Hi Laura!
It is so exciting that you will be heading to California for the first time later this year. You could not have picked a more jolly time to visit the
Disneyland Resort
You are arriving right in the middle of one of my favorite events: the
holidays at the Disneyland Resort. While November is still a few months away, some details have already been shared on the Disneyland website and
the Disney Parks blog, giving us a sneak peak at what to expect. During this festive season, both parks are decked out in stunning holiday décor, providing a bright and joyful backdrop as you explore. Be sure to admire the beautifully decorated Christmas trees as soon as you enter either park!
Disneyland offers countless ways to create special holiday memories. Sleeping Beauty Castle comes alive each night as thousands of twinkling lights sparkle, giving the Castle its own
Wintertime Enchantment. Not to be outdone, the facade of "it's a small world holiday” glows brilliantly, adding a magical touch to a Disney classic. It is one of my favorite views at any time of year. Don’t skip out on the inside of the attraction either, as the children of the world celebrate the season in their own unique and traditional ways. Another iconic Disneyland attraction, the Haunted Mansion gets a very special visit from Jack Skellington as he wrecks the halls and transforms the Mansion into “
Haunted Mansion Holiday.”
Over in California Adventure, the Festival of the Holidays will be in full swing, celebrating winter traditions from different cultures. Buena Vista Street charms visitors with its old-time holiday décor, while Cars Land gets into the spirit with its "haul-idays," featuring incredible themed decorations in the land itself, and festive soundtracks on "
Mater’s Jingle Jamboree" and "
Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl." And let’s not forget the Festive Foods Marketplace, where you can savor a variety of multicultural and diverse holiday cuisines.
There is so much to do when visiting the Disneyland Resort in November. We haven't even discussed meeting Mickey and friends in their special holiday outfits or being able to pay a visit to Santa in both parks! I have a Q-Tip to help you get started with planning your winter visit: Make sure to spend an evening on Main Street, U.S.A. It offers my favorite view of the
Christmas Fantasy Parade, allows you to experience the nightly snowfall, and is one of the best spots to catch the "Believe...Holiday Magic" fireworks. Main Street truly captures the spirit of the season.
As you can tell, Laura, I am thrilled that you will be making your first visit to Disneyland during the holiday season. If you need additional tips or recommendations to make the most of your trip, don't hesitate to visit us again at planDisney!
Happy (early) Holidays!
David