Visiting Disneyland at Holiday Time

As part of my Star Wars: The Last Jedi press event adventures, I visited Disneyland at Holiday Time, thanks to Walt Disney Studios, LucasFilms and ABC.

If you are visiting Disneyland at Holiday Time this year, there are some things you must do! First, you always want to get a picture in front of Sleeping Beauty’s castle. It’s even more special at holiday time.

Make a stop in Tomorrowland and ride Star Tours: The Adventure Continues.

I’m already a big fan of Star Tours, and ride it at least once (at least once!) every time I visit the park. New to the ride is visiting new destination, Batuu from Episode 8, aka The Last Jedi.

Our whole group stole away on a StarSpeeder 1000. Despite C-3PO’s protests, we are all cleared for takeoff on Flight 1401. We arrive on Jakku in the midst of a chase between the Millennium Falcon and a squad of First Order TIE Fighters! It was quite exciting. Somehow we end up in the Battle of Crait, and that’s just the beginning…

This remote outpost on the galaxy’s edge was once a busy crossroads along the old sub-lightspeed trade routes, but its prominence was bypassed by the rise of hyperspace travel. Now home to those who prefer to stay out of the mainstream, it has become a thriving port for smugglers, rogue traders and adventurers traveling between the frontier and uncharted space. It’s also a convenient safe haven for those intent on avoiding the expanding reach of the First Order. While Batuu may be new to us, it is clearly already familiar to many characters from the Star Wars saga as a stepping off point for epic adventures.

Since the film isn’t out until December 15, 2017, it’s the ONLY way to see parts of the film other than the trailers. You won’t want to miss it. Not to worry, no Porgs were injured during our adventures… or were they?

After your adventures at Star Tours, make a visit to The Launch Bay. You never know who you may run into.

There are special rides at Disneyland at Holiday Time

It’s a Small World Holiday

It’s no question that the holiday decor at Disneyland is breathtaking, but they also have special versions of select rides just for the holidays.

It’s a Small World is a Disneyland classic, and another ride I enjoy with every visit. It’s one of my daughter’s favorites. The holiday version will leave you singing Jingle Bells all night long. The adaptations to the ride are simply adorable and I know you will enjoy it.

The Haunted Mansion Holiday
No visit to Disneyland is complete without visiting the ghosts at The Haunted Mansion. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit at Halloween time as well, but the holiday takeover is my favorite. Why? A Nightmare Before Christmas of course! From Jack Skellington to Zero and Sally, plus Oogie Boogie, the Haunted Mansion Holiday is one not to be missed!

Not to be out down by Disneyland, Disney’s California Adventure has it’s own share of holiday decor.

Make Cars Land your first stop!
Radiator Springs is always a fun place to visit, but when the holidays are happening, it’s that much more special.

While you’re waiting on your Fast Pass for Radiator Springs Racers, take a dance with Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters. This is a darling ride with dancing cars, and it should come as no surprise that holiday music will be playing!

Other must see visits at California Adventure is Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!
If you’re not familiar with this ride, you may remember it as the former Tower of Terror. Remodeled this summer for the movie, Rocket Raccoon needs your help in this free-fall adventure with music from the film.

Another not to be missed ride is Soarin’ Around the World.
This is a breathtaking arial adventure that allows you to virtually hang glide over international landmarks and beloved landscapes. It’s fantastic and I recommend it!

There’s always something to do at Disneyland at Holiday Time!

I’ll warn you that the holiday times at Disneyland are pretty busy, and it’s a good idea to have a game plan of the attractions you want to visit and the food you want to enjoy. Don’t forget that there is always themed food at Disneyland at Holiday time too! There’s always something to do.

And of course, the reason for my visit was the Global Press Event for Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Stay tuned tomorrow for my experience at the junket!

Star Wars: The Last Jedi in theaters on December 15th, 2017!

(Unless you’re a nerd like me who bought tickets for December 14, 2017!)

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