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by Shelly Wutke
With all of the hubub surrounding the Holidays, it is very easy to get caught up in a blur of shopping, wrapping, and attending parties. Before you know it, Christmas has come and gone and you feel as though you didn't do enough to capture the magic. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to turn back the hands of time and spend a day when life was simple? A time when families weren't as busy, when big, huge snowflakes always seemed to fall right when they were supposed to, when Christmas was still enchanting? No, we can't journey back in time, but we can grab our loved ones and go someplace where magic is guaranteed this Christmas season. Disneyland at Christmastime has all of the charm, all of the wonder, that you may be missing this Holiday season.
Attractions that recreate Christmas magic
Whether you are a Disneyland annual pass holder or a first time visitor, the attractions are what bring people to the parks during the Holiday season. Even the spookiest attraction has caught the Christmas spirit. The ghosts and goblins of the Haunted Mansion have put on their Santa hats and let Jack Skellington add his own Christmas touches to the normally scary mansion. The smell of Gingerbread fills the air, literally. Stop by and see why Santa has some competition this year.
The 'It's a Small World' attraction has a rich and colorful history. The last ride that Walt Disney himself officially opened, Small World has been a Disneyland fixture since 1966. Although taking a trip around the world is a requirement for most Disneyland visitors any time of the year, riding the boats during the Holidays is a special treat. Small World is completely decorated with bright lights, and you can be present each and every night when they flip the switch and the night become illuminated. Inside the attraction are festively decorated displays, holiday music, and special touches that will fill you with Holiday spirit.
Sleeping Beauty's Castle lights up just for you
The best part of Christmas at Disneyland is when night falls and the lights begin twinkling. Because new guests visit the park every single day, the Cast Members of Disneyland recreate the magic of lighting the tree and castle for you. The Winter Enchantment Holiday Lighting occurs twice nightly. For the most up to date times, check out the Mousewait Disneyland Real Time web page.
Sweet treats and good eats all over Disneyland
Spending some time in the restaurants and snack bars at the Disneyland resort is a must this Christmas season. The Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor on Main Street has Peppermint ice cream in candy cane encrusted waffle cones. Check out the cute snowmen caramel apples or the caramel/chocolate/peppermint covered pretzel sticks. The Tiger Tails at Pooh's Corner are popular year round, but at Christmas time you can treat yourself to a Snowman tail.
It gets chilly during the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort, and you can warm your hands with a hot cup of coffee, cider or hot chocolate. As with everything at Disneyland, even the warm drinks are magical. Try a Caramel Apple Cider or a Harvest White Hot Chocolate when you get cold.
Yes, it does snow in Southern California, but only at the Disneyland resort
You may not find snow on the roads in Anaheim this Christmas, but you can definitely experience it at Disneyland. The fireworks spectacular Believe in Holiday Magic happens at dusk.
As the sky lights up over Disneyland, cuddle your family close and get ready for a truly magical experience. When the last flare lights up the sky, snow sprinkles down upon you. A little known Mousewait fact about the fireworks: One of the best spots to view them is by It's a Small World. The entire attraction becomes part of the show as your favorite characters and Christmas images are projected onto its white exterior. The area surrounding It's a Small World also seems to enjoy the most snowfall, so grab a spot early.
Grab your pencil and visit Disney California Adventure's Animation Academy
The Animation Academy, located in the Disney California Adventure back lot, is adding a festive touch to their show this Holiday. Sit back with your pencil and paper and learn how to draw Mickey Mouse in a Santa hat.
Christmas shopping is fun at the Disneyland resort
Holiday shopping can be a chore. Simplify your shopping this year by getting everyone exactly what he or she wants at Disneyland. Pick up a one of a kind holiday ornament to decorate your Christmas tree or find an exclusive Disneyland fleece blanket for that special someone. Unique gifts that you can't find anywhere else are available in the Emporium and the World of Disney stores. Walk through the park and browse the tiny shops. You'll find that special something in no time.
If you are only window-shopping, Disneyland is the one place where viewing the windows becomes a magical event. Children will press their faces with wonder against the glass to view the dancing displays. Disneyland is also one of the only places in the world that you can just sit back and smell Christmas. Vents pump out Holiday scents and the smell of cookies baking or peppermint Candy Canes surround you. Stop and spend some time watching the Candy Makers create delicious Holiday treats.
Take a train ride through Christmas time at Disneyland
There is something about a train that just says Christmas. Walt Disney loved trains, and that fact is evident while you take a tour around the park on the E.P. Ripley. For an extra treat this Holiday, ask a cast member if you can sign up for a seat on Disneyland's VIP Parlor car, The Lilly Belle.
The Lilly Belle makes its way to the track at special times of the day or week. Named after Walt's wife Lillian, the Lilly Belle is one of the original train cars from the opening of Disneyland. Previously known as RETLAW #106, the Lilly Belle was refurbished in time for the 1976 Bicentennial and used only for VIP's. As the years have passed, restrictions have lifted to allow those who ask nicely a ride on this coveted train car. Decorated in the same red, plush, Victorian style as Walt's Firehouse apartment, the Lilly Belle will transport you around the park in style. If you time it right, you may chug your way through It's a Small World just as they turn on the lights.
On your way out of the park, be sure to stop in front of the fire hall and take a look up at Walt Disney's apartment. The light that is always lit in memory of Walt has been replaced by a small Christmas tree. It's a good way to stop and remember the man behind the magic.
Who says you have to grow up? Spend some time this Christmas recapturing your childhood or viewing the magical world of Disneyland through your own child's eyes. Walk slowly down Main Street and take it all in. Gaze in Wonder at Sleep Beauty's Castle as it lights up the night sky. Spend some time absorbing the magic. Disneyland is the one place on earth where magic really does happen! Capture it for yourself this Christmas.
The Grand Californian Lobby decorated for Christmas!
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