Hi Dede, I've enjoyed reading your pre-trip and looking forward to you trip report too. I'm taking my DD34 and DGD7 with me just shortly after your vacation Dec 15-18th. You will just love the Christmas decorations and atmosphere. Hubby and I have been twice before, when our grandson was 2 and a half and 11. You picked a good time after Thanksgiving and before Christmas week.
We are staying at the Disneyland Hotel too. It's a splurge for us. I have a dance studio in Portland, Or and I take my dancers to perform every other year. We stay at the Candy Cane Inn, it's close with it's own shuttle and breakfast is included. We really like it there and all of the families enjoy it. My granddaughter got to perform with the dance troupe for the first time this August, so exciting to see my "little baby doll" performing at Disneyland, so special.
Which tower are you staying in? We chose the Adventure tower. I even splurged on the Club Level.
You will likeJetBlue. It's my favorite airline, comfy seats, a tv for everyone and snacks.
We debated on the Holiday tour but decided to skip that, I want to take DGD to Alladin before it's gone. Are you going to try to get the passes to Frozen. The wait was 2 and a half hours when we were there this summer, didn't do it then. DGD would really like to see them this trip.
You will love your Photo Pass+. We love the special enhanced pictures, character breakfast photos and ride photos too. Get a pic infront of the castle both day and night, the night pic is gorgeous. There seem to be more photo ops with the Disney photographer in California Adventure. We got a great shot in front of the fountain by Carthay Circle. It was evening and the lighting was beautiful.
The Christmas parade is magical! Soldiers, snowflakes, reindeer, snowmen....fabulous.
Hope your family has a special, special time!