Disneyland/California Adventures in Dec?

[minniefan]

Hi all. It's so nice to have a chance to get back online and see and hear from everyone again. Stever (DH- 33), Gracie (DD-4) and I (31) are planning a trip to Disneyland/California Adventures in December of 2005. At this time we're planning on staying at Grand California (thanks mostly to DCfromVA's great recommendations and reviews!)

A few questions...

How soon should we start making hotel reservations for December of 2005?

How long of a trip should we plan for this resort area (all we're planning on doing is Disney (sad but true.) with a 4 year old? Would 3/4 true days (not including travel days) be enough or will we get bored?

What is the weather like in California in December? We've never gone to this side of the continent, being the WDW freaks that we are.

Anyone done the special holiday attraction type festivities they have? On the planning videos they look wonderful. I'm so excited.

Thanks for all help you can give. Also, what are some not to be missed attractions with a 4 year old? I've never seen the park from her perspective before. This will be a whole new experience for me, taking my daughter.

[dcfromva]

minniefan,
I think 3-4 days is a nice amount of time, but I would not spend all the time at the parks. I would definately come back to the hotel for some relaxation time.
December is an awesome time to go with everything Decked out for Christmas. (The big tree on Main Street USA is real and smells heavenly!). IASW and HM and Storybook land have special decorations inside the rides. <sigh!>
What time in December are you going?
Last year, they had special activities. I would have given anything to be able to go a week or so prior to Christmas. One of the special Activities was making Ginger Bread houses... After DS graduates HS and is out on his own, I made a promise to myself that DH and I are going to go to DL at during that time of the year and just soak up the atmosphere, et'c and do all the special things...
-DC :ears:

[dcfromva]

Link to some of last December's Special Activities (http://www.wdisneyw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20581)

Make your own Gingerbread House (http://www.wdisneyw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20582)

[tajainaz]

Be sure to take some comfortable, warm clothing. You don't need snow/ski clothing--unless you're driving and plan to visit the snow--but it can be pretty nippy even during the day. Equally, it can be in the 80s! I have a photograph of my father in swimming trunks showing off my new two-wheel bicycle one year on Christmas day! I think it was in the 70s that day.

As with WDW, layered clothing tends work best. You can add and subtract layers as the weather changes throughout the day.

If you rent a car, you might want to check out local holiday light displays. I don't know of any specifically in the Anaheim area, but if you listen to local television and radio stations, they usually announce areas where the residents do a really nice job. Due to cost, most turn off their lights by about 10 pm. Viewing holiday lights was one of our special holiday traditions.

You should have a wonderful time. The parks will be decked for the holidays and everyone (okay, most people!) will be in good spirits.

Enjoy!


__________________
Taja http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0304/natur/nature-smiley-016.gif

[PsychoAlice]

woohoo! Another person coming to visit my home!! Err Disneyland!

I can go for 5 days and NEVER get bored..and just going to Disneyland and DCA! And I have been there more times than I could count! Like DC and Taja said it can get cippy out! bring sweat shirts and just in case a winter jacket..if the wind picks up itll be a lifesaver! Have fun!