lights are on and it is just so festive.

Any special souvenir we'll want to get?

They will have all kinds of holiday souvenirs, just depends on your preference.

Do they have special Christmas mouse ears?

Yes, they have Santa Mickey and Minnie hats.

Best places to eat on a budget?

Outside of the parks

[swampymarsh]

Re: 1st at Christmas any tips/must see/do welcome!!!

I will be there Nov 28, 29 & 30. And someone confirmed that they have snow at Christmastime there! How cool is that????!!!???

Wednesday and Thursday will be really calm. Friday starts great but gets busy in the evening and night. That is a really good time to visit for low crowds.

Where is the best place to see the snow? And is it with a show or?

Mainstreet, but also by Small World and Rivers of America.

Any special shows or parades they do?

Regarding the lighting this happens a few times a night. Try to watch from back in the hub because it includes lights all over the area not just the Castle.

I've heard they have Reindeer there? Where are they located?

While they are gone, they were in the Big Thunder Ranch, I'd visit there anyway.

Best time of days to experience the events?

In case of wind, see the fireworks your first night giving the 2nd and 3rd night as extra chances. Wind can limit and easily cancel this show.

Fantasmic may only show on Friday so see fireworks and WoC leaving that for your last night.

I've never been to Carsland, so any suggestions on that is greatly welcome for that too!

RSR FPs go quick so go there in the early morning and get those FPs. Ride your first time in the evening or night if possible. RSR has been building bad lines every day so even though you are going on quiet days this may be a huge wait. Luigi's Flying Tires can build lines but I doubt on those first two days it will be bad.

We also made lunch reservations for Blue Bayou, another first for us!!! We decided to split a lunch, so we can afford it. Any tips for something not to miss there?

ETA noticed I forgot this one. If you split a lunch you pay $12 and get an extra serving of the sides and appetizer(soup or salad). You can just ask for an extra plate and then cut everything in half.

I like the Monte Cristo, which is heavy and greasy, but it's not widely liked. I also enjoy the Tesoro Chicken and the Strip Loin.

[RemainSeatedPlz87]

Re: 1st at Christmas any tips/must see/do welcome!!!

I am in the same boat as you...November 12th 13th and 14th.... so excited!!!

[pitter_patter]

Re: 1st at Christmas any tips/must see/do welcome!!!

For budget-friendly meals I love:
Whitewater Snacks next to the pool at the GCH
Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe
Plaza Inn-entrees are generous and could be split
Cafe Orleans-share a Monte Cristo

If you have a car and want to go offsite one night I love Pizza Boy in Fullerton. Their pizza is amazing and cheap.

[Kat95242]

Re: 1st at Christmas any tips/must see/do welcome!!!

What's the exact/specific path to get the RSR FP? Thanks in advance.

[Kangel]

Re: 1st at Christmas any tips/must see/do welcome!!!

Oh thank you all for your wonderful ideas!!!!!!! I'm just so excited about seeing Disneyland at Christmastime. I want to see IASW all done up special! And the lighting of the Castle sounds so cool!!!!!! :yea:

I paid for a subscription at Touring Plans, so I should be able to find out a good plan for the busier times on Friday.

The Monte Cristo sounds good and thanks for the tip on the extra plate!

Loving these tips! Thank you so much!

[dwarfhampster]

Re: 1st at Christmas any tips/must see/do welcome!!!

The RSR FP distribution spot is right by the entrance to A Bug's Land, near "It's Tough to be a Bug" across from the "Blue Sky Cellar" grape vines. However, at least when we went in August, the line to get there started right at Carthay Circle.

[gatheringrosebuds]

Re: 1st at Christmas any tips/must see/do welcome!!!

I recommend taking a horse drawn carriage down Main Street. It's a magical experience during Christmas time.

[bayouguy]

Re: 1st at Christmas any tips/must see/do welcome!!!

Since you'll need to relax for a while after your day, walk over to the Grand Californian Hotel and spend some time in their lobby.

[Kangel]

Re: 1st at Christmas any tips/must see/do welcome!!!

Oh how charming! A carriage ride down main street at Christmas!

Keep these awesome ideas coming!!!!! How cool!!!!!

I've never been in the Grand Californian, that sounds like a lovely idea to enjoy. They don't mind if you're not staying there?

