Holidays at Disneyland Resort occur early November through early January each year. Maximize Holidays at Disneyland Resort with these 15 tips, including must do attractions and more.
1. Stay At A Disneyland Resort Hotel
There are 3 on property hotels to choose from: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disneyland Hotel or Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel.
Benefits:
- Each Disneyland Hotel will be decorated for the season with over the top decorations, including the famous Gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Californian Resort.
- Meet Santa Claus at a Disneyland Resort Hotel (select dates November – December)
- Extra Magic Hour – offers admission to one park one hour prior to park opening (guests of Disneyland Resort Hotel)
- and more
2. Visit Downtown Disney District
Downtown Disney District gets in on the holiday fun too. The area will be decorated throughout, 2018 brought 6,200 ornaments in addition to other décor. Stop for fun photo opportunities. Seasonal food and drinks will be available at various eateries. Plus, holiday entertainment and holiday shopping are 2 more great reasons to visit.
3. Disney Festival of Holidays
Yearly from early November through early January is the Disney Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure Park. Guests can enjoy festive food booths, added entertainment and more included with park admission.
4. A Christmas Fantasy Parade
Be sure to catch A Christmas Fantasy Parade in Disneyland Park. Watch Anna, Elsa, Olaf and more favorite Disney characters come down Main St USA. Featuring 5 floats, the last one holding Santa Claus himself. Shown twice daily during the holiday season.
5. “it’s a small world” Holiday
Each year it’s a small world turns into it’s a small world Holiday. Be sure to catch this special version during the holidays featuring thousands of added lights and traditional holiday music.
6. Consider MaxPass
Benefits of MaxPass include unlimited digital downloads for daily Disney PhotoPass and the ease of booking more than 15 options for Disney FASTPASS selections through the Disneyland App. This includes attractions such as Toy Story Mania, Matterhorn Bobsleds and more. Cost is $10 per day per ticket. Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders have the option to buy MaxPass at a flat rate of $75, good for the life of their passport. Signature Plus passholders will receive Disney MaxPass benefit at no cost. Guests may still obtain free FASTPASS at the kiosks for Disneyland Resort. However, MaxPass will save guests from running to a FASTPASS kiosk. Past guests say it is worth it.
7. Pre-Order Holiday Treats
Mobile Ordering allows guests to pre-order and pre-pay for their food, saving time waiting in line. Mobile Ordering recently expanded through the Disneyland App and now accommodates more than 20 participating locations. Order anywhere on Disneyland Resort, even while in line for an attraction! For the holiday season, this includes being able to pre-order select holiday treats!
8. Disneyland App
Download the Disneyland App for a guide to all things at Disneyland Resort. Guests can check start times for A Christmas Fantasy Parade and more entertainment such as character appearances. Plus, now make or modify dining reservations on the app.
9. Haunted Mansion Holiday
Visit Haunted Mansion in New Orleans Square at Disneyland Park for a holiday layover. Each winter, the Haunted Mansion transforms into Haunted Mansion Holiday.
10. Cars Land
Cars Land gets its own holiday décor. Find Christmas trees, décor inspired by car parts and more. Plus each attraction plays holiday music.
11. Holiday Churros & Festive Popcorn Buckets
Look for favorite snacks with holiday twists such as the Churro. 2018 brought the Gingersnap Churro with cream cheese dipping sauce to Cozy Cone Motel, plus many more at various locations throughout both parks. Popcorn is another favorite snack, and the holiday popcorn buckets are a fun souvenir. Also look for beignets, gingerbread men, eggnog, holiday cocktails and more.
12. Mickey’s Toontown
Mickey’s Toontown is found in Disneyland park. Visit during the holiday season for fun décor and holiday trees.
13. Disneyland Christmas Tree
See the Disneyland Christmas tree on Main St USA. It is the perfect backdrop for holiday photo opportunities. The tree stands at an impressive 60 feet tall.
14. “Believe…In Holiday Magic” Fireworks Spectacular
End your evening at Disneyland Park with the, “Believe…In Holiday Magic” Fireworks Spectacular. See a holiday fireworks spectacular bringing shimmering snow-caps and sparkling icicles to Sleeping Beauty’s castle. Plus it snows! Guests will find snowfall over parts of Main St USA, near it’s a small world Holiday and near Rivers of America.
15. “Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort” Guided Tour
Want a behind the scenes look? Consider the “Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort” Guided Tour at $85/per person. This is a 2.5 hour walking tour at behind the scenes look at the seasonal transformation. Plus, reserved seating for A Christmas Fantasy Parade, holiday treats, Collectible Pin & personalized button and more are also included. Offered through the holiday season. Separate Disneyland Park admission required.
Thanks, Sara A.
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