MousePlanet's Holiday Gift to You!
Free Disneyland Holiday Desktops
Click on the above link to access - available only until the new year

Updated 12/11 Candlelight 2000 
A three page photo essay on this year's event by Karl Buiter

11/28 Disneyland Holiday Food Round up
The Fabulous Disney Babe takes you on a noshing tour

11/16 Toontown at Christmas
Adrienne Vincent Phoenix takes you on a photo tour

Christmas at Disneyland!

Think they hung enough on the castle?

It's that time of year yet again, one of the most beautiful seasons at the park. Decorations are now up, including a white flocked sixty-foot Christmas tree, [last year was the only one it was a natural green color - they'd all been flocked previously] complete with lavish proportionally- sized ornaments and pine scent piped out of its base in Main Street's Town Square. [Again this year the park waited a few days to get the decor up, unlike the year before last's very odd Halloween Christmas they decided to do].

New holiday fireworks show

New this year is the Believe... In Holiday Magic fireworks show, a special version of the Park's 45th anniversary presentation, running nightly from November 3rd through January 1st. The press releases say it is: "...three times larger than past fireworks shows at Disneyland - this colorful aerial production will combine an enchanting Yuletide storyline, holiday music and a shimmering array of pyrotechnics launched from 13 backstage locations." What they didn't tell you is that it ends with a very impressive "snowing" effect on Main St., and also on small world way, in front of the Castle, and over in New Orleans Square.

Snow on Main Street

After a shaky start in it's first few performances, I'm happy to report the show has been worked on and has been improved tremendously - a new review of it is now up on the SHOWS page here on the site - complete with a three page long photo illustrated FIREGUIDE (done for the similar summer edition) as to where to see this show the best from.

Also, Adrienne Vincent- Phoenix was kind enough to do a complete photo review of this new show - so you can see pretty much how it all works as she details the music and effects used. You can find it at this LINK.

Even the little detailing of the decor around the Pirates ride exit is just right!

As far as the rest of what they are doing, the park last year expanded holiday decor out from Main St. and it's a small world Christmas out to New Orleans Square and Frontierland [even the Mark Twain Riverboat gets decked out] along with ToonTown in a bid to make it all more of a park wide event. 

New Orleans Square repeats what they did last year - According to "legend", the City Council of the French Quarter held a holiday decorating contest for the land, and three areas participated. As a result, the area is decorated with three completely separate themes - one with the Alligator as the symbol (the area near Pieces of Eight / Royal St. Veranda), one with Angels (back by the Crystal Shop and the Portrait Artists), and one with Moons and Stars (near the French Quarter). 

Additionally, it's interesting to note that each of the Holiday Carolers on Main St. have specific character descriptions - with different occupations, interests, and motives. Special care was also given to each individual Main St. shop - decorating them all differently so that it appears as if each shop proprietor decorated their own store for the holidays.

One of the very creative New Orleans Square decor pieces

At a booth at the MAIN ST. FIRE HOUSE, and one in NEW ORLEANS SQUARE visitors can decorate their own holiday cookies. Visitors also can enjoy holiday snacks and meals at most restaurant and food locations. Further BELOW is a quick listing of what is available to nibble / dine on this year. Santa Goofy will be on hand for photos in ToonTown Thanksgiving through Jan. 1st, Santa himself in Town Square Thanksgiving through Dec. 24th. 

Again the small world holiday attraction returns, awash in what seems acres of Arkansas Osborne Family-type exterior Christmas lights. Read more about this below, also note I've allowed for a jump feature if you don't want to read any spoilers about the attraction as you scan on down the page.

Other things to look for this holiday at the park - In CRITTER COUNTRY the Country Bear Jamboree brings back their holiday show. At the STORYBOOKLAND CANAL BOATS the miniature decorations will be back on all the houses, and Christmas music will be piped into the dock / queue area. Also it's a treat to listen to the area holiday music soundtrack in NEW ORLEANS SQUARE - in addition to the TOONTOWN track and the MAIN ST. loop. 

Do note that during this holiday period the park has all sorts of extended operating schedules so you can spend more holiday time at "the happiest place on earth."

TIP: Crowds will be at their peak during this season on Thanksgiving Weekend, (Nov. 23rd - 26th) and the week between Christmas and New Year's (Dec. 24th - Jan. 1st).

Believe it or not the park also experiences some smaller crowds of the year at this time of year, in particular the weekdays between Dec. 1st thru the 23rd, mostly because people are busy getting ready for the holiday, and may be waiting for the new California Adventure park to open after the New Year. If you want the beauty of the season, and smaller crowds, trust me, you can't beat this period.

