Happy (almost) new year! At least for me, the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve is definitely the laziest of the year for me. Can’t say I got much done but writing this blog post 🙂 I hope this season has been restful for you as well…and that you haven’t been stuck in any air travel nightmares.
Here’s a quick recap of this month at the Disneyland Resort.
CANDELIGHT PROCESSIONAL
Each December, Disneyland features a fan-favorite event: the Candlelight Processional. This event (usually 2-3 nights), features live musicians, light projections, and a reading of the story of Christmas at the train station. Each year, the reading is done by a special guest narrator. This year’s narrator was none other than Academy Award winner Viola Davis.
Source: Bob Iger
CEO Bob Iger and Parks Chair Josh D’Amaro visited Disneyland on the day of the first processional, attending the show as well. We Disneyland fans are eagerly awaiting word from them on some changes to improve the park going experience lately…but so far, nothing has emerged yet.
But in the meantime, the processional lit up Main Street, as shown in this gorgeous photo by Eric Chu:
Source: Eric Chu
DISNEY100
This month, Disneyland provided more details about the upcoming Disney100 celebration, a global party commemorating the Walt Disney Company’s 100th anniversary. Disneyland’s part of the celebration will include new entertainment, new merchandise, and a special treatment to the castle.
Source: Disney Parks Blog
For more information about the event, check out my previous post here.
OTHER UPDATES
Unfortunately, the Disneyland Resort began the month with some terrible news – a death at the Mickey & Friends parking structure. A man in his 50s jumped to his death on December 3rd, according to Anaheim Police. If you or someone you know if struggling emotionally, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline through their website or by dialing 988, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
On a more positive note, Disneyland confirmed the return of a fan favorite event this spring: Disneyland After Dark. So far, this year’s lineup features two events: Sweethearts Nite and Princess Nite. I’ll have a blog post on these events in the next few days, but for now, you can read more on the Disney Parks Blog here.
And finally – I just wanted to share that I will once again be taking a brief break from posting. Normally this is just for the month of January, but this year will be a bit longer. I am moving to a new city, so I need some time to get organized. The only posts you’ll see in January & February will be the festival posts (Lunar New Year and Food & Wine), Disneyland After Dark, and the monthly updates. In March, my posting schedule will return to normal.
Wishing you health, happiness, and luck in 2023.
Source: Disney Parks Blog