Disneyland Holiday Magic: Simply Stunning!

photo: Disney

Holiday memories. We have created so many as a family and I fully intend to keep it going! There is something about the holidays that evoke this magical feeling, this sense of warmth, love, and togetherness to cherish for a lifetime. Adding to the magic is as simple as Disney!
 

 

Honestly, I was not aware of the magnitude of holiday cheer that Disney puts forth. I had never been to the Disneyland Resort and theme parks around the Christmas season. We finally got the chance to take the kids and it was quite the memorable experience. We visited both Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure in Anaheim, CA , there is so much to do and see, it’s breathtaking, literally!

photo: Disney

The whole Disney experience is something in itself, so the holiday season only brings about more magic and wonder than ever before. Imagine…

The halls, windows, walls, attractions, restaurants, and rides are decked. Thoroughly. You’ll see decorated Christmas trees, holiday lights and garland streaming above, wreaths on every light pole, Disney characters in holiday attire, Mr. and Mrs. Claus and so much more. Two of my favorite attractions: The Sleeping Beauty Castle and “It’s A Small World” Holiday version. The freaking lights. Oh my word.

Disneyland Holidays: It's A Small World

The kids did not want to leave the Jingle Jangle Jamboree, a huge holiday hoe-down in Big Thunder Ranch. Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, play “Reindeer Games,” make fun holiday arts and crafts, and take advantage of fantastic photo opportunities. Enjoy Billy Hill and the Holiday Hillbillies singing Christmas favorites and create holiday cards, reindeer antlers, and play the fun holiday themed petting zoo! The highlight for the kids was decorating their very own Mickey Mouse sugar cookie.

photo: Disney

 

We simply couldn’t miss the Christmas Fantasy Parade. Now believe me, I was a fan of the Main Street Electrical parade, all you old school Disneyland goers should know what this is. Well take that and multiply by 5. Some of the highlights include Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald and Daisy riding high on festive holiday floats. Gingerbread men and snowmen dance, and there are special appearances from Chip and Dale, Woody and Buzz Lightyear, and all of the Disney princesses, too. For the finale, Santa Claus comes to town!

Watch a snippet of the Christmas Fantasy Parade, Mickey and Minnie Mouse are ice skating!

 
We ended our awesome Disney-filled evening with the “Believe… In Holiday Magic” fireworks spectacular. This beautifully created fireworks show is set over the snowy-white Sleeping Beauty Castle and combines awesome fireworks, pyrotechnics and festive music and ends with a surprise… snow in Southern California! The kids were too excited, and I was a little geeked myself to experience what a white Christmas just might be like.

photo: Disney

In Disney’s California Adventure, you’ll also find a bunch of holiday spirit. The iconic entrance has been adorned with festive garland and once you step inside, you’re in Buena Vista St. There, you’ll see lots of holiday decor throughout, live music and performances, Christmas carolers, Santa, and my fav, a gigantic Christmas tree. This is a must see at night!

 

photo: Disney

 

Also, Cars Land is receiving the good ol’ seasonal treatment for it’s first Christmas ever. It’s totally decked out! Also, don’t miss spirited attractions, such as A Bug’s Land, the World of Color Show, the Mad-T Party and the Phineas and Ferb live show, they’re all holiday ready!

Disney never ceases to amaze. Just when you think you’re all grown up and have seen it all… gasp! The holiday season is already so enchanting, I love that we can create so many fun memories with Disney. We all had a wonderful time, I can definitely see this becoming part of an annual family tradition for the holidays! My heart is full.

 

Just missing daddy!

 

Other seasonal happenings that are not to miss: The Secret of the Wings ice skating rink in Downtown Disney, Haunted Mansion Holiday, themed after the Nightmare Before Christmas, special holiday themed Disney treats and Disney’s Grand Californian Resort, which feels like a holiday cabin retreat! I would suggest at least 2-3 days there, we had multi-day park hopper tickets and still did not see everything. Experience the magic this holiday season at Disneyland. It will be all decked out for the Christmas season from now through January 6, 2013, you can’t miss it! Share a moment of holiday bliss with your family.

 

“The Holidays Just Got Merrier”

 

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Disclosure: A huge thanks to Disney, they allowed my family to experience their facilities during the holidays. All opinions are my own, photos by mommyGAGA and Disney, where noted.