Christmas is a magical time at Disneyland, and the park goes to great lengths to ensure that every visitor experiences the enchantment of the season. From dazzling decorations to exclusive holiday events, Disneyland's preparation for Christmas 2017 was nothing short of spectacular. Let's explore the five key ways the park gets ready for this festive occasion.
1. Transforming Main Street, U.S.A.
One of the first things that visitors notice when entering Disneyland during the holiday season is the transformation of Main Street, U.S.A. Here's how they do it:
- Ornaments and Decorations: The street is adorned with thousands of ornaments, colorful wreaths, and twinkling lights, creating a festive atmosphere that spans from the entrance to Sleeping Beauty Castle.
- Garlands and Bows: Lamp posts, shop windows, and horse-drawn carriages are dressed with rich garlands and festive bows, enhancing the holiday charm.
- Stage Setup: The centerpiece is a beautifully decorated stage where characters like Mickey Mouse in his holiday attire perform and parade down the street.
2. Special Christmas Shows and Parades
Disneyland introduces a variety of special Christmas shows and parades tailored to the festive season:
- "A Christmas Fantasy Parade": Featuring favorite Disney characters dressed in holiday outfits, along with Santa Claus himself.
- Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort: This includes exclusive performances and fireworks shows like "Believe... in Holiday Magic" with its magical "snowfall" effect.
- "it's a small world" Holiday: The iconic attraction gets a complete holiday makeover, with dolls dressed in Christmas attire and singing seasonal tunes.
🎄 Note: While these special shows are highly popular, they might lead to long wait times. Plan your day accordingly.
3. Festive Attractions and Overlay
Disneyland’s attractions receive holiday-themed makeovers:
| Attraction | Holiday Transformation |
|---|---|
| Haunted Mansion | Transforms into Haunted Mansion Holiday with a Nightmare Before Christmas theme. |
| Jungle Cruise | Becomes Jingle Cruise, with holiday decorations and new storylines. |
| “it’s a small world” | Receives a festive overlay with holiday decorations and music. |
🎄 Note: During the holiday season, these overlay attractions might have longer wait times due to their popularity.
4. Holiday Merchandise and Food
The park ensures that visitors can take a piece of holiday magic home with them:
- Merchandise: Exclusive holiday merchandise like ornaments, apparel, and collectibles.
- Food and Beverage: Special seasonal treats like peppermint churros, festive drinks, and gingerbread-themed items.
- Pop-up Shops: Dedicated Christmas stores open throughout the park for a concentrated holiday shopping experience.
5. Santa Meet and Greets
The presence of Santa Claus is a hallmark of the holiday season at Disneyland:
- Photo Opportunities: Guests can meet Santa at several designated spots in the park, complete with photo opportunities.
- Santa's Mailbox: A special mailbox where children can drop off their letters to Santa.
- Santa's Reindeer: Visits by Santa's reindeer at Critter Country, adding to the festive experience.
Disneyland’s efforts to prepare for Christmas are vast, intricate, and thoughtfully executed. From the moment guests step into the park, they're enveloped in a holiday atmosphere that seems to come straight out of a fairy tale. The attention to detail, from the twinkling lights of Main Street, U.S.A. to the unique overlays on attractions, ensures that every corner of Disneyland exudes holiday cheer. While these preparations might cause some wait times and require advanced planning, the result is a magical experience that leaves lasting memories for both children and adults alike.
How early does Disneyland start preparing for Christmas?
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Disneyland begins its holiday preparations months in advance, typically starting in late summer. The major decorations and overlays are usually completed by early November.
Are there any special Christmas-themed events exclusive to Disneyland?
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Yes, Disneyland hosts several exclusive holiday events like Candlelight Processional dinners, holiday-themed fireworks, and very merry parades.
Can I meet Santa Claus at Disneyland?
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Absolutely, Santa Claus makes appearances at various locations within Disneyland, where visitors can meet him and even post letters to him via a special mailbox.
What happens if there’s a delay in holiday preparations at Disneyland?
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Disneyland has contingency plans in place to ensure that even if there are delays, the park remains holiday-ready for its visitors. Staff work around the clock to maintain the magical holiday atmosphere.
