There were plenty of welcome and unwelcome surprises in Disney‘s fiscal fourth-quarter report on Thursday. However, the biggest head-turning nugget in the media giant’s fresh financials is that attendance at its Florida resort actually increased this summer.
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Boyz II Men, Alessia Cara, Gavin Degraw, Flo Rida, JoJo, Zara Larsson and OneRepublic Join Stellar List of Musical Artists Taking Over The Happiest Place on Earth
The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration’ and ‘The Disney Parks’ Magical Christmas Celebration’ Add More Spectacular Artists to the Happiest Event This Holiday Season
Disney kicks off the holidays with three musical specials originating from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California. The shows will be presented on Disney|ABC Television Group platforms, including ABC Television Network, Disney Channel, the ABC and Disney Channel apps and VOD, among other branded digital platforms. The holiday specials will include performances by some of the world’s most popular recording artists, celebrity hosts, Disney character appearances and heartwarming wish-come-true moments for three lucky families from across the country.
“The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration,” will air THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24 (8:00–10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. “Disney Parks Presents: A Descendants Magical Holiday Celebration” will air FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25 (8:00–9:00 p.m. EST), on Disney Channel. “The Disney Parks’ Magical Christmas Celebration” will air SUNDAY DECEMBER 25 (10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network.
Previously announced performers include Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks, Kelly Clarkson, Sofia Carson, Jordan Fisher, Forever in Your Mind, China Anne McClain, Dove Cameron, Cameron Boyce and Booboo Stewart.
The holiday specials are a collaboration by Disney Parks, Disney|ABC Television Group and IMG.
The multi-platform programming schedule is:
THANKSGIVING – THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24
“The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration” premieres on the ABC Television Network (8:00–10:00 p.m. EST) and on the ABC app. Join Emmy Award-winners Julianne and Derek Hough as they host the magical two-hour special from the Walt Disney World Resort. They join “Descendants 2” star Sofia Carson to kick off the holiday season in a way only Disney can, showcasing extraordinary music performances, special appearances and some unforgettable Disney magic moments.
Musical performances include:
- Boyz II Men, joined by JoJo, will sing a holiday favorite from the steps of Cinderella Castle
- Alessia Cara will sing “How Far I’ll Go” from Disney’s animated feature film, “Moana” (in theaters November 23) for the very first time on broadcast television.
- Kelly Clarkson will perform “Underneath the Tree” and “Stronger.”
- Flo Rida performs two of his smash hits.
- Zara Larsson sings a holiday classic from a stunning location at Walt Disney World.
- From Disney’s Hollywood Studios, OneRepublic performs one of their hit songs.
- Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks will perform “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” “Ugly Christmas Sweater” and “Marshmallow World,” all from their new album, “Christmas Together,” out November 11 (Pearl Records, Inc.).
Additional performances to be announced.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25
“Disney Parks Presents: A Descendants Magical Holiday Celebration” premieres on Disney Channel (8:00–9:00 p.m. EST) and on the Disney Channel app and Disney Channel VOD, beginning at 12:01 a.m. PST. The special will be available on-demand and will be featured in encore presentations on Disney Channel through Tuesday, December 20.
Musical performances include:
- “Jolly to the Core,” performed by Dove Cameron, Cameron Boyce, Sofia Carson and Booboo Stewart.
- “Silent Night,” performed by Hollywood Records and Republic Records recording artist Sofia Carson.
- Kelly Clarkson performing a song from her 2013 holiday album “Wrapped in Red.”
- “Descendants 2” star China Anne McClain performing “This Christmas.”
- Forever In Your Mind performing “Celebrate.”
- Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks perform a holiday duet from their new album, “Christmas Together,” out November 11 (Pearl Records, Inc.).
CHRISTMAS – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25
“The Disney Parks’ Magical Christmas Celebration” will air on the ABC Television Network (10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. EST; airtimes vary, check listings) and on the ABC and Disney Channel apps. This Christmas, Disney Parks celebrate the joy of the holiday season as hosts Julianne and Derek Hough take viewers on a magical ride down Main Street and beyond. The Christmas Day celebration will be bigger and brighter than ever before, bringing together the beloved Christmas day parade, magical musical performances, surprise celebrity guests and heart-warming family stories to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
Musical performances include:
- Alessia Cara will perform a holiday favorite.
