The holidays at Disneyland have officially kicked off! One of the major elements of the season is the Small World Holiday attraction overlay. This year’s overlay couldn’t have come soon enough as it also brings fixes to many of the problems the attraction has been suffering with broken figures and burned-out lighting. But it’s the addition of a brand-new set of dolls that stole our heart this year. We think you’ll agree that Small World Holiday is looking fantastic and the perfect way to get into the spirit of the season.
Small World Holiday 2022
It hasn’t been an easy ride for it’s a small world this year. Before the attraction shut down for the holiday installation, we rode the attraction and were shocked to see its state. In our Disneyland Blues section of a recent Disneyland Update, we detailed the poor conditions of small world. Between an abundance of broken or missing figures, abysmal lighting conditions, and general maintenance issues, we pointed out that small world was well overdue for an extensive refurbishment. However, after riding through the attraction today, we are thrilled to announce that Disney has taken its criticism to heart and the attraction is looking stellar.
New Doll Figures
If you look closely, there’s a new doll among the figures of the attraction. As part of Disney’s commitment to inclusion, the newest doll represents community members with limited mobility function. The adorable doll can be found in two locations: in the Mexico scene on the right,
and then again in the finale scene on the left.
The new doll is in the Mary Blair style with artistic flourishes. It took 15 months from concept to completion and was executed in partnership with Disney’s ENABLED BERG (business employee relations group) in order to be an empowering symbol for disabled children while making it look as though it had always been there. Disney’s Manager of Accessibility Erin Quintanilla mentioned that this is the first time a character with a disability has been featured in an attraction, and hopefully, it will not be the last.
This new addition is groundbreaking for several reasons. Not only is it a way to improve the visibility of inclusion, it is also the first time that new dolls have been added to the attraction since 2009. Additionally, this change is expected to be carried over to the versions of it’s a small world at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Paris sometime next year.
You can see the changes this year for yourself in the video below!
We were the first to ride the attraction this year. We were given the full rundown of the evolution of the attraction’s enhancements by the legendary Imagineer Kim Irvine, the Executive Creative Director at Walt Disney Imagineering.
More Holiday Information
There’s a lot going on around the Disneyland Resort for the holidays, and Small World Holiday is just a part of it. For a comprehensive look at what’s taking place in the parks this winter season, read our guide below!
https://www.micechat.com/328673-disneyland-holiday-guide-2022-christmas/
Another major part of the holiday celebrations at Disneyland is the array of specialty foods. You can look at our complete guide that lists ALL of the holiday food around the resort below.
Season’s Eatings! The Complete Disneyland & Festival of Holidays Food Guide 2022
Discount Disney Theme Park Tickets & Hotels!!!
MiceChat brings you the BEST theme park ticket, hotel & package deals! (You’ll find extra nights free, big discounts, and special offers as well).
Check out the latest offers for Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and Knott’s Berry Farm:
(MiceChat works with Get Away Today to provide you with the best theme park travel deals and we may make a small commission on any sales made through our links)
Let’s Hear From You
What are your thoughts on the improved state of Small World Holiday? Are there other additions you’d like to see added to small world to help promote a diverse worldview? What attraction are you hoping will get some TLC next? Share your thoughts in the comments.
