Disneyland’s “it’s a small world” Holiday Fun Facts

November 5, 2019

The holidays are upon us and that means special holiday overlays for some attractions at the Disneyland Resort! One of those is the classic “it’s a small world” attraction. Guests can enjoy “it’s a small world” Holiday from Nov. 8, 2019, through Jan. 6, 2020.

For many guests, a visit to the Disneyland Resort during the holidays includes a “must-do” cruise around the world to experience the traditions and holidays of different cultures at “it’s a small world” Holiday.

Guests embark on a voyage around the world as “it’s a small world” Holiday – now in its 23rd season – is transformed from the classic attraction. In this beloved holiday attraction overlay, the children of the world spread holiday cheer as they don seasonal costumes and share the holiday spirit. Singing familiar holiday tunes, along with the catchy “It’s a Small World (After All)” theme, the children come together to show that this season is a time for unity and celebrating traditions.

To make this holiday season more merry and bright, Disney FastPass is available for this attraction.

Fun Facts:

New this year, guests will experience three immersive scents as they embark on the happiest cruise that ever sailed. In Asia, guests will enjoy the beautiful fragrance of the cherry blossom. South America adds a classic holiday cinnamon scent, while the South Seas bring tropical flair with the smell of coconut to go along with the hundreds of iridescent bubbles floating through the air. These fun new additions join the scents of fresh pine and peppermint candy that guests know and love in the European scenes.
50,000 lights are used to illuminate the façade of “it’s a small world” Holiday with an additional 350,000 mini-lights brightening the trees, hedges and animal topiaries surrounding the attraction in whimsical Fantasyland. The plaza around the attraction adds to the holiday magic as thousands of additional lights decorate the shops and food kiosks to create a holiday fantasy.
No holiday season would be complete without the classic decorations featured at “it’s a small world” Holiday including colorful garland, festive poinsettias, and international holiday wreaths.
After dark, the smiling clock at the front of “it’s a small world,” decked out in a Santa hat, reveals a sparkling projection show. Multiple times each night, the brightly light façade of the attraction is transformed into an enormous clockwork mechanism with advanced 3D-projection technology. The gears and springs pull back to reveal a world of holiday wonders hidden behind the whimsical clock.
Guests enjoy a voyage through 10 scenes inspired by locations around the globe, with each one showcasing unique cultural holiday traditions from Europe, Africa, and Asia, making this “The Merriest Attraction on Earth.”
In the European scenes, 150 giant candles decorate the Christmas tree and surrounding areas to create a warm holiday glow. The once common Western European tradition of lighting candles has inspired the custom of stringing lights to Christmas trees, a practice common today for families around the world.
The 14-foot snowman featured in the finale of the attraction is made of glimmering crystal snowflakes that leave guests with a twinkle in their eyes. The snowman, who sparkles with thousands of luminous lights, adds to the holiday magic as he sits atop a 10-foot-wide snowflake and holds a gleaming “icicle” sign that spells out “Happy Holidays” in colors that change as guests drift along.
The iconic music of “it’s a small world,” written by the legendary Sherman Brothers, is enhanced during the holiday season with classic holiday caroling favorites “Jingle Bells” and “Deck the Halls.”
Many languages of the world can be heard serenading guests, with cheerful tunes in English, French, Italian, Spanish and Scandinavian languages. Festive signs and banners throughout the attraction spread holiday greetings in such dialects as French Canadian, Dutch, Asante, and Hawaiian.
Holiday “elves” at the Disneyland Resort help to spread the holiday magic by transforming “it’s a small world” Holiday each year. It takes a talented and dedicated team of nearly a dozen cast members 35 days to install the glittering façade, while approximately two dozen cast members spend 18 days decorating the holiday attraction’s dazzling interior.
Almost all of the holiday props and scenic elements seen in “it’s a small world” Holiday are stored inside the attraction throughout the year.
When guests use the Play Disney Parks mobile app* and ride “it’s a small world” Holiday, they have the opportunity to earn a limited-time digital achievement for the seasonal overlay.

Will you be visiting the Disneyland Resort during the holidays this year? It’s not too late to book a magical holiday vacation! As a travel agent with Amazing Magical Adventures, I can help you plan and book a wonderful trip. Contact me today for a free quote!

* Message, data and roaming rates may apply. Availability subject to handset limitations, and features may vary by handset, service provider or otherwise. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first.

Disneyland's "it's a small world" Holiday Fun Facts 2

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Sara

Sara is a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, a Disney Earmarked agency. She lives in Alaska with her husband and 3 kids. Due to her extreme dislike of winter, she travels often to warmer destinations during the colder months. She visits the Disney parks and resorts frequently with her family and loves helping other families plan magical vacations. Contact her here for help with your vacation!