Photo Update 11/16: Christmas Parade, Castle Lights and Fireworks from afar

[Mac Daddy]

Okay...so I hauled my sorry butt out of bed and decided to go for it, sneezing and all, and the kids thought it sounded fun. I warned them about the crowds and we were not disappointed by the amount of people who showed up. Fortunately, there was still parking available...waaaaaaay on the top of Mickey and Friends, and a healthy wait for the tram that made us nervous that they might start turning people away. We got into the park just before 5:30 and found just about the last two curbside spots for the parade.

But the COOL part....

I'm not sure if they are still doing the lighting of the tree, but they ARE doing the lighting of the castle and all I can say is......

I'm speechless.

At 5:30...ish...the lights went down, the music started, and a little kid's voice was telling us he or she wanted it to snow. Mom said to be patient...it was just about to start...then...










The castle lit up and it was snowing all over Mainstreet and the hub....at 5:30 PM!!


SOOOOOOO COOOOOOOOOL!

On the not so cool side, word must have gotten out about the holiday season beginning tonight. 20 minute wait to get into Mickey and Friends, 25 minute wait for the tram, 10 minute wait at the gates....and finally were in. Only to find...




Lots, and lots, and lots, and lots of people...







Soon, after munching on chicken strips, dodging toddlers, and feeling the press of waves of humanity from all sides.....it was time for the parade.


Before the parade, Giselle made a trip down Mainstreet in a horse drawn carriage. Sadly, as I am still getting used to a new camera, I missed nearly all of Giselle. All I could manage was...



and...




As I was still fighting with my camera, I barely got some of the characters that came down in the preview with Giselle...




Having read the trip reports from those who watched the WDW Christmas Special taping, I was expecting some changes to this year's parade, i.e. Tinkerbell skating and Santa Goofy at the end with moving eyes.

So...I was a little bummed to learn that it was pretty much the same parade from last year. No tinkerbell and Goofy was back with Max on a different float. Santa Santa was on the last float. Don't get me wrong. It's still a wonderful parade...but I was looking for those new touches this year.


The wind up doll is always such a great way to kick off the parade...







Where do they find these limber performers?




Next came the toy soldiers. I think these guys...and gals....are amazing. How they can see and keep time and play with that precision is beyond me...










Click here for Part II

Click here for Part III

[k_peek_2000]

YAY! Did you get video?

[Rex Dopey24]

oh wow thanks.

[Oswald the Rabbitt]

Great pics cant wait to see the rest

[ChristyS]

Oh my goodness. The castle looks absolutely breathtaking. I can't wait to see it in person! Thanks for posting such wonderful pictures.

[Dan - Tasmic!]

It looks purdy!! If you got video, please share it!!

[Mac Daddy]

Originally Posted by k_peek_2000

YAY! Did you get video?

No video. I have a lousy video camera...but two or three others said they might have something up by tonight.


ALSO.... My LDF tip for the day:


The food lines tonight looked to me like they were approaching 1/2hr to 45 minutes. Rancho Z had a line that was on it's way back to the shooting gallery. Even though most resturants were busy at 5:30, I went directly to the Golden Horseshoe which had a good crowd....but the show was almost over.

Feeling kind of stupid, (the lights were off behind the counter and it looked closed) I went up to the EMPTY counter and asked the nice CM if I could still order food. And she said YES! NO LINE WHATSOEVER!!!

Minutes later, I was schlepping back 4 chicken strip dinners for the kids who were saving me a spot for the parade.

Just wanted to give y'all a heads up as we are heading into the busy holiday season. There have been nights after a Candlelight performance that you could expect at LEAST an hour wait for food. If you are tired and just want some food, keep the Golden Horseshoe in mind. But make sure it's just before the last show ends for the day.

[BCC]

I was there tonight as well for the premiere lighting!!! I got chills watching it...and the coloration of the castle made me feel cold...

[Nicole220]

I was there tonight.

OMG the castle looks amazing!! It's so pretty!

[Ex-SmallWorld CM]

BEAUTIFUL pictures! Seeing them makes me want to go back this year! Thanks for sharing them,

[Pressler69]

Take advantage of the weekday if you can. Disneyland is open until midnight the whole week. I get out of class around 9:30-10:30PM during the week and I can wait to hit the park right after. I'm hoping people leave the park early because it's technically a school/work night until Wednesday, though a fair amount of people will probably play hooky this week.

[Disney Analyst]

so they brought back the overhead garlands? or were those back last year too and I'm just dumn...

[Melonballer]

Originally Posted by Disney Analyst

so they brought back the overhead garlands? or were those back last year too and I'm just dumn...

The garlands across Main Street were there last year.

[iluvdisney01]

I can't wait to see it for myself tomorrow!!!

[IndianaJenn]

Just got home from the park. The castle looks so gorgeous it brought tears to my eyes.