- Sofia Carson performs “Silent Night” featuring an alternate musical arrangement from her performance on Disney Channel and also hosts from backstage.
- Kelly Clarkson performing “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.”
In front of Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World, Gavin DeGraw sings a Christmas classic. - “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)” performed by Jordan Fisher who will also make his Broadway debut in “Hamilton” on November 22.
- OneRepublic performs from Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
- Solo and duet performances by Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks from their new album, “Christmas Together,” out November 11 (Pearl Records, Inc.).
Additional performances to be announced.
Ferran Soriano leading Man City to global success following Disney model
On a freezing February night in London in 2006, Samuel Eto’o’s late header secured a 2-1 win for Barcelona in their Champions League clash with Chelsea. A 1-1 draw two weeks later at the Camp Nou saw them safely into the quarterfinals and they would go on to win the trophy for just the second time in their history.
‘World of Color – Season of Light,’ a Nighttime Spectacular
The all-new, nighttime spectacular “World of Color–Season of Light” wraps guests in the warm glow of holiday magic at Disney California Adventure Park. Fusing cherished holiday music sung by beloved artists with memorable moments from treasured Disney animated films, this sparkling winter fantasy is magical for all ages. This fourth new production of “World of Color” is more brilliant than ever with additional lighting, lasers and high-definition projections.
- More than 120 characters from 30-plus Disney and Disney•Pixar animated films are included in “World of Color–Season of Light.”
- The show has been in development for nearly a year, and the production team spent 10 weeks working overnight in the theme park to program the new show.
Music
- The score for “World of Color–Season of Light” was recorded in sessions in London, Nashville and Chicago.
- The soundtrack features some well-known musical artists performing popular holiday tunes:
- “The Christmas Song” by Nat King Cole
- “Let It Snow” by Dean Martin
- “Baby It’s Cold Outside” by Michael Bublé and Idina Menzel
- “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Amy Grant
- “Mele Kalikimaka” by Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters
- “Feliz Navidad” by José Feliciano
- “Dance of the Sugarplum Fairies” by Pentatonix
- “Wizards in Winter” by Transiberian Orchestra
- “Blue Christmas” by Elvis Presley
- “Let There Be Peace on Earth” by Heather Headley
Themes
- In the mesmerizing start, the last leaves of fall givie way to the arrival of winter, as Mickey and his pals decorate their homes for Christmas. Themes include:
- Snow: The Frost Fairies from “Fantasia” create a winter wonderland.
- Love and Romance: Some of Disney’s romantic, fairytale couples take center stage, celebrating the holidays with the ones they love.
- Family and Home: From Andy’s family in “Toy Story” to a “Mele Kalikimaka” with Stitch and his ‘Ohana and a “Feliz Navidad” from the Three Caballeros, the story demonstrates that the most precious holiday moments are spending time with family.
- The Nutcracker: Highlights from Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” ballet accompany hilarious visuals of gracefully dancing hippos, ostriches, elephants and alligators from Disney’s “Fantasia.”
- Lights: Goofy goes all out in an over-the-top holiday light displays — until his ode turns to overload and everything short circuits, leading to a “Blue Christmas” with Sadness from Disney•Pixar’s “Inside Out.”
- Peace on Earth: In a stunningly beautiful finale, the lagoon is illuminated with the light of hope, filling guests’ hearts with the spirit of peace, joy and goodwill to all.
Lighting & Projection
- For “World of Color–Season of Light,” the lagoon will be flooded with more light than ever as five newly installed barges erupt in a brilliant lighting effect to punctuate the grand finale.
- More than 800 individual light fixtures are needed to illuminate the show.
- Six laser projectors are deployed to create a variety of entertaining effects.
- Nearly 20 high-definition projectors convey imagery to the screens of water.
Fountains
- Paradise Bay lagoon serves as the stage for “World of Color—Season of Light.” The lagoon covers 3.5 acres with nearly 15 million gallons of water and more than 1,200 fountains.
- The tables on which the fountains and other equipment sit comprise nearly one full acre of engineered superstructure, longer than a football field and capable of three position levels: one for performance, one completely submerged and one for maintenance.
- A vast underwater grid contains more than 18,000 points of control. Each fountain has multiple points of control for lighting, color intensity, water angle, height and more.
- Fountain heights range from 30 feet to 200 feet in the air. By way of comparison, Mickey’s Fun Wheel reaches a height of 150 feet.
