In 1992, Disneyland showcased a truly magical Christmas experience that left visitors in awe. The park was transformed into a winter wonderland, with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and a sense of holiday joy filling the air. The magic of Christmas was alive and well at Disneyland in 1992. One of the highlights of the 1992 Christmas season at Disneyland was the dazzling parade that took place each day. The parade featured all of the beloved Disney characters, dressed in their holiday best. Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy were all there, spreading holiday cheer and delighting children and adults alike.
Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy were all there, spreading holiday cheer and delighting children and adults alike. The floats were adorned with lights and tinsel, creativity and imagination overflowing from each one. It was a spectacle that captured the true spirit of Christmas.
Christmas at Disneyland Paris [#1] : A walk down Memory Lane – Let’s share Christmas memories with Yves Ben Yeta, Imagineer
Christmas is a special time to share precious moments with the ones we love, especially at Disneyland Paris. To put us in the holiday mood, we’ve asked Imagineers and Cast Members to share their most cherished Christmas memories with us. Today we have Yves Ben Yeta, Creative Director at Walt Disney Imagineering.
When was your first Christmas at Disneyland Paris?
My very first Christmas at Disneyland Paris was in 1992. We had barely recovered from finishing the construction and opening the Park when before we knew it, we were drawn into that dreamlike holiday mode! What a wonderful memory, but I especially remember the following Christmas where we participated directly and were asked to conceive a taller and more striking tree. Its metal structure was designed in Florida and when it arrived, I was impressed by its monumental dimensions. Just to be sure and in preparation for the future, as is often done at Disney, the engineer in charge of it, made it gigantic. Today, although the tree decorations have changed, the same structure is used.
Those first Christmases at Disneyland Paris were full of emotion for me. Everything we did, or almost everything we did, was new. Like the decorations on Main Street, U.S.A. When we went to the manufacturers to tell them how much material we needed, they had a hard time believing us. I recall that the number of garlands in the Park alone, represented enough to make a round trip from Paris to Disneyland!
The luminous arches of Main Street, U.S.A. are still among the most striking decorations in the history of Disneyland Paris! Can you tell us more about them?
These Christmas arches were inspired by the Italian tradition of the “Luminari” and made here in France. The motifs were directly linked to the Christmas tree, and in particular, the patterns of the snowflakes. The tree was lit first, and then went on to the arches reaching all the way to Central Plaza, touching the Sleeping Beauty Castle. This allowed for the two ends of Main Street, U.S.A. to be linked and create a single show. It was magnificent!
Another nice Christmas project was the “It’s a Small World” Celebration.
We called it “Celebration” because we had noticed that at this time of the year almost all the people of the world celebrate light. In Winter, the days get shorter but around Christmas time, the trend is reversed. Everywhere on the planet, people light bonfires or candles to reassure themselves: It’s Diwali in India or Hanukkah in Israel. There is a bond throughout all of humanity, whether we like it or not. Everywhere we see people divided but we prefer to focus on what can connect them, unite them. It was a complicated project because we didn’t want to make any mistakes. We contacted the cultural representatives of the embassies involved and collected authentic information about the various celebrations. The Costuming department did a remarkable job in making all the dolls’ outfits according to their respective local traditions.
What moves you most about Christmas in the Parks?
During this period, I love going to the Park very early in the morning. The sunrise is absolutely heavenly. The sky is beautiful and the sun outlines the silhouettes of the buildings like you’ve never seen. These are magical moments that I enjoy capturing with photography.
And there is also a nostalgic side of me. You know, from time to time, my job leads me to walk in the Park in order to look at the scenery and the lights. But, when I come at Christmas as a guest with my family, for me, the show is no longer the decor or the lights. It is the face of my granddaughter. Looking at her reactions, the twinkle in her eyes, the lights that illuminate her face… it’s just so very moving. I see my daughter in my granddaughter – I took her to the Park for Christmas almost 30 years ago and now, she’s reliving it all again, via her own daughter! For me, it’s a moment of marvel and nostalgia…an integral part of the magic of Christmas at Disneyland Paris.
What exactly is the secret of this Christmas magic, unique to Disneyland Paris?