Discounts:

A nice return touch is the holiday season "after 4 PM" HOLIDAY PASS available now through Dec. 22nd. - so you can come in to see the lights and do your holiday shopping if you wish.

It's a particularly good deal at $49, [$39 kids 3 to 9] especially if you were planning to purchase a normal ticket to visit the park once this season, since it includes the full first day at the park when you buy it, and then you can come back after 4 PM Sunday through Fridays [except for Saturdays and block out days 11/23 and 24]. To save a bit more, a parking pass for the Mickey and Friends parking structure is also available for $12. [They will be asking for photo IDs upon purchase and use and you can't combine this ticket with any other ones.]

Booking a room at the hotels using the above pass gives you a discount also - $99 per night, Sun - Thur / $139 per night, Fri & Sat at the Paradise Pier (formerly Pacific) Hotel -- $119 per night, Sun - Thur / $159 per night, Fri & Sat at the Disneyland Hotel - these rates include up to five people per room. You need to call the (714) 956- MICKEY (6-4-2-5-3-9) number and make sure you have the HOLIDAY PASS with you when you check in. As always the offer is subject to availability, and the room rates do not include tax, valet parking or park admission - no other discounts or offers may apply and it is not valid for groups.

New last year:

The Adventureland wreath is so colorful

There is FastPass queuing for it's a small world holiday, one of the busiest attractions at this time of year due to how they deck it out with lights. Fastpass allows you to stop by the attraction at any point during the day or evening, swipe your pass or ticket and get a boarding pass for a later time. When you come back you will bypass the regular line and board quickly, allowing you to better use your time during your visit for other things instead of waiting in line.

Also look for FastPass at other attractions, there is a special page listing all of them here on the D-I-G at MousePlanet..

The star is a bit too heavy on that ToonTown tree...

At the Park:

its a small world holiday

small world holiday

WARNING: The following section contains spoilers about this attraction. If you prefer NOT to read about it, you can skip this entire section by selecting this LINK.

Here is DL's original 1997 official press release with information about this attraction:

Small World Mall is decorated with classic character topiaries and multicultural wreaths. The mall, storefronts, and the attraction’s facade dazzle the eye with thousands of sparkling Christmas lights.

Entertainment Senior Designer Steve Davison said the original idea was to make Small World Mall and Mickey’s Toontown a holiday "kid’s zone" featuring a nightly light display. But daytime Guests also needed a holiday experience, so the Entertainment team focused on "it’s a small world"—inside and out.

Steven emphasized that the entire holiday attraction is made up of overlays; not one doll was removed from the attraction. "All of our designs stemmed from holiday celebrations around the world created in the unique Mary Blair style," he said.

As visitors begin the boat ride, they see the entrance tunnel has become a toy factory. "Jingle Bells" has replaced "It’s a Small World," although "It’s a Small World" has been interwoven on counterpoint in the new music track.

The North Winds first welcome them to Scandinavia, where they discover Santa’s house rising out of the existing icebergs. They pass a giant Nutcracker float under London Bridge. Fireworks welcome in a New Year in Asia.

Harvest celebrations wish "Afi Shia Pa" in Africa. Piñatas, luminaries, and swinging bells signal "Feliz Navidad" in Latin America. Mermaid Christmas stockings, seaweed garlands, and "Jingle Shells" celebrates the holidays in the South Seas.

"Deck the Halls" introduces the Finale. Giant medallions and multi-colored lights decorate the room. Giant snowflakes are everywhere, including a large snowflake Christmas tree. A Christmas-light arch glows with the words "Peace on Earth." And as visitors exit, they pass oversized children’s holiday cards.

From my original trip report, dated 11/25/97 [the attraction has remained the same each year since]:

Well folks - don't be discouraged by the garish huge oversized white wreaths outside on the old projection towers as you head over to see this holiday setup. [My God they are hideous!] They've actually done a good job inside Small World decorating it, and have taken some care to make sure the additions fit in design and scale-wise with what is already inside.

All of the holiday stuff come across as humorous and [considering that Small World is pretty kitschy anyway] they have maintained this very unique flavor along with the spirit of Mary Blair's work throughout. The soundtrack now alternates between Small World and Deck the Halls / Jingle Bells - with the clock outside playing the March of the Wooden Soldiers each fifteen minutes as the dolls make their rounds.

