I was invited by Disney to attend the Star Wars press junket and while there they gave us the experience of a lifetime, including visiting Disneyland to enjoy the holiday magic. I have never been to Disneyland at the holidays and I knew it would be a sight to remember! 
The Park
When you walk in Disneyland, an excitement comes over you like a child on Christmas day. When I walked in and saw all the beautiful lights and decorations I didn’t know which way to look first.
Our group (25 bloggers) walked through and made our way to Cinderella’s Castle. The castle was straight out of every fairy tale you were told as a child.
The Rides
Star Tours – The Adventure Continues
The first ride we went on was the updated “Star Tours – The Adventure Continues”. Walking through to the start of the ride we passed many Star Wars true to life size droids. 
My favorites are C3PO and R2 so of course I was super excited to see them.
The ride is a 3D, motion-simulated space flight to legendary destinations from Star Wars. It has actually scenes and characters from Star Wars: The Last Jedi so with everything under such tight wrap, I feel like I had an insider peek at some clips of the movie. 
You will jump into hyperspace with C-3PO and R2-D2 to safely return a rebel spy to the Rebel Alliance. It’s not as easy as you think because you will have to fight your way through galaxy. The ride lasted approximately 3 minutes.
Tip: Don’t forget to grab your 3-D glasses and expect major turbulence as you battle AT-AT on Hoth 
Characters
When walking through Disneyland don’t be shocked if you come face to face with a Storm Trooper or other Star Wars villains. We happened to meet up with Kylo Ren and he’s much scarier in person. You may notice the perfection in my hand channeling the force! 
It’s A Small World
This ride is a family tradition and has a sentimental feeling when I go on it. This ride made a huge impact on me when I was young. 
The dolls of the countries all at peace and singing as you sit in a boat and ride through. For the holidays there are Christmas songs mixed in with the traditional “It’s A Small World” song. 
When outside waiting for this ride you will be in awe with how every inch is lite up. To pass time look at the bushes which are sculpted into animals. You’ll also find toy soldiers that pop out of the tower (every 15 minutes). 
Tip: As you walk down the street to It’s A Small World, you will notice different wreaths hanging on the light posts. Each wreath represents a country. 
The Haunted House
The classic ride has a holiday spin to it. The Nightmare Before Christmas has taken over the ride. You will find all your favorite characters from the film as well as your usual ghosts and Christmas trees filled with jack-o-lanterns. My favorite part to this ride is the voice of Vincent Price and when you have a surprise when you look into the mirror. 
Once you’re done having something to eat and going on all the rides, make your way over to California Adventures. There is plenty to do but here are a few highlights.
Cars Land
I have literally seen these movies 100 times with my grandsons and to see Cars Land in person felt like I was really there! There’s not a detail missed. You will see all your favorite places like Flo’s 8 Cafe, Sarge’s, Luigi’s, Cozy Cone, and more. 
Tip: If you are at Cars Land at dusk, you can watch in amazement the town being lit up (just like the movie) and “The Stroll” is played. So grab someone and stroll down the street!
You’ll also want to ride “Racer”!
If you have never been to Disneyland, you need to plan a vacation there with your family. Although some things are the same as Florida, it’s a total different experience and also has different rides.
Last Tip: Be sure to make time to watch World of Color. You will be in awe the entire time.
We have partnered with Disney to bring you this article as part of the Star Wars: The Last Jedi press junket.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi opens in theaters nationwide December 15th!
what a wonderful experience you had. Loved all the facts you gave and the pictures. Thanks for the tour.
Disney is one of the best places you can ever be for the holidays! I’ve never been to another place that captures the magic of the season like they do.
Wow, they really make this magical for the holidays and there are so many new attractions I haven’t seen. I’d love to experience the holiday It’s A Small World changes!
You had me at Star Wars! I would love to ride the Star Wars themed rides! Disney is perhaps the best place on earth! They go all out for the holidays, and no one does it better!
Looks like you had any amazing time. Disneyland sure looks like a great place to go for the holidays, love the lights.
Gosh how magical does Disney look at Christmas, I hope one day I manage to make it myself to experience it all!
Gosh, it’s such a pretty place during the holidays. It’s always magical but the holidays are extra special.
This place looks so stunning!! I hope to visit someday with my family!
I really love Disney at Christmas. It just adds another layer to the magic of Christmas. I haven’t been for a few years, so I’d love to go back and see some of the new attractions.
I have never been to Disney Land. This post is making me want to head there for the holidays.
They really go all out with their light displays. I want to see it one of these years.
I LOVE Star Tours at Disney World! It doesn’t hurt that I grew up watching Star Wars so its easy for me to imagine myself transported to a galaxy far, far away.
Wow is not even enough to describe all those lights, displays and activities at Disney! When we go to Disney it is always off season, so there will be less crowds. But oh my goodness, I have to plan a trip there during the holiday season next year!
What a great experience!! Holiday at Disney is truly magical! I wish we could spend some time in Disney for the holidays!
They’ve sure got a lot going on. I love that they’re always keeping it fresh!
We cannot let a year go by without going to Disneyland! I think it’s awesome that they’ve updated the Star Tours attraction! There’s so much to look forward to during the Holidays when it comes to Disney.
I love how Disney goes all out during the holidays! Look at all those lights!
Stars Wars is awesome!!! Can’t wait for the movie. My son is going to love it. Looks like you and everyone else really enjoyed your time together!!!
I’m really curious about that updated Star Wars ride! It’s definitely going to make fans really excited for the new movie!
I love visiting Disneyland around the holidays! I love all the lights and decor that come with the holidays and the magic already present at Disneyland.