Trip Report Christmastime and Thanksgiving at Disneyland 2022 (Completed)

ajrwdwgirl · Dec 15, 2022

Day two November 24

I found a few pictures on Brads phone that I should share from the day.

Earlier in the morning we had a meet up with Dr. Strange.

Brad's first time on WEBslingers.

Just a cute picture of Mickey on his own.

Decorations on the main tree.

Pictures with the characters at Storytellers.

ajrwdwgirl · Dec 15, 2022

Day two November 24

After brunch at Storytellers we had gone into the lobby of the Grand Californian to check out the gingerbread display but we also looked at the treats for sale too, we ended up buying the mickey gingerbread. We didn't eat it there but did have it later and it was delicious and we are not really gingerbread people.

There were some other tempting treats but we only bought the gingerbread.

We had eaten a big meal and we were a little sleepy, it seemed like a long walk back to our hotel but there are some very comfortable chairs in the GC lobby. We ended up finding the most comfortable ones, but not together and talking a nap (for about 30 minutes).

The atmosphere and the music (see the live piano player) created the perfect napping atmosphere.

I woke up to people sitting down on the couch next to be with their snack, but they were also discussing the altercation between guests that had just occurred in the lobby and had involved police and security. Apparently I slept through it but this was a picture I snagged in the aftermath.

After our naps we headed over to DCA again and wanted to catch the Viva Navidad street party. There were people waiting along the route and we were able to snag a good spot, only to hear the announcement 2 minutes later canceling the show because of the wind. Ugh.

So we continued along Pixar Pier and I had to share my disgust with Viva Navidad being canceled.

ajrwdwgirl · Dec 15, 2022

Day two November 24

Next on our route was the Pacific Wharf and we were able to catch the last three songs of the Mariachi Divas set (they are fantastic too, look them up on Youtube) and we found a spot at a table in the incredibly crowded seating area. The people at the table connected to ours must have been locals because they had brought in their own holiday dishes and were having a little feast with snacks they had gathered around the park. Anyway, they had bought a large sourdough loaf from the Boudin Bakery there and it was in the shape of a turkey. I pointed it out to B because I thought it looked cool and I reminded him that we planned to buy a festive loaf (either a tree or a snowman) later in the trip. Well the people hear me talk about it and offered us the turkey. They said they had only bought it for a prop for their Thanksgiving pictures and hadn't eaten any of it and they guy said he had met his carb limit for the month. Brad and I were surprised and happy with their generosity and accepted. I got to carry it around in my backpack because it didn't quite fit in B's. But hauling it around for the rest of the day was worth it. We had some when we got home and then I froze it up and took some out yesterday to eat with my snow day chicken wild rice soup, delicious!

Soon it was time for the Toy Solider Drummers which was nearby and we got a prime spot to stand. It was a fun show.

Then we cruised through Carsland on our way to Avenger's Campus and ran into Cruz.

Oh the pictures are out of order but we rode Toy Story Mania too, separate cars because we can't compete nicely.

Then we saw the new Wakanda Forever character do his little show in Avenger's Campus on our way through. I think he looked like the guy from the movie a lot, we saw the character again later in the trip and the guy playing him didn't look like the movie guy at all.

ajrwdwgirl · Dec 15, 2022

Day two November 24

After seeing the Wakanda guy Brad decided he wanted to see the Dr. Strange show. I had asked if he wanted to see it as we entered the land because the line was just starting for the next show and he told me no at that time and that we would do it later. I had asked if he was sure because the line was short and we would get a good spot. But now he wanted to do it and the line was significantly longer. I was annoyed because unlike the Spiderman show where you can see it from many good spots without waiting or just walking up, the Dr Strange show has limited space and waiting is required for a good space and if we had gotten in line when I asked we would have gotten a good spot. Anyway, we just barely got into the show and we had to stand near the back, luckily the people in front of us were short. B was surprised that we didn't get a spot to sit, and I was like "really dude?!". Anyway the show was good and I was glad to see Thor back in the show, when I saw it this summer the America girl was in the show.

When we got out of Dr. Strange people were gathering for the Avengers holiday show and we decided to watch it again since we wouldn't be blinded by the sun this time.

Then we waited in a long line for this picture and I'm not pleased with how the pictures turned out, but it is what it is. This is the best of the bunch. The line wasn't super long with people it was the photopass photographer that felt he had to have a 5 minute conversation with everyone that made it long. Also the family in front of us, the dad gave the photographer some spiel about a "fortified" drink mix he sells and gave the photographer samples. It was odd and felt like a drug deal was going down. When it was our turn the photographer didn't chat with us and instead rushed us along and we got cruddy pictures in which I look drugged.

ajrwdwgirl · Dec 15, 2022

Day Two November 24

Spent some time just wandering the park, taking in the decorations and checking out stores. We did ride Monster's Inc via a lightning lane (the regular line was 50 minutes!) and we rode separately because the vehicle rows are a little small. I was taking a picture of Roz in her santa hat at the end and she spieled something about the girl (me) taking her picture so that was a fun touch.

