Hello Renee,
Thank you for writing us here at the Disney Parks Moms Panel. I'm so excited for your to visit The Happiest Place on Earth. You all are going to make magical memories that will last a lifetime!
Yes, you may absolutely utilize the
Disneyland Monorail, Renee. The Monorail system is free and easy to use, however, Theme Park Tickets are necessary since it is a direct entry into the Tomorrowland station, simply board the “highway in the sky” from the Downtown Disney District.
The Disney Parks will begin decorating mid-November for the Holidays but they have not released an official date for the jolly overlay yet. So I can't say for sure whether "it's a small world" and the holiday overlay throughout the Disneyland Resort will be ready for your arrival.
Newly refurbished attractions and magic you won't want to miss are Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough, all of Disney California Adventure (specifically: The Little Mermaid - Ariel's Undersea Adventure, Radiator Springs Racers, all of Carsland, Goofy's Sky School, and California Screamin'), to name a few.
Fantasmic! is one of our favorite shows to watch while at the Disneyland Resort. It's one of the best ways to see so many of your beloved Disney characters in one spectacular show! This pyrotechnic show performs every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening with weather permitting.
I hope you have a magical time during your visit to The Happiest Place on Earth. If you have any more questions, please write us back on how we can help you plan your pixie-dusted vacation.
Wishing you a Fairytale time!
~ Lynette