Moms Panel Monday: Holiday Travel Tips to Disneyland Resort

Lisa Mendillo

by , Sr. Manager, Digital Integration

The holiday season at the Disneyland Resort is one of the most popular times to visit. To help plan your trip, here are our tips for visiting during the holidays, now through Jan. 6, 2020!

Tip #1 from Kristin is to make sure you watch ‘A Christmas Fantasy’ parade on Main Street, U.S.A.

“Sometimes, we get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, that we lose sight of what it’s all about. That’s why I love escaping to the Disneyland Resort this time of year! The moment I sit down on Main Street, U.S.A. with a cup of hot chocolate and my loved ones nearby, I can’t help but feel the warmth and wonder of the season. Main Street, U.S.A. is the perfect backdrop to watch my favorite Disneyland parade, ‘A Christmas Fantasy’ parade.

Tony says Tip #2 must be to plan a special holiday dining experience.

“Celebrating the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort has become a tradition for my family. In fact, my first-ever visit to Disneyland was on Christmas Day. To enhance those holiday memories, I recommend booking a special Dining Package or Guided Tour. My absolute favorite holiday-time memory is taking the ‘Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort’ Guided Tour. Heartwarming holiday stories combined with reserved seating for ‘A Christmas Fantasy’ parade make magical holiday memories to cherish!”

Speaking of food, Jennifer reminds guests to make sure they get a Disney Festival of Holidays Sip and Savor Pass.

“With so many delectable eats and treats around the Disneyland Resort for the holidays, I always want to try as much as possible during my visits. One of the best ways to do just that is to grab a Sip and Savor Pass for Disney Festival of Holidays in Disney California Adventure park. This allows you to taste your way around the Festival Foods Marketplace locations, sampling a variety of multicultural holiday dishes. We have so much fun exploring and trying new dishes, as well as reuniting with some of our favorites here each year.”

'it's a small world' Holiday at Disneyland park

Tip #3 is one all our Disneyland Resort panelists agree on…don’t miss the holiday attraction overlays!

“The holidays at the Disneyland Resort means the return of some of my favorite attraction transformations, including, ‘it’s a small world’ Holiday!” exclaims Kristin. “I love seeing the festive, whimsical decorations and regional holiday accents, all set to traditional holiday tunes! Head toward ‘it’s a small world’ Holiday after sunset to watch an even more impressive sight – the attraction’s facade lighting! During holiday evenings, you’ll get the chance to experience this special lighting every 30 minutes as thousands of twinkling lights come to life before your eyes! My family adores this memorable nighttime treat!”

Don’t miss other seasonal transformations, including Haunted Mansion Holiday, Mater’s Jingle Jamboree and Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl.

And no tip list would be complete without Tip #4 – Photos!

“Spending the holidays with family at the Disneyland Resort is a special experience,” says Tony. “Cherish those memories by taking home all of your Disney PhotoPass photos. Unlimited downloads of your photos are complimentary when you add Disney MaxPass to your theme park tickets.”

And Kristin reminds guests not to forget about a photo with Santa Claus!

“My favorite spot to meet Santa is at Santa’s Holiday Visit at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in Disney California Adventure park. I love the lush forest setting of this special meet-and-greet experience. The backdrop is just perfect for a family photo to remember! I recommend downloading the Disneyland app to help you track down Santa… you never know where his reindeer will lead him!”

To learn more about the holidays at Disneyland Resort, or for general Disney vacation planning questions, visit DisneyParksMomsPanel.com for an answer from one of our panelists.

Panelists receive compensation for their participation on the Disney Parks Moms Panel.

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