We just got back from spending three days at Disneyland and DCA. Our favorite time to go is Halloween, but Christmas is a close second. We had a magical time and I have so much to share if you are taking a trip soon, so be ready for lots of fun! I am just warning you now, there are lots of pictures! I should also remind you that at the parks the Christmas season runs until the beginning of January 2019.
You can now meet Ralph and Vanellope in DCA in Hollywood Land from 9 am to 4:30 pm daily.
In DownTown Disney the kids were able to help build a special new LEGO mural for Mickey's 90th birthday. It is now completed, but we were so happy to be part of this amazing mural.
Make sure you check out every Disney Resort Hotel. They decorate so beautifully for Christmas, their Christmas trees are amazing, and there is a Santa waiting to take photos with the kids and you don't have to be staying at one of the resort hotels to visit Santa, see the Christmas trees, or the decor.
This tree is at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa
This tree is at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa
This is a gingerbread house that was on display in the lobby at the Grand Californian
They have amazing Christmas treats that you can purchase inside the Grand Californian hotel. They would also make great gifts.
Don't miss A Christmas Fantasy Parade. It is so cute and runs twice during the day. The kids were so excited to watch the parade. We enjoy watching the parades by Small World. I always find a front row seat so the kids can stay in their stroller and watch right from the comfort of their chair. The parade is daily at 3:30 pm or 6:00 pm
You definitely have to ride It's A Small World. The lights are amazing at night and the children sing Christmas songs inside the ride. There is a little Christmas projection show in front of the Small World ride that happens nightly starting at 5:15, 5:30, 6:00, 6:30, 7:00, 7:30, 8:00, 8:30, 9:00, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 11:30 pm
Make sure you see the Believe In Holiday Magic Fireworks Spectacular. The fireworks are amazing. They start at 9:30 pm. Try to get a spot in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. There is also a magical snowfall on Main Street and in front of the castle.
Make sure you meet Santa Claus at Pooh's Thotful Spot in Critter Country. It is adorable! You can visit with Santa daily from 10 am to 6:45 pm. You also get a candy cane and a snowman shortbread cookie recipe card from Mrs. Claus
Fantasmic (by The Rivers Of America) takes place on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 9 pm and 10:30 pm.
Don't miss Mickey's Magical Map Show in Disneyland. It is at the Fantasy Theatre right by Small World. It is a great show and everyone will love it. It plays at 12:00, 1:05, 2:15, 4:15, 5:20 pm.
Have you ever heard about the Disneyland FAMOUS handmade candy canes? They are one of the most popular and desired treats offered at the parks. These candy canes are HUGE. Getting your hands on one of these candy canes can be tricky! Wristbands are given out at The Candy Palace or Trolley Treats opening. I recommend getting to the main gates of whichever park is selling the candy canes for the day 30-45 minutes before scheduled park opening to ensure you are one of the first in line to get a wristband. Basically, the earlier the better. If you are staying at one of the Disneyland Resort Hotels and you are eligible for Magic Morning or Extra Magic Hour, that is even better because you are in the park before general admission guests. Wristbands are limited and available while supplies last (about 40 given out per batch with 3 batches on the days candy canes are available, so that's only 120 wristbands total). One wristband per guest for one candy cane only. Wristband must be shown at the time of purchase too.
We always hop back and forth between Disneyland and DCA, but do not miss DCA this Christmas! They have some great Disney magic you won't want to miss! DCA has the Festival of Holidays. There are cultural traditions and you can enjoy festive food and drink all around the world. There are 12 different food stands and they all looked amazing. Blake and I ate our way through every food stand. You can find Pluto and Clarabelle Cow right at the Festive Corridor daily from 10:30 am -5:30 pm.
Turkey and stuffing tamale with cranberry relish
Turkey and stuffing tamale with cranberry relish
You can also watch Disney Viva Navidad and see the Three Caballeros host a fun street party featuring dancers, live music, Mickey and Minnie in Fiesta wear! This is by Paradise Gardens. You can also meet Goofy, the Three Caballeros, Mickey, and Minnie in their festive wear.
Also at Paradise Garden you can meet Princess Elena of Avalor. Her friend Skylar and royal dancers also join her. You can also get your picture with Princess Elena.
The Holiday Toy Drummers were amazing. They play right by Paradise Pier (right by The Little Mermaid ride). There is so much entertainment happening at DCA and you don't want to miss any of it.
Don't forget to catch Frozen Live at the Hyperion in Hollywood Land. We love the Disney Junior Live on Stage, which is also in Hollywood Land.
Cars Land is all decorated for Christmas so make sure you check it out and see all the beautiful trees and lights! It looks so good!
Make sure you meet Santa at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. The set up is beautiful. You can also meet Chip and Dale and some adorable elves that are wandering around.
The line for Santa can get long so I suggest buying these Mickey snowman cookie decorating boxes for the kids to do in line. You can buy them right when you enter Redwood Creek Challenge Trail to the right.
If you are an annual pass holder in DCA right by the Silly Symphony Swings you can get a Holidays frame magnet and write a postcard to our military serving overseas. They also have a fun photo snow globe for you to take pictures.
Overall we had the best time. We visited with all the characters in their holiday wear, watched fireworks, parades, rode rides, ate way too much, and had the best time. There is really no place like Disneyland.
Make sure you take the time to explore DownTown Disney because they have beautiful Christmas decor and a Christmas tree for photos.
Make sure you visit Minnie in Toontown in her house because she has a new festive outfit! We love it!
This tree is in DCA
I love how all over the parks there are these signs and there are walls for you to take photos and share your ears. They really are encouraging everyone to take a photo and upload it to FB, IG, or Twitter. Learn more here.
In Hollywood Land in DCA there are some wonderful walls you can take photos by. Right now there is a Share Your Ears wall, Buzz Lightyear wall, Wall-E Wall, and an UP wall.
The merchandise they have for Christmas in Downtown Disney, Disneyland, and DCA is amazing.
It is so important to make sure you always grab a guide map and the times of shows and what is going in the parks when you are there.
On Sunday it was Mickey's 90th Birthday and we were so excited to celebrate it in Disneyland with Mickey Mouse! There was a special parade and it was busy, but so much fun! What a memory we will always cherish that we were there for Mickey's 90th birthday! Can you just imagine how different our world would be if Walt never drew a mouse on a notepad?!
Everyone got buttons when you entered Disneyland and they had tons of special merchandise available for Mickey's birthday.
I met Kameron Westcott who is on The Real Housewives of Dallas and I just love her. She was so nice.
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