Disneyland's 'It's a Small World' - A Festive Dream at Christmas

The holiday season at Disneyland Resort is a time of magic, and this year, it's even more enchanting with the return of the beloved attraction "It's a Small World." From November 10, 2023, to January 7, 2024, visitors will experience a special Christmas version of this iconic ride. Since its first holiday debut in 1997, the attraction has become an integral part of the Disneyland Christmas experience. In this version, children from around the world come together in festive attire, showcasing the spirit of Christmas and the diversity of global celebration traditions.

Accelerated Access with Disney Genie+ Service

For those looking to make the most of their park time, the Disney Genie+ Service offers faster access to the attraction. This is an opportunity to reduce waiting times and immerse more in the magical Christmas world that Disneyland offers.

A Global Journey of Christmas Traditions

The ride takes visitors through ten beautifully designed scenes inspired by different cultures and traditions. Each scene reveals unique Christmas traditions from regions like Latin America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Guests are greeted with warm Christmas greetings in various languages and dialects, such as French Canadian, Dutch, Asante, and Hawaiian.

Musical and Visual Delights

The ride is a feast for the ears: cheerful melodies in various languages, including English, French, Italian, Spanish, and Scandinavian, surround the guests. Visually, the scenery is illuminated by 50,000 lights decorating the facade of "It's a Small World" at Christmas. An additional 350,000 mini-lights brighten the surrounding trees, bushes, and animal topiaries, while thousands more lights adorn the nearby shops and food stands.

A Spectacle of Light and Shadow

At night, the brightly lit facades transform into a gigantic clockwork mechanism, taking visitors into a world full of Christmas wonders. The gears and springs of the clock retract to reveal the hidden wonders behind the smiling clock at the entrance.

The Melodies of the Holiday Season

The iconic music of "It's a Small World," composed by the Sherman Brothers, is complemented by Christmas classics like "Jingle Bells" and "Deck the Halls." In the South Seas scene, a thematic adaptation of "Jingle Bells," called "Jingle Shells," is sung by mermaids.

A Feast for the Senses: Fragrant Christmas Worlds

During the ride, guests experience an olfactory journey through five different scents. In Asia, the scent of cherry blossoms envelops the senses, while in South America, a classic cinnamon aroma fills the air. In the South Seas, visitors are greeted with the smell of coconut. European scenes are characterized by the scent of fresh pine and peppermint candies.

Handcrafted Artworks in the Style of Mary Blair

The Christmas decorations of the attraction are in the style of Mary Blair, giving the impression of being handcrafted artworks. This underscores the original art style of the attraction and adds another layer of authenticity.

Candlelights and Tradition in the European Scenes

In the European scenes, the Christmas tree is illuminated by 150 giant candles, creating a warm, festive glow. This tradition originates from Western Europe and led to the worldwide practice of decorating Christmas trees with lights.

A Project of Monumental Proportions

The interior of the attraction is decorated by a dedicated team of two dozen employees in 18 days, while the exterior is transformed over eight weeks. Some of these works take place overnight, ensuring daytime operations are not disrupted.

Overall, "It's a Small World" at Christmas is an extraordinary experience, transporting visitors into a world of festive joy and international community. This attraction is a shining example of the creativity and commitment with which Disneyland enchants its guests every year.

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