Posted by “Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.” – Walt Disney
As we approach the 2019 holiday season, I thought it prudent to write a piece on what the holidays at Disneyland Resort are like. Sit back, grab some pumpkin spice lattes, hot cocoa, or a nice glass of port, becuse this will surely get you in the mood for Fall and Winter weather!
My best friend Katie wanted to run the Captain America 5k for Veteran’s Day Weekend in 2016, so we decided to train a bit and prep for a brisk stroll through the Disney Resort in Anaheim, CA. Since it was SO MUCH FUN in 2016, we pulled up the RunDisney website and scoped out Superhero Weekend for 2017. We chose the Thor 10k and started “training”. I’ll be honest, I should have put in a little more effort for round two, but I didn’t and it was so worth it. I ended up stopping every mile to take a picture of each Avenger-themed milepost so running wasn’t my priority this particular year. Throughout the race, Disney placed characters along the route and participants can stop and take photos, enhancing that “Happiest Place on Earth” vibe that’s associated with the themepark. Check it out below!
As the weekend continued, we went to both parks: Disneyland and Disney California Adventures. Both were decked out for the holidays, and it was magical!
This was in Critter Country, at the gift shop next to Splash Mountain. It’s a themed christmas tree for Winnie the Pooh! Too adorable to pass up a photo opportunity, and every year, these trees change decorations. Never a dull moment in the Fantasy Kingdom!
As you wander through the parks, there’s all sorts of easter eggs (like all the disney movies) that you just can’t miss. This was through Downtown Disney, outside the parks, and each small courtyard was decorated with vibrant colors of large christmas bulbs.
As one traverses the park, take a look at the small details of each major attraction throughout. Cars Land was full of holiday magic that weekend.
Even the characters were in the holiday spirit! It wa such a magical weekend, full of fun and laughter with two of my favorite people in the world! I’d like to thank Katie and Hunter for every time they made events like this special. True friends that I miss like CRAZY right now. Love you guys!
This particular weekend just happened to be 2 days after I was fired from my job in California. I was having a hard time, and Katie and Hunter were the BEST distractions and I really got over that quickly with them around. I really NEEDED that popcorn bucket shaped like Pluto to lift my spirits, and it earned me some major points with my friend in the picture! #PlutotheDog
2017 was also the year that CoCo came out, and the park was filled with little tidbits from the movie, making November and Halloween holidays at the park a special treat.
Such detail really adds to the fantastical feelings Disney tries to convey throughout the Magic Kingdom.
To continue with the holidays, I brought my twin to Halloween Time at the resort. Like Christmas, the park is filled with glorious decorations and holiday themed characters, with such great detail that you’re sure to leave happy.
As I’ve grown a little older, I’m starting to look like my sister more and more. I mean, we ARE twins, but we always looked a bit different.
Now, back to Halloween Time!! Similar to Holidays at the resort, these decorations change every year as well. Keep your eyes peeled for your favorite events and characters to make an appearance!
The caramel apples are always such a sight both in Disneyland and California Aventure. Swing by a shop to check out the offerings! Can’t make it into the parks? Go to Downtown Disney and find one of the few shops that offer the same park fare!
I highly recommend you pay the exta money for Mickey’s Halloween Party. As some people are trick-or-treating through the park, the lines are much shorter than the rest of the day, and when you’re done with the rides, there’s more candy!! Patrons are encouraged to dress up, but research the costume rules so you can join in the fun with everyone else.
Main Street USA is such a beautiful fall scene that I’m positive you’ll get in the Halloween Spirit as soon as you enter the park. And don’t miss Jack, Sally, and the gang at The Haunted Mansion the REST OF THE YEAR!
Last, but OBVIOUSLY not least, swing by the Grand Californian Hotel and Spa to see what they’ve conjured up for a spooky lobby setting!
Thanks for sticking out the dry spells, folks! I will be posting SO MUCH MORE!
Stay tuned,
Jessica
Geek Havok 