How can you make the most of your holiday visit to a Disney theme park? Well, if you’re planning a trip to either Disneyland or Walt Disney World this holiday season, there are plenty of things to do and see. But besides going on the holiday themed attractions, eating the holiday food and seeing the holiday shows, there’s a lot of great ideas for gifts at the park while you are there. And since we have been listing our picks for holiday gift-giving, here are 5 ideas to consider when visiting the parks!
Unique Disney Gifts – You almost can’t HELP but find unique Disney gifts specifically at the theme parks. We’ve mentioned Alex and Ani before (because they are uber popular and become rare collectibles), but there are tons of other gifts exclusive to the Disney resorts that might make your visit memorable. The Disney Parks Blog just mentioned that Ray-Ban was releasing a limited edition pair of sunglasses on both coasts only available at each resort. And for the really cool (and inexpensive gift at $12.99), if you’re lucky you can get an exclusive handmade candy cane from the Disneyland resort (for some reason it’s only at the Disneyland resort). Read more about it on our blog post.
Signing Events – During the holidays, you can pick up an exclusively signed print of some wonderful Disney artwork or other memorabilia while you’re visiting. Walt Disney World is having a cool “Game Night with Quynh Kimball” who did the graphic design on some Disney-fied classic games like Monopoly, Clue, and Life. He’ll be present at Once Upon A Toy in Disney Springs on Dec. 16. Or if you’re in Anaheim, head over to the Artist Showcase at WonderGround Gallery on Dec. 17. There you can meet artists like Jerrod Maruyama (one of our favorites) along with other very talented artists. Pieces vary in cost but expect to pay at least $40 for an unframed work of art.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – I don’t know why this is only at Walt Disney World (Disneyland got candy canes, but WDW got this?), but there are still nights available for this private party. My family and I only have been to a couple at WDW but many at Disneyland like Mickey’s Halloween Party and they are ALWAYS worth the price of admission. Less crowded, more character experiences, really great for families and little ones (as long as they got their nap) because you can do so much in so little time.
Festival of Holidays and Holidays Around the World – Although I haven’t been to the Holidays Around the World at Epcot, I have been to Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure and can tell you it is a lot of fun! And although free to attend (with your paid admission to the park), it will set you back when it comes to food, souvenirs, and cool unique gifts. It is seriously a lot of fun and both are similar from what I’ve read.
Holiday Time at Disneyland Tour and Disney’s Yuletide Fantasy – This is my favorite and I saved it for last. Again, I haven’t done the Yuletide Fantasy Tour at WDW, but the Holiday Time Tour is incredible and I’ve done it twice already. Each time it was a blast. Front of the line on Jingle Cruise, Small World Holiday, and Haunted Mansion Holiday; seats at the Christmas parade; hot chocolate in a souvenir mug; a special gingerbread cookie; and a beautiful pin as well as a great examination of the holiday season at the park. More than worth your time and money, but make reservations well in advance as they do sell out.
Hopefully, these ideas will help to make your theme park holiday even more fun. I’d love to know about your experiences and what you like best.
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