I will tell you a personal anecdote. Several years ago, when my son was a little boy, I was lining up with him to take a picture with Santa Claus in a shopping center. He was very excited. We were moving forward little by little and at one point, when we were almost there, he said, “Let’s go!”. I was very surprised. We had waited half an hour and I was not going to leave now. However, he insisted, “It’ s not Santa Claus! Look at his shoes”! Indeed, “Santa” had all the rest of the costume, but my small little guy had noticed that his shoes did not go with the rest. So for him, it was obvious that it wasn’t the real thing. This story explains my attention to detail when it comes to creating the magic at Disneyland Paris. It is a constant preoccupation. Magic is all those little details that change and mean everything. Case in point, we are fortunate to have a park that is particularly abundant with lights, especially Main Street, U.S.A. This is as much due to the large Christmas garlands as it is to the small lights that run along the rooftops. They are discreet and simple, but they make all the difference. There are also all our chimneys and fireplaces. With all of the fireplaces in the stores, restaurants and the chimneys on the rooftops, it was the designers’ strong desire to have as many as possible because they create a warm and friendly environment. During winter, when it’s cold and we arrive at someone’s house, we take off our coats and are offered a hot chocolate while we warm up in front of the fireplace. This is a detail, but it is also essential to bring the magic of Christmas to life.
What is your Christmas wish?
For me, it’s pretty obvious: Good health, ending this crisis as quickly as possible and returning to a normal life to enjoy the simple things. Being able to see your children, your friends, hugging your loved ones, walking in the Park… A crisis like this one teaches us that what we take for granted, what seems natural and obvious to us are in fact, not to be taken for granted. That’s why we need to refocus on what is really important. Starting with ….. Merry Christmas!
Those first Christmases at Disneyland Paris were full of emotion for me. Everything we did, or almost everything we did, was new. Like the decorations on Main Street, U.S.A. When we went to the manufacturers to tell them how much material we needed, they had a hard time believing us. I recall that the number of garlands in the Park alone, represented enough to make a round trip from Paris to Disneyland!
Another enchanting feature of Disneyland in 1992 was the incredible Christmas decorations that adorned every corner of the park. Main Street was lined with beautiful garlands, wreaths, and sparkling lights. The giant Christmas tree, situated in the center of the park, stood tall and proud, its branches filled with shimmering ornaments and delicate snowflakes. Each land within the park had its own unique decorations, from the charming vintage décor of Fantasyland to the futuristic and sleek designs of Tomorrowland. No matter where visitors turned, they were greeted with the enchanting sights and sounds of Christmas. The magic of Christmas at Disneyland in 1992 extended beyond the decorations and parades. Special holiday-themed shows and performances were held throughout the day, providing even more entertainment for guests. Jolly holiday tunes filled the air as musicians and singers performed classic Christmas carols. The joy and warmth of the season were palpable, creating an atmosphere of happiness and togetherness. To top it all off, Disneyland in 1992 offered a special treat for visitors: a nighttime fireworks show that was unlike anything seen before. The sky lit up with bursts of color and dazzle, synchronized perfectly to the sounds of beloved Christmas music. It was a breathtaking display that left spectators in awe and added an extra touch to the already magical Christmas experience. For those lucky enough to experience the magic of Christmas at Disneyland in 1992, it was a truly unforgettable experience. The park came alive with the spirit of the season, creating memories that would last a lifetime. Disneyland proved once again why it is the place where dreams come true, especially during the most magical time of the year..
Reviews for "Embracing the Holiday Spirit: Disneyland in 1992"
1. Sarah - ★★☆☆☆
I was really disappointed with my visit to Disneyland during the Christmas season in 1992. The park was overcrowded with long queues for every ride and attraction. The magic of the holidays was completely lost amidst the chaos. The decorations were average at best, and it felt like the staff lacked enthusiasm and were just going through the motions. Overall, it was a far cry from the magical and enchanting experience I was expecting.
2. Mark - ★☆☆☆☆
The magic of Christmas was certainly missing during my visit to Disneyland in 1992. The park was poorly organized, with confusing signages and unhelpful staff members. The rides were constantly breaking down, causing long delays and frustration among the visitors. The price for the tickets was exorbitant, especially considering the subpar experience we had. I would not recommend visiting Disneyland during the Christmas season in 1992 if you're seeking a truly magical holiday experience.
3. Jessica - ★★☆☆☆
Disneyland during Christmas 1992 was a huge letdown for me. The park was overcrowded and the wait times for popular attractions were ridiculous. The decorations lacked creativity and didn't capture the spirit of Christmas as I had hoped. The overall experience felt rushed and commercialized, with long lines for mediocre food and merchandise. I left feeling underwhelmed and like I had wasted my time and money.
4. John - ★☆☆☆☆
My visit to Disneyland during Christmas 1992 was nothing short of a disaster. The park was packed with people, making it nearly impossible to enjoy any of the attractions or shows. The lines were ridiculous and the staff seemed overwhelmed and not able to handle the crowds. The whole experience felt chaotic and disorganized. The magic of Christmas was definitely lost amidst the chaos and I wouldn't recommend visiting Disneyland during this time if you want to truly enjoy the holiday spirit.