15 Cool Things to Do at Disneyland Resort During the Holidays

Tis the Season to be Dazzled... at the Disneyland Resort!

With the Disneyland Diamond Celebration in full swing, the holiday season at Disneyland Resort is even more magical then ever! There's diamonds, snow and mistle-tow. (Mater joke) Ho. Ho. Ho. From the moment you walk down Main Street, U.S.A. and see the decorations it's clear that Disneyland Park (and Disney California Adventure) have both been transformed into a 'Winter Wonderland.' From special merchandise to holiday-inspired treats, from ice-skating to sledding down real snow, it's the most wonderful time of the year not to be missed. (We never do!) This year the Happiest Place on Earth gets merrier with the 60th Anniversary Celebration in addition to the festivities!

There are so many reasons to visit the Disneyland Resort during the holidays especially this year, make sure that you don't miss any on our list of must see and dos! 

1. Olaf's Snow Fest
Being able to frolic in the real snow in the middle of Southern California is magical.  Families can enjoy this wintery celebration with a snow play area, race toboggan slides, cool entertainment, and special food offerings. You can even meet, get a warm hug and take a photo with everyone's favorite snowman, OLAF!

2. Disney's Grand Californian Hotel Lobby
Last year on the day after Christmas, we drove to Disneyland Resort just to spend some time inside Disney's Grand Californian Hotel, it's that beautiful! We had dinner at Storyteller's Cafe and walked around soaking up the holiday ambience. Sit by the fire, listen to the piano player play holiday songs, enjoy the tree, tell Santa what's on your list. Make sure to check out this year's gingerbread house in the lobby!

3. Haunted Mansion Holiday

The Haunted Mansion has gotten a holiday makeover it's so festive... it' spooky. Jack Skellington and his quirky crew bring their holiday spirit to town in a transformed version of this popular New Orleans Square attraction. Make sure to look for the Hatbox Ghost! Ho! Ho! Ho!

4. Cars Land

Cruise over to Cars Land, where the residents of Radiator Springs display their homespun holiday décor—including a “snowcar” that’s guaranteed to bring a smile to your “grill.” Make sure to look for each car's themed tree, like the cozy cone tree! So cute!

5. Jingle Cruise

Join homesick Jungle Cruise Skippers on a holly jolly adventure stuffed with seasonal shenanigans from stem to stern. This ride down the river is filled with lights, decorations and all types of Christmas-themed fun. Don’t miss the boat! 

6. Disneyland Forever Fireworks

Everyone's favorite way to end the evening at the Disneyland Resort. It's the most incredible fireworks spectacular yet, honoring the 60th anniversary celebration. 'Disneyland Forever' builds to a breathtaking crescendo of bursting colors and falling snow. You read that right, It's SNOWS at Disneyland every night in a flurry of frozen fractals! You may want to grab your seat on Main Street U.S.A. as the buildings become part of the show with incredible projections!

7. A Christmas Fantasy Parade

Prance over to the parade route and watch some of your favorite Disney Characters—including the Princesses— join Santa and his reindeer to create an extravagant fairy tale of sight and song. And this year, your favorite Frozen characters have joined the party! Warm hugs for all!

8. Paint the Night Parade

See Mickey and the gang like never before! It's lights, lights and more lights in the Paint the Night Parade where the floats are lit up like a... (you guessed it) Christmas Tree! Get out your glow sticks and turn on your light up ears, for this show that's merry AND bright!

9. Downtown Disney Winter Village

Explore the festive ambience in a Downtown Disney District that’s been turned into a whimsical, snowy Winter Village. Enjoy live entertainment, shop for special gifts and go ice-skating on Olaf’s Frozen Ice Rink.

10. “World of Color – Winter Dreams”

Lights, Water, Action! Watch the holidays come to vivid life as dazzling lights, soaring music and pyrotechnics sweep you up in the magic of the season. This is a must-see show sure to warm your heart.

11. Season of the Force

The force is strong this holiday season with the adding of 'Season of the Force.' Guests can now enjoy Hyperspace Mountain, Star Tours - The Adventure Continues, Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple, Star Wars: Path of the Jedi and Star Wars Launch Bay. Get ready to be taken to a galaxy far, far away  as you discover these new experiences including food and merchandise inspired by Star Wars.

12. Sleeping Beauty Castle

There is nothing that says Happy Holidays to us more than seeing Sleeping Beauty's Castle draped in Pixie Dust. Your whole family will ooh and ahh at the snow-capped turrets twinkling with icicles and thousands of shimmering lights. It sparkles even brighter during the Diamond Anniversary Celebration.

