The Past Present and Future of the Holidays at Disney

In this episode, we discuss the magical holiday season throughout Disney parks both past and present. We begin by taking a virtual trip to yesteryear and share how Disney parks first humbly celebrated “The Merriest Place on Earth” with parades, decor and music. 

We then head back to the future to highlight all the ways the parks now offer holiday cheer and unlock ways you can bring some of that at home.

It may be hard to believe now but during the early years of Disneyland there was not much left in the budget for holiday overlays or decor. Even though Disneyland was always decorated during Christmas time, it was not as elaborate as it is today. In 1955 when Disneyland’s budget was tight and profits were basically non-existent, Walt did however understand the importance of highlighting the season in the park.  That said, dealing with accountants that were very much aware of the high costs to run Disneyland, they did not want Walt to pursue the idea of adding anything else to the park.

“Walt said, ‘That’s just the point. We should do the parade precisely because no one’s expecting it. Our goal at Disneyland is to give people more than they expect. As long as we keep surprising them, they’ll keep coming back. But if they ever stop coming, it’ll cost us ten times that much to get them to come back.”

Walt made certain that there was at the very least, a Christmas Tree in the park and some garland with a few wreaths. Disneyland also rethemed its outdoor stage in what was then Magnolia Park in Adventureland, naming it the Disneyland Christmas Bowl. The gazebo bandstand served as a stage for carolers performing Christmas music. There was also The Mickey Mouse Club Circus in Fantasyland featuring circus live animals, clowns and performances by the Mickey Mouse Club Mousketeers.

So the next time you are visiting the parks especially during the holidays, think of Walt and how passionate he was to provide this magical escape to guests.

As time went on and the park became profitable a lot more was added and on December 17, 1961, Disneyland unveiled its biggest holiday special yet, one that would extend through the rest of the year and somewhat similar to what is there today. The festivities included two parades—one was the twice-daily “Parade of the Toys”—as well as daily performances by the Disneyland Carolers and a brand-new attraction on Main Street, U.S.A.: “The Babes in Toyland Exhibit”.

There was also the 24-foot Christmas Star on top of Matterhorn Mountain featuring Santa Claus!

Fast forwarding to current times, you can now expect to see quite a bit at both Disneyland, California Adventure and throughout Walt Disney World Resort.

From the beautiful lights surrounding the iconic facade of “It’s a Small World” attraction to the magnificent display of lights and music at The World of Color – Season of Light.

Even celebrity guests are invited to narrate the story of Christmas during the Candlelight Processional inside Epcot and accompanied by an orchestra with a massed choir.

In short, Disney has come a long way since its early days and we hope to never lose sight of one thing… “It was all started by a mouse.- Walt Disney”