The holidays are a magical time of year. It’s the time when we have the opportunity to give thanks, celebrate family and reconnect with what matters most in our lives. This past weekend, our extended family, including mom, dad, kids and grandparents had a chance to kick off the magic of the holiday season at The Disneyland Resort.
This was a particularly magical trip for us because it was one of many Disneyland firsts – the first trip for us during the holiday season and my first trip back with my dad since I was a child. Disneyland holds so many special family memories for us and this trip was extra-special because we did this as a team. With my reporting, my dad with his camera and my kids and hubby and amazing step-mom Jennifer experiencing the magic, we no doubt made memories to last a lifetime and have some spectacular stories to share with you.
Holiday Magic at The Disneyland Resort
The Disneyland Resort is a special place to experience the magic of the holidays. In true Disney detail, each area of Disneyland and California Adventure Park have their own unique holiday decorations. Here are just a few highlights of what you can expect to experience at The Disneyland Resort this season.
Mickey’s Toontown is a fun place to visit Mickey, Minnie and friends all decked out for the holidays. Goofy gives Clark Griswold a run for his money and sculpted garlands and wreaths adorn the Toontown gazebo. All decorations carry on a “toon” theme.
Santa’s Reindeer Round-up in Big Thunder Ranch, Frontierland was one of my favorites. Santa, Mrs. Claus and all of his reindeer make for a fun way to take a picture with Santa.
It’s a Small World Holiday is adorned with more than 300,000 glittering lights during the holiday season. Nightly on the façade is “The Magic, The Memories and You!” show with its new holiday sequence and a beautiful 14-foot sparkling snowman. The Haunted Mansion makes its own statement on the holidays with a mash-up of Halloween and Christmas decorations in line with “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Hip Tip: Both of these attractions were extremely popular and had long lines, so make sure to get fast-passes on these rides during the holiday season.
One of my favorite holiday celebrations is the “A Christmas Fantasy” parade. I’ve seen a lot of Disneyland parades over the years, and this is a festive twist on a classic Disneyland tradition. Larger-than-life toy soldiers march down Main Street, each character has their own holiday themed float, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse skate on real ice and Santa waves from atop his huge sleigh.
The real magic of the holidays at Disneyland Resort begins when the sun goes down. On Main Street, U.S.A., the traditional, 60-foot-tall Christmas tree greets you with more than 62,000 energy-efficient LED lights. In the distance is Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle. The finale of the show includes the legendary “Believe … in Holiday Magic” fireworks show that ends with a beautiful rendition of “White Christmas,” while snow falls on Main Street, It’s a Small World and New Orleans Square. Even the biggest Scrooge will have a hard time not feeling joy and hope.
In Disney California Adventure Park, we enjoyed the “World of Color” nighttime water spectacular. with a special appearance from Lanny and Wayne, Santa’s techno-savvy elves from the “Prep & Landing.” Bugs Life was also adorned with larger-than-life decorations.
If you are looking for a special place to celebrate the season, the Disneyland Resort is a magical place to celebrate with your family! more pictures and tips from our trip coming soon. Happy Holidays!
Disclosure: We were hosted guests of the Disneyland Resort, but were not required to express any opinion, or to write about our experiences at the resort. The opinions here are my own.
All photos int this post are licensed property of SunChaserStudio.