Visiting The Disneyland Resort During The Holiday Season

I had the amazing opportunity to fly to Anaheim last week and experience the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort. The Holiday Season launched on November 10th and seeing the park with all the holiday-themed decorations, the twinkling lights, ornaments, Christmas trees and all of the holiday festivities was spectacular. The Disneyland Resort is a must see at this time of year.

New this year at Disney California Adventure Park, the Festival of Holidays features a Festive Food Marketplace, daily entertainment including nine unique shows and special Disney characters, cavalcades and performances. Inspired by cultural traditions from around the world, the Festival of Holidays is one to add to your list of things to do when visiting the park. Santa Clause is also at the Disney California Adventure Park at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. He is happy to pose for pictures with park guests.

Visiting The Disneyland Resort During The Holiday Season

Over at Disneyland you will experience one-of-a-kind holiday transformations to classic rides, including “it’s a small world” Holiday, Jingle Cruise and Haunted Mansion Holiday. “it’s a small world” has been one of my favourite rides in the park and seeing it during the holiday season is  amazing. The children are all dressed in seasonal costumes and singing classic holiday songs along with the “it’s a small world” theme song. The scent of fresh pine and peppermint from candy canes in the ride will get you in the holiday spirit and singing to classic holiday tunes all day long.

At the entrance of Disneyland is the beautiful 60 feet Christmas tree located in Town Square, Main Street U.S.A. It is the perfect backdrop for family photos. I got a couple of shots with Chip from Chip & Dale and they look fantastic.

The Jungle Cruise ride is transformed into Jingle Cruise during the Holiday Season and holiday gifts and decorations are added to the landscapes surrounding the riverboats. Lots of fun for both the little ones and the adults. I always enjoy the jungle skippers jokes and the entertaining scenery.

During the Holidays, the Haunted Mansion becomes Haunted Mansion Holidays with the Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” theme featuring the collision between Halloween and Christmas. This is once again another fun ride for both children and adults of all ages.

I have always enjoyed the Disneyland’s parades and “A Christmas Fantasy” did not disappoint. The floats, music and characters were all spreading holiday cheer along with a special appearance by none other than Santa Clause himself. An enchanting time for families and emotional for many people including myself.

Back at Disney California Adventure Park, “World of Color – Season of Light”, a Nighttime Spectacular show features a mesmerizing mix of lights, lasers and high-definition projections. Park guests are taken on a magical holiday adventure with seasonal music and a selection of magical moments from a variety of Disney animated films. There are more than 120 characters from 30+ Disney films included in the show. Paradise Bay lagoon serves as the stage for “World of Color” with over 1,200 fountains and one of the world’s largest protected water screens with a surface of 19,000 square feet! The “World of Color – Season of Light” show is not one to be missed.

During my visit I stayed at the charming Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and enjoyed their holiday snacks and hot chocolate served at the lobby of the hotel. They also built a gorgeous gingerbread house that resembles the exterior of the hotel and stands seven feet six inches tall and 12 feet wide. It was incredible to see and the gingerbread scent was scrumptious.

You can plan a visit to the “Happiest Place on Earth” right now to celebrate the season and experience all of the magical entertainment, food and festivities happening at the Resort—through to January 8, 2017. I really enjoyed my visit and I can’t wait to take my boys to the parks during the holiday season.  Celebrating the holidays at Disneyland is truly unforgettable.

If you are Canadian, now is the perfect time to experience all of the Disney magic for less, Disneyland Resort tickets would also be a special present to put under the Christmas tree! Canadian Residents: Save 25% on 3-Day or Longer Tickets and Enjoy More of the Disneyland Resort. Tickets must be used by December 31, 2017. Tickets expire 13 days after first use or on January 13, 2018, whichever occurs first.

Some helpful tips if you are heading to The Disneyland Resort:

• When you arrive at Disneyland locate the Lost Children center and get a sticker for your child. You can put your name and phone number on it.   (In case your child gets separated from you at any point)
• Arrive early before opening time if possible, if not allow 5-10 minutes after opening to miss the big rush. No big line-ups at the gate then.
• Don’t feel rushed to do everything. Take your time and enjoy! Remember you are at The Happiest Place on Earth after all!
• Don’t force your child to get on a ride or take photos with characters when they don’t want to. Avoid temper tantrums and try again later.
• Grab a map at the gates so you know where you are going. Try to plan your day and know the heigh requirements of the rides you are planning to go on.
• Familiarize yourself with the FastPass system and use it! Don’t wait in line if you don’t have to.

Videos

Below are some personal clips from my visit to the Disneyland Resort!

 

Helpful links:

All Disneyland Rides & Attractions

All Disney’s California Adventure Park Rides & Attractions

FastPass System Info

Height Requirements for All Attractions

Disneyland Maps

Park Hours

Tips for Taking you Toddler to Disneyland with a List of Toddler Friendly Rides

Getting the Most out of Your Disneyland Visit with Children Ages 5 and Under

Disclosure: I have been provided with complementary flights and accommodations, however this is not a paid post and all views and opinions are 100% my own.