In October 1997, Its a Small World closed for more than typical annual maintenance.Thanksgiving week 1997, the attraction reopened as "It's A Small World Holiday." For two months, guests enjoyed an experience that was simultaneously familiar and brand new.As you approach the familiar building, you hear a familiar tune but not the tune you expect to hear it is "Jingle Bells!" So where is the maddeningly catchy "it's a small world" song? Just wait. You will hear both songs, as well as "Deck the Halls."
And the building looks different too, especially at night when 50 thousand colored bulbs outline the features of the facade.Board your Small World boat. There is a white wreath on the bow. If all you expect are some Christmas lights draped over the existing sets, prepare to be delighted. Almost every scene now celebrates Christmas traditions, New Year's celebrations, and other winter holiday scenes. You will be overwhelmed by huge arches, holiday greetings in many languages, lots of holiday props, colorful lights, and a finale featuring a massive, snowflake-covered Christmas tree.
For the first time since it opened, the park's "it's a small world" attraction will be altered extensively to celebrate the yuletide season, Disneyland officials announced. "Basically, we will be adding a Christmas overlay to the existing ride," said Michael Maines, director of entertainment creative development. The attraction will be closed for the alterations and general maintenance starting Sunday until the opening of the revamped version Nov. 25. It will remain through Jan. 4, Maines said. Planned enhancements to the 12-minute ride, originally designed especially for small children, included choirs singing traditional Jingle Bells and "Deck the Halls" instead of "it's a small world" and exhibits from various countries illustrating children's games and crafts. Animal topiaries will be outfitted with Santa Claus hats and red bows. The 30-foot clock at the entrance to the ride will have a giant-sized Santa hat.
Set sail along a wondrous wintry waterway transformed with whimsical décor. Behold jubilant regional adornments all along your world tour of good cheer. Listen as the costumed chorus of children sings the classic "It’s a Small World " song and traditional holiday tunes.The enchantment begins as you approach the iconic façade, which is adorned with thousands of shimmering lights for the season.
The Decorations are Designed to Look Homemade This is to keep it within the original art style and story by Mary Blair that the ride was designed by a group of children who were bored on a rainy day.In 2019, a new addition was added to the ride to make it even more immersive: scents. And what’s better than a holiday smell? There were 3 scents that were added throughout the ride: a cherry blossom scent in Asia, a holiday cinnamon scent and tropical coconut scent in the South America section.
