Chrismas in Disneyland for the first time in forever!

Christmas 2006 in Disneyland with Mickie and Minnie!

 

I have not been to Disneyland during the holiday season since 2006. Fifteen long years! Nearly half my life! It's not that I haven't been to Disneyland, because I have.

Summer 2007. Halloween 2016. Halloween 2017. Summer 2019.

But no Christmas! And I've never been for Easter, or really any other time of year, but that's a post for another day...

So now that the parks are open again, I am going! I'm so excited! I had my dates selected before the parks even opened, or knowing what the procedures were going to be. And I'm going far enough out that I still have no idea how things are going to look!

Will fireworks and parades be back? Can I hug my husband, Goofy? Do I need to wear a mask on Splash Mountain? Is Haunted Mansion Holiday happening?

All major questions that I don't have answers to, and likely won't until closer to my trip. I desperately want pictures with characters, but I feel like that will be the last thing to return. Likely early 2022.

I'll also be making a day trip to Universal Studios Hollywood which I haven't been to since...I can't even remember. But It's been around twenty years!

I can't wait!

World of Color (California Adventure)

World of Color has to be Disney's best show. I've only seen it once, but I was absolutely blown away. And I had actually stumbled upon it one night by accident. I was walking past while it was already going and could just hear the music from the bench I decided to park on, and knew I was going to have to try to catch it the following night, which I did! It's set on the water and it's basically a huge laser light show with water and fire and smoke and music.

It plays iconic scenes from Disney films including The Little Mermaid, Pocahontas, The Lion King, Pirates of the Caribbean and so many more! The lights and water all change to match the music, and it's really an incredible experience. I cried during the The Lion King portion, because it just evokes so much emotion! And the Pirates of the Caribbean part was absolutely epic! This is not a show to miss. Make sure you grab a Fast Pass for it if you're ever in California Adventure! There's even suppose to be a new special Halloween edition this year!

Pirates of the Caribbean (Disneyland vs Magic Kingdom)

It's time for the ultimate pirate battle! Or at least, me answering the question of whether Anaheim or Orlando has the superior Pirates of the Caribbean ride. My very quick answer is...Anaheim! Disneyland wins easily over Magic Kingdom, and not just because the former has been my favorite ride since I was like 4. Orlando's just seems like a knock-off. A good one, but still not quite up to par.

My main reason is the opening of the ride. In Disneyland, you take a slow tour of the bayou with crickets chirping, banjos playing, and the Blue Bayou diners enjoying their meal (depending on what time you go). Then you're greeted by the talking skull before he sends you to your fate. In Magic Kingdom, you get on, meet the skull, and then are sent on the rest of the ride. There's no build up. It's like they're trying to get you on and off as quickly as possible. It's no wonder I look so puzzled in my ride photo.

It's Tough to be a Bug (California Adventure and Animal Kingdom)

It's Tough to Be a Bug is a 4-D show at both California Adventure and Animal Kingdom, and it's one of my favorites! My mom also enjoys this one a lot! The ending always cracks her up and makes her squeal! I won't spoil it for you if you've never been, but it's pretty unexpected! I will say be prepared for sights, smells, and sensations!

I'm pretty sure the show is exactly the same in both parks, but I haven't seen the California edition in several years. My mom and I didn't stop by A Bug's Land in 2017, and in 2016 they were showing an extended preview of Moana (which was excellent!) in the theater. But in 2018, I dropped by during my Disney World trip and it reminded me of just how fun this show is. I do know that the queue is better in California.

Just be warned, small children might get scared. It's dark and at one point the audience is attacked by giant spiders. There's always one family that leaves with a crying kid. Other than that, this is a really cute and funny little show.

Disneyland Park

Disneyland is always going to hold a very special piece of my heart. It's basically where my Disney obsession blossomed and grew into this massive thing. I can't even tell you how many times I've been there. I think I was four during my first visit, and I went yearly with my parents until I was 12. After that, we went a couple more times. I went with friends, my school, by myself, and finally with my mom for my birthday in 2017.

Disney California Adventure Park

Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure Park!

California Adventure is my least favorite park that I've visited (as of 2018), but that's not really saying much since I still think it's a lot of fun! I think it's about on par with Hollywood Studios in Orlando, but that one wins because it has my favorite roller coaster. California Adventure is also where I spend the most time with my mom, because she loves those giant turkey legs! Last time, we grabbed two, some water, and headed back to the hotel to enjoy our lunch and some movies.