[AvidTurtleTalker]

Re: 1st at Christmas any tips/must see/do welcome!!!

You MUST go on it's a small world holiday, especially at night time with all the gorgeous lights. Regarding the fireworks, I'd suggest you watch them on Main Street and not front and center in the hub. Although it provides a great view, the snow doesn't reach that area. Small World mall is another great viewing area that has snow as well. Lastly, Tinker Bell doesn't fly over the castle during the holidays. Have a great trip!

[bayouguy]

Re: 1st at Christmas any tips/must see/do welcome!!!

They don't mind visitors. Hard to tell guest and visitors apart. Buy a nice drink from the bar, sit by the fireplace and enjoy.

[Kangel]

Re: 1st at Christmas any tips/must see/do welcome!!!

Where's the best place to be in the IASW mall for the snow there? since I'll be there multiple days, I think I'll try viewing it from different places!!!!! And how cool that IASW is all lit up for Christmas! I'm as giddy as a school girl!!!!!!!!! I can barely wait!!!! LOL

Great tip on the Grand CA hotel lobby! Thanks!

Everyone's suggestions are just getting me more and more excited to be there!!!! Yay!!!! I knew it would be special at Christmastime!!!!!!!!! :clap:

I think I read somewhere that Indiana Jones was closed during the time I'll be there? And Casey Jr..... I'm ok about Casey Jr. since I have to use a scooter this time after a knee injury and it would have been hard to board the train. But bummer on the Indiana Jones! I hope there are no more closures between now and then!

I know I'm running on and on... but I can barely cap my excitement riding down Main St in a carriage and seeing it snow at Disneyland!!!!!!!!!!!!! How cool is that????!!!!!???

Thank you all! I really appreciate all the suggestions!!!!!!!!!

[JMazz]

Re: 1st at Christmas any tips/must see/do welcome!!!

Question about snow...

This coming December will be my first holiday time too. I saw a vid on youtube and in the background I could hear a kid telling his sister not to eat the snow. He then said it's made of bubbles! Is this true? I assumed it was shaved ice that melts when it hits the ground.

---------- Post added 10-24-2012 at 10:16 PM ----------

Oh! I forgot to ask, how long after the fireworks does it fall?

[bisforbrittney]

Re: 1st at Christmas any tips/must see/do welcome!!!

Question about snow...

This coming December will be my first holiday time too. I saw a vid on youtube and in the background I could hear a kid telling his sister not to eat the snow. He then said it's made of bubbles! Is this true? I assumed it was shaved ice that melts when it hits the ground.

i've heard it called "snoap" before due to the fact that's it's made out of the same foaming ingredients of liquid soap. however, the difference between the two is that when the "snow" comes out of the machines, it loses most of it's liquid properties and is mostly air, and is able to fly like snow. the benefit to that is that it doesn't become slippery when it hits the ground, but unfortunately it still tastes like soap if you try to catch it in your mouth. it's non-toxic, but still not a pleasant taste.

[Sorcerer's Apprentice]

Re: 1st at Christmas any tips/must see/do welcome!!!

i've heard it called "snoap" before due to the fact that's it's made out of the same foaming ingredients of liquid soap. however, the difference between the two is that when the "snow" comes out of the machines, it looses most of it's liquid properties and is mostly air, and is able to fly like snow. the benefit to that is that it doesn't become slippery when it hits the ground, but unfortunately it still tastes like soap if you try to catch it in your mouth. it's non-toxic, but still not a pleasant taste.

That explains why I have had such difficulty building a snowman at Disneyland

[Kangel]

Re: 1st at Christmas any tips/must see/do welcome!!!

Don't eat the snow, huh? LOL I wonder if they do use fake snow?

I wonder if it's a lot of snow, or just a nice sprinkling?

[clara]

Re: 1st at Christmas any tips/must see/do welcome!!!

Oh! I forgot to ask, how long after the fireworks does it fall?

I believe it falls about 5 seconds after fireworks ends and they keep it falling for about 5 minutes (might be longer).

[Disneymike]

Re: 1st at Christmas any tips/must see/do welcome!!!

Don't eat the snow, huh? LOL I wonder if they do use fake snow?

I wonder if it's a lot of snow, or just a nice sprinkling?

It's a nice sprinkling. It's pretty magical with the song that is played while it's snowing.