13. "it's a small world" holiday

Set sail on the happiest, most merry trip around the world to see how the world's different cultures celebrate the holiday season. From the outside of the attraction to the inside, there is not a more beautiful Christmas light display in all the land. This is a must see each year for our family!

14. Disney ¡Viva Navidad!

Let's get this Holiday Fiesta started! Dance to live regional music and celebrate Navidad with crafts, face painting and tasty Mexican specialties. See Mickey and Minnie celebrate this season in traditional style! 

15. Tree Lighting on Buena Vista Street

Bring your family to share this delightful heartwarming experience. Enjoy the festive melodies of the Buena Vista Street Community Bell Ringers and marvel at the magnificent lights and decorations. Be there at 5pm daily as they light the towering 60-foot Christmas tree daily through December 25, 2015.

Discover some of the magic with our video of what holidays are like at Disney California Adventure:

Haunted Mansion Holiday: 14 Fun Facts You May Not Know

Haunted Mansion Holiday:
14 Frightfully Fun and Festive Facts to Share with Your Friends

It's hard to believe that this is the 14th year of Haunted Mansion Holiday, where Jack Skellington has visited the 999 Happy Haunts who dwell in the Haunted Mansion. Disney Parks Imagineers have perfected the festive blend of 'Scary' and 'Merry' transforming this beloved Disneyland attraction. Each year, Jack dresses up as “Sandy Claws” as he and his ghost dog Zero bring ghoulish delights from Halloween Town to visit Disneyland Park. You don't want to miss out on this unique holiday treat sure to delight your family and park goers of all ages.

1. Holiday Makeover – This frightfully awesome attraction has the longest holiday makeover of all. It doesn't go down once Halloween is over, since the theme is "A Nightmare Before Christmas" it stays up for the entire holiday season, this year until January 6, 2015. That is something to scream about!

2. Deck the Halls – Each season, thousands of feet of “Black Gnarly” garland is draped and hung inside and outside Haunted Mansion Holiday. Jack’s faithful dog Zero gathered more than 200 bones to use as décor, garland and presents. Now that's a good example of man's best friend!

3. The Eerie Exterior – More than 400 flickering candles create a ghostly glow on the façade of the Haunted Mansion. Each night, more than 100 jack-o-lanterns shine their ghoulish light.

4. Home Creepy Home - Creepy cobwebs are artistically kept (not swept!) year-round to make Jack Skellington and the 999 Happy Haunts feel right at home. We can't figure out if this is more strange or just pure genius. No dusting required!

5. “Come Out to Socialize” - More than two dozen additional animated figures “materialize” inside the mansion whenever Jack brings his Haunted Mansion Holiday around. From man-eating wreaths to vampire teddy bears, they wait all year to join in the holiday spirit.

6. The Haunted Elevator – Jack Skellington and his ghost dog Zero appear in a fully animated sequence on the ceiling of the “stretching” room, which transports guests into the depths of the mansion.

7. The Portrait Gallery – Ghost dog Zero makes a surprise appearance among the spooky, transforming portraits in the gallery corridor. Look quickly down the hallway or you may just miss him.

8. The Graveyard – The graveyard inside Haunted Mansion Holiday is covered with nearly 7,500 square feet of snow. More than 20 gallons of UV (ultra-violet) paint is used to enhance the snow’s eerie glow. Nearly 1,000 tiny, orange lights decorate the trees.

9. Graveyard Ice Angels – The iconic Graveyard Ice Angels are designed with a jagged, ice-carved look. Their ethereal wings and snow-glow colors shine with a more ghoulish luster than ever this year.

10. Seasonal Séance Room - Madame Leota’s “13 Days of Christmas” are featured in 13 spinning fortune cards that tell of the Christmas gifts which, as she proclaims, “My ghoul love gave to me…”
Kim Irvine, daughter of the original Madame Leota – For this seasonal attraction, Imagineer Kim Irvine gives a spirited performance as the Haunted Mansion’s favorite psychic, floating inside the Haunted Mansion’s Crystal Ball in the Séance Room. Her mother Leota Toombs, Disney Legend and long-time Imagineer, first gave life to the floating head.

11. Supernatural Sweets – Every year, a new ghoulish concept for the Haunted Mansion Holiday gingerbread house is created for the celebration scene in the mansion’s Grand Hall. This strange and wonderful treat is almost always “supernatural.”

12. Haunting Gingerbread Smells - The haunting scent of tasty gingerbread wafts throughout the Grand Hall, tempting Happy Haunts and guests alike. If you've ever smelled it, you know exactly what we are talking about. It delights the senses and makes you want to eat a gingerbread cookie!