I think the bears in their Christmas sweaters are so cute!

Soon it was time for Phat Cat Swinger's first set, so we watched them and even danced a bit.

ajrwdwgirl · Dec 15, 2022

Day two November 24

We had checked in and gotten our wristbands for the World of Color dessert party and then we wandered some more. B got a hummingbird cocktail at one of the Festival booths, it was very tasty (strong too) and sweet. I think we watched Phat Cat's second set and then went back to the World of Color dessert line to get seated. We had a nice high top table that we shared with one other person. He wasn't very talkative at first but Brad broken him down with his friendly midwestern questions. The desserts at the dessert party had a holiday theme and were okay, we were really there for the relaxing seat and better view of the show.

View from our table for World of Color

Desserts. The guy at our table offered us his grapes but neither of us like grapes either so we all had a good laugh and that's when we chatted more with each other.

Our magicbands lit up during the show. I propped mine against a glass on our the table (and so did brad then) so we could watch them and the show at the same time.

The show was the holiday one, Winter Dreams, so that was fun to see. The Santa Anna winds were still in force so the water projections were a little blurry, but we enjoyed the show.

ajrwdwgirl · Dec 16, 2022

Day two November 24.

One more picture of World of Color

And I like that at the end of World of Color shows there is always a little post show as people exit, and since we had a nice seat in the dessert party section we sat and watched. Oh I forgot to include that the dessert party does have some alcoholic offerings, B didn't want any of the cocktails listed so he ordered 2 beers for me and I ordered 2 beers, so I had an enjoyable show!

We were getting tired and had thought about hopping over to Disneyland to end the night but in the end we just slowly made our way out of the park and back to our hotel.

One of the fun Christmas windows.

Good night DCA!

ajrwdwgirl · Dec 16, 2022

Day three November 25

Today was Black Friday but no massive shopping fest for us, it was a Disneyland day

Ready for fun waiting for the park to open.

And we were first to a turnstile.

Everyone has a mad sprint down Main Street, but not us, we wander.

And we still get a front place at the rope.

ajrwdwgirl · Dec 16, 2022

Day three November 25

B and I had also stopped for a photopass in front of the tree before making it down to the hub for our place at the rope.

It was nice to be at the rope before they let the resort guests in so I could get some empty park pictures. While we were waiting we chatted with some people around us and about 5-10 minutes before the park opened to all guests this lady came pushing through the crowd with her kids (who looked to be about 8-10). She wedged herself next to me and then lifted the rope and asked to herself basically why there were people going in and why she couldn't, then she ducked under the rope and told her kids to follow. We all stood there shocked as she darted around the path to tomorrowland and over by the castle beckoning her kids to follow. Her kids protested and said no and asked her to come back. Someone asked the kids why her mom did that and it turns out they were maybe resort guests but couldn't find where to go for that entry. I'm thinking she really wasn't a resort guest. But anyway the kids refused to follow her and she took off down the main path by the the Matterhorn! She left her kids behind!!!! And what did the cast members do? Nothing, they were over to the side facing the Partners statue immersed in their own conversation. It was so weird. If I would have been one of her kids I would have been so mad, but kudos to the kids for doing the right thing and waiting for rope drop instead of sneaking in. I think they should have abandoned their mom for awhile and ignored her phone calls and texts but they seemed like good kids.

Alice and Snow White were down this morning so we did other Fantasyland attractions and had a photo shoot in front of the castle.

93boomer · Dec 16, 2022

ajrwdwgirl said:
Day three November 25

B and I had also stopped for a photopass in front of the tree before making it down to the hub for our place at the rope.
View attachment 685752

It was nice to be at the rope before they let the resort guests in so I could get some empty park pictures. While we were waiting we chatted with some people around us and about 5-10 minutes before the park opened to all guests this lady came pushing through the crowd with her kids (who looked to be about 8-10). She wedged herself next to me and then lifted the rope and asked to herself basically why there were people going in and why she couldn't, then she ducked under the rope and told her kids to follow. We all stood there shocked as she darted around the path to tomorrowland and over by the castle beckoning her kids to follow. Her kids protested and said no and asked her to come back. Someone asked the kids why her mom did that and it turns out they were maybe resort guests but couldn't find where to go for that entry. I'm thinking she really wasn't a resort guest. But anyway the kids refused to follow her and she took off down the main path by the the Matterhorn! She left her kids behind!!!! And what did the cast members do? Nothing, they were over to the side facing the Partners statue immersed in their own conversation. It was so weird. If I would have been one of her kids I would have been so mad, but kudos to the kids for doing the right thing and waiting for rope drop instead of sneaking in. I think they should have abandoned their mom for awhile and ignored her phone calls and texts but they seemed like good kids.
View attachment 685753 View attachment 685754

Alice and Snow White were down this morning so we did other Fantasyland attractions and had a photo shoot in front of the castle.
View attachment 685755 View attachment 685756 View attachment 685757 View attachment 685758 View attachment 685759 View attachment 685760

Well that Mom probably got an earful from her kids, I hope! Wow some people.
I love the pix of you and Brad!

ajrwdwgirl · Dec 16, 2022

Day three November 25

After our castle photo shoot we headed into Adventureland and admired the jungle Christmas tree and rode the Jungle Cruise. We did miss the Jingle Cruise, it was a fun overlay that Disneyland hasn't done in years, luckily it still happens at WDW.