- The show features one of the world’s largest projected water screens – a wall of water 380 feet wide by 50 feet high, for a projection surface of 19,000 square feet.
World of Color Highlights and History
- “World of Color – Season of Light” is the fourth all-new production to take place on Paradise Bay at Disney California Adventure Park. Previous shows were:
- The original “World of Color” (2010)
- “World of Color – Winter Dreams” (2013)
- “World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney” (2015)
- In its history, “World of Color” has incorporated pre-shows and enhancements to keep the show fresh for guests, including a New Year’s Eve pre-show (2010), a July 4 Independence Day pre-show (2011) and “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” (2011).
- “World of Color” received the 2010 Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) Award for Outstanding Achievement–Nighttime Spectacular, for being “a visual and technical marvel.”
SAMSON WINS AT SARATOGA SPRINGS BY SAM ALLEN
Inspired by New York’s city of Saratoga Springs, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort pays tribute to famous elements of its real life counterpoint in a number of ways.
Disney Springs Treats Holiday Guests to Festive Entertainment, World-Class Shopping, Special Events and More at Walt Disney World Resort
From West Side to Marketplace, from Town Center to The Landing, Disney Springs will be aglow and all decked out for a grand and gala holidays celebration in 2016.
With its multi-year makeover from Downtown Disney nearly complete, Disney Springs at every corner will be unwrapping its very first full-on holidays gala. For the first time, all four neighborhoods will be filled with festive decorations, the merriest of special events and entertainment fun for the whole family.
Disney Springs puts a big red bow around the season of cheer with three extra special events:
- Stitch’s Holiday Gift A fun scavenger hunt will allow guests to explore all four neighborhoods of Disney Springs. Guests pick up their Holiday Hunt booklet at any participating location, then explore Disney Springs in search of a unique Stitch icon at each participating location. Once complete, guests redeem the booklet at a redemption location to receive a free “completer” button.
- The Festival of Toys. The Once Upon a Toy Fountain area (Marketplace) comes alive with a holiday dance party, deluxe hot chocolate, pin trading and a nightly tree lighting ceremony inviting a select family to turn on the holiday lights.
- Disney Springs’ Christmas Tree Trail. (Marketplace). This immersive and enchanting walk-through experience features 15 custom decorated holiday trees, each dedicated to a popular Disney theme. Custom music and a light snowfall completes the Christmassy scene.
Holiday Shopper’s Paradise
Talk about shopping, Disney Springs will be the address for shoppers at holiday time – from name-brand retailers to unique boutiques stocking that special trinket for under the tree to everything in between.
Some of the most recognizable names in retailing have opened their doors in Town Center, newest neighborhood of Disney Springs. This includes Anthropologie, Lucky Brand, kate spade new york, UNDER ARMOUR BRAND HOUSE, Tommy Bahama and Sephora – plus brands unique to Central Florida including UNIQLO, Melissa Shoes and UNOde50.
In Marketplace, guests can shop for seasonal offerings at Disney’s Days of Christmas, Art of Disney, World of Disney, Wonderful World of Memories, Marketplace Fun Finds, and Marketplace Co-Op.
At Art of Disney, shoppers can find sketch artists doing holiday artwork. Goofy’s Candy Co. for the holidays is a yummy wonderland of chocolate-dipped candy canes, Olaf caramel apples, Mickey Santa Krispy Treat, miniature fruit cakes and a Mickey Santa Cupcake.
Disney Springs also unwraps a special, hard-to-find present found on every shopper’s wish list: convenient, close-in and complimentary parking.
With the proximity of two “smart” garages where open parking spaces are readily identified, Disney Springs guests are spared the holiday angst of jockeying up and down rows of parked cars for the elusive slot. Disney Springs also is connected to Disney resort hotels by complimentary motorcoach or watercraft service. After 4pm, transportation is available from all four Theme Parks to Disney Springs.
Holiday Feasting at Disney Springs
When the holiday hungries strike, there is no need to pack back into the car. Great dining options abound at every corner of Disney Springs, whether it’s grab-and-go (food trucks at West Side), casual sit-down (Earl of Sandwich, Paradiso 37, Wolfgang Puck Cafe) or a memorable dining experience at venues such as STK and Morimoto Asia. At select locations such as The BOATHOUSE, Raglan Road, T-Rex Café, Rainforest Cafe and Splitsville, entertainment becomes an extra added attraction to holiday feasting.
