Disneyland’s “it’s a small world” holiday
When you near “it’s a small world” holiday at night, all lit-up in these vibrant lights, you can’t help but stop in your tracks, spellbound and in awe. The lights on the attraction’s facade are not on the same level as the Osborne Lights as Walt Disney World, but they are similarly captivating. This is quite amazing, considering that “it’s a small world” holiday has substantially fewer lights than can be found in the Osborne Lights display. When comparing the two, saying “it’s a small world” holiday embodies the principle that “less is more” just doesn’t seem right. Yes, there are fewer lights on the display comparatively-speaking, but the facade does not in any way strive for a “less is more” approach. It lights up the nighttime sky during the holiday season at Disneyland (even if you haven’t been to Disneyland, if you pay attention during Soarin’ at Epcot, I’m sure you’ve noticed the “it’s a small world” holiday lights) and is one of the biggest draws during the season.
So how can I justify comparing it to the Osborne Lights? I think it’s because of how “it’s a small world” holiday draws the guests in. The lights are mostly warm colors (magenta and pink are prominent) and between that and the peaceful holiday background music, you are overcome with a sense of happiness as you near the attraction. As you walk towards it, you see delightful and unique holiday wreaths, and when you enter the queue, you see a number of animal topiaries all lit up for the season.
Then, there’s the attraction itself. My opinion is clearly biased here as I love Christmas (err…truly “the holidays” in this case) and am not much of a student of Mary Blair’s art, but I far prefer “it’s a small world” holiday over the regular incarnation of the attraction, which I also enjoy. It’s a brilliant overlay, and an assault on the sense with its music, smells, and sights.
Really, I don’t even know why I’m comparing the Osborne Lights and “it’s a small world” holiday. The two are starkly different with little overlap (besides, I guess, the fact that they both would make Clark Griswold proud). One is probably my favorite part of Christmas at Walt Disney World, and the other is probably my favorite part of Christmas at Disneyland. I guess I just like comparing things…
By the way, that photo above can’t do the lights justice–especially if you don’t view it large. As with all of the images here, click the photo to view large. It’ll take you to Smugmug, but fear not, that’s how my “good” photos here are hosted. Just give it a couple of seconds to load.
If you’ve never experienced “it’s a small world” holiday, we have a gallery and ride-through video here.
Technical details: shot with a Nikon D7000 with a Rokinon Fisheye Lens. See our guide for more photography equipment recommendations.
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how many lights are inside it’s a small world christmas display?
The lights at Disney are always spectacular in the run-up to Christmas!
Best wishes, Alex
Amazing pictures and video. Disneyland at the Holidays is definitely on my bucket list (is that expression played out? Probably). Seeing The Osborne Family lights invoked so many emotions for me. The lights! The music!! The snow!!! It truly was awe inspiring. I have similar expectations for Disneyland.
Do they not do the same overlay to Small World at Disney World?
Sadly Disney World has a much smaller version of it’s a Small World and doesn’t have a beautiful facade as Disneyland. WDW also doesn’t have Haunted Mansion Holiday.
When do they actually transform Small World to the holiday version? We are planning a trip in 2014 during November and we are hoping that it will be all decked out by then. Also, do they do HM holiday version at the same time?
Small world holiday is usually ready by the second weekend in November. Haunted Mansion Holiday runs from mid September to early january.