It’s nice and cool out. I can’t get over it, after the long, miserable summer. I’m so happy! The parks were packed over Veterans’ Day, and we’re going to have a teeny lull before Seasons of the Force and Holidays launch on November 16th at the Disneyland Resort. I hope to be able to see both sometime before they end.

Santa Claus is Coming to Critter Country

Now that Big Thunder Ranch is closed, Santa had to find a new place to meet and greet guests during the holiday season, so he’ll be hearing wishes and taking photos in Critter Country this year – and, who knows? – maybe every year hereafter. It shouldn’t cause a terrible crowding problem even though it’s presently a dead end; the Pooh ride isn’t wildly popular, and it’s a nice, quiet little corner of the park; the theme fits well to Santa being there.

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Time for Holiday Time

It’s Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort, and that means it’s time for the “Holiday Time at Disneyland” tour. They still haven’t figured out a holiday DCA tour yet, but I have faith, and believe in the dreams of the magic of wonder that there will be one someday. They like to change it up a little bit every year, so it is an annual favorite for many people. It’s good for everyone who can handle a good walk (or wheel). Toddlers and babies tend to get bored and fussy, and you really do get a brisk walk in. It’s $85.00, but comes with some nice perks, including a pin that is different each year and a button that you can personalize. The guided tour is available between November 13, 2015 and January 6, 2016.

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You’ll discover “The Merriest Place on Earth” as Disneyland does a diamond-studded mashup of its 60th Anniversary and the Holiday season this year. I was afraid it would end up looking garish, but they decided to go with classy, and the resulting effect is really lovely. You’ll get to see how they did it, and what traditions Cast Members have been carrying on for years here. Especially nice, especially noting the price tag above, is that you’ll get reserved seating for the Christmas Fantasy Parade, unless the weather decides otherwise, which includes a “delicious treat and warm beverage”.

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The tour also visits attractions that have been dolled up for the holiday. So for the 85 bucks, you get a tour, reserved seating for the classic Very Merry Christmas Parade, a snack (probably from Disneyland’s stellar bakery), a hot drink, a pinback button that you can’t get anywhere else and a limited-edition trading pin that they don’t sell in the stores. That’s not a bad deal. Actually, every tour gives you a pin, and some give lanyards or buttons or other swag unless they happen to run out that day. Small print and all that. Read it. Always. Everything always subject to change without notice forever. Theme Park admission is not included. Call (714) 781-TOUR (8687) to make reservations up to 30 days in advance or for tours in languages other than English, or for same-day tours, walk-up and see if they have any availability. It’s at the Tour Garden to the left of City Hall, just before the tunnel.

New Star Wars Season of the Force Arrives in Tomorrowland

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As I said earlier, there’s a mashup this year: Holidays at the Disneyland Resort begin Nov. 13, combining the 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration with seasonal celebrations. Holidays at the Disneyland Resort will have attractions, entertainment, decorations and themed food (keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for those), through Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016. But what’s this? A triple mashup!

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Media previews of Seasons of the Force begin tonight.

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They tell me:

“An additional celebration adds to the holiday cheer beginning Monday, Nov. 16 when Star Wars Season of the Force arrives in Tomorrowland in Disneyland, inviting guests to explore the Star Wars galaxy with new experiences, themed food and merchandise. Star Wars Launch Bay will take guests into the new film Star Wars: The Force Awakens with special exhibits and peeks behind the scenes, including opportunities to visit with some favorite Star Wars characters. Hyperspace Mountain, a reimagining of the classic Space Mountain attraction, takes guests into an X-wing Starfighter battle. On Star Tours – The Adventures Continue attraction, the journey takes guests to one of the locations from Star Wars: The Force Awakensthe latest film in the Star Wars saga, which premieres Dec. 18, 2015.” (In case you didn’t know. Did you know there’s a new Star Wars movie coming out? I know, they’ve been so secretive about it.)

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I used to love to come to Disneyland at Christmastime because you could shoot a cannon down Main Street and not harm a soul if you wanted to. The park was peaceful and beautiful and the Christmas music echoed through the nearly empty park. They would let locals in on a shopping pass, to go in, buy some stuff on Main Street, then come out again within an allotted time. Now I go because there’s so much to see and do, but it’s a lot harder to get there and it’s a lot more crowded. But it’s worth it to go. The tree is amazing! The castle and Carthay Circle theater are bedecked with decorations that set off their diamond anniversary additions perfectly. Each land has its own themed decorations (I was hoping to see princess-themed and Alice-themed decor in that part of Fantasyland this year, but save something new for later, right?) …and I think I already mentioned the FOOD, right? Plus, when Santa’s not in Critter Country, he’ll be over at Disney California Adventure…because he can’t be two places at once, for goodness sake. I saw him in his civilian clothes buying a corndog from the Main Street wagon a couple of days ago! A-Christmas-Fantasy-parade

“A Christmas Fantasy” parade, Mickey and Minnie, the Toy Story gang, Chip and Dale, Goofy, a passel of Princesses, Geppetto’s Toy Shop, snowmen and my beloved Toy Soldiers from the Disney classic “Babes in Toyland” starring Annette Funicello. It ends up with Santa and his flying reindeer, of course.You’ll be singing the song and making the hand and arm motions in your subconscious for days afterward!

