Once the Halloween season wraps up in Disneyland, the park goes into full holiday mode. Snow, wreaths, garlands, and ornaments flood the park, and the Dapper Dans bust out their best renditions of winter classics. So what exactly can you expect from a wintertime trip to the Disneyland Resort?
LAND CHANGES
In Disneyland, Main Street USA has the most noticeable changes. Garlands and wreaths hang from shop windows, peppermint and gingerbread smells hang in the air, and of course, the castle gathers some magical flurries.
Other lands participate too, just to a lesser extent. My favorite decorations are those in Frontierland.
Over in California Adventure, Buena Vista Street shares in Main Street’s holiday cheer.
And in Cars Land, tire garlands and hubcap trees anchor each block of Radiator Springs.
RIDE CHANGES
Three attractions feature holiday overlays throughout the season. The Haunted Mansion keeps its Nightmare Before Christmas theme, which officially starts during Halloween. And in nearby Adventureland, the Jungle Cruise becomes the Jingle Cruise.
The most popular overlay of all is It’s A Small World Holiday. This seasonal change features special music, and tributes to holiday celebrations around the globe.
EVENTS
Throughout the holiday season, there are a few special events in each park. Over in Disneyland, you can meet Santa Claus in Critter Country, watch the carolers on Main Street, and meet Mickey and his friends in their bedazzled holiday outfits.
Over in California Adventure, you can also meet Santa (in Grizzly Peak), and visit the massive Festival of the Holidays. For a full explanation of the festival, see my previous post here.
The holidays are an especially magical time at the Disneyland Resort. There’s something so cheerful about walking down Main Street toward a snowy castle, or sipping eggnog in Paradise Gardens Park! For more information about all of the Disneyland Resort’s holiday features and events, check out the official page here.
