And just like that . . . it’s Christmas! The Festival of Holidays is once again serving up festive treats in DCA, Small World Holiday is the merriest cruise that ever sailed, and red and green fireworks will return to light the night sky.
We shot these photos before the holidays began, but there’s still lots to see. Hints of World of Color’s return, Bing Bong still missing in action, garland, garland, garland, and lots of holiday cheer. So, put a little jingle in your jangle and let’s ho, ho, ho on over to the Disneyland Resort.
Christmas Time!
On Wednesday, there were still a few signs of Halloween at DCA. But by today, everything should be merry and bright.
Vintage toys adorn the base of the tree.
Christmas Entertainment Schedule
The holiday entertainment schedule is extensive. We’ll be sharing photos and video throughout the holiday season. But a quick glance shows a couple of things. First that there’s more offered at DCA. And secondly, that World of Color still isn’t listed. But more on that in just a bit.
DCA Holiday Entertainment
• Viva Navida!– Paradise Gardens Parade Route-Bayside Brews: 12, 1, 2:15, 4:15, 5:15, 6:30
• Princess Elena’s Musical Grand Arrival-Paradise Gardens Parade Route-Goofy 12:35, 1:50, 3:25, 4:50
• Phat Cat Swinger Concert– Paradise Park: 8:15, 9:15 (WOC timeslot Replacement)
• Blue13 Dance Company– Paradise Park: 12:45, 1:25, 3:15, 4:15
• The Sound– Paradise Park: 4:55, 5:55, 6:55
• Mostly Kosher-Pacific Wharf: 2:30, 3:30, 5:30, 6:30, 7:50, 8:50
• Holiday Toy Drummers-Paradise Gardens Parade Route-Tower: 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 2, 3, 4
• Mariachi Divas-Pacific Wharf: 1:40, 2:40, 4:30, 5:20
• AP Corner– Paradise Gardens: 11-5
Disneyland Holiday Entertainment
• A Christmas Fantasy Parade-Parade Route: 3:30, 6
• Believe In Holiday Magic Fireworks– 9:30
• Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle Transformation: 7, 8
• IASW Projection Show: 5:15, Then half past and top of the hour from 5:30-11:30 (skip 9:30)
Fantasmic will run primarily on weekends with additional holiday week performances.
Festival of Holidays
The layout of the Festival of Holidays food booths is similar to previous years and stretches the parade route of Disney California Adventure. The Sliders booth has been relocated to the Grizzly Peak area (near the San Francisco bathrooms).
Signs let you know which holidays the booth celebrates.
In addition to the Festival, the park has been decorated for the holidays.
40’s style pine-boughs have been strung up on Buena Vista Street.
Cars Land decor has an automotive theme. It was still being installed on Wednesday. Tire trees, wrench snowflakes, air filter garland . . .
Redwood Creek is the home for Santa. They were still setting up his meet and greet a couple days ago.
Hollywood Land decor is simple and scattered.
Holiday treats have replaced Halloween.
There are some new flavored popcorn bags.
Marvel land construction
Bugs Land removal and clearing is now well underway. Though, there are a few views which will show us how things are going.
These views are just slivers of the old Bugs Life Theater. Part of the facade has been removed and the giant mural has come down.
Luxo Jr.
Last week we showed you Luxo, who has been perched upon the Pixar Pier marquee at long last. It’s funny, but most guests don’t seem to pay attention to this cool animated figure.
Meanwhile, at the back of the pier . . .
Bing Bong
A certain imaginary friend STILL Hasn’t made his appearance . . .
He’s supposedly a simple figure. Wonder what the holdup is.
Save this space for the Inside Out attraction.
World of Color Season of Light?
There has been all sorts of speculation on the World of Color holiday show. When the giant present boxes showed up in the stadium area (which set the bubble snowflakes aloft) talk of an imminent return heated up. You’ll also find some tarp covered light barges which have been anchored at the back of the lagoon. But the show still doesn’t appear on the park entertainment schedule.
But not all of the boxes have been installed.
You’ll also note that the work tents and most repair equipment have been removed from the platform.
There is one hoist still on the platforms.
So, will World of Color make an unscheduled appearance this holiday season? The signs point toward progress on the platform. But I’m not counting on a speedy return. Though it certainly looks as though they’ve put all the pieces in place to begin performances when they are ready.
Warming Huts at Grizzly
Knott’s Berry Farm and other parks have long had family drying huts at the exit of their raft rides. Now Disney is getting into the act. And you can see that they are quite popular too.
Dashing Grizzlies
The big bear outside Grizzly River has worn his holiday best for several seasons. Now his little brothers are getting into the act as well.
Looking sharp guys!
Blue Sky Cellar Star Wars preview
Blue Sky still features Pixar Pier, but plans are in the works for Star Wars to take over the space in January.
Disneyland
Meanwhile, over at Disneyland, the tree has gone up in Town Square.
The hanging Silver Ragwort buckets in Town Square have sprouted ears.
Beyond the Parks
The parking structure continues to go up at a rapid pace.
Star Wars
As long as we are at parking’s edge . . . let’s look at the Galaxy as well . . .
Downtown Disney
These photos are just a couple days old and already out of date. The pumpkin towers have already replaced gourds with stained glass.
The dead center of the new World of Disney features Christmas. Colored LED lighting and video projections help dress up the area.
Disney is still claiming that Ballast Point will open this fall. They’d better hurry, fall is almost over and it doesn’t look anywhere close to being done. We hear that Black Tap is even further behind.
The VOID is preparing a new Wreck-It Ralph experience. But don’t worry if you haven’t done the Star Wars experience yet. They’ll offer both options on different days.
Show Your Ears
More walls to take your photo in front of. This back corner of DCA’s Hollywood Pictures Backlot is filled with them.
On a personal note, I’m working with Make The World A Better Place on their Breakfast with Santa event on December 1st. We’ll be providing meals and presents to over 500 children in need. To help make this possible, there’s a silent auction going on right now which concludes tomorrow (Saturday). You’ll find it interesting because Disney Legend Bob Gurr has many signed items in the auction as well as an opportunity to attend the taping of his radio show and have lunch with him on the Universal Studios backlot!!!
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Thank you for reading everyone! We’ll have more for you later this week from DCA, Downtown Disney, and Disneyland holiday updates. Are you sad to see Jedi end? Concerned about entertainment cuts? Looking forward to the Festival of Holidays? We look forward to hearing from you in the comments below.