Best overall to me at least, is the finale room - they've added a huge revolving Christmas tree made with layers of giant snowflakes. And for you Main St. Electrical Parade fans - the Chinese section is decorated with some very familiar looking fireworks from that parade's final unit!

The exterior looks festive and not too busy with all the lights at night. [I don't envy the crew in charge of maintaining the bulbs on this one.] Although they should consider turning off the facade lighting that is normally used, to let the bulbs do their work a little better.

Even though Small World is not my favorite attraction at the park, I had originally expressed some major concerns about how this was all going to come off. I am glad they worked hard to make sure things got done well. I know a lot of folks will enjoy this, in the same way that the one crazy guy in every neighborhood overdoes his yard each year and somehow pulls it off to make folks happy.

I would like to make one suggestion: As I noted above, the huge white wreaths hung all over the Small World walkway, are not just ugly, and yes, tasteless, they are simply horrendous. [Since they don't light up the lettering in them, you can't even read the signage in them at night.] Since regular visitors that night only seemed to think the bulbs outside were all that they were doing for decor - why not replace these ugly monsters with giant Christmas cards - welcoming visitors and including a line or two about what's IN the ride. They still really need to tell the story to people about what is happening with this attraction.

Small World will maintain the holiday make over until Jan. 1st - whereupon it will shut down again to get it back the way it was. 

Expect HUGE crowds for this attraction weekends and holidays and plan for a bit of a wait to see this. Also I would suggest trying and doing this at night - where you'll get the full effect of the lighted facade that you won't see during the day.

Mickey's and Minnie's trees out in front of their ToonTown houses. Minnie's tree is so... um... colorful.

Don't forget to visit ToonTown while in the area also, they got decorated this year for the holiday and have some wonderful detail they put into it.

Holiday Show Schedules

(Also see the HOURS section of this guide for approximate show time listings - this is an early listing, check back for any further changes as they may happen):

Christmas Fantasy Parade

The Christmas Fantasy parade continues this year, daily starting Thanksgiving through Jan. 1st. [One performance on weekdays, twice daily on weekends and during Thanksgiving weekend and the holiday week between Christmas and New Year's.] See the HOURS page for show times as available.

Last year was supposed to be the end of this edition of the Christmas parade, the money was spent on the new fireworks show instead it seems. It will be interesting to see what they come up with for next year.

Daily - Nov. 23rd thru Jan. 1st

(One performance weekdays, two weekends and the week between Christmas and New Year's)

Fantasmic!

Daily - Nov. 23rd thru 26th & Dec. 24th thru Jan. 1st

Sat. & Sun. only - Nov. 27th thru Dec. 23rd

Country Bear Christmas Show

Daily (continuous) - Nov. 14th thru Jan. 1st

Lightings (daily through Dec. 30th)

small world holiday - 5:15 PM

Tree on Main St. - 5 PM

Candlelight Procession

See a photo essay of this year's show HERE

Holiday food at the park:

Below is the rundown of what was available last year park-wide. Just renounce any diets now, OK? This list, with only a few exceptions, should pretty much match this year's offerings. Also be sure to check out the new page that Michelle "Fabulous Disney Babe" Smith has just completed on holiday food treats - it has photos and everything.

Main Street, U.S.A.

BLUE RIBBON BAKERY: "Merriest Place on Earth" holiday mug, all spice bundt cake, gingerbread boys and girls cookies, shortbread Christmas tree / snowman / star cookies, traditional gingerbread houses / kits / ornaments / Christmas Tree, marshmallow snowman, spiced apple cider, eggnog latte, eggnog, cranberry scone

CARNATION CAFE: Beef bourguignon, child holiday cookie decorating pallet, specialty holiday dessert, spiced cider, eggnog, eggnog latte

GIBSON GIRL ICE CREAM PARLOR: Nov. 23rd - Jan. 1st: Eggnog / peppermint ice cream, crushed candy cane premium cones, Christmas tree confetti, peppermint patty sprinkles, festive holiday sundae; Each week afterwards one of the following: Spice apple yogurt; Pumpkin yogurt; Hollyberry yogurt

REFRESHMENT CORNER: Hot chili in a bread bowl with red and green corn chips

Adventureland

BENGAL BARBECUE: Holiday beef skewer, gingerbread monkey cookie

INDY FRUIT CART: Gingerbread monkey cookie, Santa Mickey Mouse toppers

New Orleans Square

BLUE BAYOU RESTAURANT: Each week a different offering: Roasted turkey with sage pecan dressing; Medallions of beef tenderloin etouffee; Steak Diane; Duo of braised beef and andouille sausage; Barbecued shrimp and medallions of beef

