Let's dispense with the build-up and formalities of a typical review, shall we?
2018 Holidays at the Disneyland Resort
JVPTravelScore: A++
The word "magical" is vastly over-used by Disney and their fans. So much so that the word simply doesn't do justice when describing Holidays at the Disneyland Resort, which officially ended last weekend. The nearly two-month long event was sensational to say the least. Pure joy and holiday cheer filled the entire resort, along with beautiful decor, outstanding entertainment, delicious food and more.
Disneyland Park
I've been visiting Disneyland during the holidays since the 1980's. I get blown away every time I pass through the portals and step onto Town Square. This feeling never changes, even now that I live close enough to be able to visit the park anytime. From the massive Christmas tree to the decorations that fill Main Street USA, and the whimsically-transformed Sleeping Beauty's Castle, the first impression you get during this phase of your Disneyland visit is simply WOW!
All of the holiday favorites returned for the 2018 season. The beloved "it's a small world holiday" attraction with its 400,000 twinkling lights on and around the giant, white facade and the celebrations of holidays from around the world inside the ride. Not be be overlooked is the equally stunning "Haunted Mansion Holiday", where Jack Skellington from Disney's "The Nightmare Before Christmas" takes-up residence from mid-September to early January, to show Guests "what happens when two holidays collide".
Other holiday traditions included the Christmas Fantasy Parade, which delighted guests twice a day throughout the season. I found this year that I prefer viewing this parade at after dark. Watching it under the lights on Main Street seems a bit more enchanting. The "Believe in Holiday Magic" fireworks spectacular also returned, along with multiple nightly light shows in front of Sleeping Beauty's "Winter" Castle and "it's a small world holiday". And no evening at Disneyland would be complete without snow. Brief snowfalls take place during the castle lighting and fireworks shows.
2018 marked my third year experiencing the famous Disneyland Candlelight Ceremony and Processional. There is nothing quite like this grand pageant that has been taking place at Disneyland since 1958. The event features a 600-member mass choir, full orchestra, fanfare trumpeters, and a celebrity narrator, who tells the story of Christmas. Chris Pratt from the "Guardians of the Galaxy" was selected to read the story this time around.
Disney California Adventure (DCA)
Across the Esplanade from Disneyland, the 17 year-old Disney California Adventure offered it's own holiday experience that was different, but excellent in its own way. "Festival of Holidays" celebrates holiday traditions from various cultures, and is loaded with great entertainment, fine food, hands-on activities and of course, Santa Claus.
The Festive Foods Marketplace finally made DCA a player where Disney food festival are concerned. Still not as big as similar festivals at Epcot (for obvious reasons), the event was truly wonderful. I have been critical of past events like the DCA Food and Wine Festival. Hopefully those feelings are gone for good, with the vast improvement of this event.
The twelve Festival Marketplace booths offered an array of savory foods, sweet treats and unique beverages. Some of my "favorite things" included the Turkey and Stuffing Tamale, Braised Pork Belly Adobo with Garlic Fried Rice, Holiday Stuffing Mac & Cheese, Holiday Yule Log and the Hot Cocoa Marshmallow Macaron, This year I decided to purchase the Sip and Savor pass to better enjoy the food booths. At the Annual Passholder price of $49, the pass, with its eight coupons was a good deal.
Disney California Adventure has become a great park for live entertainment. An extensive line-up of musical acts performed at multiple venues, several times each day throughout the season. Favorites like Mariachi Divas were joined by acts such as Phat Cat Swinger, Mostly Kosher, and a Bollywood dance group, among other performers. The popular Disney Viva Navidad street party also returned with the Three Caballeros, Mickey and Minnie, and a fine group of talented folklorico and samba dancers. This is a fun and very entertaining presentation.
Not to be outdone by it's older sibling, DCA rolled-out all the festive decor imaginable, as Buena Vista Street, Hollywood Land and Cars Land got into the mix with beautiful garlands, oversized tinsel and junkyard car parts strung together to form decor as only the Imagineers can do. Even the Grizzly Peak area got it's own treatment, and delighted guests at night with snow.
From unique food offerings in both parks, to resort-wide decor, there was something for everyone during Holidays at the Disneyland Resort. My only criticism would be what is still a bit of a mess at Downtown Disney. The area was nicely decorated, but with all of the closures on the west end of the district, Disney missed an opportunity to bring the ice skating rink back for the season. Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed the season, and am already looking forward to what 2019 will bring.
Did you get to experience Holidays at The Disneyland Resort? Please share your thoughts on the parks or this article in the comments.
JVP Travel Services is a owner-operated travel agency. Jerry Vargas is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. All of our planning services are provided absolutely FREE to Clients who book their Disney vacations with us. For more information, or to start planning your magical Disney vacation, please click here to visit the jvptravels website.
No comments:
Post a Comment