Holidays at Disneyland

Characters in Christmas sweaters, a snow-topped castle, garlands all over-- who would've thought the happiest place on Earth could get even more magical?

Okay, technically, Disneyland is in Anaheim and not in Los Angeles. However, it is just a 30-minute drive from the city. The resort itself is split into two-- the eponymous Disneyland Park, and California Adventure. For me, the two has always had two different images: the former was the classic while the latter, a more contemporary theme park for those seeking more-- well, "adventure". Unfortunately, one day would be impossible to split between both parks. Hence, we had to choose just one and make the most out of it; of course, we chose Disneyland Park. 

Disneyland Park itself is also divided into segments, each fashioned in a different way. Currently, it has 8 lands: Main Street USA, Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Mickey's Toontown, Critter Country, and New Orleans Square.

As is the usual layout of Disney parks, the first you see upon entering would be Main Street USA. There, you'll find different arcades filled with souvenir items, novelty foodstuff, and more.

I don't remember who said this, but the trick to exploring a theme park would be to work your way clockwise. Apparently, most people start with the ones on the right, so by doing it the other way around, you avoid the throngs of people and deal with shorter queues. Well, supposedly, that is. Following this logic, we then headed to Adventureland first.

The first ride we boarded was Jungle Cruise-- err, I mean Jingle Cruise! It was definitely amusing seeing the attraction modified for the holidays. Not only did they put Christmas decorations all over the entrance and waiting area, but the names of the boats were also changed to make them more Christmas-y. They also added some holiday cheer into the story that they tell during the tour, and also some-- gasp!-- destroyed cargo of decor scattered all over the jungle.

Tarzan's Treehouse (known as Swiss Family Treehouse in other Disney parks, if i'm not mistaken)

Pineapple soft-serve ice cream, also known as Dole whip

After the Jingle Cruise, we headed further west into New Orleans Square. The place definitely had a Christmas- meets - Mardi Gras vibes. This land houses one of the rides that (I think) one should never miss during a visit to Disneyland. I'm talking about the ever-classic Pirates of the Caribbean, always with a long line of people. Did you know that the movie series was actually inspired by this ride? You'd think that it'd be the other way around, that a ride was inspired by a movie, as most attractions in the theme park. Another trivia about POTC: rumor has it that the ride has, or rather, had actual corpses as part of the decorations. I wasn't able to take photos inside because it was too dark, but it's a boat ride that glides you across different scenes of "The Pirate Life" made of wax figures moving to the tune of an all-too-familiar cheer.

Also in New Orleans Square is Haunted Mansion. Like POTC, a film of the same name was also made based on this theme park attraction. For the season, the ride was renamed to "Haunted Mansion Holiday", and refashioned a la Tim Burton's "A Nightmare Before Christmas". It was truly delightful seeing the setting overlaid with various decor, turning the gloomy house into a vibrant spectacle of spook.

Jack Skellington

Of course, we had to sneak in between all the rides some photos by the castle before the sun went down. In case you are wondering, the castle is Sleeping Beauty's. You will also find Aurora's castle in Hong Kong Disneyland and Disneyland Paris (have not been to France, sadly). If you're hoping to see Cinderella's Castle, the place to be would be Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, and Tokyo Disneyland (can't wait to see it soon!). Apparently, Shanghai Disneyland's castle is entirely different.

Finally gave in and bought a pair of Minnie ears for myself! Also wearing a Mickey baseball shirt from HK Disneyland last 2016

Crossing over to the east side, we visit another portion of Disneyland: Tomorrowland. The beauty of heme parks is how it is meant to make you feel like you're in different parts of the world. Tomorrowland, on one hand, takes you out-of-this-world. It is home to all things futuristic, sci-fi, space-- you get it. And yes, there is a Disney film named after this specific themed land. Here you'll find Star Tours, the famous indoor high-speed coaster ride Hyperspace Mountain (originally known as "Space Mountain", but recently renamed in line with its Star Wars remodel), and my personal favorite ever since I was a youngling-- Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters. 

Back in the heart of Disneyland, we joined the crowd eager to witness the afternoon parade traversing the length of Main Street USA and going past Fantasyland. Several iconic Disney characters and classic Christmas personalities made their appearance, all garbed in festive attire and aboard grandiose floats.

Now to Fantasyland-- Sleeping Beauty's Castle and the land beyond that. Another classic attraction that got the holiday makeover was It's a Small World. Honestly, I didn't like this attraction growing up; I found it lame because it was all just dolls singing the same song on loop. We usually skip this ride, but since it looked different for the holidays, we made an exception and checked it out. In fairness, the whole thing was entertaining. The line was hella long, but the light display of the façade was stunning. Every half-hour or so, the lights would even go off and it would project different images. Inside, they showed Christmas and New Year traditions all over the world, and also incorporated some Disney characters into the sets!

With the skies dim and the day coming to a close, it was time for the spectacular fireworks display. Of course, we wouldn't miss this show for the world. It's always such a moment of wonder, a few minutes where everything feels perfect. It's like all worries are forgotten as you watch the sky light up to complement the colors of the castle and the sounds playing in the background. The way the castle froze in white at the end and snow (although artificial) fell to the tune of "White Christmas" was just perfect. Christmas at Disney Parks and Resorts is truly something worth experiencing. It's always a perfect way to end a day of exploring the park.  Definitely a highlight of every visit.

An accidental bokeh

(Photos are from December 2016)

Sigh, writing about this whole experience (like every post I make anyway) makes me want to go back so bad. Definitely one of my favorite moments from our trip. I'm sure that no matter how old I am when I revisit (in two years or ten, whenever), I will always feel young and happy there-- Disney has that effect on everyone, trust me.

Until next time,