I pointed out the home of Patrick Begora to Brad, Patrick is the Little Man of Disneyland (there's a little golden book story about him). Normally there are a lot of people standing in front of the tree and you can't see it so I was happy we could check it out this time.

Then we rode Indy and of course someone looked into the eyes of Mara again and we had a rough adventure.

Then we went to New Orleans Square for Pirates and it was interesting seeing all the scaffolding open on the treehouse.

And then we took a ride on the wildest ride in the wilderness!

ajrwdwgirl · Dec 16, 2022

93boomer said:
Well that Mom probably got an earful from her kids, I hope! Wow some people.
I love the pix of you and Brad!

Thanks!

I hope the kids gave their mom and earful but she probably yelled at them for not following her.

ajrwdwgirl · Dec 16, 2022

Day three November 25

We headed back to Main Street to check out the first show of the Dapper Dans. They were on the trolley so we followed behind the trolley to listen and they did stop at one point for a couple songs. After their show we hopped on the trolley and rode back to the hub.

Christmas decor in Frontierland.

ajrwdwgirl · Dec 16, 2022

Day three November 25

We headed over to lunch at the River Belle Terrace, we had an early lunch because I wanted the Fantasmic package for the first show of the evening. For the Fantasmic dining package at River Belle you just ask for it at check-in, it isn't a pre-book situation. River Belle gets mixed reviews but we have found the food to be fairly tasty and solid.

We both started with the gumbo. I got the mac and cheese and a oreo cheesecake. I guess I don't have pictures of Brad's food but he got the burnt ends grilled cheese and a vanilla pudding dessert. After lunch we used a lightning land for Haunted Mansion Holiday.

cgersic · Dec 16, 2022

Waiting for @amjt660 Max on this one... is the creeper guy with the creeper lady who's eye is on B's shoulder?

amjt660 · Dec 16, 2022

ajrwdwgirl said:
so he ordered 2 beers for me and I ordered 2 beers, so I had an enjoyable show!

Max

amjt660 · Dec 16, 2022

cgersic said:
Waiting for @amjt660 Max on this one... is the creeper guy with the creeper lady who's eye is on B's shoulder?

Oh yeah - they are together - a match made in heaven!!

What - you never saw someone taking a picture before??

And dude its time to grow up - shorts and a winter coat while you play pocket hockey ??

Max

ajrwdwgirl · Dec 17, 2022

Day three November 25

I decided to get some pictures during the ride, I was somewhat successful.

ajrwdwgirl · Dec 17, 2022

Day three November 25

And a few more pictures of the haunted Mansion holiday. This was the best I could get of TB e gingerbread house in the ballroom. It changes every year.

ajrwdwgirl · Dec 17, 2022

Day three November 25

Next up was Galaxy's Edge, we had two goals. Brad wanted to try the Bounty Hunter game. I decided to give it a whirl too, let's just say it is not for me. When you scan into the game it gives you a mission to find a "person" and the Magic Band pulses and changes colors like a game of hot and cold and you need your phone to scan doors to find the person. Brad completed his challenge quickly and I had trouble and I was getting irritated. Well Brad finished my mission and we were coming down the steps of the marketplace, and we ran into the second reason we went to Galaxy's Edge which was to find the Mandorlian and Grogru.

Brad was super excited about this and may have run over to him. Brad really wanted a picture with Mando but he wasn't really stopping much. So Brad asked him if he had any tips for bounty hunting and that's when Mando stopped and briefly talked to Brad. It was neat to see baby yoda move around a little in the bag and fun that B got a fun interaction with Mando. I was able to get a quick 6 second video (I have no idea how to upload it here and that's fine) and after meeting Mando B sent it to his friend who is a big Star Wars nerd too and his sons were in awe of the interaction too.

Cool to see the troopers but I was on my "mission" and getting frustrated.

You can tell by Brad's face that he is freaking out but trying to be cool in the moment.

And just a fun little droid bed.

I know that Hollywood Studios has the Star Cruiser and I guess that is why they are so committed to the sacred Star Wars timeline, so they don't have the characters like Mando or Boba Fett and that girl Feneck Shan or whatever like Disneyland has. But I really don't think anyone really cares about the timeline and just want to see the characters of Star Wars in Star Warsland. So I think WDW should get these fun characters too and if they are worried it wrecks the timeline, then don't have them out when the Starcruisers are "on planet".

Trip Report Christmastime and Thanksgiving at Disneyland 2022 (Completed)

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