FRENCH MARKET RESTAURANT: Lunch - Jerk roasted chicken atop ranch style coleslaw resting on a traditional Johnny cake; Dinner - Brie and buttermilk biscuits topped with mélange of wild mushrooms and Cajun spiced beef morsels

Critter Country

HUNGRY BEAR RESTAURANT: Christmas tree chocolate chip cookie

Frontierland

BIG THUNDER BARBECUE: Prime rib dinner, spiced apple cider, apple crumble (if open)

GOLDEN HORSESHOE: Chili bowls garnished with red and green tortilla chips, eggnog, horseshoe crispy treat with holiday flair

RIVER BELLE TERRACE: Snowman pancakes, Christmas tree confetti on chocolate cake, cheesecake with holiday flair

STAGE DOOR CAFE: Christmas tree chocolate chip cookie, Mickey crispy with holiday flair

Fantasyland

VILLAGE HAUS: Snowman chocolate chip cookie, spiced apple cider

Mickey's Toontown

CLARABELL'S FROZEN YOGURT, DAISY'S DINER, PLUTO'S DOGHOUSE: Dog bone crispy treat with holiday flair, spiced apple cider, holly-mint yogurt

Tomorrowland

TOMORROWLAND TERRACE: Snowman chocolate chip cookie

REDD ROCKETT'S PIZZA PORT: Ham, spinach and roasted tomato pizza, blonde brownie with red and green M&M's, moon crispy with holiday flair, holiday decorated dessert pizza

At the Hotels:

The Disneyland Hotel and Disneyland Pacific also get all decked out for the holidays. It's always nice to take the tram over and enjoy a quieter break here during the busy season, although construction this year still makes getting in and out of the complex much more difficult.

From the press release this year:

On the Great Lawn at The Disneyland Hotel, Goofy and other Disney pals will host a fun-filled Christmas tree-lighting ceremony each evening. Another hotel feature, the Holiday Fantasy Waters Show, will showcase nightly performances of dancing fountains of water synchronized to a mix of Disney and Yuletide tunes. Both hotels will host visits from a variety of Disney princesses such as Snow White and Cinderella who will lead storytelling, and Santa Claus will listen to children's wishes daily through December 24.

For a tasteful experience, guests can dine at "Goofy's Holiday Feast," a Yuletide dinner buffet presented in Goofy's Kitchen at The Disneyland Hotel. Santa Goofy and other characters will greet guests at their tables, the restaurant will be brightly decorated and a special holiday menu will be served.

Another restaurant with character, "Minnie's Mistletoe Magic," will offer a breakfast buffet every morning at The Disneyland Pacific Hotel. Children can join Minnie Mouse and her friends for interactive fun during their mealtime visit.

In addition, the "Twelve Days of Christmas Tea" in the Victorian-style tearoom at The Disneyland Pacific Hotel will offer special teas and baked goods throughout much of the holiday season. A surprise visit from a certain English nanny, famous for "A Spoonful of Sugar" and her magical abilities, will highlight each tea.

As soon as we get a more concrete listing of times and such here, we'll update the info below. In the meantime any questions you may have about the Hotel events can be gathered via "Holiday Event Hotline" at (714) 778-6600.

Here are last year's schedules, which should pretty much apply this year also:

Holiday Dancing Waters (Thanksgiving - Jan. 1st): 

7 & 8 PM 

Santa (Thanksgiving - Dec. 24th)

2 to 2:45 PM - Paradise Pier [formerly Pacific] Hotel, Lobby

3:15 to 9 PM - Disneyland Hotel, Bonita Tower lobby

Princess / Christmas Storytelling (Daily Thanksgiving until Dec. 24th): 

4:30 PM at Goofy's Theater (DL Hotel)

7:30 PM at the Tea Room (Paradise Pier [formerly Pacific] Hotel)

Tree lighting ceremony with Mickey & Minnie & Pals (Daily Thanksgiving until Dec. 24th):

Hotel Lawn - 5:45 PM

Christmas Buffet Goofy Kitchen / Minnie's Mistletoe Character Breakfast

The normal character breakfast and dinner buffet meals at the hotels take on a holiday air with your Disney favorites decked out in holiday garb along with Christmas music piped in through the sound system. Look for Goofy's Holiday Feast at the DL Hotel's Goofy's Kitchen, and at the DL Pacific, Minnie's Mistletoe Magic Breakfast. Both hotels start these events Thanksgiving and continue them through Jan. 1st.

