Oldtime bus passes Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland

By Staff Writer Karen Weber

Christmas may be Wednesday, but the holiday season continues for three more weeks at the Disneyland Resort. Holiday decorations will be up through Jan. 6 at both parks and Downtown Disney.

“It’s a small world” holiday sees Disneyland’s classic ride dressed for the season with lights outside and decorations inside. It’s my favorite time to ride it because the infamous Small World song alternates with “Jingle Bells” and, in the big finale, “Deck the Halls.”

That helps keep the tune from latching onto your brain. If you’re lucky, your boat will pass the Little Mermaid in time to hear her singing the undersea tune, “Jingle Shells.”

Outside Small World is an excellent place to watch the nightly park illumination. Ask a cast member what time they will be turning on the lights, then get a good spot in front of Small World or on Main Street to see the magic happen.

Speaking of magic, Sleeping Beauty’s Castle is covered in snow and glittering ice, which looks particularly beautiful under the lights. Every night, after the “Believe … in Holiday Magic” fireworks show, it snows on Main Street. That’s Disney magic.

Oh, and at midnight on Dec. 31, they will present New Year’s Eve “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks spectacular that’s in addition to the Holiday Magic show at 8:30 p.m.

Other holiday specials include “A Christmas Fantasy” parade and Haunted Mansion Holiday. If you like “Nightmare Before Christmas,” now’s the time to visit Haunted Mansion and see what Jack Skellington and his crew have done with the place. Also, take a Jingle Cruise it’s the first holiday makeover for the Jungle Cruise, with all new jokes!