Photo Credit: Phil McCarten/Disneyland Resort
The fan-favorite attraction transformation “it’s a small world” Holiday celebrates its 25th anniversary when it returns to Disneyland Park, Nov. 11, 2022, through Jan. 8, 2023. Since debuting in 1997, it has become a must-do for guests visiting Disneyland Resort during the holiday season. In this attraction overlay, children of the world share the holiday spirit and don festive attire, showcasing the season as a time for unity and celebrating traditions.
To commemorate the holiday transformation’s 25th anniversary this year, each room features a small detail displaying the number 25. A keen eye will spot Abu from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Aladdin” holding a 25th anniversary jewel. On the smiling clock at the front of the attraction, the 2 and 5 stand out in brilliant, all-white lights.
Guests may get quicker entry to “it’s a small world” Holiday by booking a Lightning Lane arrival window with the purchase of Disney Genie+ service.*
Photo Credit: Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort
Just the Facts...
Guests voyage through 10 scenes inspired by locations around the globe, showcasing unique holiday traditions from Europe, Africa and Asia. Signs and banners throughout share warm holiday greetings in such languages and dialects as French Canadian, Dutch, Asante and Hawaiian.
Many languages of the world can be heard serenading guests, with cheerful tunes in English, French, Italian, Spanish and Scandinavian languages. Each scene features music using authentic instruments from the countries represented.
The iconic music of “it’s a small world,” written by the legendary Sherman Brothers, is enhanced with the caroling classics “Jingle Bells” and “Deck the ” The South Seas scene features mermaids singing along to “Jingle Shells,” a themed adaption of the beloved “Jingle Bells.”
Guests can experience four scents while aboard this wintry waterway. In Asia, guests enjoy the fragrance of cherry blossoms. South America adds a classic cinnamon scent, and the South Seas bring tropical flair with the smell of coconut. The essence of fresh pine and peppermint candy fill the air in the European scenes.
To complement the original art style of “it’s a small world” – created by Disney Legend Mary Blair – the holiday decorations seen throughout the attraction are designed to look like homemade crafts.
50,000 lights 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. Thousands of additional lights adorn the nearby shops and food kiosks.
Multiple times each night, a sparkling projection show transforms the brightly lit façade of “it’s a small world” Holiday into an enormous clockwork mechanism. The gears and springs pull back to reveal a world of holiday wonders hidden behind the smiling clock at the front of the attraction.
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 interior of the attraction is decorated by two dozen cast members in 18 days, while the exterior is transformed over eight weeks (with some stages taking place overnight, while the attraction is operational during the day).