Frontera Cocina, Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza, D-Luxe Burger, Homecoming – Florida Kitchen and Southern Shine are new Town Center dining discoveries holiday shoppers will find. Also new for 2016: a holiday cocktails and craft beer in Marketplace.
Byways and stages filled with holiday entertainment
Between great shopping and dining, Disney Springs treats guests to a sleighful of holiday entertainment.
- At Marketplace, Living Statues (World of Disney/Poutine Courtyard)
- At Marketplace, The Festival of Toys
- At Marketplace, Carolers (near Disney’s Days of Christmas and Santa’s Chalet).
- At Waterview Park (The Landing), Hanukkah-inspired troupe Kalinka 24-30
- At Waterside Stage (Marketplace), DJ Holiday Dance Party
- At Waterside Stage, UHURU celebrating Kwanza Dec. 26-27
- At Marketplace, Toy Soldier stilt walkers
Best News of All
That would be the Jolly Old Man himself. Direct from the North Pole, Santa Claus invites the young and young-at-heart to share their Christmas wishes at Santa’s Chalet (Marketplace) Nov. 11-Dec. 24 (Noon-10:00 p.m.) and Black Friday Nov. 25 (8 a.m.-10:00 p.m.). Santa Goofy joins the fun Dec. 25-Dec. 30 (Noon-10:00 p.m.).
NEW ENHANCEMENTS ABOARD THE DISNEY WONDER
Today we’re excited to share more details about the incredible lineup of enhancements debuting this week on the newly transformed Disney Wonder. From Super Hero sightings to a New Orleans-style street party celebration, there is so much for guests to discover. Here’s a closer look…
At Marvel Super Hero Academy, Spider-Man, Captain America, Black Widow and other Super Heroes from the Marvel Universe host training activities for kids all cruise long.
Tiana’s Place is a new restaurant celebrating the charm of the Louisiana bayou with southern-style cuisine and a spirited atmosphere. Inspired by the Disney’s The Princess and the Frog, Tiana’s Place features a lively jazz band on stage, a high-energy parade around the room and performances by Tiana herself.
At Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post, kids can get their “Frozen” fix Frozen adventures in our youth club. This with imaginative play and hands-on activities, plus one-on-one interactions with Anna, Elsa and Olaf.
And, while the kids are having a blast with our youth counselors and characters, adults can sip a pint at a proper English pub. The new Crown and Fin Pub offers the perfect spot to relax and enjoy adult-exclusive fun.
Disney And Marvel’s Blockbuster Doctor Strange Brings Attention To Nepal And Earthquake Victims
Doctor Strange is the second-biggest fall movie of the year and has crossed $100m at the US box office on November 9. Globally, Doctor Strange passed $325m on Tuesday afternoon. Its also a Disney success story, hitting new records of $6 billion at the global box office. Also a success story for Nepal. Many scenes of Disney and Marvel’s Doctor Strange was shot on location in Kathmandu, Nepal soon after the 2015 earthquake that devastated the country where thousands of people died and many were left homeless. The filming of the movie in the country brought positive attention to Nepal, helping the victims and showing the world Nepal is safe to visit again.
Ambassador Pritan Ambroase, whose other titles include Global Luxury Ambassador, Style Icon, Philanthropist and soon-to-be Talk Show Host says:
“I truly believe that Hollywood, World Cinema and the Fashion Industry can unite our world and make it a better place. Hollywoodand Movie Studios often get a bad name for being money hungry, whitewashing, corporate monsters. But I would like to sing a different tune and highlight the fact that Hollywood and movie studios have also done great work for betterment of our world. I am proud of Disney and Marvel, Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Scott Derrickson for going to Nepal to shoot the film so soon after the earthquake that devastated the country. They could have easily chosen to film only on set in LA, but they didn’t. I am all for it. My philanthropic foundation Humans of our World did extensive work in providing relief to the victims and brought positive attention and help to Nepal. The trouble with disaster areas, is that the media’s attention lasts for a few weeks, Nepal’s earthquake victims plight was soon forgotten, but Benedict and Marvel being there, brought attention back to Nepal and now the movie’s release worldwide tells the world that the country is ready for tourism and highlights the continued plight of earthquake victims in Nepal. The country’s economy depends largely on tourism. As a philanthropist who believes in a unified world, I would like to thank all of them. And I must say Nepalhas been picturised in such a spectacularly beautiful way. The country is a perfectly beautiful backdrop which adds to the grandeur of Doctor Strange. Hopefully just like Nepal, Hollywood will film movies in other disaster struck areas like Italy, Haiti, etc too, while organically fitting the storyline. I love the world uniting, be it for art, fashion, sport, movies, etc and hopefully someday for politics. I will keep using my platform to shine light on the causes that need help and to the ones bettering our world.”
