Disneyland Christmas Journey –

My greatest buddy Sarah picked me up from the airport Wednesday afternoon and whisked me on to the Disneyland Resort. With no park tickets that day, we unpacked at a leisurely tempo earlier than heading out to downtown Disney. We spent the afternoon procuring, attempting Disney treats at Marcelline’s and the Grand Californian, earlier than consuming dinner at Catal.

The next morning, we received up at 5:45 am to take a look at, throw our baggage within the automobile, and line up earlier than downtown Disney safety opened at 7 am. Sarah positioned a cell order for lattes and a muffin at Starbucks in downtown Disney and it was prepared for us by the point we handed it on our strategy to Disneyland. Since we solely had at some point within the park, we didn’t have a hopper go, opting to remain in Disneyland your complete day.

The Crowds

I can’t stress sufficient how apprehensive I used to be to go to Disneyland after seeing horror tales and pictures of the insane crowds at Disneyland. Thursday morning couldn’t have been extra nice. We walked on 4 rides throughout our magic hour. Staying on website so you possibly can benefit from the park instantly upon open is 100% value it for my part. It actually didn’t begin getting crowded till midday however even then, the crowds by no means “ruined” the magic for me. 

Genie+

Questioning whether or not or to not get Genie+? Get it. No less than for at some point of your journey! It was so good to guide our lightning lanes on the app. I believed I’d hate utilizing my telephone for all the things however between Genie+ and ordering my meals on-line, I puzzled how a lot time I used to waste standing in line! We used Genie+ for Haunted Mansion, Small World, Massive Thunder, and Indiana Jones. We additionally may have used it for Star Excursions and House Mountain however sadly I had a headache within the afternoon and we ended up castling a number of the greater rides.

The Parade

I cherished the Christmas parade! That is most likely one among my favourite parades I’ve ever seen at Disneyland. There are twirling reindeer, an icy Frozen float, a complete Santa’s Toys part that includes Toy Story (intelligent!), and Christmas ball showcasing all of our favourite Princesses. Plus the music was too cute!

The Fireworks

I used to be adamant about watching the fireworks, as I sometimes go to Disneyland for my birthday in January and the climate has cancelled the fireworks present on each single journey my total grownup life. I hadn’t seen the fireworks at Disneyland since I used to be 17 years previous! 

My expectations had been excessive and, whereas the Imagine…in Vacation Magic present was lovely, it was not as spectacular because the fireworks exhibits of my teenage years. It was additionally a bit melancholy, which suited me simply superb as I’m grieving nevertheless it was form of stunning that the fireworks present didn’t have extra Christmas cheer. I did love that it snowed within the park after the finale although!

Be warned: this was the one time that we had been on the citadel at night time however I used to be not permitted to take pictures earlier than or after the fireworks. The solid members barked at me to maneuver alongside after I tried taking a fast pic of the citadel on my telephone (not even of me with the citadel) and we by no means did return so if you’d like citadel pictures at night time, plan accordingly. It’s out of fee for over an hour.

Galaxy’s Edge

This was my first time seeing Galaxy’s Edge! The stroll to the realm by Critter Nation was somewhat underwhelming, as you hit the road for Rise of the Resistance earlier than you possibly can actually see that you simply’re in Galaxy’s Edge. Seeing as we had a lightning lane for the trip, we did the trip earlier than I ever “noticed” the land. Very unusual! Galaxy’s Edge appears very cool and I’d like to spend extra time there however there wasn’t a heck of quite a bit to do. Seeing the Millennium Falcon positively made me cry. It’s simply as awe-inspiring as you assume and the picture go possibility was wonderful. 

As for the rides, Rise of the Resistance completely lived as much as the hype. Some theme park fanatics I observe have lamented that with out the modern queue, the trip isn’t all that a lot and I couldn’t disagree extra. The observe itself is so thrilling, with an surprising route, a quick Tower of Terror-esque free fall, and even getting “pulled” by the power through Kylo Ren. I actually may trip this trip time and again and once more! I’m so glad we received to trip it twice. 

Smuggler’s Run was a little bit of a disappointment. I had excessive hopes nevertheless it’s half online game and I hated having to look right down to do my engineer duties as an alternative of sitting again and having fun with the trip. Whereas it’s superior to be contained in the Millennium Falcon, you miss quite a bit wanting down and gained’t have a fantastic expertise in case your driver isnt’ expertise. It’s just like Star Excursions however, for my part, not pretty much as good.

Are you able to imagine we packed a lot into ONE DAY at Disneyland!? I’m so glad I lastly received to see it the park throughout Christmas. It could have been my first Christmas go to nevertheless it actually gained’t be my final!

Glad holidays,