It was a holiday weekend at the Disneyland Resort . . . add holiday decor and entertainment. . . and that equals big crowds. We’ve got photos and videos for you from Disneyland, California Adventure and even Downtown Disney. Let’s go . . . snow . . . and glow . . .
Welcome to Disneyland
Holidays are in full swing at the parks and so are the crowds. The giant Mickey and Friends parking structure has been filling up earlier and earlier, but the parks have not yet reached capacity, even though it may feel that way in places. The Festival of Holidays at DCA has helped pull the crowds to DCA which balances the guests coming to the resort.
An update on Sunday alerted guests that ALL Disneyland Resort parking was full. That’s a warning sign folks . . . a good indicating that you might want to consider visiting on a different day.
Knowing that the parks would be slammed, I chose to set my pace and expectations low. As you’ll see, I still made great progress through the resort and we have a huge update for you.
If the Disneyland tree looks a little sparse this year, it is a bit different than 2017. The glass ball ornaments are red this year and the tree features oversized candles. The ornaments also aren’t as densely packed as in years past. I’ve included a photo of last year’s tree for you below.
Disney’s Holiday Parade/Show Filming
Mickey Mouse was out in the parks on Saturday with a film crew in tow for the holiday special on ABC.
The taping for the Christmas Parade will be this Thursday at 11am with performances in front of the castle throughout the day.
The wonderful world of CROWDS
Disneyland had big attendance for the Veteran’s day weekend. The standby line for Pirates of the Caribbean stretched all the way to the Haunted Mansion! THANK GOODNESS they canceled their plans to add Fastpass to this attraction or there wouldn’t have been space to hold all the extra bodies in an even slower standby queue.
Haunted Mansion is always extra popular this time of year, so lines were fully extended, meeting the line for Pirates.
Tropical Hideaway Construction
With the crowds, it was hard for me to get near the Tropical Hideaway. Folks were packed in like sardines. But I did want you to see the work on the roofline and I snapped a magic construction shot for you too.
New awnings have been installed in the Tropical Hideaway and new pavement is being laid now.
Matterhorn Refurbishment
At long last, the Matterhorn reopens this Friday. There’s still a bit of cleanup and planting for them to do.
Some of the waterfalls are running again.
The newly revised pathways are being landscaped.
There’s still some painting and concrete work going on as well.
The bobsleds are uncovered and ready for testing.
Small World Holiday
A Disneyland holiday classic has returned and guests are willing to wait for their chance to hear hundreds of dolls sing carols to them.
The new parade gate has received holiday lights.
If you are in the area for an extended time, stick around for a cute little projection show on the quarter hour.
I took a ride-through for you. But it was 15 minutes . . . so I’ve sped it up to 4 minutes for you. You’re welcome . . .
At the exit of the attraction, the shop has reopened in an incomplete state, some of the signage hasn’t been reinstalled yet.
Wreck-It Ralph
Both Disneyland and DCA are featuring Wreck-It Ralph at the moment. You’ll find the movie preview in the Tomorrowland Theater.
And at DCA, Ralph and Vannellope do meet and greets in front of the old Millionaire building.
Little Green Christmas
The popular new popcorn bucket is on sale now at the Disneyland Resort. It looks like Disney purchased plenty of these little guys as they haven’t sold out just yet.
Snow on Grizzly Trail
If you are on Grizzly Trail after dark, walk slow. About every 15 minutes . . . it snows! I’ve got some really bad video of it for you below. Sorry about that, but my photos just wouldn’t come out. It’s very dark here.
Santa X 2
Santa is rustic at Disneyland and DCA this year. Both parks have given the jolly old elf a wilderness look. It’s a good look, but I miss the vintage department store Santa on Buena Vista Street.
Disneyland’s Santa is located in Critter Country next to the meet and greet with Winnie the Pooh.
The setup over at Disney California Adventure is a bit more substantial. Santa has moved into the Grizzly Creek Challenge Trail amphitheater. He also seems to get a much longer line in this location than the one tucked away at Disneyland.
Animated Windows of Buena Vista Street
These aren’t new, but I love the vintage-looking animated windows of Buena Vista Street. I wish there were more of them.
It’s All In The Details
We have a special holiday edition of This and That to help get you into the spirit. Photography by Anthony, give him a follow!
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Thank you for reading everyone! We will have a special update later this week with all the Holiday offerings at the Disneyland Resort check back with MiceChat.com !
