Christmas in the Parks

This time of year is very special for me in so many different ways. My very first trip to Disneyland was in November 1998 with my Mom. Growing up with a single Mom, going to Disneyland was a trip we both could only dream about. As an adult, that dream came true and together we were able to celebrate the Christmas season in a very special Disney way. It was a trip that I will forever hold dear to my heart and means even more now that she is gone.



1st Trip to Disneyland

On November 18, 2006, Steph proposed to me next to Sleeping Beauty's castle. I don't think I stopped crying for 2 days; every time we walked by our little bridge I would start all over again. We were sad to see that our little bridge has been taken away with the new renovations of Plaza Gardens. I wonder if we could get our hands on it somehow? Oh, and recognize the date? It is Mickey & Minnie's birthday! How appropriate that my engagement ring was a Mickey Mouse ring bought from the jewellery store on Main Street.

And then in December 2010, we brought Steph's parents and his sister for their very first visit. Born on Christmas Eve, Steph got to spend his birthday in Disneyland; an experience he would repeat in Walt Disney World in 2011. Spending Christmas in Disneyland with Steph's family was unbelievable. Although it was really busy and rained a lot, it didn't dampen our Christmas spirit.

Christmas season is such a beautiful time to visit a Disney park. There is extra Disney magic in the air and the Christmas spirit surrounds you. In celebration of this special time of year, we thought we would share with you some pictures through the years as we visited Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

We are sad that we will not be visiting a Disney Park this holiday season, but we are glad that we have such great pictures that capture such great memories.

Christmas Cheer and love to you all,
Melony & Steph

Disneyland 1998

Simple decorations but still beautiful

1998 was only the second year that "It's a Small World" had lights

Disneyland 2006

Setting up the Main Street USA Christmas Tree

Setting up the annual Disneyland Christmas parade. Randy Jackson & Ryan Seacrest

First time seeing the Haunted Mansion Holiday version

Does anyone remember these in front of Disney California Adventure?

Disneyland 2010

Downtown Disney

Goofy's Tree at Goofy's Kitchen

Same Mrs. Claus 4 years later.



Donald is so cute in his Christmas sweater!

Christmas Eve is extra special in Disneyland. Not only is it Steph's birthday, but if you stay until park closing, a lot of special characters come out to say goodnight. We loved see all the rare characters and especially loved see the characters in their pyjama's!

Walt Disney World 2011

With only a few hours in Walt Disney World, we made sure we optimized our time. We knew that we wanted to see as much of the Christmas festivities as possible, but we had to narrow it down. Our first stop was Epcot for Christmas around the world.

Epcot

We love Epcot; it's our favourite park in Walt Disney World. At Christmas, Epcot hosts Holidays Around the World - Candlelight Processional. A special guest narrator tells the story of Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus while a beautiful choir sings traditional Christmas songs. One cannot help but be in a Christmas Spirit after seeing this wonderful show. You may even want to have some Kleenex on hand.

The show opens up with the lights dim and the choir holding candles

Our narrator, Susan Lucci, graced us on her birthday to celebrate Christmas

The real Santa & Mrs. Claus. AMAZING!!! 

Hollywood Studios

We didn't think we would squeeze it in, but are we ever glad we did. A short but amazing trip to Hollywood studios gave us the most spectacular light show we have ever seen. It literally took my breath away. These pictures don't do it justice, but we hope you enjoy!

 Magic Kingdom

Merry Christmas from Mouseward Bound!