It’s the Chris Pratt . . . Pratt-iest time of the year. With the choirs a singing and Christmas bells ringing songs of good cheer. Candlelight comes but once a year. And this time around crowds were treated to one of Disney’s brightest and hunkiest stars, which means we’ve got the photos for you. But there’s more folks. . . a certain spectacular is about ready to return, Naples restaurant is in cast previews today, gardens continue to be whittled down, Bing Bong is crying candy tears, and there’s just a bit of rain to wash it all down . . .
Guardian of the Candlelight
For the lucky few who snagged seats (mostly Disneyland invited VIPs, media, and Club 33 members), and those willing to wait the better part of a day in the sun for standing room only, it was one of Disneyland’s brightest moments of the year.
Candlelight is a tradition started by Walt Disney himself. A choir of 600 is joined by a narrator to tell the Christmas story, punctuated by holiday hymns and carols.
Crowds line up for the chance to witness this inspiring spectacular. But the big question is always who the narrator will be. And this year, the crowd was electrified by Disney’s Star Lord, Chris Pratt.
My thanks to @exploringthedisneyworld and Brian Pinsky for their photos.
And Mr. Daps has some great video.
For those of you who have experienced Candlelight, you understand the true power and beauty of this amazing experience. It’s a shame that the show can’t be presented more frequently during the season so more visitors can be touched by its beauty, but the impact it has on the resort and traffic flow in and out of Disneyland is profound. Getting in and out of the park in the hours surrounding the show is exceedingly difficult. This is a special occasion kind of an event, but very much worth trying to see in person at least once.
Rainy Days are Golden
We had heavy rains here in Southern California on Thursday. It washed the haze from the air and the crowds from the parks. This is as close to snow as we get in these parts, so it was the official start of winter for us. Break out the sweaters and scarves, the holidays have arrived. It looks like it might just be a wet Christmas after all. Several more storms are forecasted to pass through the area in the coming week.
Play Disney Parks Enhancements
Truth be told, I haven’t downloaded Disney Play. Haven’t even thought about it. But I think I’m ready. The App is being enhanced with interactive experiences which bring custom encounters to park guests. Main Street’s Fortune Teller and Fortune Red in New Orleans Square are the first to be given new superpowers.
The app is also adding Parks related iTunes playlists. You “find” the songs in the parks and can then add them to iTunes to play on your phone.
Pathway Expansion Project
The effort to expand walkways and remove obstructions continues. Walls are now up across from the Haunted Mansion to carve away a fenced garden so an ODV cart can be moved out of a walkway and into the former garden space.
In Tomorrowland, the area under the old Peoplemover tracks has been mostly cleared out earlier this year. I did a time-lapse image to show you just how open this area now looks with planters and benches removed.
Nearby, new walls have gone up near the Star Tours Fastpass entry. The old garden area on the south side of the land will be significantly cut back to create stroller parking and widen the walkway in this tight spot.
And on Matterhorn Trail, along the Sub Lagoon, a small area of the path has been expanded as well.
You can see just how much wider the area is by looking at the pavement. That patch of untextured lighter colored concrete is the new portion.
The new rocks don’t quite match the old ones in shape, texture, or color.
Old on the right, new on the left.
Tropical Hideaway nearing completion
I’m ready for this one to wrap up, and it looks like it won’t be long now. Lighting has been installed and have protective bags covering them for the moment. Signage has been placed and the shade screen stretched high above the seating area.
It may look like a mess with all those bags and paint supplies piled up. But look closer and you’ll see that much of the final details, such as tables are now in place. Once they clear out all the equipment and clean things up, this area will be ready for guests.
Fantasyland Christmas
A few small holiday decorations have made their way to the Fantasyland dark rides. Garland has been added near the entry to Mr. Toad, Peter Pan, Snow White, and Pinnochio.
Peter Pan has another new detail which isn’t holiday related . . . walls. Are these part of the path widening project? Not exactly . . .
This attraction remains popular with frequent long lines stretching into the walkways . . . and that includes disabled guests. Rather than having them queue up at the exit of the attraction, a small waiting area is being carved out of the little garden area between the attraction entry and exit.
The Snow White garland has apples in it . . . poisoned? Undoubtedly.
Granted, these new decorations are minimal and easily overlooked, but we liked that they are themed and not just generic garlands. We do hope they’ll expand the effort here next year. Some garland around the canopy of the Carousel would add a little holiday color and holiday colored tournament flags and banners would be a quick and easy way to decorate the land.
Nearby, Monstro has noticeable calcium stains and could just a quick scrub with vinegar to dissolve the spots.
Who’s Your Friend Who Likes To Play?
Bing Bong, Bing Bong! We’re not sure what took them so long to install this static figure. But he looks cute and has action lights which make it appear he’s crying candy tears.
World of Color Ready to Return
All systems are GO for DCA’s nighttime spectacular. We will likely see it return this holiday season, perhaps as soon as later this week.
Napolini Begins Testing Today
The quick-serve establishment next to Naples in Downtown Disney will hold employee previews today. If all goes well, we could see it open to the public as soon as tomorrow (Tuesday).
The shelves and cases have been stocked. Employees are cleaning and training inside.
It will be nice to have another affordable (at least by Downtown Disney standards) establishment in the area.
Disney’s 300 Gift Card
When we first saw this blinged out Mickey Mouse gift card, we wanted one. So cute, right?! Well, read the small print before buying.
For $300, you receive one of the only 5,000 premium gift cards produced, nestled in a box ready for display, loaded with $90 redeemable for practically all things Disney. All 5,000 cards are made with a metal core, encased in a protective plastic, and encrusted with over 2,500 premium Swarovski crystals.
Would you buy a crystal-encrusted $300 gift card loaded with only a $90 credit?
Star Wars Jumps to Lightspeed
The Millennium Falcon looks ready to jump to Hyperspace . . .
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But there’s still some rock work being done in the land.
Parking Structure Place Your Bets
The parking expansion has been moving quickly for a Disney project. There are currently 4 levels constructed with the 5th underway. But will they be open in time for the Star Wars Land crush? Place your bets!
This and That
Mickey’s Birthday rice crispy treats are adorable. You’ll find them in various spots around the resort. 
There’s a new toffee in the Candy Shop . . . yummy white chocolate covered toffee with cinnamon sugar. So good.
Mary Poppins merch
I have a feeling that Mary Poppins Returns is going to do huge box office this holiday season. It looks and feels like the classic film in many ways.
So far there’s just a smattering of merchandise at the resort.
Well, that’s all I’ve got for now. Were you one of the lucky few who saw Candlelight this year? What’re your thoughts on the progress of the myriad of construction projects around the park? Anything from the Mary Poppins merch catching your eye? Let us know in the comments below!
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