It’s the merriest time of year, and nowhere is that more true than at the Disneyland Resort. My family had the opportunity to attend the Holiday Bloggers Event at the Disneyland Resort, and we can’t stop talking about all of the fun we had.
One thing to keep in mind during the Disney Holidays season, or any time of year to be fair, is there’s so much to do. With the countless rides and attractions to experience, the treats to eat, and the characters to meet, you really do need to have a rough plan in place. What are the must do’s for each guest? Although I really wanted to do all of the holiday offerings, we had to pick our favorites.
Merriest Cruises at Disneyland
And just as the sea calls to my boat-loving father, iconic boat rides call to me. Two of my favorite attractions this holiday season are boat rides: “It’s a Small World” Holiday and The Jingle Cruise.
“It’s a Small World” Holiday
Baby Poppy is oblivious still, but her room is decorated with imagery from “It’s a Small World.” It was part of my plan to subliminally pass along my love for the merriest cruise in the world – and I think it’s worked!
“It’s a Small World” showcases children from around the world, singing the beloved theme song. For the holidays, the children sing carols as you sail from one country to the next. You’ll see various holiday traditions represented and a few Disney characters stop in to make the seasons bright. All of the children are dressed in the holiday attire of their nations, but the most magical part is to see all of them united as one when the costuming is all white.
But it’s not just the ride that will have you gleaming. The 300,000+ lights on the exterior of the façade are just gorgeous, as is the 3D projection on the clock face. It truly is beautiful inside and out.
To see Poppy light up on her first voyage made my heart melt. The sheer joy on her face proves this is one boat ride you just can’t miss.
The Jingle Cruise
Gone missing are all the holiday shipments! Resort guests and their trusty skippers are on the lookout throughout the jungle as the family-favorite Jungle Cruise transforms into the Jingle Cruise.
The jokes are still corny (but that’s what makes them charming), and the hippos are still bubbling. However, what’s new are the festive additions. The lions have found themselves a new friend in a delicious looking reindeer, and the primates have gotten mixed up in decorations. This Adventureland attraction is a fun one, and perfect for when your family needs a break from the fast-paced rides like Big Thunder Railroad.
Head on over to check out what Trader Sam has in store. Just make it a point to avoid angry rhinos!
The holiday season at the Disneyland Resort will continue to make guests merry until January 6, 2015. I can’t wait to share a little more of our family’s fun.
What are your favorite holiday attractions?
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
They are the best rides aren’t they? We love them.
Pennywise Cook says
I have never been able to visit Disneyland. We live on the other side of the country. But if I could, I would love to try the It’s A Small World ride. Is it similar to the one at Disneyworld in Florida?
Danielle K says
Fun! I’ve never been to DisneyLand but we love those rides at Disney World 🙂
Andrea Kruse says
I haven’t had a chance to take my kids yet, but hope to in the next year or so! Love that they put a Christmas twist on some of the classic rides.
Holly says
I knew they did up the streets but didn’t know they also did up the rides. I love that Disney is making the holidays all around you.
Valerie Remy-Milora says
Oh what fun! I love “It’s a small world” It’s such a magical ride. I have not taken my little one to Disneyland yet but I know she would probably love this ride the most.
Jenn says
I am dying to take my kids to Disney. That jungle cruise looks amazing!!
HilLesha says
I have never been to the Disneyland Resort, but I could use a vacation like that this time of year! 🙂
Nina Say says
Ahh this is making me look forward to our trip to Disneyland next year! Seeing these photos has given me so much nostalgia. I love Disneyland so much 😀
Stephanie Keeping says
Wow! Looks fun! I would love to go sometime.
LyndaS says
I am pretty sure I have been to Disneyland, but it would have been when I was a toddler so I don’t remember anything. My favorite holiday attraction(s), locally, would be the homes decorated with Christmas lights.
Danielle says
We love the holidays at Disneyland. Always such a merry time! And everyone is so happy.
Libby's Library says
We used to live 45 minutes from the entrance to Disney World. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve been there…as a family, with school groups and with friends. BUT, I’ve never been to Disneyland. It’s on my bucket list.
Penelope says
Oh my gosh, these look so wonderfully fun! I can’t wait to take the boys..it will be a DREAM for them!
Jennifer H says
We are always big Disney fans. We visit Disney World at least once a year.
Mary W says
I love Disneyland and always wanted to go during the holidays. It looks so beautiful and It’s a Small World has been my favorite ride since I was 9.
Jenn says
Aww, look at that face! You can tell she’s enamored with everything around her.
Kimberly Grabinski says
My kids would love this! I can’t wait to be able to take them to Disney!
Lynsey @MoscatoMom says
How CUTE! I had no idea they made them all Christmasy! That is so cool! Poppy’s face is priceless – that makes it totally worth going. Oh, and no matter how old I get – It’s A Small World will probably always be my favorite ride at Disney.
Debi says
I think the look on the baby’s face says it all. It looks magical
Digna D. says
We are all Disney fans. Would love to go visit again soon. Thank you for sharing.
Tammy says
How super fun is that?! We went on a Disney cruise over New Year’s Eve once and it was the most incredible New Year’s Party we have EVER attended!
Vanessa: thequeenofswag says
We went on both yesterday. Truly the merriest cruises ever. So much fun.
Emily says
We love Disneyland so much. Each year they seem to go above and beyond to find new ways to make the holidays magical!
Jesica H says
I’m glad they change up the corny jokes for the holidays…at least you get to see something different on that ride once in a while. 🙂
Liz Mays says
Her expression is just priceless! I love that go Christmas-y with these cruises!
Donna says
I want my son to experience this before he gets too much older. And the look on your daughter’s face is just what Liz said, “Priceless”!
Tonya {The Traveling Praters} says
I haven’t visited Disneyland but I love “It’s a Small World” at Disney Land. Last time I was on the ride, someone in back of me stated that they hope Disney never updates it. I agree- it’s such a great classic.
Colleen says
I would love to visit Disney World during the holidays but I don’t know if we will make it up there this year.
Ty says
Oh, what fun! I’ll be taking my daughter here next year for her graduation.
Raijean says
My friend just visited yesterday, she said it was magical. I’m going to have to check it out next year.
Avry Byington says
My daughter is leaving for Disney this week with her dad. I must admit I am jealous esp. this time of year!
Marcie W. says
We took a family vacation to Disneyland during the holiday season last year and just loved seeing everything so festive. I have been visiting Disney since I was little but this was my first Christmas time trip. We will definitely be back to do it again!