With the upcoming holiday season upon us, crowds are rushing around to buy Christmas presents, planning on visiting loved ones, and of course, visiting the “Happiest Place on Earth.”
However, this isn’t the normal Disneyland that is there all season round. Right now, Disneyland has decked the halls from head to toe in an array of holiday lights, Christmas trees, festive cheer, snow and the jolly old man himself, Santa Claus. Right now, the “Happiest Place on Earth” has transformed itself to become the “Merriest Place on Earth”
As an Annual Passholder, I admittedly see Disneyland all year long, but Christmas time never fails to feel extremely special to me because there are many different things to see, do and taste.
For one thing, it’s decorated beautifully, with Christmas trees, wreaths and thousands of sparkling Christmas lights. It’s a small world is transformed into a whole different attraction experience, with an all new Christmas theme. The timeless favorite, Haunted Mansion has been redone into “Haunted Mansion Holiday” featuring a wonderfully magnificent Nightmare Before Christmas theme. It is by far one of the best features in the park, as the whole ride is transformed into the vision of Tim Burton’s movie in a way that brings about some festive cheer Jack Skellington style.
You can go see Santa Claus and his reindeer over at Big Thunder Ranch, and there are lots of holiday treats only available at this time of year around the park, but you have to know where to find them.
There is cookie decorating over at Big Thunder Ranch, gingerbread lattes and peppermint mocha’s at the Blue Ribbon Bakery. There are also spiced caramel apple cider, Snowmen Shortbread and Gingerbread man cookies. That is to name just a few of the treats waiting for hungry boys and girls of all ages, but believe me when I say there are many other tasty treats to be found around the park.
There is also holiday entertainment to be found, such as the long running Christmas Parade entitled “A Christmas Fantasy,” definitely a holiday favorite with all your favorite Disney characters leading the way to make room from Santa’s grand finale.
However, what I believe truly makes the Christmas season at Disneyland a magical place is the fireworks show with the grand finale of a little Disney magic at the end.
How often in Southern California will you be snowed on? Well, it happens at Disneyland during the Christmas season. Little foam bubbles to create the illusion of snow sprinkles down as a beautiful rendition of “White Christmas” plays overhead.
Watching the fireworks spectacular on Main Street, U.S.A. by Sleeping Beauty’s Castle will provide more than just a view of the fireworks, but after it Disney adds a little touch of magic that only it can provide.
There are so many things to see and do at Disneyland during the holidays, things that can only be seen and experienced one time a year. I believe everyone should put it on their to-do list. Experience it at least once, you won’t regret it.
