Welcome, Fatty! We are so happy you found your way to our corner of the magic here at planDisney. We love helping Guests plan their visits to the Happiest Place on Earth, and I can see that you are hoping to visit during the
holly jolliest time of the year! We'll get to more of that later, but you are going to love all the holiday décor, treats, and Mickey and Minnie welcoming you in their holiday best!
I'm so glad you brought this question our way. I know many Guests are using the
theme park reservation system for the very first time, so you are in good company! When you are purchasing your theme park ticket, you will be asked to select a theme park reservation as part of the process. The reservations help Sleeping Beauty and Lightning McQueen know how many people to expect in Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park each day. This ensures the health and safety of Guests and Cast Members and also helps give everyone a top-notch, pixie-dusted experience! Reservations can be made up to 120 days in advance and will become available in the
calendar one day at a time. The date will turn from grey to blue and show a park icon - either Sleeping Beauty Castle or the
Pixar Pal-A-Round Wheel - to indicate which park has openings for that day. It sounds like you are a planner at heart and will be making those reservations early. While they are limited and subject to availability, you should find openings if you are looking at the 120 mark. As of today, dates through December 10th are open, so you are just two sleeps away from your December 12th trip becoming available!
Ok, now let's grab a hot chocolate and get in the holiday spirit! One of my absolute favorite things during this time of year is to catch
A Christmas Fantasy Parade as it marches down Main Street. You will see so many of your favorite characters, including the big guy himself ... and here we are talking about Santa, not Mickey! It will be impossible not to smile and sing along. While a parade view along Main Street, U.S.A. is a quintessential Disneyland experience, I like to take my two little Mouseketeers back to
"it's a small world" for a prime viewing spot. There's always a little bit more space to wiggle around while we wait, and you don't have to arrive as early to get a prime view. If you're with another adult, you could even take the kiddos on
"it's a small world" Holiday for a festive sail through this beloved attraction while one of you holds onto your parade spot. The
Entertainment Schedule will be available about six weeks ahead of your trip, so that's a great time to start EARmarking some must-dos while you're in the parks!
Fatty, I am just so excited for you! Those magical memories will last forever and just seem to be extra special during the holiday season. If you have any more questions about your planning, please come back to see us here at
planDisney!
Be merry!
Tara