Disneyland’s “it’s a small world” Holiday is Shining for the Festive Season
Prepare to be swept away by the joy, wonder and magic of the festive season like never before.
“it’s a small world” Holiday has once again opened at the Disneyland Resort, and we’ve got a full festive photo album of ride-through photos to enjoy with you all today. Hope aboard the happiest, most celebratory cruise to ever set sail with us, and let’s go explore!
Greetings from Fantasyland, everyone! We’re over here by the classic “it’s a small world” attraction which, as you can see, is looking especially spectacular this clear California evening.
Just look at all of those sparkling lights! Between all the twinkles and the giant Santa hat sat atop the grinning moon, it can only mean one thing.
The attraction’s iconic holiday overlay is back!
Yup, back in October, we reported that the annual “it’s a small world” ride would close for a brief period ready to re-open after a total makeover with all the joys and virtues of the festive season.
The overlay debuted for 2023 on November 10th, and MickeyBlog was so eager to hop aboard a boat to experience the magic and wonder! Keep reading for a full photo report from the attraction, and see what’s in-store for cruisers…
“Peace on Earth”
Of course, “it’s a small world” is beloved for its whimsical portrayal of the world around us, capturing the beauty of all different cultures through the eyes of cute, singing kiddos.
For its holiday overlay, the ride steps up its game by honoring all the different holiday traditions and celebrations worldwide, and we couldn’t wait to see each one represented as we travel through the rooms of the attraction!
After traveling under a beautiful “Peace on Earth” sign, guests voyage through a display of greetings cards and postcards, each sent from a variety of countries.
As you can see from the photos, the holiday overlay has brought lots of added sparkles and festive characters to this scene, as well as clouds of fluffy snow.
So sweet!
It has to be said, all the added beads and sparkle certainly create a festive feel on this ride from the get-go.
We can’t wait to see what lies deeper into the attraction!
As we float along towards the first section of the attraction, we can hear the well-known “it’s a small world” theme playing, with the added magic of the “Jingle Bells” tune mixed in.
It’s very festive and cozy, and a ditty we’re sure we’ll be humming for hours!
“Happy Holidays”
As we approach the next section of the attraction, we’re transported into none other than the North Pole. With a huge building-block sign reading “Happy Holidays” beside us, we’re certainly ready to celebrate!
In this North Pole section, we’re surrounded by glittering candy canes, and the most adorable reindeer grinning atop the snowy mountains.
So cute!
We even pass Santa’s house – look, you can see him in there preparing for Christmas Eve!
“Season’s Greetings”
Floating along towards the European room, we’re absolutely enchanted to see the effects of the heavy holiday overlay.
Here, the dolls are celebrating Christmas, with tinsel, garlands, floating candles, and so many other quaint decorations!
“it’s a small world” was already a sparkly and colorful ride, but the addition of the holiday celebrations just takes everything to the next level of wonder!
A sweet touch we can see here is the “Happy New Year” banner, getting ready to ring us in to 2024.
All through this room of the attraction, we could smell the sweet and spicy scent of gingerbread in the air.
There’s even a copy of Santa’s Naughty and Nice List left laying around – can you spot your name on the list?
Chinese New Year Celebrations
As we leave the European room, we find ourselves completely caught up in celebrations for Chinese New Year.
Banners, candies, lights… what else could be more perfect?
Oops – I spoke to soon! Is that a huge Mushu dragon, atop a spinning firework pinwheel?
How gorgeous!
Then, as we float into the Africa room, we can see the holiday celebrations are continuing to dazzle.
Just look at the spectacular string lights in this room – they look like magical fireflies buzzing above the festvities!
A favorite sight in this room is always those laughing hyenas. Just look at them here, cackling amidst the array of baubles and decorations!
“Feliz Navidad”
As we move now into the Mexico room, the celebrations only get more vivid. There’s a huge, star-shaped piñata in the air, and a glittering sign welcoming everyone to the Navidad celebrations!
Amazingly, we can smell cinnamon in this room. And, with music provided by Jose, Panchito, and Donald here, we know it’s time for a party!
“Mele Kalikimaka”
Wow, they’re even celebrating under the sea! Here we can see characters such as Ariel, Nemo, and even Crush all singing their holiday ditty, surrounded by garlands of glowing bauble-bubbles.
Over in Polynesia, Lilo and Stitch are surfing!
This is also where we can see statues of Santa’s famous reindeer, each with their own stylized name tag.
That’s not all with the characters, though. Here, we even spotted Woody, Jessie, and Bullseye, celebrating under a fun Christmas cactus-tree!
“Ho Ho Holidays!”
Now, I don’t know about you, but our favorite part of “it’s a small world” will always be that glittering final room. The lights, the sparkles, the joy – there’s just something about it that feels so magical!
So, for the holiday season, the Imagineers really pulled out all the stops here.
There’s so many giant snowflakes, garlands, snowy animals, banners, and more all placed here – like the most joyful celebration of all the festive holidays at once!
If this ride hasn’t left you wanting a hot chocolate, we don’t know what will!
There’s just so much to look at! I feel like one ride on this attraction just won’t be enough.
So, next time you’re at the Disneyland Resort, be sure to take the time to celebrate the season over at “it’s a small world” Holiday. It’s a classic attraction overlay that’s not to be missed, and sure to leave you humming and ready for the festivities!
The overlay will be open to guests all throughout the holiday season.
Looking at the attraction’s calendar, it looks as though it will close again from December 28th, where we can expect another short closure while the Imagineers revert the ride back to its regular, happy format.
Which is your favorite scene in the “it’s a small world” Holiday overlay? We hope this ride-through with us has left you feeling festive and merry – we sure are!