November 13th marked the kick-off of the holiday season at The Disneyland Resort, which will continue through January 6, 2015, and promises to have plenty for the whole family to enjoy!
To kick off the start of Disneyland’s Just Got Merrier holiday makeover, The Disneyland Resort hosted a special lighting ceremony of the “it’s a small world” holiday overlay.
The current Disneyland Ambassador, Sachiko White (pictured above, left), hosted the ceremony and invited Vice President of The Disneyland Resort, Mary Niven, on stage to speak briefly on the many offerings that Guests can experience this holiday season.
At Disneyland, there’s Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle, “it’s a small world” and Holiday, Haunted Mansion Holiday and the “Jingle Cruise” that has set sail in Frontierland. Over at Disney California Adventure, Mary mentioned that “World of Color – Winter Dreams” would return, as well as Disney Viva Navidad celebration. Both parks will be decked out in holiday flowers, colors, and decorations. Learn more about
After Mary’s presentation, and with the help of Siemens (a proud sponsor of Disney since 2005) and City of Hope, one of the country’s leading research and treatment centers for diabetes, cancer, and other life-threatening diseases, Sachido then invited the Gallardo family from Orange County on stage with a few Disney friends. Daughter Maya was the recipient of a life-saving stem cell transplant from her brother Aaron at the City of Hope eleven years ago. With the help of Mickey, Goofy, and Pluto, The Gallardo family ushered the holiday season into the Disneyland Resort with a flip of a switch, lighting the “it’s a small world” holiday attraction.
Watch this heartfelt moment! (Sorry for the small camera glitch in the middle!)
The Gallardo family answered questions after the ceremony, including what their Christmas wish would be this year. Mayra Gallardo responded, “This is our Christmas wish,” referring to the opportunity to have her family all together in one place, celebrating at The Disneyland Resort and being treated like a celebrity. Her sister chimed in, “Yeah – our Christmas wish came true – to be famous!”
Then, the beautifully lit “it’s a small world” attraction became a wonderful backdrop for the 2014 Christmas Fantasy parade. As Lisa mentioned in her blog post earlier this month, the holidays were going to get a bit “Frozen.” This year, “A Christmas Fantasy Parade” celebrates its 20th anniversary by welcoming Anna and Elsa from “Frozen” into the cast. The float, which is similar to the one from the Soundsation Pre-Parade, makes an appearance among the other 100-plus parade performers that also include Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Santa Claus!
If you’re a fan of the parade, you’ll notice some changes to A Christmas Fantasy Parade. Check out the photo recap below!
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| First float of the evening |
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| Toy soldiers – a familiar site at the Christmas parade |
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| Minnie and Mickey Mouse now reside on a festive float |
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| Dancing snowmen are still around, but no skating snowflakes |
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| Tigger is enjoying his sled |
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| A very “Frozen” Christmas tree |
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| Snow flakes now replaced with these ladies on skates |
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| Anna and Elsa heading up the front of their parade float |
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| Gingerbread Men |
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| Goofy and Pluto on their own sweet tent |
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| Anastasia, Druzilla, and Lady Tremaine make a boisterous appearance |
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| The Royal Float – so divine! |
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| Geppetto, Pinocchio, and Jiminy Cricket |
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| Buzz Lightyear |
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| Wrapping up the parade with Santa Claus! |
Hope you enjoyed this first glimpse at the holidays in 2014 at Disneyland! Tell us! Are you planning a trip to the Parks this holiday, and are you excited for the season at The Disneyland Resort?