13. Haunted Mansion Gingerbread House - One of Jack’s holiday traditions is leaving a special treat for the ghosts who dance around the Haunted Mansion’s Grand Hall. The annual centerpiece for this “waltz of the weird” is always a huge, creepy gingerbread creation. Jack delivers new and thrilling surprises every year. A team of five pastry chefs created this year’s Gingerbread Mansion. Three of them have been part of the Haunted Mansion Gingerbread House team since the annual holiday transformation began 13 years ago. The Ghost Host of Haunted Mansion Holiday always says, “even a gingerbread house can be scary,” and this year’s design definitely lives up to the “scary” definition. Of course, the Haunted Mansion Holiday gingerbread house adds a little whimsy with a hapless gingerbread zombie trapped inside – and those frightening spikes are very sharp, red-and-white candy canes. The gingerbread house also will feature opening and closing doors and special lights.

14. ‘Hurry Back!’ – New for 2014, a more “animated” Sally bids farewell to “Sandy Claws” Jack Skellington as he, and Haunted Mansion Holiday guests, depart from the Mansion. While you ride on the last escalator as you are exiting the ride, make sure to listen for Sally and watch Zero leading the reindeer and sleigh. Your family will definitely want to "Hurry Back" to ride this beloved holiday attraction!

For more attractions you don't want to miss at during the #DisneyHolidays, check out:

13 Reasons to Visit the Disneyland Resort During the Holidays.

Top 2 images taken by the Disney Sisters, the bottom 3 images Courtesy of Disney.

13 Reasons to Visit the Disneyland Resort During the Holidays

There are so many reasons to visit the Disneyland Resort during the holidays, we wanted to name a few that are on the top of our list. From the moment you walk down Main Street, U.S.A. and see the decorations it's clear that Disneyland has been transformed into a Holiday Wonderland. From special merchandise to holiday-inspired treats, it's the most wonderful time of the year not to be missed. (We never do!) This year the Happiest Place on Earth gets merrier Nov 13 - January 6, 2015.

So make a list and check it twice, leave who's naughty and bring who's nice to experience Holidays at the Disneyland Resort.

1. Sleeping Beauty Castle

There is nothing that says Happy Holidays to us more than seeing Sleeping Beauty's Castle draped in Pixie Dust. Your whole family will ooh and ahh at the snow-capped turrets twinkling with icicles and thousands of shimmering lights.

2. “it's a small world” Holiday

It's a world of laughter and you'll be laughing all the way along your sail through the different cultures and traditions of this beloved attraction with a holiday makeover. We dare you to try and not get this joyful song stuck in your head.

3. Haunted Mansion Holiday

Small World isn't the only attraction that has gotten a holiday makeover. Jack Skellington and his spooky crew bring their holiday spirit to town in a transformed version of this popular New Orleans Square attraction.

4. Jingle Cruise

Join homesick Jungle Cruise Skippers on a holly jolly adventure stuffed with seasonal shenanigans from stem to stern. Don’t miss the boat! The Jingle Cruise casts off for a limited time only, through January 6, 2014.

5. A Christmas Fantasy Parade

Prance over to the parade route and watch some of your favorite Disney Characters—including the Princesses— join Santa and his reindeer to create an extravagant fairy tale of sight and song. And this year, your favorite Frozen characters have joined the party! Warm hugs for all!

6. “Believe... In Holiday Magic”

Everyone's favorite way to end the evening at the Disneyland Resort. Holiday wishes do come true as this fireworks spectacular builds to a breathtaking crescendo of bursting colors and falling snow. You read that right, It's SNOWS at Disneyland every night!!!

7. Jingle Jangle Jamboree

Visit Santa and celebrate at our holly jolly, country-style festivities—with singing, food and fun! Games galore, creative coloring and other activities for your children to enjoy. Plenty of opportunities for photos with characters and quality one-on-one time for your little ones to spend with Mickey and the Gang!

8. Main Street, U.S.A.

This is where the winter wonderland starts, as you walk down Main Street U.S.A. taking in all of the sights, sounds, and smells of the season. Stroll the bustling storefronts resplendent in their seasonal finery. Don’t forget  to catch the nightly Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony!

9. “World of Color – Winter Dreams”

Lights, Water, Action! Watch the holidays come to vivid life as dazzling lights, soaring music and pyrotechnics sweep you up in the magic of the season. This is a must-see show!

10. Whimsical Décor

Discover the charm and splendor of Buena Vista Street and “a bug’s land,” festooned with witty decorations. Make sure to look for Hidden Mickeys at each Christmas Tree you see.