Please note some prices listed below are for last year - and will be updated as soon as we can confirm what is sure to be an increase this season.

Minnie's Mistletoe Magic Breakfast:
(at the DL Paradise Pier - formerly Pacific - Hotel - PCH Grill)

(Daily 6:30 to 11 AM)

Adults - $14.50
Children (4 - 12) - $9.95
Children 3 & under - $3.95

Goofy's Holiday Feast Dinner:
(at the DL Hotel's Goofy's Kitchen)

Breakfast 7 to 11:30 AM

Lunch 12 to 2:30 PM

Adults - $18.95
Children (4 - 12) - $9.95
Children 3 & under - $3.95

Dinner 5 to 9 PM

Adults - $26.95
Children (4 - 12) - $9.95
Children 3 & under - $3.95

For more information about scheduled hours, to confirm prices, and to make reservations call (714) 956-6755.

Twelve Days of Christmas Tea

This event was inspired by the Mary Poppins Tea the Paradise Pier [formerly Pacific] Hotel has been hosting successfully in their new Victorian-styled tea room.

From the Disney press release about this:

Guest Experience: Tea and other delicious delicacies are served in an intimate Victoria parlor and garden room featuring antique furniture, white lattice wall coverings with flower vines, hanging floral baskets, beautiful hand painted garden murals and a photo location with Victorian accessories. "Everyone's Favorite Nanny" will delight guests with her old fashioned wit and sing a few of her favorite Disney songs. In addition, the Tea Room will be enhanced with Christmas decor during the holidays.

Photo Location: A variety of old-fashioned Victorian clothes and hats will be available for guests to overdress and have their picture taken. Guests to bring own camera.

MENUS (There is also a separate children's menu).

Breakfast: Orange scone with Sweet Cream, Raspberry Jam and Cinnamon Apple Pillow, Wild Rice Pancakes, Mini Quiche, Apple Crepes, Scrambled Eggs and Ham, Fresh Fruit, Special Holiday Sweet Surprises

Lunch: Orange scone with Sweet Cream, Raspberry Jam and Cinnamon Apple Pillow, Waldorf Sandwich, Turkey and Cranberry Sandwich, Cucumber Sandwich, Ham and Raisin Sandwich, Cream Cheese w/ Sun-Dried Tomatoes sandwich, Special Holiday Sweet Surprises

Tea Selection: English Breakfast, Darjeeling, Earl Grey, Black Curreny, Hot Cinnamon Spice, Lemon Verbena (Herbal), Green Tea (Sencha), Peach Fruit (no caffeine) and our Special Christmas Teas - Peppermint, Vanilla Bourbon and Spiced Plum

Prices:

Adults - $21.95
Children (4 - 12) - $13.50

Times:

Starting Thanksgiving:

Sat. & Sun. - 10 AM, 12:30 & 3 PM
Weekdays - 12:30 PM

Except Dec. 25th and Jan. 1st

Prices includes validated parking: tax and gratuity additional (APs and MKC members receive a 10% discount) Capacity: 50 persons. Reservations suggested: (714) 956-6755

PLEASE NOTE THAT DISNEYLAND MAY BE CHANGING THE ABOVE SCHEDULED EVENTS AND PRICING AT THEIR SLIGHTEST WHIM. So take a few minutes to confirm your plans if you'd like to take advantage of any them by calling the phone numbers listed ahead of time for reservations and / or information.

Nothing here if you don't have a midi player
Music for your holiday browsing pleasure... hit the STOP button on your browser if it should come on automatically.

Disneyland New Year's page

Fab's Holiday Food round- up for Disneyland

Adrienne's Holiday Fireworks review

Adrienne's Toontown at Christmas photo tour

Candlelight 2000 photo essay

Candlelight 1999 review

Discounts:

Holiday Pass

At the Park:

it's a small world holiday

Holiday show & parade schedule, including Candlelight dates

Holiday food at the park

At the Hotels:

Holiday Dancing Waters

Christmas Buffet Goofy's Kitchen

Minnie's Mistletoe Character Breakfast

Twelve Days of Christmas Tea

Goodies just for you:

Holiday Desktop Photos

Video
Click on either picture below for an MPEG preview of the small world holiday attraction.

Here's the UK section [120 kb].

The BIG finale [120 kb].

THANKS to Ines Salazar for providing a wonderful Christmas Clip Art Page (where I got this great snowflake background) located at this link.