Enjoying the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort
Enjoying the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort this season!
The Merriest Time of the Year is almost here! Holidays at the Disneyland Resort Return November 8 through January 6th at both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. See how each of the parks are celebrating and make your plans to experience all the magic of the season with the family. Visiting with a child or young adult on the autism spectrum, be sure to read my general tips below.
The facade of It's a Small World all lit up at night, it's beyond impressive in person!
Disneyland
The park will be all decked out once again for the holiday season which includes some special holiday overlays on a few select rides. The Haunted Mansion and It's a Small World each get a festive transformation and there is always a slight change or addition to keep them interesting and fresh.
Wintertime Enchantment at Sleeping Beauty's Winter Castle. As snow falls and music fills the air, watch thousands of twinkling lights illuminated in stages. It really is a show you won’t want to miss.
"it's a small world" Holiday Lighting happens every 30 minutes throughout the night, don’t miss this light projection show that animates the façade of the attraction with a kaleidoscope of charming holiday colors and images.
Sleeping Beauty's Castle is amazing all lite up at night and the lighting show before the Believe In the Magic Fireworks Spectacular is breath taking, check for times.
The most spectacular Christmas Tree greets you as you enter the park. Rising 60' high, it’s a festive sight to see and a great place to take a picture in front of.
A Christmas Fantasy Parade check for times via the official Disneyland App
So here are all the highlights during the Disneyland Holidays
It's a Small World: Festive overlay inside the attraction will have you singing along, tons of lights, fanciful projections and joyful music awaits you on the outside!
A Christmas Fantasy Parade: With all your park favorites, the parade kicks off with the sisters of Frozen and ends with an appearance by the big guy himself!
Believe....In Holiday Magic fireworks Spectacular: Watch as the night skies are graced by a rainbow of colors as the castle is a glow with over 80, 000 lights. With music, fireworks and the castle a glow, watch as your little ones are amazed by the snow falling around them.
Haunted Mansion Holiday: Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas comes alive is this overlay with a few new surprises!
For times and all the info on the holiday entertainment visit Disneyland here: https://disneyland.disney.go.com/entertainment/disneyland/
Tips on viewing holiday parades with a child or young adult on the spectrum.
There are 3 locations set aside for handicap viewing of the parades. One is near the Disney Showcase by the park entrance, one next to the Pixie Hollow (on the way to the Matterhorn) and one right before you get to It's a Small World. If you have a stroller tagged as a wheelchair or a wheelchair, you are free to view the parades from these spots. If you don't have either, I would speak to the CM in charge of the area and explain your situation. This works great if your child has issues with being too close to people and waiting long times for the parade to start. Try to find a spot within these areas ahead of time as they tend to fill up a hour or so before the parades begin. We always view the parades from the area closest to It's a Small world, there you can see some of the fireworks, snow fall and watch the projections on It's a Small World too.
As for the attractions with holiday overlays, they are always busy. Hit them as early as you can, use your DAS to get a return time or a fastpass and if the fastpass lines are long, ask for alternate entry to the attraction via exit. Maxpass is another valuable tool (additional cost of $15 per person, per day)
Disney California Adventure
Disney California Adventure is bringing back... Festival of Holidays starting November 9th! Along with its own merry make over with a stunning tree on Buena Vista Street, treats made for the season and delicious food and special entertainment including the return of Disney ¡Viva Navidad! The celebration will feature a new take on the popular Festive Foods Marketplace, presenting a side-by-side mix of holiday comfort dishes that bridge many diverse cultures and family traditions.
Santa's Holiday Visit at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail: Meet the jolly old elf himself and participate in a flurry of fun holiday activities—from November 8, 2019 to December 24, 2019. We did this last year for the very first time and the area was really nice for capturing that perfect photo with Santa. Check the Disneyland app for times and try getting there early to avoid the long line.
Get on the Nice list while visiting Santa at the Redwood Creek Challenge area of Disney California Adventure
World of Color – Season of Light Holiday Show is back! Combines stories from films like Cinderella, Lady and the Tramp, Beauty and the Beast and Fantasia with contemporary hits like Frozen, Toy Story and Inside Out, World of Color – Season of Light brings stories of friendship, family and love to life.share the wonder—as water, light, story and song are transformed into pure holiday magic.
Um little Princess Elena, those aren't for you! The tree is up and trimmed, and thought it is as stunning as Disneyland's tree on Main Street USA , it's a tad bit shorter at 50' (Disneyland's is 60' tall)
Here are some of the highlights during Disney California Adventure's Festival of Holidays!
Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party
Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party: Join this Latin-American street party filled with dancing, music and singing! Daily shows.
Three Kings’ Day: Commemorate the close of the holiday season with this special celebration, featuring traditional décor and a photo opportunity—from January 3 to January 6, 2020
Festive Foods Marketplace Kiosks: As you descend into the park you will be surrounded by different kiosks with an assortment of food and beverages from around the world!
Meet Santa Claus and His Merry Elves: Santa and his clever elves are here for their annual visit. Come to Ahwahnee Camp Circle near the entrance of Redwood Creek Challenge Trail for a visit with Santa. You’ll be able to take pictures and have a chance to discuss how good you’ve been this year.
A Merry Passholder Perk! Just for AP's, enjoy special seasonal fun, just for Annual Passholders. Show your Annual Passport to enjoy: Details to be announced soon!
Buena Vista Street Holiday Tree Lighting: Share the wonder as this magnificent 50-foot tree comes to life in dazzling splendor.
Carsland during the holidays photo credit :Disney Parks Blog
Attractions getting into the holiday spirit!
Mater's Jingle Jamboree. Take a holly, jolly spin through Mater’s festively decorated holiday junkyard— November 8, 2019- January 6, 2020
Luigi's Joy to the Whirl. Propel into holiday mode by taking a merry jaunt around Luigi’s decked-out backyard—November 8, 2019- January 6, 2020
For times and info on all the entertainment happening at DCA visit them here: https://disneyland.disney.go.com/entertainment/disney-california-adventure/
Some tips for the holiday activities if visiting with a child or young adult on the spectrum.
Meet and Greets. The park offers no fastpass system for the meet and greets. If you can, have someone wait in the line for you or get there for the first meeting. The lines will be long so plan accordingly, see daily entertainment guide or the Disneyland app for character times and locations. I also recommend visiting sooner in the season vs later avoiding the last 2 weeks in December to avoid the biggest crowds.