The Disneyland Resort is in the midst of celebrating the holidays. There is holiday merriment to be found everywhere throughout the resort. It can be a bit daunting to decide which seasonal offerings are “must-dos” for those who don’t visit regularly. So to help simplify your next visit, here are my top five seasonal experience that just shouldn’t be missed!
it’s a small world holiday
A holiday classic, it’s a small world holiday is one of the most beautiful attractions at the Disneyland Resort during the holidays. This attraction share a message peace and joy as children from around the world share the spirit of the season. The facade out front is even more beautiful with the thousands of lights added, especially at night. In fact, I always make it a point to try and ride this attraction at night for extra magic. There is also a fun projection show that happens throughout the evening on the outside of it’s a small world holiday that is a quick little bit of magic.
DAPS TIP: Get a Fastpass for this attraction. If you are using Maxpass on the Disneyland app, watch the Fastpass times so you can get a time in the evening.
Believe in Holiday Magic Fireworks
The skies over Disneyland come to life each night during the holiday time with the Believe in Holiday Magic fireworks. This beautiful pyrotechnic display also utilizes projection technology for an immersive viewing experience. While many people watch this show from Main Street or in front of the castle, there are also fun places to watch near it’s a small world and also along the Rivers of America. Both locations also utilize the projection technology as well. I personally really enjoy watching from it’s a small world area.
DAPS TIP: Expect to wait an hour or so on a busy night if watching from a high traffic area like Main Street, even longer if in front of the castle. If you don’t want to wait as long, watch from in front of it’s a small world.
A Christmas Fantasy Parade
The spirit of the season happens in full force with A Christmas Fantasy Parade that happens twice daily at Disneyland. This Christmas classic has Mickey and the gang teaming up with Santa Claus to bring Christmas to Disneyland. This is a parade that has a little bit of everything for every Disney fan. With the Fab Five, princesses, and even Santa and his reindeer, it is a very merry parade indeed!
DAPS TIP: This is a parade that is very popular so be ready to be patient to watch it. The space along Main Street fills up fairly early so watch from other spots along the parade route for less of a wait. In general, it is safe to expect to wait an hour for a decent spot for this parade.
¡Viva Navidad!
This is one of the most fun seasonal offerings at the Disneyland Resort is in Disney California Adventure. ¡Viva Navidad! is a fantastic celebration with the Three Caballeros, live musicians, dancers, and massive mojiganga puppets! It is one of the most energetic celebrations at the Disneyland Resort and also one of the most fun! It is nearly impossible to not smile when watching this celebration!
DAPS TIP: Watch this show between Bayside Brews and the Silly Symphony Swings to not miss any of the characters or entertainers in ¡Viva Navidad!
Festival of Holidays/Phat Cat Swinger
The Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure is a lot of fun to experience, especially for those who like trying different foods. Throughout the day there are quite a few different entertainment offerings to be enjoyed. The favorite of the DAPS MAGIC team, however, is Phat Cat Swinger. Each night during the Festival of Holidays they perform on the Palisades Stage at Paradise Gardens Park. This is one of the most fun holiday experiences that the Disneyland Resort offers. It is full of energy, awesome music, and holiday cheer!
DAPS TIP: If trying to cram all of these five can’t miss suggestion into your day at the Disneyland Resort, catch the first Phat Cat Swinger show in Disney California Adventure and then immediately make your way to Disneyland for the fireworks. Following fireworks, hit it’s a small world holiday!
There are MANY other holiday experiences to enjoy at the Disneyland Resort. These are just the top five that I think shouldn’t be missed. For those of you who are regulars at the Disneyland Resort, what holiday experiences would you put as your top five? For those who are using this guide for your holiday trip, let me know how it works out for you!
