Disneyland in December is so much fun. The festive lights, the treats and so much goes into the making of a magical experience. Disney California Adventure offers the same holiday sparkle, but in my opinion the crowds are not as intense. Disney California Adventure’s Festival of Holidays is a vibrant celebration that embraces the festive spirit of the season. From the moment you step into the park, you’re enveloped in a world of joyous music, tantalizing aromas, and a kaleidoscope of colors that make the holidays truly magical at Disney. A nice relief for parents travelling to Disney that want to give that holiday magic experience to their kids, but also find some enjoyment in it all.
If you’re looking for a Disney Day Planner that can help you plan your next Disney Day Trip, here’s the one I’ve created and use myself!
Here are some helpful tips that will help make your next holiday season trip to the park an enjoyable experience!
Dress Warm and in Layers
You never know if you’ll have a sunny warm day in December here in Orange County, but more often than not it will get chilly at night. So, remember to bring a sweater for all. I always recommend a good sneaker and if you can go with a lightweight fanny pack or satchel, do so by all means.
Take Time to Walk and View the Holiday Decor
DCA is adorned with beautiful holiday decor, in between rides take the time to find some good photo ops for you and your family. These are picture-perfect moments. Capture the magic of the holidays with picture-perfect backdrops. You won’t regret it! This year Cozy Cone Motel was transformed with Christmas lights and garland.
Delicious Seasonal Holiday Food
Okay, this is probably my favorite part about Disney during the holidays. From warm churros dusted with cinnamon sugar to decadent holiday cookies, there’s no shortage of sweet options to satisfy your cravings.
If you’re overwhelmed by the lines at Disney the lines for food at DCA seam a bit more bearable. You’ll want to check out Holiday Duets next to the Grizzly run. I mean take a look at the menu options:
- Savory Kugel Mac & Cheese
- Chorizo Queso Fundido Mac & Cheese
- The Holiday Duet
- Cranberry Christmas Mule
*Yes, an adult beverage for the parents to toast to an evening of family fun!
Sweet Holiday Treats
We almost never leave DCA without stopping by at Trolley Treats (near the entrance/exit to DCA). Our daughter always asks for a cake pop and we love that that the cake pop design changes to match the season. This time she opted for the snowman. I opted for the Mickey Gingerbread Cookie. It was delicious! So soft and big enough that the three of us shared. And, yes my daughter insists on trying a little bit of everything.
This is the best part of DCA now, you don’t have to do a full sit-down restaurant as an option for lunch or dinner. You can really eat as you go, taking breaks to enjoy all the holiday views.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
Here are some tips to help you enjoy the festival to the fullest:
- Plan Ahead: Check the schedule for showtimes and plan your day around the performances you don’t want to miss.
- Sample the Food: Purchase a Sip and Savor Pass to save on food and drinks. This is a great way to try a variety of dishes without breaking the bank.
- Stay Comfortable: Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers to stay comfortable throughout the day.
- Capture the Memories: Make time to take photos to remember your magical day!
As you plan your trip to Disney for the holiday season, keep in mind that there is never a slow season at Disney. In our experience this season, we found some lines longer at Disney then DCA. But this just means that you should spend time taking in the views, fun and good food! This is also a great time of the year to buy some Holiday gifts towards the end of the night. Get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of the holidays at Disney!
Happy Holidays!
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x,
The Sun Queen