Haunted Mansion Holiday. it’s a small world Holiday. Wintertime Enchantment lights on Sleeping Beauty Castle. Done. Next?
All kidding aside, those are three completely valid reasons to visit the Disneyland Resort this holiday season. But in case you’re not 100% sold on the idea yet, I’d like to introduce three more reasons. They may be smaller in scale than an entire illuminated attraction facade or park icon, but they’re a few of my special little reasons that keep me hooked on visiting Disneyland during the winter months.
1) Once Upon a Time
First, I know we’ve touched on it before, but Story Time with Deadpool (brought to you by Disney+) has received some holiday touches. Deadpool comically regales everyone with favorite Christmas tales while wearing a Santa suit finished with custom touches. As if that wasn’t enough, of course, Wolverine shows up, adding a sweet “best friend” dynamic for the cheery holiday season. It pushes the envelope for what you might not expect from a Disney park offering, but it is Marvel after all. And for that reason I’m including it here.
2) Jingle All the Way
While you’re in Disney California Adventure, you won’t want to miss the holiday decorations in Cars Land. But above all else, do NOT miss Mater’s Jingle Jamboree. This attraction is, yes, simple in nature, but oh so fun. I know we essentially have the same thing in Walt Disney World with Toy Story Land’s Alien Swirling Saucers, but it’s just not the same. It’s giving “we have Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree at home”.
There’s nothing quite like hearing Mater sing “tractor, tractor, tractor” to the tune of Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel amongst a decorated junkyard. It’s worth the plane ticket alone, trust.
3) Fluffy & Nutty
And last but certainly not least, let me introduce you to my new best friend. The sad part is they’re only in town for a short visit… The Peanut Butter Marshmallow Churro. You can find this perfect Disney snack at the churro cart in Grizzly Peak. It’s only around as part of Disney California Adventure’s Festival of Holidays. (Heads up: we went back to grab another within the last hour of DCA’s operating hours and the cart was already closed! Grab this one early and often.)
Please believe me when I say: this was the best churro I’ve had in my life — well, it was a close call with the cannoli churro from the park’s Food & Wine Festival earlier this year.
Well, are you sold yet? I’m still recovering from the time difference and already looking at when I can return for Disneyland’s holiday season!
Bonus suggestion – you’ll definitely want to pick up some matching holiday sweaters and pose for a few photos with friends along the way:
