The Merriest Place on Earth 2014

Category: Activities, Performances, & Events

 

Disney Merriest Place 2014-1

It’s that time again – the time when The Happiest Place on Earth becomes The Merriest Place on Earth. Disneyland Resort has transformed into a winter/holiday wonderland and is all decked out in its holiday finest.

 

Of course, when you enter Disneyland, you’ll notice the beautifully decorated tree, but look beyond that to see Sleeping Beauty’s “Winter” Castle. It’s adorned with 20,000 ornaments and sparkles with all the “snow” and glitter. Don’t be surprised if you see Aurora walking around the park.

 

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By now, if you’re familiar with the transformation, you know The Haunted Mansion, The Jungle Cruise, and It’s a Small World attractions get transformed into holiday-themed rides, as they always do this time of year. It’s fun to see the changes to the animals in The Jungle Cruise and of course, Jack Skeleton in The Haunted Mansion. It’s a Small World is especially merry with the theme of the winter holiday season running through the world.

 

These attractions have completely changed for the season. But they’re not all. Main Street U.S.A. in Disneyland and Buena Vista Street in Disney California Adventure are decked out in their holiday finest too. There are almost 79,000 ornaments and about 2,000 feet of garland decorating Main Street. And let’s not forget the nearly 10,000 lights.

 

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And over on Buena Vista Street in Disney California Adventure, there are approximately 3,000 lights on the tree. No, I didn’t count them myself. Instead, I took the word of the people who actually did. Who could have time to count the lights when there are so many fun things to do and see at Disneyland Resort? I recommend you leave the stats to the pros and take advantage of all the sights, sounds, and definitely food.

 

Disney Merriest Place 2014 -sofiaAnd, besides the attractions, which we all love, keep your eyes open for holiday themed parades and pop up concerts around the parks. “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade is now 20 years old and one of the longest running parades in the resort.
And across the way in Disney California Adventure, loveable Olaf hosts the amazing “World of Color-Winter Dreams” light show, with visits from Anna and Elsa. Don’t miss this! Frozen is the show of the year and I saw more Anna, Elsa, and Olaf t-shirts and dresses being worn, as well as dolls being carried, this year than any other character, with the possible exception of Mickey Mouse.
The “Believe in Holiday Magic” fireworks display is stunning. No one can put on a fireworks display like Disney does.

 

Holidays at the Disneyland Resort are an annual event for many families. I can honestly say that this year was the most crowded I have ever seen it. The word is getting out that celebrating the season amidst the fun and magic of Disney is the thing to do. So, if possible, my recommendation is (shh) if you can play hooky, visit the resort on a weekday. Of course, you didn’t hear that from me. But if that isn’t possible, then by all means, go any time you can. Nothing says “Happy Holidays” like a day at the Disneyland Resort!

 

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment business for 20 years. She also writes about technology and has been a travel writer for the past 12 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

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