11. Disney ¡Viva Navidad!

Let's get this Holiday Fiesta started! Dance to live regional music and celebrate Navidad with crafts, face painting and tasty Mexican specialties

12. Cars Land

Cruise over to Cars Land, where the residents of Radiator Springs display their homespun holiday décor—including a “snowcar” that’s guaranteed to bring a smile to your “grill.”

13. Downtown Disney Winter Village

Explore the festive ambience in a Downtown Disney District that’s been turned into a whimsical, snowy Winter Village. Enjoy live entertainment, shop for special gifts and go ice-skating on Olaf’s Frozen Ice Rink—inspired by the carrot-nosed star of Disney’s animated hit movie, Frozen.


Discover all of the magic with our video of Holidays at the Disney California Adventure:

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort: 10 Family Favorites #HalloweenTime

Our family loves Halloween and Disney does an amazing job of bringing out the ghoul in all of us. From Sept 12 through October 31, 2014 you and your family can experience the ghosts and goblins in a way that is sure to delight even the youngest fan. Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort is truly one of the most magical times of the year!

Here are 10 of our family's favorite things to see and do during Halloween Time:

1. Mickey Pumpkin on Main Street 

One of the first things you see when you enter Disneyland Park is the giant orange pumpkin at the start of Main Street. It's a great photo opportunity for your family and it really puts everyone in the Halloween spirit! This pumpkin looks awesome during the day and really glows at night.

2. The Halloween Tree

There's something about this orange glowing tree of beauty that puts a smile on our face every year. This famous tree lights up Frontierland, and was inspired by Ray Bradbury's book, The Halloween Tree . It's got jack-o-lantern ornaments hanging from it and it is dressed with yellow and orange lights. A beautiful representation of fall and it's rich colors!

3. Characters Dressed in Halloween Costumes

It's so special when the characters dress up! Seeing Mickey, Minnie, Goofy Donald and more, dressed in their Halloween costumes is so fun for the kids. Get one-of-a-kind photos with your favorite characters in their Halloween best! You can spend quality time with them over at the Halloween Carnival at Big Thunder Ranch.

4. Orange Mickey Balloons

Mickey balloons have never looked cuter colored bright orange with spiderwebs to finish off the look just perfect for young Halloween lovers! Don't forget if your child's balloon pops you can bring it to one of the cast members (holding a balloon bouquet) and they will replace it.

5. The Incredible Pumpkin Carvers

If you have not seen the Incredible Pumpkin Carvers you are missing out. These talented artists decorate and carve Disney-themed pumpkins for all to enjoy. Get ideas on what to do with your own pumpkins at home, or just marvel at the artistry. Either way, you will be in awe of what can be done with a pumpkin!

6. Sweet Treats and Eats

The park is full of tricks and treats. We prefer the treats, naturally. Whether you like candy apples, cookies or cupcakes (or all three, like us) you will not be disappointed at Disneyland resort's wide variety of sweets. Of course you can still get the two most popular treats during Halloween Time - churros and dole whips too!

7. Haunted Mansion Holiday

When the pumpkin King a.k.a. Jack Skellington takes over the Haunted Mansion you can bet it's something to spook-tack-ular to miss. See Jack, Sally, Zero and Oogie Boogie in this whimsical rendition of Haunted Mansion Holiday. Disney Sisters Tip: There's plenty of time to catch this attraction, it continues throughout the month of December!

8. Halloween Time Merchandise

From trick-or-treat bags to apparel you won't want to go home empty-handed when you see the Halloween merchandise. Whether you want something to decorate your house for Halloween, or a mug to drink hot cocoa out of you can't go wrong when you choose one of these festive items. Make sure to grab a popcorn bucket while your there. Our family has been collecting them for years!

9. Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy

For the crowd who loves the thrills and chills of Halloween like our teenagers, Space Mountain gets a ghastly makeover! This is the most scary attraction in the park during Halloween Time, and thrilling for the entire family. Hold on tight and enjoy the ride that's out of this galaxy!

10. Pumpkin Spice Latte 

 There's nothing like walking down Main Street U.S.A. on a cool fall day, with a hot Starbucks cup filled with Pumpkin Spice Latte. It's so fun to have Starbucks served at Market House Café. They sure know how to make the perfect Halloween drink to get us in the mood.

Families and friends can celebrate Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort from Sept. 12 through Oct. 31, 2014. To purchase your tickets for the Disneyland Resort - Go To:  https://disneyland.disney.go.com/tickets/.

           Which are your family's fall favorites?

Disclosure: We were not compensated for this post, we were given tickets to Disneyland for our family to enjoy Halloween Time and to help facilitate this review. Opinions on this blog are 100% magical and 100% those of the Disney Sisters only.