Disneyland with kids By Michelle Rae Uy
Christmas tree on Main Street U.S.A at Disneyland (Photo: Michelle Rae Uy)
An impressive Christmas tree towers over the festively decorated Main Street U.S.A., and even at 10 in the morning in the first week of December, the holiday spirit is alive and well in the Happiest Place on Earth. From the wreaths and glistening ornaments to the Christmas parades and the occasional singing in the streets, there’s no denying that the holiday spirit is alive and well at Holidays at Disneyland Resort.
Here are five fantastic, kid-friendly reasons why you should visit Disneyland with the kids this holiday season.
(MORE: How to Make the Most of Your Disneyland Getaway)
1. The streets come alive, Fiesta style, with music, dancers, colorful flags and massive mojiganga puppets of Santa and Mrs. Claus during Disney ¡Viva Navidad! at California Adventure, letting families get a vibrant taste of Christmas with that special Latin America flair before the big kids head off to ride the more thrilling rides. Then head to Paradise Garden Grill for a Mexican holiday feast.
“it’s a small world” Holiday (Photo: Michelle Rae Uy)
2. There’s a reason why the little ones (and some adults) adore “it’s a small world” and its wonderful message. But this Christmas, you’ll find the inspiring ride more uplifting than ever. “it’s a small world” Holiday will have you singing the most popular Christmas jingles in different languages and gazing in awe at the sparkling, stunning holiday displays from the Americas all the way to Asia and the Middle East. Keep an eye out for Jasmine on the Magic Carpet, Ariel, and Lilo and Stitch.
3. The holiday season isn’t complete without ice skating. Luckily, Olaf and his Frozen friends are kind enough to lend families their ice rink. The centerpiece for Downtown Disney’s Winter Village, Olaf’s Frozen Ice Rink gives families a chance to show off their skills on the ice, a rare treat when you’re vacationing in the always sunny Southern California. Go round and round that 30-foot tree to the most festive songs with the whole family, and remember to explore the picturesque Christmas Village after. Adults’ admission is $17 while kids (ages 3-9) admission is $15, and includes skates and helmets.
A Christmas Fantasy Parade (Photo: Michelle Rae Uy)
4. Not just one or two but seven… Seven Disney princesses join Santa and his reindeers on one of the jolliest Christmas parades you’ll ever see. Find a comfortable spot on Main Street U.S.A, it’s a small world, or Matterhorn Bobsleds with your warm cups of hot cocoa, and watch the flurry of holiday floats with your favorite Disney characters glide along during A Christmas Fantasy Parade. See the princesses and their princes have a ball of a time, watch the reindeers prance, send kisses to Anna and Elsa, and give Santa a big wave. And of course, get those cameras ready for the perfect moments.
A Christmas Fantasy Parade (Photo: Michelle Rae Uy)
(MORE: How to Celebrate the Holidays in Southern California)
Haunted Mansion Holiday (Photo: Michelle Rae Uy)
5. Top your Disneyland holiday off with a merry ride around the Nightmare Before Christmas-inspired Haunted Mansion for a joyful Haunted Mansion Holiday. Join ghosts, ghouls, Jack Skellington and the Hatbox Ghost as they celebrate the holidays in their own special way. See their pumpkin-decorated tree, their ghostly presents and their gorgeous cobwebby ball. Even the skeletons in the graveyard cannot help but join in. After your tour of the mansion, remember to walk around the pet graveyard.
There are a number of family-friendly hotels and resorts around Disneyland Resort to stay in during your visit, but to complete your Disneyland holiday experience, all the onsite Disneyland hotels (Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel, Disneyland Hotel Anaheim, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel) offer personalized Christmas In-Room Celebration for an even merrier stay.
Michelle Rae Uy contributed this to MiniTime. She is a travel writer based in Los Angeles and MiniTime’s Head of Content, who spends her free time on adventures and film photography.