Have you seen the “Paint the Night” Electrical parade yet? It’s so popular, and so dang good, they kept it for the holidays. I wonder if they can change those 800 billion LEDs (or however many there are; it’s some mind-boggling number) to holiday images. I wonder what the Disneyland Starbucks cups are going to have on them. Stick with me here, they can both change for the holidays, right?

I’ve spoken with people who love “Disneyland Forever,” and people who hate it, but never anyone who is middle ground. I like it. I’m a Steve Davison fan, though, I might be biased. Some people are upset that it doesn’t have park music like the last two shows. The last two shows used music from the park. Why do another one? Skip it for one show, then go back to park music, even. Walt built Disneyland on Animation money, and he built WED (Imagineering) on Mary Poppins money (hence MAPO). So, it’s kind of cool that they pay homage to animation and Mary Poppins a little bit. Plus, Dick Van Dyke recorded his piece especially for the show. So cool.

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it’s a small world” Holiday The new snowman scares me for some reason. I love this attraction so much, and I love the makeover so much. It’s the perfect holiday attraction. It honors the original while honoring the spirit of the holiday as well. Just really, really well-done. If you can be out in front at the moment in the early evening when the lights on the attraction turn on; it’s truly breathtaking. Try to do that at least once.

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Haunted Mansion Holiday Also a fantastic overlay; my only beef is that you can’t see the Haunted Mansion on Halloween any more. I wish they’d start the overlay on November 1 (so the Mansion would be in its normal creepy clothes for Halloween). Every year, there’s a new gingerbread house in the ballroom, and this year, it’s a house of cards, complete with cute little zombie gingerbread men construction workers. Can anybody tell me where they got those adorable skeleton goblets? They’re fantastic.

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Jingle Cruise, As disrespectful to the original attraction as the present attraction, thank goodness, the World Famous Jungle Cruise continues its lighthearted look at the wildlife of the world with a holiday twist when a cargo of Christmas decorations drops into the jungle!

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Some Holiday Thoughts

This year Santa Claus brings holiday cheer to Disneyland guests in a new location in Critter Country, specially designed for him by Winnie the Pooh and his friends. I like it.

I wonder, since they’re going to be showing two versions of “World of Color”  (the 60th version and the holiday version) if they’re going to make guests clear the area, or if they’re going to let them “double-dip”. They’ll be showing the holiday-themed show, “World of Color − Winter Dreams,” with host Olaf the snowman along with classic winter scenes from beloved Disney and Disney●Pixar films such as “Bambi,” “Toy Story” and “Frozen,” and ALSO the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, “World of Color – Celebrate” show with Neil Patrick Harris as host to finish out the night. I wonder how this will work with dining packages, too.

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I’ll let them run with this one:

“The warmth and festive spirit of Latino holiday traditions enliven Holidays at the Disneyland Resort with “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” The lively holiday experience adds merriment to the season at Disney California Adventure Park Nov. 13, 2015 through Jan. 6, 2016, joining the ongoing Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration festivities. “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” fills the Paradise Garden area of Disney California Adventure with jubilant dancing, exciting music, holiday foods and crafts, and appearances by some popular Disney characters. The exuberant “Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party” is a daily highlight of the celebration.

Disney characters participating in “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” include Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Goofy in their festive costumes along with the Three Caballeros: Donald Duck, Panchito from Mexico, and José Carioca from Brazil. Paradise Garden is decorated with holly, banners and Latino cultural icons, including traditional “papel picado” – hand-cut paper art decorations.

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The lively “Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party” takes over Paradise Garden several times a day, featuring the Three Caballeros on a colorful holiday float, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse on brightly decorated street tricycles, Brazilian samba dancers and drummers, and flag bearers. The street party draws on long-standing traditions that continue to be practiced today in small towns and cities across Mexico, where townspeople celebrate the holidays by processing down cobblestone streets with Mariachi bands, folklórico dancers, larger than life “mojiganga” puppets and colorful flags.

