Hey there! I recently visited Disneyland last month for the Christmas season, to give you a quick update on what to expect this year. At Disneyland, the Christmas season runs from November 8th- January 6th.
During this time frame, Disney transforms its parks into a winter wonderland! Its nothing short of perfection! In this short article, we will go over what has changed and what to expect during Christmas at Disneyland.
Crowds:
The crowds are very high during the Christmas season. I recommend not going at all in December. I know I know… This defeats the whole purpose of going during the holidays! I am not stopping you from going in December, but I will tell you I went about 5 years back, and it was enough to make me not want to go during Christmas ever again.
I would recommend going the second week of November and only during the weekdays. Or make sure to add a couple of extra days to your trip, because 90% of your time will be standing in long lines.
Another MUST is utilizing Disneylands FREE Fastpasses or upgrading to the Maxpass for an additional charge. I have gone over the pros and cons of upgrading to the Maxpass and the additional charge per ticket as well.
December crowds are usually a high of 9/10 or 10/10.
November crowds are 5/10-9/10.
A good way to purchase discount Disneyland tickets is through Undercovertourist.com they also have the most accurate crowd calendars that I have been able to locate.
What’s New:
During Christmas at Disneyland, Disney goes all out with lights and decor! I do really love the Halloween season because of the decorations, but when it comes to beauty, you really can’t beat the Christmas season.
The number of lights throughout the parks is just astounding!
Food Venders in California Adventure:
I’m not sure if this is something new to California Adventure or not because it has been so long since I have visited Disneyland during the holidays. But something interesting that we noticed this year is there were a lot of food vendors throughout the California Adventure park.
I thought it was because possibly the restaurants would be completely overwhelmed during the holidays, but its actually a Sip and Savor Pass.
2019 Disney Festival Of Holidays Sip And Savor Pass
The Sip and Savor Pass consist of a commemorative credential, lanyard and 8 coupons, redeemable for food and beverage offerings (excluding alcohol) at participating Festival Foods Marketplace kiosks and dining locations:
Festival Foods Marketplace Locations
- A Twist on Tradition
- Brews & Bites
- Favorite Things
- Grandma’s Recipes
- Holiday Duets
- Making Spirits Bright
- Merry Mashups
- Winter
Sliderland
Dining Locations
- Cappuccino Cart
- Cocina Cucamonga
- Pacific Wharf Café
- Paradise Garden Grill
- Smokejumpers Grill
- Sonoma Terrace
- Willie’s Churros
Each Sip and Savor Pass is $56, including tax. In addition to a reduced price, Annual Passholders will also receive a special Passholder lanyard.
The Areas That Receive The Most Decorations:
Cars Land- Maters Jingle Jamboree
Cars Land Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl
Buena Vista street Holliday Tree Lighting
It’s A Small World
Haunted Mansion Holiday- The Nightmare Before Christmas theme from Halloween season until the first week of January.
Wintertime Enchantment at Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle
Disneylands Mainstreet
Snow?
YES!!! Disney makes it snow in CALIFORNIA! Your kids will love this! Disney pumps bubble foam that looks a lot like snow into Disneyland throughout the Mainstreet area.
Let’s Talk New Shows:
Mickey’s Happy Holidays – dance along with Mickey Mouse and friends to the rhythms of the Holiday Toy Drummers. The Sound- celebrates Christmas and Kwanzaa. And so many more!