Doctor Strange is playing in theatres worldwide.
Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure Park – Fun Facts
New this year at Disney California Adventure Park, Festival of Holidays will entertain guests with heartwarming holiday festivities inspired by cultural traditions from around the world.
Inspired by and expanding on the warmth and fun of the popular ¡Viva Navidad! celebration, the all-new Festival of Holidays will immerse guests in the diverse celebrations of several holiday seasons. Guests will discover something around every corner, from festive food and beverages in 14 marketplace locations to fun craft-making and the universal languages of music and dance.
The daily lineup of entertainment includes nearly 50 performances of nine unique shows, with more than 100 artists rejoicing in the holiday season. They include special Disney characters, cavalcades and performing ensembles that range from a Klezmer band with a global sound to traditional Indian dancers. Disney ¡Viva Navidad! is part of the fun and Princess Elena, the first Disney Princess inspired by Latin American cultures, makes her Disneyland Resort debut as part of the Festival. Princess Elena stars in the new Disney Channel series “Elena of Avalor.”
An all-new holiday spectacular, “World of Color – Season of Light,” brightens the night on Paradise Bay during Festival of Holidays.
Holidays celebrated throughout the Festival:
- Diwali, the Eastern festival of lights
- Hanukkah
- Christmas/Navidad
- Kwanzaa
- Three Kings Day/Dia de los Reyes
Festive Foods Marketplace: From chile pozole to adobo pork bao and mini turkey pot pies, the food and drink at 14 marketplace locations will tempt guests along the Disney California Adventure walkway, from Carthay Circle to Paradise Garden. Menu items include:
- Heritage Cottage – braised beef short ribs, sausages and sauerkraut, vanilla rice pudding
- Making Spirits Bright – wines by the glass and tasting flights, warm holiday spiced wines, sparkling juice
- Nosh & Nibbles – brisket potato croquette, sweet spiced noodle kugel, Reuben potato smash
- Good Fortune’s Feast – adobo pork bao, smoked duck and vegetable spring roll, chilled papaya shrimp salad, winter mint milk tea
- Spice Salutations – chicken and potato curry, carrot and chickpea fritters, cardamom and saffron sweet cheese tart, mango lassi
- Brews & Bites – local seasonal and international beers and tasting flights, holiday cheese ball with crackers and pretzels
- Mistletoe Morsels – holiday Swedish meatballs, classic crab cake, shrimp cocktail martini, holiday eggnog cocktail, merry berry sherbet punch.
- Southern Hope Holidays – grilled spicy chicken sausage, mac and cheese, sweet potato pie, hard lemonade, cranberry sweet tea
- Winter Sliderland – roasted turkey slider, Kalua pork slider, praline & bourbon whoopee pie, hard cider, sparkling juice
- Fiesta en Familia – green chile pozole, red chile pozole, fresh fish ceviche, guava aqua frescha
- Yuletide Yummies – mini turkey pot pie, pesto puff pastry twist, gingerbread Bundt cake, eggnog cheesecake, mocha yule log, raspberry Linzer tart, sticky toffee pudding, inspired wines and flavorful beers by glass and flight, frozen chocolate milk, pumpkin spice hot chocolate
- Mosaic Delights – roasted lamb, mini falafel donuts, baklava, iced Moroccan mint tea
- Abuelita’s Kitchen – chicken cilantro tamale, beef and cheese tamale, chorizo bean sopes, spiced peanut brittle, pomegranate margarita
- Treats for Santa – cookie decorating, harvest puff pastry, cookies, panettenes, peppermint bark, fudge, warm bourbon cider, white hot chocolate, holiday fruit punch
In addition, Paradise Garden Grill will offer some seasonal specials for Disney ¡Viva Navidad! including torta al pastor, street style tacos and chicken mole.
Festival Entertainment
- The classic Disney ¡Viva Navidad! holiday celebration includes a high energy street party hosted by The Three Caballeros (Donald Duck, Jose Carioca and Pancho). Mickey and Minnie join the fun, dressed in their fiesta best, along with folklorico and samba dancers. Additional Disney ¡Viva Navidad! highlights include holiday foods, crafts, Disney character experiences and Latin American bands.