'DISNEY ¡VIVA NAVIDAD!' (ANAHEIM, Calif.) –Mojiganga puppets of Santa and Sra. Claus make their way through Paradise Garden at “¡Disney Viva Navidad!” at Disney California Adventure park, a celebration of Latino culture and seasonal traditions, all part of Holidays at the Disneyland Resort. Returning Nov. 13 through Jan. 6, 2016, there’s no better time to create magical memories with loved ones at the Disneyland Resort. Disneyland park transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland with beautiful décor, snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A. and the return of “it’s a small world” Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday. This year, the Diamond Celebration adds even more sparkle to the festive entertainment with A Christmas Fantasy parade, “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!,” “Paint the Night” and the “Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular. (Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland Resort)

At the Paradise Garden bandstand, guests may enjoy performances by traditional Mariachi, Norteño, and other regional music groups. Also at Paradise Garden, community music and folklorico troupes will perform on the weekends. “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” guests will enjoy fun arts, crafts and storytelling, as well as a selection of unique merchandise.

Dining locations in Paradise Garden add an array of popular Mexican food options. Menus will feature Mexican dishes that are often served for the holidays, such as fresh seafood ceviche with citrus vinaigrette, house-made pozole (hearty stew), chicken mole, street-style tacos, sopes de Barbacoa (shredded beef), Champurrado (Mexican-style hot chocolate), sweet tamales, torta al pastor (pork sandwich) and cinnamon-dusted buñuelos (deep-fried sweet treat) with caramel sauce.

Capping off “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” will be the special five-day celebration of Three Kings Day (Dia de los Reyes) January 2 through 6, 2016 in Paradise Garden. Traditional Rosca de Reyes bread will be served in honor of this special holiday.”

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“Olaf’s Snow Fest” is coming back to Stage 17, and with it, I hope, the white chocolate cocoa with peppermint marshmallows. Olaf will be there to meet and greet his adoring public, there will be snow play and mild toboganning (sp?) lots of places for parents to sit and some great entertainment, food and even a little shopping.

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Cars Land, has a seasonal billboard, decorations all over, and each residence is decorated appropriately to the taste of the cars that reside there, while nearby “a bug’s land” has giant Christmas lights and holiday ornaments, celebrating the holidays in a BIG way. It’s eternally New Year’s Eve at that big hotel nearby, however.

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“Olaf’s Frozen Ice Rink.” at the Downtown Disney Winter Village has ice skating for people with smaller feet, and eight adorable little chalets from which you can buy stuff like hot cocoa. Ghirardelli’s also has a pop-up store in the old Starabilia’s/Apricot Lane store.

Knott’s Gives Passholders a Christmas Present

On Nov. 20th from 7pm – 11pm Knott’s Merry Farm will be open exclusively for Season Passholders. They’ll be able to enjoy the full park with all of the rides, including the Timber Mountain Log Ride, the Calico Mine Train, and Voyage to the Iron Reef. There will also be delicious holiday food and beautiful decorations, plus previews of their seasonal shows: “Merry Christmas, Snoopy!” ice show, Snoopy’s Merriest Tree Lighting, “Christmas Time is Here, Charlie Brown”, and more.

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Also,

  • The debut of the 2015 Christmas Pin from the Pin Trading Collection (Pin is available for purchase. Limited quantities available.)
  • 20% discount on Cordelia’s original recipe Berry Market line of Preserves (available inside Santa’s Christmas Cabin)
  • A free keepsake ornament (Limited quantities available. Limit one per family.)
  • Food specials & more!

A valid 2015 Knott’s Regular, Gold, or Platinum Pass required for entry. One entry per pass. Passes are non-transferable.

And that, my friends, is our Christmas delight. Are you in for the holidays or the new Star Wars frights?

See you again on Tuesday folks. By then, all the Disneyland Star Wars Christmas fun will have launched. I expect to hear all about if from you. Please share with us in the MiceChat forums.

Much thanks to television and movie star Peter James Smith for the additional photos today!

If you want to reach me I’m on Twitter, on Facebook, and also available at [email protected] . If you’d like to support Fab News, I’d appreciate it. You can pledge a dollar or more a month throuh Patreon or you can make a one-time donation of a dollar or more through Square. Just click on the banners below. Thanks!

Shelly Valladolid
Shelly Valladolid, aka Fab, has been writing about Disney and theme parks for about two decades. She has written for various fan and pop culture sites, Disney Magazine and OCRegister.com and participated in several books, including Passporter's Disneyland and Southern California and Disney World Dreams. She was co-founder and president of the Orlando, Florida chapter of the NFFC (now Disneyana Fan Club). She taught a class on theme park history at a Southern California University. She is creator and co-owner of Jim Hill Media, one of the creators of MousePlanet and was a consultant on MSNBC, The Motley Fool and others about Disney and various media matters. She was a Heel wrestling manager on TV and a voice artist on the radio in Honolulu, HI, where she grew up. She has a blog and a podcast with her daughter, Mission:Breakout Obsessive Alice Hill. She and her husband, MiceChat columnist Noe Valladolid, live in Southern California with Alice.