- Princess Elena’s Musical Grand Arrival welcomes the adventurous and kindhearted Princess Elena of Avalor, her royal dancers and magical friend Skylar as they celebrate the holiday with an uplifting musical cavalcade.
- Blue13 Dance Company turns up the fun with traditional Indian dances that build to a Bollywood party for all.
- Mischievous Holiday Toy Drummers march to their own merry beat as they perform precision drills with holiday cheer.
- The GRAMMY® Award-winning Mariachi Divas celebrate the holidays with their signature repertoire of catchy bilingual tunes.
- Mostly Kosher Klezmer band showcases an entertaining and eclectic musical tapestry that weaves together jazz, Latin rock and hip-hop.
- RAISE, an uplifting a cappella vocal group, brings its powerful harmonious R&B spin to new and popular holiday songs.
- Santa will arrive for Santa’s Holiday Visit to greet guests of all ages. The joyful elves have transformed Redwood Creek Challenge Trail into a jolly playground of holiday fun and games.
All is Bright for 20th Presentation of “it’s a small world” Holiday – Fun Facts
For many guests at the Disneyland Resort, a visit during the holidays means a must-do voyage through the heartwarming “it’s a small world” Holiday. Now in its 20th season, “it’s a small world” Holiday is transformed from the classic attraction into one that depicts children of the world dressed in seasonal costumes and happily singing a mix of holiday songs, along with the “it’s a small world” theme. The story of the attraction changes from a charming party with dolls, toys and decorations representing children of many nations, all joining in a song of unity, to the winter wonderland of “it’s a small world” Holiday.
Fun Facts:
- Guests who enjoy searching for “Hidden Mickey’s” at the Disneyland Resort will discover a new challenge for Holidays 2016: There are at least half a dozen “Hidden 20s” in “it’s a small world” Holiday, a tribute to its 20th holiday presentation.
- Jolly decorators use 50,000 lights on the façade of “it’s a small world” Holiday, and an additional 350,000 mini-lights in the trees, hedges and animal topiaries surrounding the attraction in whimsical Fantasyland. Thousands of additional lights decorate the shops and food kiosks around the attraction, bringing the total to more than 400,000 lights adding sparkle and wintry ambiance to the plaza area around “it’s a small world.”
- The warm holiday atmosphere of the plaza area is further enhanced with colorful garland, festive poinsettias and beautiful, 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. On every quarter hour, the brightly light façade of the attraction is transformed into an enormous clockwork mechanism with advanced 3D-projection technology presented by Siemens. The gears and springs pull back to reveal a world of holiday wonders hidden behind the whimsical clock.
- Guests on “The Merriest Attraction on Earth” sail through 10 scenes inspired by places around the world, such as Europe, Asia and Africa, each representing unique cultural holiday traditions celebrated in these regions.
- Among the holiday special effects inside the attraction are scents of fresh pine from a glistening winter forest and peppermint from tantalizing candy canes in the European scenes. In the South Seas scene, hundreds of iridescent bubbles float through the air.
- Nearly 150 giant candles decorate the Christmas Tree in the European scene. Once a common tradition in Western European countries, the lighting of candles has inspired the string lights seen on modern Christmas trees today.
- The attractions’ finale features a 14-foot snowman made of glimmering crystal snowflakes that shine with thousands of luminous lights. The snowman stands atop a 10-foot-wide snowflake and holds a beautiful “icicle” sign that spells out “Happy Holidays” in colors that change as guests drift along. The snowman joined this festive attraction in 2011, bringing an extra sprinkle of holiday pixie dust with him.
- The iconic music of “it’s a small world,” written by the legendary Sherman Brothers, is one of the attraction’s signature elements throughout the regular season. During “it’s a small world” Holiday, guests may still hear this classic tune weaved in between the joyous caroling of holiday 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.
- The Disneyland Resort has its own team of holiday “elves” who help create the magic of “it’s a small world” Holiday each year. It takes a talented and dedicated team of nearly three dozen cast members 35 days to install the glittering façade, and nearly 18 days to decorate the holiday attraction’s dazzling interior.
- Throughout the regular year, 100 percent of the holiday props and scenic elements are actually stored inside the attraction. A merry reminder: Do not open until the holiday season begins!
